Leverage Social Power to Help You Reach Your Goals

Chances are you won’t achieve your goal until you have made a commitment – at least to yourself – that you are going to achieve it.  May, might, could are not enough, the only statement that will get you to your goal is: I Will…

The power of social commitment

Making a commitment to yourself is a good start, but making it public, or at least to someone who will hold you to it, is much more effective. No one likes being reminded that they failed to follow through on something. Often the desire to avoid that is enough to keep you going.  

Use Social Media

If you really want a push, post your plans on Facebook, so all your friends can keep you honest.

There is also a new app called Lift that can help you keep track of your commitments as well as keep your friends and anyone else using the app updated on your progress.  Not only do the users of this app keep you honest, they will also cheer you on toward your goal.

Get a cheerleader

Recruit one of your friends or family to keep track of your progress and cheer you on as well.  Having a cheerleader is helpful when you are losing your resolve and thinking about quitting.  Of course, you will have to choose this person carefully, not everyone is a good cheerleader, pick someone who is optimistic and encouraging.

Get a Sponsor

A feature of the Alcoholics Anonymous program is that everyone gets a “sponsor” who has been through the program and been successful.  The sponsor mentors the new AA member, helps them get through tough times.  Find someone you can call on when you are thinking about quitting, or need help to keep going.  A sponsor is a little different from a Cheerleader, a sponsor should be someone who has been there and done that, who has experience they can impart to help you get to the next step in your journey.

Get a Coach

If you don’t know anyone who can fill the bill of Cheerleader or Sponsor, there are Life Coaches whose job it is to coach people in life skills.  Search Life Coach online and you will find many.  This is a more expensive option than a friend or relative but it is an option, and I’m all in favor of having lots of options.

Today’s Action Item:  Write out a contract committing yourself to reaching your goal, and set a date for its achievement.  Sign and date the contract; put it somewhere you can see it every day.