Triggers-Creating Behavior That Lasts–Becoming the Person You Want to Be
-
Our behaviors are usually the result of unappreciated triggers in our environment—the people and situations that lure us. These triggers are constant and relentless and omnipresent. But we have a choice in how we respond.
-
Good things happen when we ask ourselves. Discovering what really matters is a gift, not a burden.
-
When we have structure, we don’t have to make as many choices; we just follow the plan. And we’re not being depleted as quickly.
- People are visionary Planners but blurry-eyed Doers. Awareness and engagement: Trigger - Impulse – Awareness – Choice – Behavior Bridging the gap between the visionary Planner and the short-sighted Doer in us.
- e.g., Meeting Questions: Where are we going? Where are you going? What is going well? Where can we improve? How can I help you? How can you help me?
-
Forecasting the Environment: Anticipation. Avoid. Adjustments.
- Daily Questions – reinforce our commitment. They ignite our motivation where we need it, not where we don’t. They highlight the difference between self-discipline and self-control. They shrink our goals into manageable increments.
- a simple “magic bullet” solution in the form of daily self-monitoring, hinging around what he calls “active” questions.
- These are questions that measure our effort, not our results.
-
the six “engaging questions” that can help us take responsibility for our efforts to improve
- Did I do my best to set clear goals today?
- Did I do my best to make progress toward my goals today?
- Did I do my best to find meaning today?
- Did I do my best to be happy today?
- Did I do my best to build positive relationships today?
- Did I do my best to be fully engaged today?