APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | AMAZON
Episode #85
Here’s the short version. To listen to the full episode, click on the play button above!
When you’re going after a big goal that’s really important to you, but have lots of other distractions, opinions and general noise going on in your life, it can be hard to stay focused and make the right decisions to get you closer to your big, bold goal.
This is a real problem when you are navigating your way out of a job and trying to create a business that will finally bring you the life you desire.
All of your decisions have the potential to keep you stuck where you are, or power you forward. So you need something simple, that will cut through the noise and get your mind laser focused. And this trick does all that.
THE BACK STORY
In the early nineties, the British rowing team was underfunded, unfocused and not successful. So they brought in a new coach, Jürgen Grobler. Grobler had a wealth of experience and was known for his no-nonsense approach to training. When he arrived, he assessed the team and quickly realized that they were lacking a clear focus and direction.
He asked every rower to summarise whatever they were doing against the question: “Will it make the boat go faster?” and that became their mantra their team's guiding principle. Every decision, every action, and every task was looked at through this lens. This allowed the team to focus their energy and resources on what was most important and zone out of distractions.
And it worked. The team's focus and discipline paid off and they started winning races consistently. They went on to win multiple World Championships and Olympic medals over a long period. .
WHY IT WORKS
Well, the question taps into some basic principles of psychology. Firstly, it creates a clear and concise framework for evaluating options which then lowers the complexity of decision-making down to its purest form.
It also acts as a circuit breaker in your mind. You can get caught up in a web of information when making a decision. You also may be emotional or overthinking a decision or just being stubborn because you would rather not do what you know is needed. By asking the question, it shuts all that noise off allowing you to focus on what’s important.
This question also creates a sense of accountability and responsibility. When you ask yourself "Will it make the boat go faster?" you are making a commitment to take action that will directly impact your goal. This helps you to eliminate excuses and procrastination and encourages you to take action.
Finally, this approach appeals to your need for control and autonomy. By asking "Will it make the boat go faster?" you are taking control of your own decision-making process, rather than leaving it to external factors or influences. This sense of control can be empowering and can boost your confidence and motivation.
HOW TO START USING THIS TRICK
Of course, as I said, you don’t need to use that exact question (although it can work as a metaphor for a lot of situations!) you can create your own question to ask yourself depending on the goal you are aiming for.
- Start by getting clear on your goal. So the equivalent of winning an Olympic medal for you.
- Then focus on how you are going to get to this goal. The method you are using to achieve it. So what your ‘boat’ is.
- What does your ‘boat’ have to do or be to get you to your goal?
- Then create a question that will help you focus on how you make it happen, not just the end goal. Remember, they did not say “Will that make us win more medals”, it was more basic than that. It was about how by changing one thing they could get there.
Don’t forget, this approach isn't just for big work decisions. You can use it in your personal life, too! Once you have your question, use it as a filter for your decisions. Every time you are faced with a choice, ask yourself your chosen question. This will help you eliminate distractions and focus your energy and resources on what's most important to you.
Remember, your goal may change over time as you make progress and new opportunities come your way. That's why it's important to regularly think about your big goal and change your question if you need to. This way, you can make sure that your question remains relevant and keeps you on track to smash your goal.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS…
this approach is all about focus and simplicity. It forces you to think critically about your decisions and make sure they're aligned with your end goal. And, by focusing on the actions that will actually move you forward, you'll be able to achieve your goals faster and build a business that truly moves you forward.
So, I challenge you to give it a try. Whether you're starting a business or just trying to improve your life in some way, asking yourself the critical question can help you make better decisions and move you closer to your goal. Trust me, this simple question can change your life. So, go ahead, start asking and watch your boat move faster and faster towards success.
>>FREE COURSE<< If you're feeling stuck and uncertain about what to do next in your working life, be sure to check out my free course "How to Decide Your Next Move." I guide you through the simple steps you need to take to get crystal clear on what you will do next in life, beyond the 9 to 5.
