For years Nike has propagated its famous motto, "Just Do It" through countless campaigns, slogans, and advertisements. People, young and old, have considered it as a motivation, or a proverbial "kick in the pants" if you will. Within the "Just Do It" theme, one of their slogans recently popped up on my feed that once again resonated with me — "Yesterday, you said tomorrow."
Following their 'Just Do It' model seems easy. It is only three words after all. But of course, life is a constant array of unexpected challenges, and when we think about setting big goals (you know — the scary, long term, impressive goals) they are almost always coupled with the feeling of instantly doubting our ability to achieve them.
At first, you experience the initial excitement. Maybe it's a motivational video or a quote or an advert that gets you out of your chair, your brain going a million miles an hour, finally feeling the energy to forge through the inertia that has been plaguing you. However, as soon as that initial excitement about the new you — the better you — wears off, that nagging internal voice kicks in, the self-doubt occurs, and in many cases, you sabotage yourself before you even begin.
So what can we do to stay on the right path? It's a period where it's easy to reflect and plan. Positive self-talk occurs and you say, "I will get a raise, I will lose 10lbs, I will go for that run, I will book that trip"... But as many people know, most New Year's Resolutions don't make it past the first month. Where does that will go? Most of your (our) so-called resolutions fade, and you revert back to being the old you. It's a vicious cycle, and it happens year after year, much more commonly than achieving those goals ever does.
Three ways most people respond
The first is the easiest: you can say screw it, I can't do this, and give up. Whether or not you say it out loud and admit it to yourself, the nagging self-defeatist voice wins. This is what most people do. I know I have.
Secondly: you can procrastinate. Delay it. Somehow keep on pushing it back. You tell yourself, "I will do it tomorrow, next week," and on and on. You might rationalize that you haven't shifted the inertia into action because you want to do more research, learn about it, read articles, ask friends — all dependent on what your goal is, but also on your own belief in your capacity to do it. You go online and read and read and learn and learn, but never take action. And chances are, you don't need to learn more. You have the tools already. What you need is execution. Some of the most successful people dive right in. Look at the most innovative people — Musk, Jobs, Gates. They don't wait. They figure things out on the go.
So, if you really want to get out of the vicious cycle, there is a third (and ideal) way to respond:
You can get started.
Simple. Set deadlines. Don't put it off. Jump on in.
A quote I always enjoy: "That workout made me feel like crap" — said no one ever. The hardest part of working out is actually getting off your ass and going to the gym. But once you're there, it's great. Your endorphins are going, you're sweating, you're moving. Turns out, this works for most things in life. Don't think — just do.
If not now, then when?
When I started Lean Six Search, I finally asked myself this question. I was seeing tremendous success building companies for other people, but for whatever reason, I didn't think I could do it myself. After months of deliberation and self-doubt, I thought to myself, "If not now then when? If not me, then who?" That was enough for me to begin the journey. Staring at myself in the mirror, I finally said 'tomorrow' for the last time.
The myth of motivation
Living in your comfort zone is easy. There is what we call the "myth of motivation." Nobody wants to get out of bed at 5am. Nobody wants to be in the office until dark. Not many people want to run that extra mile or do that extra couple of reps. Nobody actually has that motivation. It isn't until five minutes later, when the warm cup of coffee is in their hand, or when they step foot inside the gym, that the true feeling of "motivation" kicks in.
Routine and continuous strides towards a measurable outcome are what create transformational change. If you are not reaching your goals, it could be because they are not specific, not truly attainable, or they are fluffy abstract concepts that were never really achievable in the first place. What inspires you? What gets you moving? Find your reason to get up tomorrow.
The cost of waiting
"I will do it tomorrow" and all the similar excuses won't let you achieve your goals. Your competition might not be waiting for tomorrow. Tomorrow always turns into next week, next month — and ultimately it never gets done. The reason for this is unique to everyone — we all make excuses. But if something is important to you, or if you're not satisfied with your life, get started. Right now.
There is never a perfect time. There are no such things as resolutions. Why wait until January to start your business, or go to the gym, or stop drinking? You should understand there is never a perfect time. And we all know that you'll be able to figure things out and overcome any obstacle that comes your way. We are natural problem solvers — we just have to be put in the right situation.
Forge on
The most pivotal growth happens when you are outside of your comfort zone. Keep moving forward and don't look back. I imagine that if you give this a try, your energy levels will rise, you will wake up with purpose, you will renew the work ethic that has got you to where you are today, and you will propel yourself — finding the momentum to get to where you want to be. This will result in a happier, more creative, and more fulfilled life.
It will be a wild ride, and of course every day will present new challenges — but also new opportunities. Your timeline is relevant to the goal you are after, and opportunities will emerge all around you with respect to the effort put in. It's a rollercoaster — and if you ask anyone who has achieved something great, they will tell you it wasn't easy. But it was all worth it in the end. Do you want to wake up one day and say "what if?"
Through the journey, you will forge your true character and discover a new you, who will persevere and succeed. Trust yourself and new doors will open. People are naturally drawn to those with a clearly defined goal — those who are proud, work hard, act boldly, and don't give up. Perseverance is one of the strongest predictors of success. No one said it would be easy, but hard work pays off. All of a sudden, "life isn't happening to you" — you're taking the wheel and making things happen.
In order to do this, you must get started. Why keep waiting? The time is now.
Yesterday you said tomorrow, didn't you?
