The Standard of Performance: Why the ‘Trivial Details’ Matter

We all start on goals with good intentions. But a common mistake is failing to identify the tangible actions needed to make meaningful progress toward that goal.

We do this for three reasons:

1. We don't really know why we want to reach this goal.
2. The goal is framed as "could" or "should". ("I could go on a diet") instead of "must" ("I must study").
3. We don't have specific, step-by-step instructions to follow (what, when, and how).

1. Choose an action and an attitude that will make the highest contribution toward your goal. The actions are the daily habits that make everything else easier. The attitude is believing that it will work.
2. Give yourself instructions to follow. Write down what, when and how you'll do it.
3. Commit your action and attitude to at least 66 days. Studies show it takes about two months to make an action become the new normal.

If you focus on your habits, your goals will take care of themselves.