A Little Effort Equals GREAT Results

One of my favorite DREAM4 success stories involves a young lady who wanted to get in shape for the summer.  She set her goal and we talked about what she’d need to achieve it.  One of her resources was a free workout room at her apartment. 

Her initial idea was to work out four times a week.  That’s a lot, especially when she’s trying to create a new habit, but she wanted to “challenge” herself. After a few weeks, we revisited her plan.  She had missed a few times and eventually gave up. 

She had missed some workouts so in her mind she failed. Perfectionism whispered, “You’ve missed too much. It’s not doable. Eat some ice cream, you’ll feel better.” In his book Finish, Jon Acuff writes, “This is the first lie that perfectionism tells you about goals: Quit if it isn’t perfect.”

Effort isn’t working out 7 days a week.  Effort is starting small, creating a good habit, and building momentum. She and I went back and set a more manageable goal.  Once a week, every week.  If you miss your designated day, make it up.  She gave herself permission to miss and make up. 

Her once a week effort started to produce positive results. Six weeks after she began with her new manageable plan she texted me announcing she was adding an additional day to workout.

When summer arrived she was ready, she had met her goal and was enjoying the results.  Her new goal is to get her husband to work out with her.  Baby steps.

Even small actions can have a big impact. DREAM4 believes that people who are passionate, dependable, motivated, and problem-solvers in their personal lives will show these same characteristics as employees. Learn more about how we can help you develop your team personally and professionally!