Just finish what you start. The end.
I read, so you don't have to. This is my summary of "Following Through: A Revolutionary New Model for Finishing Whatever You Start" by Steve Levinson and Pete Greider.
Overview:
"Following Through" is all about why it's so dang difficult for us to stick to our plans/goals. How many people do you know that set a new year resolution and make it about 3 weeks? Steve Levinson and Pete Greider give a way to look at how our minds handle changing our behavior. They point out that relying on willpower alone typically is not enough to reach our goals. It's in our flawed human nature to dodge discomfort, even if it means missing out on something we really want in the end.
Key Points and Takeaways:
1. Intentions Aren’t Enough: Levinson argues that simply intending to do something, even with the best of motives, isn’t enough to ensure action. We often have good intentions but fall short because our minds are designed to resist change and discomfort. For instinctual safety we like routine, we like habit, even if they aren't good ones, we like the familiar because it's our own kind of predictable, our own kind of safe.
2. The Flaw in Relying on Willpower: Willpower is unreliable because it's a finite resource. When we rely solely on willpower to achieve goals, we are setting ourselves up for failure. Instead of constantly battling against our instincts, the authors propose creating external structures to ensure follow-through. We can make it easier on ourselves and relying on will power alone is not necessary.
3. Designing "Behavioral Leverage": The book introduces the concept of "behavioral leverage"—creating external systems or triggers that compel us to take action when our internal motivation falters. These might include using reminders, setting up consequences for not acting, or enlisting others to help keep us accountable.
4. Understanding Human Nature: Levinson emphasizes that our minds are designed to avoid pain and discomfort. When the immediate consequences of a decision aren't painful, we tend to delay or avoid taking action. Therefore, follow-through systems need to impose immediate consequences to motivate action. I'm not sure I fully agree with this one because I think we can also avoid taking action because it IS going to be painful.
5. Stop Judging Yourself: People often blame themselves for lack of discipline, but the book suggests that this is counterproductive. The real issue is not moral failing but the lack of proper systems to ensure follow-through. I have had clients tell me that they are motivated by their own judgment and being hard on themselves does get them going, I understand this, and just because it's effective doesn't mean it's the best option. It might just be the easiest option for you at this time, it's the option you've been conditioned to.
6. Aligning External Conditions with Goals: By setting up systems where the conditions around you support your goals (for example, placing your gym clothes by your bed to encourage morning exercise), you create an environment that helps you act without relying on pure willpower. Make the change as easy as possible!
Exercises from "Following Through":
1. Behavior Mapping Exercise: - Identify an area where you frequently fail to follow through (e.g., exercising regularly, eating healthier, completing a project). - Break down the steps required to achieve that goal and identify where in the process you usually drop off. - Implement a new external system or trigger to address this specific point of failure (e.g., setting up an automatic calendar reminder or arranging with a friend to work out together).
2. Designing Behavioral Leverage: - Choose a specific task or habit you want to develop. - Create a system of immediate consequences for not acting. For instance, commit to donating a certain amount of money to a charity you dislike every time you fail to follow through.
3. Setting Up Accountability Partners: - Select an accountability partner or group. - Set clear deadlines for completing tasks and share these deadlines with your partner. - Report back regularly on your progress, and ask your partner to check in with you if you haven't followed through.
4. Implementation Intention: - Write down your goal in a specific, actionable format: “When [situation] arises, I will [action].” - Example: “When I wake up at 6 a.m. tomorrow, I will put on my running shoes and go for a jog.”
5. Reward and Consequence Planning: - Establish rewards for following through and penalties for failing. - Make these consequences as immediate and impactful as possible. For example, treat yourself to a favorite activity after completing a task, or impose a social consequence (e.g., telling a group that you didn’t follow through).
Final Takeaways:
Stop relying on willpower. It’s an inefficient resource, and following through should be treated as a system problem rather than a personal flaw.
Design your environment and routines so that they naturally encourage follow-through.
Use external triggers and immediate consequences to ensure that you take action even when motivation is low.
Be kind to yourself. Lack of follow-through is human; the solution lies in understanding your behavior and setting up the right systems to succeed.
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