Many business owners struggle to achieve their goals because they focus too much on the “how” and use negative language. Dr. Jean, the Results Queen, challenges you to give up traditional goal-setting and start focusing on Results. By shifting your mindset to the “What,” you allow your brain to find the solutions needed to succeed in virtual business development.
The Definitive Answer: Why Results Trump Goals
Positive Language: Goals often have a negative connotation or feel like a burden. Results are written in positive, outcome-oriented language.
The “What” vs. The “How”: Focusing on how to do something often lead to feeling stuck and abandoning the task. Focusing on what you want triggers your brain to seek out solutions.
Brain Activation: When you define a clear “What,” your brain works harder to figure out the necessary steps to achieve it.
Virtual Success: This mindset shift is essential for conducting business development from anywhere in the world.
I’ve been working virtually for over 10 years, and I want to share a secret with you: stop focusing on goals and start focusing on results.
Most people write goals negatively and get obsessed with the “how.” When you focus on the “how” and don’t have an immediate answer, you get stuck and give up. Instead, focus on the “What.”
The Results Formula:
Don’t ask: “How am I going to find 10 people?” (This leads to overthinking).
Do ask: “What would it take to have 10 new clients by the end of the year?
When you define the result you want in a positive way, your brain naturally shifts into problem-solving mode to find the “what” that is required to get there. This weekend, practice catching yourself. Every time you say “I have a goal,” stop and say, “I am achieving a result.”
What is the main problem with traditional goal-setting?
Goals are often written negatively and focus too much on the “how,” which can lead to frustration and abandonment when the path isn’t clear.
Why should I focus on the “What” instead of the “How”?
Focusing on the “What” (the result) allows your brain to work harder to find solutions. Focusing on the “How” often causes mental blocks.
How do I rephrase a goal into a result?
Use positive language and focus on the outcome. For example, instead of a goal to “find clients,” aim for the result of “having 10 new clients”.