This week’s question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions for Life” comes from someone who wishes to remain anonymous.
Hi David,
My question is around setting goals. I have two different businesses, and I tend to dance back and forth between the two—not really moving forward to the degree I’d like with either of them. I keep thinking to myself, “I’m not taking the action. Why am I not taking the action?”
Is it because I’m struggling with keeping my word and meeting the goals I set for myself? Or am I just not fully committing? Part of it is, I think I’m avoiding what I imagine will be uncomfortable conversations with potential clients—the people I could (or should) be calling.
Any insight you can provide is so appreciated!
This is happening because you don’t believe you can accomplish the goal. You don’t think it’s really going to happen.
If you believed it, you’d be ready all the time.
It’s not really about a “lack of commitment.”
It’s all about the belief.
Think about this. Ask yourself, “What’s the truth about this?” The fact that you’re not taking action is a secondary cause (i.e., an effect).
What’s the truth about that? Why are you not taking the action? Because you either don’t want it, or you don’t believe it’s really possible.
When it comes to having “uncomfortable conversations” with potential clients, you have to first look at the conversation you’re having with yourself.
- Are you telling yourself you’re not enough?
- Are you telling yourself you can’t provide the result they want?
- Are you telling yourself they won’t want what you’re selling?
What’s the conversation you’re having with yourself? If you’re telling yourself you’re not good enough—it’s because you don’t believe you can do it.
This is a problem of belief, not commitment.
You’re creating a story to validate the belief that you can’t do this.
Here’s a simple 2-part exercise to overcome this. First, spend an hour coming up with every reason in your mind why this won’t work—or why it can’t work. Write it all down on a piece of paper. Then give yourself a break.
Come back to it again the next day. Then write down every reason why it CAN work.
Don’t judge your answers. Don’t change anything. Don’t say, “I know that’s not true.” Just do the exercise. It’s extremely simple.
Write down every reason why it can’t (or won’t) work, then take a long break. Come back and write down every reason why it CAN work.
Then email both of those things to me, and I’ll get back to you after I see it.
(Want personalized support with this exercise? Reach out to my team by emailing support@davidneagle.com and we’d be happy to help!)
P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are 3 ways I can help you grow YOUR business:
- Listen to The Successful Mind Podcast. Three times per week I drop cutting edge information and strategies relating to success mindset, leadership, wealth creation, and relationships.
- Join other like-minded small business owners in my Transformation Facebook Group! Allow us to be a place to share ideas, get advice, and meet others who value truth and growth!
- Join me at The Art of Success Virtual Summit! Next week, October 13-15th, I’m getting a group of amazing business owners together for 3 days to work on exponentially growing their business.
