Are you getting the results you really want? If so, then great! The rest of this article is for your review and affirmation. But if your results in all areas of your life are not where you want them to be, please read on.
Most of us—including me—have goals, such us making money, improving health or fitness, maintaining great personal relationships, and so on. Have you fallen short in your results in these areas?
For example, let’s say someone intended to purchase an investment property for a certain amount last year, but it never happened. I believe she did not have the true intent to invest; it was simply an idle wish. When she could not find an easy way to purchase the property, she quit trying.
The results we experience in our lives are equal to our trueintent. Successful results are a reflection of our deepest, most focused commitments.
Another example:An individual was dedicated to increasing his fitness level. He had been doing well at it, until some birthdays, celebrations, and banquets came into the picture. His commitment to fitness took a backseat while the celebrations took priority. As a result, his fitness level declined.
What was his true intent?
Upon deeper reflection, this person discovered that his intent was to improve his fitness level, as long as it did not require too much sacrifice or inconvenience. Was this commitment too shallow? You bet! The intent was just a wish—it was not serious. The question he needed to ask was this: “Do I really want the results that a higher fitness level will provide, or not? Will I make the commitment required?”In the end, results speak louder than words.
In your own life, where do you have a disparity between your perceived intent and your results? What is the cost to you in missed opportunities, health, relationships, etc.?Many people use the excuse of not understanding what to do to get the results they want. Interestingly, the “successful results formula” doesn’t require you to know the “how-to” part first; it simply requires that you have a clear, intense intent.
If you really want to change your results, you must change your intensity levels toward your intent. They must become so high that there is no alternative but to achieve your results. One excellent example comes from the sales profession.
As atop sales performer and sales trainer, I know that many sales reps have great sales months when their backs are against the wall. Maybe the month before was a disaster or new bills arrived. No matter the reason, they had to perform that month or be out on the street. They always stepped up to get results. It is amazing what happens to results when there are no other options.
In the beginning of my own sales career, I found that my sales performance was better when I owed money to the bank on a short-term loan. There was no hiding behind savings or lukewarm intent; I had commitments that had to be met. Guess what? I always made them. Yes, it’s a mental game, but nevertheless, it works for increasing my level of intent.
If you are not getting the results you want, it is time to put away the excuses. This includes removing your statements of mild intent, unless you are willing to turn up the volume. If you don’t, your life will reflect many situations of “almost made it” and your personal credibility with self and others will erode as you keep missing the mark.
Do you know people who say they are going to take action to achieve something, yet never seem to follow through? What do you think when they talk about their next intent? Over time, you won’t give their words a second thought—as in the story of the boy who cried wolf.
Focus on the items for which you’re willing to put your reputation at risk. This is not about merely acquiring things; it’s about everything in your life—from health and relationships, to influencing your community, and, of course, your resources.
Yes, you do need to know the “how-to” part to get your results. If that’s all we needed, however, everyone would be healthy, wealthy, and wise; there’s already a plethora of information on “how to” do these types of things.
In the end, the results you are achieving in all areas of your life are speaking loudly about your true intent. I’m not saying you don’t want more wealth or better personal relationships or improved health; however, unless you achieve results, some hidden agenda is trumping your cards. Consciously or unconsciously, you are living your trueintent.
Here are some examples:
- You want to increase your wealth but are not willing to take any risks. Thus, wealth is not your true intent.
- You want to have a great personal relationship, but you always must prove you are right and your partner is wrong. Thus, happiness with your partner is not your true intent.
- You want to be healthy, but don’t discipline yourself in your physical activity and in your eating/drinking habits. Thus, good health is not your true intent.
In the end, your results (action) will always speak louder than words, and will be the ultimate accountability process. True results are a reflection of your deepest, most focused commitments.
Action Steps:
- List all the things really want—including the goals you feel you are committed to achieving.
- Consider them carefully to determine the true intent behind each of them.
- List all the wants in your life that seem more like a wish than a strong intent. Be honest.
- Determine, from your “wish list,” which ones you will keep, change, or abandon. Remember, this should always be your list, not someone else’s.
- Create a list of wants that are non-negotiable. This list represents your strongest level of intent. There is no going back on this list.
- Turn this into a mental game. Attach some type of consequence to each item in case you don’t achieve your desired results. For this game to work, your consequence needs to really hurt if you don’t achieve your intent. Put something of value (money counts) on the table for a charity or give it to someone who will benefit from receiving it. If you can’t make this commitment, you have only a wish—not strong intent.
- Take action, take action, take action. Talking and thinking about something never produces results. Only action will. Start multiplying your actions, right now!
- Select a trusted accountability partner who will support and help push you through to your desired results. Share your intent and ask this person to show “tough love,” when necessary.
- Be fully, completely engaged with your intent. Think, dream, and embrace your intent at an emotional level. If you can’t do this, ask yourself if it is a true intent or just a wish. If it is a wish, let it go until it can be yours at an intense level.
- Remember—unless you have true intent, it will be difficult to maintain your intensity. In the end, it’s your results that everyone sees; the rest is just smoke and mirrors.
It’s time to be accountable and get the results you want and deserve. Turn up your intensity until there are no other options but to get the results you seek. Go for it!
Ken Keis, Ph.D.
CRG Consulting Resource Group International, Inc.
Author Bio
Ken Keis, Ph.D., President of CRG, is a global expert on leadership, wellness, behavioral assessments, and life purpose. In 28 years, he has conducted over 3000 presentations and invested 10,000+ hours in consulting and coaching. Dr. Keis is considered a foremost global authority on the way assessment strategies and processes increase and multiply your success rate. He co-created CRG’s proprietary development models and has written over 4 million words of content for 40 business training programs and 500+ articles. His latest book, The Quest for Purpose: A Self-Discovery Process to Find It and Live It!,is available at thequestforpurpose.ca.