Craig Harper - Pull Your Finger Out: 101 Ways To Stop Wasting Time & Start Living Your Best Life

HAVE YOURSELF COMMITTED

Most people who pick up a book such as this one have one thing in common: a desire to change something (or perhaps many things) about their current reality. At the risk of being presumptuous, Ill assume youre in this group. Of course, its normal to want better . More. We see it with people who join a gym, people who enlist the services of a life coach, financial planner or psychologist, people who start their own business, enrol in a self-help program, make a New Years resolution, go on a diet or plead with their long-suffering partner for just one more chance.

Yep, for most of us, transformation is the motivation. Its why we pick up books like this one. On some level, we all want to become a better, new-and-improved version of our current self. But the relevant question here is: how many of us will actually achieve what we set out to and then build on that success over the long term? That is, change and, more importantly, stay changed? Sadly, the answer is, not many. Take a look around (or maybe in the mirror) and youll see the evidence.

New Years resolution, anyone?

Im of the opinion that, for the most part, we are a collective of intelligent, talented people who essentially know what to do but, far too often, dont do what we know. Not consistently, anyway. We eat food we dont need while wanting a leaner, healthier, sexier body. We spend money we dont have on things we dont need while complaining about our financial situation. We have the same unhealthy conversations with the same people while hoping for better relationships. And we treat our bodies like crap for decades and then, amazingly, wonder why they break down.

Then, after all our less-than-ideal decisions and self-destructive behaviours, we wake up one day in the middle of our less-than-desirable existence and ask: How on earth did this happen to me?

Do you really want me to that answer that? Really?

For better or worse, we live in the information age. If we want to know anything about virtually anything, its only a mouse-click away. You and I are part of the most informed and educated generation to ever roam the face of the earth. Not that we do a lot of actual roaming these days. Information, resources, research and answers are all in overwhelming supply. Yes, we are very educated (theoretically) but not always smart (practically).

Good at the knowing , not-so-good at the doing .

Ive spent decades watching clever, talented, educated people do stupid things; things which are at odds with their alleged core values, goals and intentions. Destroying everything from their fitness and health to their career and marriage.

On the flip side, Ive also been fortunate enough to work with some amazing people who have constantly found a way to succeed. To maximise what they have and to consistently rise to the challenges of their situation. To ask better questions. To be resilient and do what most wont. To explore their potential, despite their fear. And, most importantly, to keep doing when most people are throwing in the towel.

A long time ago, I came to the realisation that the solution to the majority of our problems is not more information an interesting statement coming from someone who shares ideas and information for a living. If information (by itself) was some kind of universal cure to mankinds numerous issues, then we would be rapidly moving towards a zero-problem society. Clearly, thats not the case. Without intelligent, appropriate and consistent application, knowledge is a worthless commodity. You might want to read that last sentence a few times.

Along the way, I have learned this important lesson:

Wanting something is not the same as being totally committed to doing, creating and achieving something.

We all want . Wanting is easy. Committing; not so easy.

When someone is totally committed to changing their reality, theyll find a way to get the job done, no matter what. Things like talent or lack thereof, motivational peaks and troughs, good and bad days, pain and discomfort, support or criticism wont determine their behaviour, their results or their reality. Of course, they will experience all the normal human stuff but, despite their humanity, its their non-negotiable commitment to the change process that will give them the leverage, strength and resourcefulness to re-invent themselves.

Non-negotiable; theres a term for your consideration.

Conversely, people who are not committed to change will invariably find a convenient way to give themselves an out . The escape-clause is their best friend. They spend their lives rationalising and justifying what theyre not doing in a very logical-sounding manner. And ten years down the track theyll still be living in the same place . Or worse.

So, if I was your coach today, I might say something like this:

Dont tell me what youd like or what you want, wish or hope for. No, tell me what youre totally committed to doing, creating, achieving and being.