The Secret Formula for Doing the Things you Know are Good For You
In the last article, I discussed the question ‘Why don’t we do the things we know are good for us?’ It’s a question I hear all the time. I talked about Speedy and Steady, the names I gave to the two parts of your mind. I advised that your mind does exactly what it thinks you want, and gave you the first step to change. Become aware of your internal chatter and the stories you repeatedly tell yourself.
In this article, I will share a simple yet powerful process, your antidote to sabotaging your success. This process helps interrupt and stop the moment of sabotage. It freezes the moment and opens up the possibility of you responding differently. Helping Steady to come into play before Speedy jumps in and takes over, and giving Speedy better instructions!
So, next time you experience one of those moments when you agonise over going to the gym, completing your project, or choosing healthy foods, here is what to do.
The Secret Formula for Doing the Things you Know are Good For You
As you become aware of how and where you sabotage your success, simply stop. Spell the following four-letter word backwards.
- The word is DIGG. (Dig with an extra D). Spell this word backward – GGID
- Then say GGID stands for DIGG (Spelling each letter). Then say the word DIGG
- EXAMPLE: GGID stands for DIGG – DIGG (Spell each letter in GGID and DIGG and then say the word DIGG.)
- Practice it now, so you start to form a habit of interrupting your sabotaging patterns.
To get the full benefit from this Secret Formula, I will explain the deeper meaning of D.I.G.G™. Then you can use it to create more impact and better results in your life by doing more of what you know is good for you.
D.I.G.G ™ stands for Desire, Intent, Gravel and Grit
D = Desire
What do you really desire to create? You must get clear about what you desire. For instance, perhaps you want to finish your proposal so you can earn more money and take a holiday with your family or friends? For me, I want to run a marathon next year. I desire to do this because I like to challenge myself, build mental toughness, gain fitness and disprove the theory about slowing down with age! Find your desire that drives the thing you want to do but tend to struggle to do consistently.
I = Intention
Your Intention is everything. When you focus on what you intend to create you are steering the energy of your mind towards your goal or outcome. Visualise your outcome clearly. In the words of Neville, ‘Imagine yourself standing in the moment of the wish fulfilled’. For instance, when you have completed your proposal you will be feeling a sense of accomplishment, pride and are one step nearer a holiday. When I see myself crossing the finish line I will be feeling awesome, stronger and proud that I can do this even after a 20-year break from competing in ultra-distance sports. Pictures paint a thousand words and ‘Speedy’ likes pictures!
G = Gravel
The gravel is all those reasons, excuses, and obstacles in the way of your success. It is your beliefs that make up your story. It might be that you know you could get sidetracked with social media, or externally, it could be interruptions from your staff. You might sit up too late watching Netflix or eat too much junk food at a party, which will sabotage your success. For me and my goal to train for a marathon, it could be that I have too much else going on in my life to commit to the training required. Or, it could be an inner voice that says I’m tired or whatever other reason pops up. Write down the obstacles that may be in your way.
When you are clear about how you could sabotage your success it is easier to create a counter plan. Consider what your gravel is. It’s much less painful to clear it away before you slip on it. (Gravel hurts!)
G = Grit
This is where you need to remember you are way more powerful than you think you are. Dig deep and find your Grit, your inner toughness, resilience or discipline to take the necessary action or do the hard task. Write down a counter strategy for your excuses – your gravel. When you identify how you could sabotage your success and come up with a counter plan it is easier to keep on track. Create a plan and stick to it. Find your grit! This may include diarising your tasks or blocking time for projects or training. When you take positive action in spite of how you feel or what you are thinking you build confidence and self-belief. Your brain will reward you with good hormones that help build momentum.
For completing a project it might be scheduling time in your diary, banning Netflix or simply making it a reward after a certain time. For my marathon, it’s scheduling training sessions in my diary. Doing them regardless of whatever reason may come up. Whether it’s a late night, feeling tired, or too hot or cold.
Use your GRIT to clear the GRAVEL out of your way.
The Secret Formula for Doing the Things you Know are Good For You
SUMMARY
- Next time when you hear yourself talking yourself out of doing something you know is good for you yet you don’t feel like doing it, it means you need to stop. Remember your Secret Formula. Spell the word DIGG backward – ‘G.G.I.D stands for D.I.G.G – DIGG’ ™
- This simple process interrupts Speedy and helps Steady get back in charge and steer Speedy towards the finish line.
- Science has shown that this literally freezes the moment and interrupts your habitual way of reacting, your auto-pilot, operated by Speedy. And Steady can then give Speedy better instructions so both parts of your mind work together in the direction of your goals and desires.
- Create a habit of using this short mantra. Take time to clearly define each letter of the word DIGG in relation to the thing you are struggling with. Gain clarity on what you desire, why you want to do this action or task, visualise your intention, lay out your gravel and find your grit, magic starts to happen.
- Imagine what you will achieve in your life when you are in charge of your mind, steering it in the direction of your goals rather than letting it wander off into the wilds? And as I said earlier, Speedy loves pictures!
About the Author
Mandy Napier BSC (Sunshine Coast, Australia)
Mandy Napier is a Global Mindset & Performance Coach who inspires people to get out of their own way, believe, step up and into their greatest potential. As an authentic and inspiring coach and speaker, she partners with professionals and teams to create transformations and lasting results.
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By the way, if you are looking to be consistent in the area of food and eating, or even shedding a few kilos, I have researched and written a short report on three ways to free yourself from the agony of dieting. Want to check it out? Download my free PDF guide “Free Yourself From The Agony Of Dieting” here.
Prefer to discover more about your amazing mind and how you can harness its powers to be more consistent? Grab a copy of my other free PDF guide ‘Your Hidden Mind’.
