Results, and how to change them

One of my favorite quotes is by Systems Master, W. Edwards Demings - "The system you're currently using is perfectly designed for the results you're getting." Often times, when we are not getting what we want out of life, we tend to focus on the problems - the results. "I can't believe I allowed him back into my life"..."I only have $18 in the bank until next week"..."I have been unemployed for six months, and there are still no jobs!"..."The Government is ripping me off in taxes", etc.

Look at some of the possible thought patterns here;

• "I can't believe I allowed him back into my life" - I let myself down again, I'm dumb, I repeat mistakes...
• "I only have $18 in the bank until next week" - I'm broke, I'm worried, I'm in trouble...
• "I have been unemployed for six months, and there are no jobs!" - I'm not good enough, I'm confused, I'm worried, I'm afraid...
• "The Government is ripping me off in taxes" - I'm a victim, I'm unlucky, I'm being taken advantage of, I'm getting robbed...

This kind of focus demands negative thinking, blaming ourselves and others, and most often, bigger problems. By focusing on the bad results, we allow our fears to get us all worked up.

Focusing on results is excellent when the results are positive. Why? Because focusing on results motivates us to continue the journey, to hang in there. It fuels momentum. Did you read that? Focusing on results motivates us to stay on the journey, it fuels momentum. This is excellent for positive results but deadly for negative results. When we are not getting what we want out of life, we must not focus on the results. The last thing we need is anything that fuels momentum when we are getting the wrong results! There's a saying "Before you can get out of a hole you must first stop digging".

So, when we have negative results, what do we focus on? We focus on the system, the method, or the routine we are using to get those results. Then and only then will we be willing to change the system in order to get positive results. Once this is estasblished, it's now time to get back to focusing on the results. 

In conclusion, focus on positive results to maintain momentum and motivation. This can only be done after you have a working system in place. But when you're experiencing negative results, do not focus on the results, focus on improving the system that is getting you the results. What are your thoughts?

Knock'em alive!

James

• prev
• 13 of 14
• next