Here is my 5-step process to goal achievement, intentional habit creation, & identity shifting that actually works:
The SLOW DOWN Method
- Make a decision to become or achieve something.
- Assume it’s as good as done, but let go of the timeline. Rest assured, it LIVES somewhere in your future.
- Do the work. Take the action that backs up your decision.
- Practice patience - plan on SLOWLY BUT SURELY being the way. Analyze the effectiveness of your actions over time. Adapt as needed.
- Repeat Steps 2-4 until Step 1 is done.
So simple, and yet why is this process so difficult to implement and see through? In my coaching and work experience, here’s what I’ve found:
😫 A lot of people can’t get past Step 1, because they’re afraid to commit to The Thing They Want.
😫 Some folks skip Step 2, because they don’t want to let go of the timeline. They want what they want RIGHT NOW.
😫 Many are too held back by fear of failure and/or fear of being judged to complete Step 3.
😫 Most people won’t do Step 4 at all, because it sounds hard (and, full disclosure, it IS hard when you're new to this work).
😫 Instead of leaning into Step 5, I see people go looking for shortcuts or give up entirely. This sounds something like, “Well, I tried and took some action, but it didn’t work (aka nothing happened right away), so I either suck at this or it’s not meant for me. Guess I’ll settle for….”
If any of the above sound like you, you are not alone. We’ve been conditioned to lean on life hacks, “get results quick!” trends, and shortcuts.
Personally, I haven’t had much success with shortcuts. In my experience, The SLOW DOWN Method is what works.
It’s such a paradox: I find that when I practice patience and allow things to unfold in their own time, not only do I feel like I can breathe, I tend to see results more quickly than expected. And patience is free to implement!
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If you want support getting through the mindset blocks, impatience, or lack of confidence as you work through this process, that’s what I’m here for. I have TONS of free resources on my website to help you along the way, including an archive of 50+ Creative Meditations, the Grow Baby Grow podcast, and the Hearts of Gold blog.
I’m also available for 1:1 Career & Leadership coaching. Much of the work I do with my clients is centered around effective goal-setting, taking the right action, and working with the challenges that pop up along the way.
You can check out all the resources mentioned above here.