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A fraying rope is still stronger than a single string.

When people create to-do lists, plans, or make life changing resolutions, the typical approach is to tackle them one by one, but that is so slow and one "failure" may lead to not trying the next one at all. Try a new method, as in multi-note concert and harmony.

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EditSteps

  1. Achieve More in Bundled Goals, Plans and Resolutions Step 1.jpg
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    Pursue goals and resolutions simultaneously, instead of one at a time.

    "Research suggests, that you may dramatically increase the likelihood that you will accomplish more of your goals and plans by pursuing them simultaneously, instead of sequentially (one at a time)." [1]
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    Choose related harmonizing ideas that are possible separately, but: The total is much stronger and effective than each strand separately; so, make a rope not a chain of goals, "A cable of several strands is hard to break." It's like making a team effort. Tackle several at once, to pull each and all of them together,
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    Consider examples of working on a concert of specific strands/cords as harmonious, entwined, ongoing ideals, goals, interlaced, related and even unrelated plans.
    • Take a full-load -- not one course at a time -- not taking 10 semesters to do one year of college work.
    • Change many areas: be a better friend, get more rest, exercise more, study for school, lower the caloric intake, try supplements, get to work earlier, choose better food types and read that book that you laid aside.
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    Be persistent: Make this a lifestyle for your whole year (not new year) -- not for a day or month. If it is "not" worth following-through, why start? "I thought, it was worth starting; so, it is worth doing and continuing. If I slip or fall, I can revamp and restart -- like new."
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    Make affirmations, such as, "I'm going to do it. I am doing it." Tell yourself about how much each goal means separately -- and that you really care about each and all of them together.
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    Have personal pep rallies: Beat on the table, chair arms, or the steering wheel as you drive while making affirmations. Shock and encourage yourself that one, two, and three can and should "help number four": do them all -- but not one by one, that really matter. Go all out for "accomplishments" of one and all.
    • Avoid making generalities (how can you be general?).
    • Avoid one "change ___" -- just this one thing -- if you mess-up, it's over. That doesn't work very well.
    • Avoid mumbling and nodding, but pep it up, seriously.
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    Plan separately and relatedly in such a way that all goals can be done, but if added up, can include the major ones such as:
    • Lose weight
      • Cut back on ice cream and desserts.
        • Get a single children's dip, for example. Share one brownie.
      • Snip some off the sweets.
        • Buy only the smallest, one bite.
      • Walk more! and quickly. Plan. Don't use the elevator, if possible.
        • Do it at a park, mall on the stairs of a large college building, or library for example, where it is air conditioned...
      • Cook healthier meals? Use good fats, less white bread, more veggies.
        • Hey, this is about ten different goals. Each food can carry/be a goal...
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    Tilt yourself "off balance", i.e.: Lean into the load... pick up four or more cords that you can pull together.
    1. Get a buddy (as a counselor/consult with each other!) for diet/exercise to help keep you on task.
    2. Look up healthier versions of your favorite foods. Your heart will beat merrily.
    3. Spend more time sleeping: rest in the "sack." Your mind and body may be glad... " 'Type A,' work for a solid B..."
    4. Smile and enjoy this effort! Work on relaxing -- consciously:

      List all areas of relaxation: relax all over, saying "I am relaxing my jaw, neck, shoulders, back, lower torso, legs, calves, feet, toes,..." each part -- head to toe: and wiggle, shudder, shake and quiver each part and you are then relaxed all over.
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EditTips

  • Choose things that could stand finishing: not merely starting.
  • If you mess up -- "So what?" -- Stopping is like dragging a chain. Keep twisting the rope and pulling. Advance your interests! Avante! Charge!
  • Relax sometimes. Believe that you can. "Say: Others have. I can. I will. I am doing it. I'll follow through!"

"Things are picking up around here!" Don't say: "Oh, I'm so tired. I'll just drop it!" Instead: Relax a little. Try some more later. Don't quit!

EditWarnings

  • Oh, don't act with abandonment. Just doing whatever? -- a chorus of: "not, nah, nope, nope, nope..." Pull the rope! Keep your bundle all together.

EditSources and Citations

  1. ↑ " This study provides strong evidence that addressing multiple behaviors sequentially is not superior to, and may be inferior to, a simultaneous approach" -- found here: "Simultaneous vs sequential counseling for multiple behavior change." Hyman, D. J., Pavlik, V. N., Taylor, W. C., Goodrick, G. K., Moye, L., Archives of Internal Medicine 2007 Jun 11;167(11):1152-1158.

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Categories: Goal Realization & Problem Solving

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