The 4 “What’s” of Achievement

I was recently reminded that the best coaches don’t give you the answers. They open up space and ask you the questions that you need to answer.

Thus, your ability to achieve something begins with you asking yourself quality questions. Those questions change your conversations, and change your focus. And, what you focus on grows.

Whether it involves breaking a habit or reaching a goal, the process begins with the right questions…and more specifically, The 4 “What’s.”

1.WHAT IS MY CURRENT REALITY?
What is the reality of my current situation. When you strip away all of the stories and reasons, there are only facts. Where are you at now/today? If you do not deal with, and accept, the facts, the next few questions really don’t matter. Step on the scale. Check your bank account. Take an assessment. Ask for feedback. Gather your facts, because this is your “starting line.”

2.WHAT DO I REALLY WANT?
Once you have gathered your facts, the next question is about defining your desired outcomes. Zig Zigler said, “Don’t become a wandering generality. Be a meaningful specific.” Be specific, measured, and clear on what you want. Shallow wants lead to shallow commitments, so dig in and get clear. If you don’t design your life, someone will do it for you. What do you have the burning desire to achieve, and what is your drive for achieving it?

3.WHAT IS STOPPING ME FROM HAVING IT?
Now that you are clear on what you want to happen, what are the obstacles? Is it a lack of clarity? Are there inner conflicts or limiting beliefs that are holding you back? Do you lack the strategy, or roadmap, for achieving it? There are always obstacles, so it’s better to identify, and challenge them now. You will find success when your commitment to #2 (What do I really want?) is stronger than your resistance in #3 (What’s stopping me?)

4.WHAT IS MY PATH TO ACHIEVING IT?
You have clarity of what your current situation is, what you want, and what the obstacles are. The final question is simply “how.” Has your tendency been the start-stop-start path of starting something, hitting resistance, getting frustrated, quitting, and vowing to starting again later? We often see this cycle with New Year’s Resolutions. This is a vicious cycle of choosing excuses over results and being in constant motion, but getting few desired outcomes. There are better paths to choose.

Another path is “trial & error” path, where you are committed to what you want, but try to figure out the “how” along the way. Some would call it the ready, fire, aim approach. While you can achieve your results, the path may be more windy, and longer, than anticipated.

Finally, there is the “proven strategy” path. This usually involves a coach or mentor guiding you from where you are to where you want to be, and this is the most efficient path to take.

If you can use the “4 What’s” to get clear on where you are today, get clear on where you desire to be, identify the obstacles, follow a proven strategy, and take purposeful action, you can reach whatever level of achievement you desire.