Stop doing the things that thwart your success and create momentum

I have got to get off Facebook.

Seriously. I’ve got a long, to do list and plenty of other things I want to do: exercise, draft a post, market my book – that will actually move me closer to my goals and passions, but I have got to get off Facebook to do it.

So, what’s holding you up? Part of being successful and achieving the things you desire is to stop doing the things that keep you from it. We talk a lot about inspired action and things we must do to move ahead. But, sometimes the very best thing you can do to edge closer to your goals and positive feelings is to STOP doing the thing that is detracting from your progress and well-being.

We want to lose weight. So we plan to exercise, and buy healthy foods. But we must also stop eating unhealthy snacks for any of it to matter.

Want to have more money in the bank? Sure it helps to create revenue streams and invest your money wisely, but you must also STOP spending more than you earn.

Try it today.

Take a minute and think about a goal that you want to achieve, something big or small.


Consider five things you must do to accomplish that goal. Again, think practical and out of the box.


Now, list one thing that may get in the way of those five steps you must take to achieve your goal.

That one thing is a barrier to your success. Now you know it and you can develop a strategy to cope with it before it derails you.

What will you do instead to keep from hopping on Facebook or indulging in the counter-productive behavior that keeps you from completing your goal?

Studies show we do better when we focus on the positive behavior we’ll adopt rather than the thing we need to quit, so think about it this way: Commit to spending more time writing, rather than less time Facebooking; or focus on eating only healthy foods, rather than quitting the junk food binge and you’ll make more progress.

Then, develop a strategy, so that when you do feel compelled to Facebook instead of say writing the article that’s due in an hour (maybe, hypothetically, of course, sort of) you’ll have another, more positive way to channel your energy before you go off the tracks completely.

By cutting back on the bad habits and choosing a new powerful go-to behavior instead, you’ll gain momentum and accomplish your goals.