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Do you know what's better than setting a new goal? Actually achieving it! And one of the best ways to do that is to use the DEFA framework. I created DEFA the hard way, by trial and error. After a lifetime of stumbling through big goals, it occurred to me this pattern of decoding a wish into action had these four points. It's a super simple starting point anyone can do to get the ball rolling. So let's take a closer look at each step and see how it can lead to a happier, more fulfilled life.
First up is "D" for Define. This is all about getting really clear on what you want to achieve. It's not enough to just say, "I want to be a speaker." You need to define what kind of speaker you want to be, what topics you want to speak on, and who your ideal audience is.
Next is "E" for Educate. This step is all about learning everything you can about your chosen field. Read books, take courses, attend conferences, and listen to podcasts. The more you educate yourself, the more confident you'll feel and the better equipped you'll be to achieve your goals.
"F" is for Find someone who is doing it. This is all about finding a mentor or a role model who has achieved what you want to achieve. Study their work, check 'em out on LinkedIn, ask for their advice, and try to model your own efforts after theirs. Side note- Science has shown the benefits of social mirroring, a concept from psychology in which we are more inclined to try something when we see others doing it.
Finally, "A" is for Action. Even the smallest step is action. This is where the rubber meets the road. Break your big goal down into small, manageable steps, and start taking action on them. Build your topics, your website, and your following. There is always something you could be working on.
Here's the thing, big goals I mean a really big goal means you've never been there before, and you probably don't know anyone who has been there, so how do we make a road map to a place we have never been? DEFA help cut through the overthinking that can stall a wish before it has a chance of seeing the light of day. And with every obstacle I hit, I would use DEFA to peck away at the things I couldn't figure out. You see, big dreams are not linear, sometimes we build the cart before we find the horse and that's ok. We just have to keep going, the action we make builds momentum.
Celebrate each small win along the way, and don't be afraid to pivot or adjust your approach as needed.
Using the DEFA framework can help you achieve your goals faster and with less stress. So what are you waiting for give it a try for 10 minutes and you'll be a believer.
Define your goal, Educate yourself, Find a mentor, and start taking Action today!
Rinse, Wash, Repeat!
See you soon, with more Goal Smasher Hacks!