IF-THEN PLANS EXPLAINED
If you find yourself constantly repeating the same crappy habits, fear not, there is a powerful solution to combat this cycle: If-Then Plans.
Simply put, the If-Then Plan is the best way to stay on track with your goals. It allows you to tackle your goals with two factors that are key to success: intent and preparation.
How Do You Make An If-Then Plan?
Creating an If-Then plan is very simple. First, decide which goal it is that you want to obtain. Next, think of all the potential obstacles or stumbling blocks that could get in your way.
If you have a financial goal, maybe one of your potential roadblocks is limiting financial help to family members. If you have a weight loss goal, perhaps one of your potential roadblocks is Thirsty Thursdays or Sunday Brunch.
When you are building your If-Then plan, you need to consider all these factors and come up with ways to counter potential pitfalls.
If-Then Plan Framework:
If [insert obstacle of stumbling block], then I will [behavior that will improve the circumstance]
If-Then Plan Examples:
- If I go to Happy Hour, then I will be sure to limit myself to two drinks.
- If I go out to eat at (favorite restaurant), then I will not get dessert.
- If I miss a gym workout, then I will be sure not to miss two days in a row.
- If I overspend on eating out during the week, then I will limit how much money I spend on the weekends.
- If I haven’t finished 3 job applications by Wednesday, then I will complete the applications Thursday morning.
It is important to create these If-Then rules prior to encountering the obstacle.
It is much harder to create boundaries around how many slices of pizza you will have when you have a whole pizza pie of cheesy goodness layered with pepperoni and bacon in front of you.
Why This Planning Method Works
The If-Then Plan works because it does not see deviation from your goals as the ultimate failure. We are human beings. Inevitably, there will be a time when you fall short of the goals you have set out for yourself.
This can be true whether it is a financial goal, physical goal or personal goal.
Instead of looking at these deviations as failures, the If-Then Plan re-frames it. This approach allows you to bounce back quicker because you have acknowledged your obstacle(s) and established a solution to get back on track.
In Conclusion
We can help close the gap between knowing what we want and actually achieving our goals with some thoughtful action.
Using If-Then planning is a great way to practice better self-control and mindfulness. If you find yourself losing progress on your goals, try to implement a few If-Then plans. It might just be the push you need.