Will It Make the Boat Go Faster?

What will it take to reach your goal? And will it make the boat go faster?

1. Layer Your Goals for Success

Goals that seem overwhelming can be made manageable by breaking them into four layers. The "crazy" layer represents bold dreams, like winning Olympic gold. This is followed by the "concrete" layer, where goals become specific and measurable, like rowing 2000 meters in a set time. Next is the "control" layer, focusing on what’s within your influence, such as daily practice. Finally, the "everyday" layer involves actionable daily steps to get closer to your goal.

Examples

• The author's crazy goal was to win Olympic gold.
• The team’s concrete step included achieving world-record times in training.
• The everyday layer included weightlifting and team rowing sessions.

2. Make the Process Enjoyable

Staying motivated often hinges on enjoying the journey toward your goal. Fun and engaging activities help you stick to the path. Daydreaming can also ignite your passion and belief in your eventual success. For instance, imagining yourself achieving your goal strengthens both emotional and rational commitment.

Examples

• Friends of the author chose pole dancing for fitness to make their workouts fun.
• The author regularly visualized himself atop the Olympic podium receiving a gold medal.
• Tracking milestones during a 20-kilometer rowing session helped sustain his focus and effort.

3. Build a Strong Team with Common Goals and Fair Rules

A team works best when all members are aligned with mutual goals and shared desires. Open discussions should lead to measurable milestones and rules that everyone abides by. Collaboration flourishes when there's understanding among members regarding each other's skills and needs.

Examples

• The rowing team agreed that their shared goal was winning gold, despite individual reasons for wanting it.
• Clear behavior rules kept the author’s team focused and cohesive.
• An HSBC manager used a similar system to align 200 managers on shared goals in poorly performing offices.

4. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome

Over-focusing on results distracts from the important question: "What steps lead to success?" Being process-oriented sharpens your attention and improves your performance. Evaluating outcomes based on thorough execution, rather than only results, fosters constant improvement.

Examples

• The author’s coach dissected their own and competitors’ strategies to improve the team’s process.
• A management trainer refined workshop questions to deliver better client feedback.
• The rowing team measured achievements by how accurately they executed their strategy, not just by wins.

5. Plan for Setbacks and Learn From Failures

Unexpected problems are inevitable. Address weaknesses early, accept unforeseen challenges with calmness, and analyze mistakes to prevent repeating them. This approach keeps issues from derailing your progress.

Examples

• The rowing team ran "what if?" scenarios to identify and prepare for possible setbacks.
• The author emphasized deep breaths and seeking alternatives when problems arise.
• Reflection on past errors helped prevent future failures during high-stakes races.

6. Overcome Fear of Risks by Changing Perspective

Fear often skews our perception of risk. Instead of fearing failure, ask what opportunities you’ll miss if you don’t take the leap. Unrealized potential from not acting is often the greater risk.

Examples

• The rowing team focused on losing nothing by giving their all in each race.
• British sailors avoided common risky tactics in Olympic races and achieved gold by strategizing differently.
• Analyzing risks with "What happens if I don’t?" allowed the rowing team to embrace daring plans.

7. Clear Your Mind of External Opinions

External opinions can skew decision-making. It’s natural to seek validation, but decisions driven by others’ judgment often lead to unnecessary conformity or fear.

Examples

• Olympians in sailing avoided the mainstream approach by focusing on their own penalty-free strategy.
• The rowing team emphasized intrinsic motivation, not competitors’ comments.
• Questioning personal reliance on external opinions helped maintain mental clarity in high-stress situations.

8. Daydreaming Feeds Determination

Far from being a distraction, daydreaming serves as a motivational boost. Mentally seeing yourself achieving your dreams makes them feel real and worth pursuing.

Examples

• The author’s vision of holding an Olympic medal sustained his decade-long work.
• Regular "visualization" exercises are a cornerstone of elite athletic training programs.
• Daydreaming inspires emotional connection to long-term ambitions across professions.

9. Progress is Built Through Small, Consistent Steps

Big achievements, like Olympic gold, depend on the accumulation of countless small efforts. Consistency in executing daily actions builds the foundation for long-term success.

Examples

• The rowing team’s training focused on consistent improvement in speed, technique, and teamwork.
• Weekly planning with specific, repeatable tasks was central to their routine.
• The team measured progress carefully, fostering a sense of accomplishment over time.

Takeaways

1. Break big goals into smaller, layered objectives to remain focused and make progress achievable.
2. Consciously embrace risks that have high potential rewards by reframing your mindset about them.
3. Regularly visualize your success to build emotional connection and sustain your motivation.