Follow the Script

Its almost time for 2024 and many people are starting to look at their goals for the next year and beyond. One of the biggest life lessons I have learned was writing out my goals. Which I am sure is pretty standard for most successful people.

But, I wanted to introduce another wrinkle to goal setting that unlocked something in my mind. Some of the most powerful motivational speakers in the world use this technique. Think of it like the more powerful big brother of goal writing. It is the concept of script writing.

Well if you are like me I didn't know what script writing was when I first heard about it. I thought of Hollywood movies or something like that. But, even though I didn't know what it was thinking of it as a Hollywood movie was not too far from the truth.

IN 5 MINUTES IN TODAY'S ARTICLE YOU'LL LEARN

• How goals are just the starting point

• Why words matter

• How Jim Carey used it

• Your 2024 can be your best year ever

Goals Quick Recap

Goals are super important in fact if you have not taken time to ever write out your goals or haven't done that recently then I would say it is by far in away the single greatest thing that has lead to increasing me to new levels. And don't just take my word for it.

There was a study done by Harvard Business School and found that 83% of people didn't have goals.

14% of people had goals but didn't write them down but they had 1000% (10x) more success than those with no goals

3% that had goals and write them down have a 3x (300%) greater success than the group that just had goals in their mind.

So if you write down your goals you have a 3000% higher success rate than 83% of people.

What is Scripting

Imagine you're a Hollywood scriptwriter, crafting the next blockbuster. But, this movie is your life. You are the movie, you are the here and your goals and aspirations are the storyline. Just like in Hollywood, where scriptwriters pen their stories as though they've already captivated audiences, scripting involves writing your goals and intentions as if they're already achieved. This method isn't just make-believe; it taps into the subconscious, as noted by Charlotte Kirsten, psychotherapist and goal expert. It's like setting the stage for your brain to believe in the boundless possibilities ahead, steering your actions towards positivity and away from self-doubt.

Think of script writing as your personal storyboard. By detailing your goals as detailed as possible and if it has already accomplished narratives, you breathe life into them. "This approach is potent because it brings crystal-clear clarity to your aspirations,". As you write, those once hazy details sharpen into focus, transforming abstract dreams into tangible goals. Script writing sounds a little woo woo at first but it isn't a fairy tale. It's a conscious process of channeling your will to navigate and shape energy. Have you ever noticed when you buy a new car all the sudden you see that same car everywhere on the road around you? The fact is that all those cars already existed but you couldn't see them before and it wasn't until you started focusing on them that you realized they were there.

This is the same thing for your goals and life. When you take the time to script out your goals in detail ti's about breaking free from self-imposed limits and tuning into your inner compass, where intuition links you to a larger, interconnected universe. You all the sudden can see the paths in which connect to your goals.

Why words Matter

In goal setting and scripting, the language you use is pivotal for success. Scripting goals as already achieved, like "I am at my ideal weight of 175lbs," rather than "I will lose 10lbs," significantly impacts your mindset and actions.

1. Present Tense Scripting: Writing goals as present realities fosters a powerful mental state of achievement, aligning your subconscious with your desired outcome.

2. Positive Affirmations: This approach serves as an affirmation, shifting focus from future goals to present achievements, and encouraging proactive steps towards these goals.

3. Leading vs. Lagging Indicators: Distinguish between outcomes (lagging indicators) and actions leading to them (leading indicators). For instance, "losing 10 pounds" vs. "working out daily."

4. Scripting Leading Indicators: Emphasize the actions within your control, such as daily exercises, to focus on active engagement rather than passive wishes.

5. Comprehensive Scripting: Combine desired outcomes with the actions leading to them for a holistic script that covers both your destination and the journey.

In summary, scripting in the present tense and focusing on both the outcomes and the actions leading to them creates an effective, actionable roadmap for achieving your goals, bridging the gap between intention and action.

$10 million dollar check

In 1985, Jim Carrey, a 23-year-old struggling actor, used a unique form of scripting and goal-setting to shape his future. He wrote himself a check for $10 million, post-dated it for 10 years later, and noted it was for “acting services rendered.” Carrey carried this check with him everywhere, keeping his ambition close even as he faced the uncertainty of his acting career. At this point, his alternative was a far less glamorous job at a Canadian steel mill.

However, Carrey's vision materialized over the next decade. His commitment to his goal and belief in his future success helped him navigate through challenging times. Ten years after writing the check, Carrey had become a renowned star, with successful films like "Ace Ventura," "The Mask," and "Dumb and Dumber" catapulting him to fame. This story exemplifies the power of scripting and goal writing, demonstrating how vividly picturing and committing to one's aspirations can significantly influence the trajectory of one’s life.

Action Steps to Make 2024 the Best Year Ever

The last year has been difficult for many people, myself included. It seems like many things that I thought might play out went the opposite way. Deals struggled under massive interest spikes, and investors are generally less excited about doing any investing. But, that doesn't mean it's time to lay it down and think 2024 should be the same.

Here are 3 action steps to make 2024 the best year ever:

1. Write Out Your Goals in December 2023: Write them out in your own handwriting on paper; don't just type them out – you can do that later. There is something more tactile about seeing it in your own writing.

2. Picture New Year's Eve 2024: You are about to make a toast with your family and friends and you are reflecting back on the year. Think about if your year was as if Hollywood wrote the script, what would it be? If you want, you can even use ChatGPT to help you. Once you write out your goals, use GPT to help you script out that toast, or the storyboard for your year.

3. Make a Reference: Like how Jim Carrey made a $10 million check and carried it with him everywhere, make something to symbolize and help you visualize the scripting you are doing. That can be a vision board, a check, or something that you can see, touch, or feel to make it more real to you. You can even write out your vivid vision and read it aloud to yourself every morning.

As we close out 2023, take some time to picture what would make 2024 the best year ever and start scripting your Oscar award-winning hero's script.

Jake