Your long game is such a fundamental concept for sustainable change. It was why I chose it as the subject for my first post, but the focus of that post was more on the application of your long game rather than the concept itself. On the anniversary of this first post, I want to revisit this principle so you can understand why it’s so powerful.
Having a long game defines success around your identity rather than a goal. When you are clear on the long game you want to play, it means you are living every day like you’ve achieved your desired future state.
If you define success around a goal, you are likely to fall back on your old ways once you achieve that goal. Have you ever gone on a diet and then regained the weight you lost?
But if you define success around an identity, this will increase the likelihood that you will sustain your desired behaviours (and keep enjoying the results from those behaviours!)
Here are some examples of goals framed as long games to put you in the right mindset:
- “I want to run a marathon” becomes “I want to enjoy running with friends as a way of life”.
- “I want to find a partner” becomes “I want to connect with others through amazing experiences”.
- “I want a promotion” becomes “I want to be considered as a leading expert in my field”.
If you want to make a sustainable change in your life, commit to behaviours that represent your desired lifestyle.
Reflect on the goals you have set yourself, and consider instead the long game you really want to play.
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