Project One Nine: One Goal in Nine Weeks

If you want to achieve your goals you must take steady, consistent action. You must also consider what you’re willing to give up in order to get what you want. Project One Nine will help you get from here to there. It’s a simple approach to goal achievement based on the principles of my book The Lifelong Project.

In The Lifelong Project, I take the concept of goal achievement and use the principles of project management to get things done. I’ve learned since writing my book some valuable lessons, chief among them is that a year is a practically an esoteric amount of time for many people. While we all know how quickly a year can slip by, it’s still a surprise when the next birthday, the next high school graduation, or the next autumn rolls around.

Nine weeks, however, is a snap. Think back two months and you’re practically at nine weeks. You can do this – let me show you what’s worked for me. Let’s just consider this an experiment within The Lifelong Project. I’m going to use the key lessons from my book in a truncated, precise approach to goal achievement. Here’s the framework:

1. Choose one goal. In The Lifelong Project I delve into managing and coordinating efforts to achieve multiple goals. Not in Project One Nine. Choose one goal that you want to achieve. Notice the word “want” – it’s more important to want to do something than having to do something. Your one goal must be defined in quantitative terms. For example, “I want to lose some weight” isn’t a quantifiable goal. “I want to lose 15 pounds” is a precise goal for this experiment.
2. You get nine weeks. Nine weeks is manageable, easy to see, and you’ll be through it, done with your goal, and celebrating victory before you realize it. My intent is to get you moving quickly towards achieving your goal because there’s a sense of urgency – just nine weeks! – to get this thing done. Let’s not drag it out.
3. Your goal must be realistic. The scope of your goal must fit the time allotted. Your goal must be feasible to achieve in nine weeks. For example, if your goal is to complete a technical training course, but if the class lasts for twelve weeks then that’s not good this experiment. Instead edit your goal to a milestone of going nine weeks in the course without missing any assignments, any lecture, or some other achievable, identifiable result that fits to nine weeks.
4. No quitters. If you’re going to do it, just suck it up and commit to it. Grit your teeth, get determined, expected challenges, but keep on going. I don’t want quitters in this endeavor. If you have doubts about sticking to this program for the next nine weeks then it’s better than you don’t even start. I’ve said for a long time: Do something or endure the misery. If you’re determined to make a change in your life, I’ll help you.
5. Be accountable. Private goals are dreamy, but public goals become commitments. Put it out there, be vulnerable, and share what you’re doing – and on a regular, consistent basis. One of the easiest methods to do this is on Facebook. It’ll take you a few seconds to share your goal, share your progress, and that’ll keep you accountable. You should also become a fan of The Lifelong Project on Facebook – as this is where I’ll post regular updates, videos, and encouragement about goal achievement.

Are you ready to get started? Great! Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Your first assignment is to clearly define your one goal. For example, my goal in this endeavor is to lose 15 pounds. My doctor advised, and advises, that I still need to lose 15 pounds. These stubborn 15 pounds around my waist, hips, and gut. I’m tired of seeing this ring of blubber around my midsection and I’m ready to work these final pounds off my body.
2. Define your start and end dates. You’ll want to define exactly when you’ll be starting and ending the work to achieve your goal. It could be today or you can aim for the following Monday – the point is, define the dates and then stick to it. For me, my start date is June 5 and my finish date is August 6.
3. Share your goal. That’s right – no whining. Get on Facebook and post your goal. You need accountability to yourself, friends, and family. Update your status about the progress you’re making several times a week. Tell people about the actions you’re taking. Watch what will happen! Your friends and family will become excited for you – and this creates energy. You’ll not only find motivation to keep going you’ll also be inspiring and motivating others. That is powerful! I’ll be updating my status for the next nine weeks on Facebook in The Lifelong Project fan page.
4. Breakdown your goal into three, three-week segments. For example, in my goal to lose 15 pounds I’ve broken down my goal as:
   • Weeks 1-3: Five pounds dropped by June 25
   • Weeks 4-6: Ten pounds dropped by July 16
   • Weeks 7-9: Fifteen pounds dropped and goal completed by August 6

   
   Notice how I didn’t say five pounds each time? Make your segments achievable so that you can see you’re building momentum to that final milestone and end of week nine.
   

5. Now define the activities for each segment of the goal. You’ll want to provide specific activities – the more precise the better. (I’ve elected to not share my specific health activities because I don’t want to dispense advice that may not be right for you. I recommend you hire a trainer, as I did, to help create your fitness goals. You might also want to get consult your doctor about any health-related goals.) For example, In order for me to lose five pounds in the first few weeks I’ve defined my activities as:
   • Exercise seven hours a week: running, weight lifting, and biking
   • Follow a healthy diet: fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish, eggs, water (I’ll give up fried foods, desserts, and beer except for Sunday, which is my splurge day)
   • Keep a food journal: I’ll record what I’m eating and drinking to be accountable to this goal
6. Repeat the process. At the end of the first segment you’ll break down the precise actions of the second segment. At the end of the second segment you’ll break down your final actions for the end of the project.
7. Celebrate! When you reach the end of week nine and your goal is complete you’ll celebrate your accomplishment. Do something special – you’ll deserve it: massage, fancy meal, or a few days off work. Make your celebration meaningful so you’ll have something extra to work towards as a reward for achieving your goal.

Are you in? Ready to commit to this endeavor? I’ll help you along the way as I’m going to be doing this too. I’ll post articles, daily motivation, and videos to help us both reach our goals. If you’re really committed I encourage you to find a partner that can help. Now get to work!