Alright, let’s get real. We all have goals, big and small. But how many of them actually see the light of day? If you’re like most people, a frustrating number of those ambitions end up as “nice ideas” that never quite materialize. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when we want to see ourselves as people who get things done – as doers.
My good friend, Dr. Bill Dyment – a powerhouse “Team Doctor,” Executive Coach, and the guy who literally wrote books like “Fire Your Excuses” – recently shared some absolute gold on this very topic. His post from May 8, 2025, was packed with research-backed strategies that are too good not to amplify and put my own spin on. Because, at the end of the day, talk is cheap; it’s the doers who win.
So, here are some of Dr. Dyment’s game-changing tips, translated into my kind of straight talk:
- Write It Down, For Crying Out Loud!
Dr. Dyment highlights a stark stat: goals only “in your head” have a pitiful 4% chance of success. Want to actually achieve something? Get it out of your brain and onto paper (or a doc, whatever). It’s the first step to making it real.
- Get an Accountability Partner – A Real One.
This is a biggie. Share your progress with someone you trust at least every two weeks. Dr. Dyment points to research showing this skyrockets your chances of success to 74%! And make sure it’s someone who won’t just blow smoke; you need an honest mirror, not a “yes man.”
- Schedule a “Me CEO” Meeting.
Treat your goals like serious business. Dr. Dyment suggests a weekly personal business meeting. This isn’t just calendar organizing; it’s dedicated success planning.
- Make it special: Find a unique spot for this meeting. Train your brain: “When I’m here, it’s go-time for my goals.”
- Rhythm: Start small, but aim for: an hour a week, a half-day a month, a full day a quarter, and even a weekend a year. Sounds intense? So is success.
- Engineer Your Environment for Success.
Stop making it easy to fail.
- Surround yourself with winners: Connect with people already doing what you want to do. Join groups, online or IRL.
- Make bad habits a pain: Dr. Dyment uses the ice cream example: no ice cream in the freezer. If you really want it, you have to go out and pay top dollar for a single scoop. Suddenly, it’s a rare treat, not a habit. Apply this logic to your goal saboteurs.
- Hack Your Habits with the Premack Principle.
This is clever. Link a new goal-related behavior to something you already do consistently. Want to do push-ups? As Dr. Dyment suggests, knock out a set before you stream that show or watch the game. Simple, effective.
- Zip It (Mostly) Until You’ve Done It.
This is crucial, especially in our oversharing world. Dr. Dyment warns against broadcasting your goals before you achieve them. That early applause on social media? It actually reduces your odds of success because you get your reward prematurely. Tell your accountability partners, sure. Tell those running the race with you. Everyone else can hear about it when you’re crossing the finish line.
- Reward the Grind, Not Just the Win.
Milestones matter. Instead of buying all the fancy gear before you even start, Dr. Dyment advises treating yourself as you hit progress points. Stick to your workout goal for a month? Then buy those new shoes. It keeps the motivation burning.
- Nail Your “Why.” Make It Unshakeable.
Your reason for pursuing the goal has to be rock solid. As Dr. Dyment puts it, wanting to “mentor my grandkids and be active with them” is a far more powerful “why” for getting fit than just wanting to “look good in a bathing suit.” A strong “why” will pull you through the tough spots.
- Become It Now: Adopt the Identity.
This is a mindset shift I love. Don’t think, “I will be an athlete when I get in shape.” Think, “I am an athlete. Athletes live differently.” Operate from the identity of the person who has already achieved the goal, as Dr. Dyment advises. It changes how you approach everything.
- The 3% Challenge: For the Seriously Committed.
This one’s for those who are all in, a concept from Brian Tracy that Dr. Dyment champions. Invest 3% of your yearly income in personal development – coaching, courses, skills. We didn’t blink at investing heavily in our initial education, right? This is ongoing education for success. Dr. Dyment’s promise: give up one year of fancy vacations for this, and you’ll afford better vacations for years to come. That’s an investment in doing.
So there you have it – a no-nonsense breakdown of some incredible wisdom, sparked by my friend Dr. Bill Dyment. These aren’t just theories; they’re actionable steps.
Pick one, pick a few, or go all in. Just stop wishing and start doing.
What are you going to tackle first?
(Inspired by my friend, Dr. Bill Dyment, “Team Doctor,” Executive Coach, and Author)
