Automatic Success
Success is the manifestation of actions, hard work, perseverance, and luck. While the latter three elements are easy to understand, the question remains: how do we improve our actions? Actions are commonly described as conscious efforts and deliberate decisions, but I propose a different perspective. What if the decisions that determine the success or failure of our business objectives stem from a subconscious system of controls?
In his book "Psycho-Cybernetics," Maxwell Maltz argues that "once we make a conscious goal and trigger it into action, an automatic mechanism takes over." This concept has profound implications. Consider driving: you consciously decide to go to the grocery store and get into your car. Once you're on the road, you often zone out, the miles pass by, and you arrive at your destination seamlessly. Your subconscious, through years of recording your behavior and that of others around you, has developed the most efficient system for achieving your goal. This system isn't just efficient—it's far more effective than any conscious system we possess. In fact, when you consciously focus on your driving, your performance typically deteriorates: lane compliance worsens, driving becomes less smooth, and the path to your goal becomes more challenging.
Achieving business goals requires a similar approach. You set a goal, communicate it to your business leaders, and then allow the subconscious to guide the process. This doesn't mean eliminating conscious work entirely—if code needs updating, you obviously need to consciously complete that task. However, when there's a subconscious drive to move in a slightly different direction than initially planned, it's crucial to listen to that impulse. More often than not, following these subconscious signals will bring you closer to your business objectives.
At Paretoh, we've witnessed numerous clients achieve their business goals by doing less once those goals are clearly stated—adopting what we call a "set and forget" mindset. We encourage daily morning meetings that incorporate visualization practices to reinforce goals. The remainder of the day is then dedicated to distraction-free time, allowing the subconscious mind to flourish and generate innovative solutions to complex problems.
If your company has lost its innovative edge and needs a reset, Paretoh is here to help guide you through this transformative process.
