Harnessing the Power of Probabilities

Some daily actions move us towards our goals. Other habits get in our way, block progress and undermine our efforts.

Maybe it’s because I’m an accountant by training, but it seems like it’s all a matter of simple math. When I take a positive step forward, I increase the Probability of a successful outcome. When I delay, fail to act, or do anything that blocks my progress, I decrease the Probability of a successful outcome.

The more positive actions we take each day, the closer we get to the goals we set. The more bad decisions we make and counterproductive habits we allow to drive our actions, the further from our goals we drift.

Simple math, based on harnessing the Power of Probabilities.

Here’s an example. If I want to get fit, I need to move my body in a way that builds and tones. I also need to make smart choices in what I consume for food and drink. The more I move and the better I consume, the more fit and healthy I am

In large organizations, top performers are already on the right track. But at many as 70% of employees don’t contribute at their highest levels. Why? Many feel a lack of empowerment, and many don’t have a clear understanding of the organization’s vision or key goals. Even if these employees do understand the goals, most simply don’t know how their individual efforts support those goals. Do What You Can! keynotes and workshops specifically target the 70% while reinforcing the results already being achieved by top performers.

likely to become.

Likewise, when I take the simple step of writing out my action ‘To Do’ list each evening covering the next day’s activities, I increase the Probability of completing the important actions that I have decided will move me towards my goals. By working this list every day, I start each morning with what needs to be done and avoid much of the distracting and delaying stuff that eats up time and energy as I start my day. I enjoy crossing off actions as they are completed, and look forward to throwing out my completed To Do list when the last item is done.

I end my workday by writing out my list for the next day and then placing it right on top of my closed laptop where I am guaranteed to see it as the very first thing when I sit down to work in the morning.

Working this Simple Step each day increases the Probability of achieving my goals.

What Simple Steps could you take starting right now to increase your Probability of success? The more of these ideas you pile into your daily routine, the higher your Probability of Success.

Likewise, what daily routines and habits are getting in your way? Is it excessive text conversations with friends? Checking your email every five minutes just in case someone has reached out to you? Mindless use of social media? Plodding through your workday without structure? How about consistently failing to get enough sleep so that you always feel drained by mid-day? There are literally dozens of bad habits that we all engage in that decrease the Probability of achieving our goals on our terms.

Here’s an idea to get you harness the Power of Probabilities.

Pledge to spend one full day consciously noticing your actions that move you forward and the habits that get in your own way. Do a soft calculation of the effect each positive and negative action has on your own Probability of success. Making simple adjustments to your behavior based on the results of this exercise could help you adjust your action path and launch you towards more effective results.

Why not get started right now? Let me know if I can help.

John J. Hall, CPA

John J. Hall, CPA, is an author, speaker and results expert who presents around the world at conventions, corporate meetings and association events. Throughout his 35-year career as a business consultant, corporate executive and professional speaker, John has helped organizations and individuals achieve measurable results. He inspires audience members in corporations, not-for-profit organizations and professional associations to step up, take action and “do what you can.”