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use the tricks described in this chapter to alter how you view
and value your future payoffs so they become more attractive
than what the status quo is offering today. You can intentionally
move some of the immediate costs of your goal into the future
in order to sync up the costs and benefi ts. Or, conversely, you
can bring some of your goal’s future benefi ts into the present.
Both will make your goal look a whole lot more attractive and
amp up your urgency to get going on it now.
It’s easy to consider all the things you’ll have to sacrifi ce
in order to achieve your goal, and that kind of list can be a
real downer. But you can overcome that negativity with another
kind of list—one that details the specifi c and concrete ways in
which your goal is going to make your life a much better place
to be. And what about directly attacking how you discount the
value of the future? Forget what you’ve heard about not com-
paring yourself to others—go ahead and do it. With a little
bit of benchmarking, you can more accurately recalculate your
discount rate and make it easier to get started on that goal of
yours today. Also, limit your choices, make it easier on yourself
to choose a goal. And lastly, take mental ownership of your
goal. Once it’s gotten a taste, your brain will never let it go.
Get more examples and tools at hardgoals.com.