The ABZ Method

Let's say you have a goal. You know you're capable of achieving it. But somehow, you haven't even started yet. You're not alone. I've been through this a lot.

Then I ask myself why. Is it because I'm lazy? Is it because of overthinking? Maybe a little bit of both? I don't know. Whatever the reason, the result is the same. Nothing happens.

But there's a method that helps. It's called the ABZ method. Let me explain.

We have all received the advice "just go step by step." And that's good advice. The problem is how we take it. We imagine all the steps at once. Step A, then B, then C, then D. By the time you reach M in your head, you're exhausted. And you haven't even started. Every new step is a new opportunity for doubt. Doubt is a dream killer.

With ABZ, you only need three letters of the alphabet. Let's say you have an objective: get in shape. That will be Z. Walking on the beach with no shirt on, with confidence. Looking in the mirror and being proud of what you see. That's the goal.

The letter A is where you are. And it has to be honest. Not where you wish you were. Where you are today.

Then you only need one more letter. B. What is one thing I could do that gets me closer to Z? Not the whole plan. One thing. Maybe it's a 20-minute walk after dinner. That's B. Once you do B, B becomes your new A. And you ask the question again. That's it. One foot in front of the other.

Think about walking to the corner store. You can't even see it from your door. You just trust it's there, and that it'll be open. You don't question anything on the way. You don't plan every step. You walk, you turn, you turn again, and you're there. No stress. Just corners, one after the other, until you arrive. Most things in life should feel like that. But they don't. We stress before we even start. With stress comes doubt. With doubt, we stand still.

There's one condition. You have to believe Z can happen. Not know how. Just believe it's possible, and trust the process. The same way you trust the corner store will be open.

So remember A, B, Z. Where you are, the next step, and where you're going. You don't need the whole freaking alphabet in front of you.