How To Journal Like Series: Tony Robbins

In the current world we live in, time can go on fast forward if we don’t pay attention. As a result, it’s only natural for most of us to turn to our to-do list to get a semblance of control. Ticking tasks off and watching our list get shorter does make it seem like we’re achieving something, doesn’t it?

But what if, despite the many tasks you finish, you still don’t feel a sense of fulfillment over your accomplishments? In the words of Tony Robbins, well-known American author, life coach, and philanthropist, “you can mistake movement for achievement.” Although you’re able to cross out every task in your to-do list each day, you may still end up unsatisfied—but not if you know exactly what you want and why you want it. 

This is why in today’s article, we want to talk about how we can utilize a popular system that Robbins developed, which can help us make the most out of life: the Rapid Planning Method. By giving importance to the things that truly matter, we can have a greater sense of fulfillment with every milestone and accomplishment that we achieve.

1. Results Oriented

The RPM relies on a 3-step process that was designed by Robbins to be followed in a particular order. Step one is critical and is where we ask ourselves, “What do I really want?” Before anything else, we need to know the end goal that we’re after. The more specific we are in naming what we truly desire in life—no matter which aspect of it we’re trying to improve—the clearer the road towards it will be. 

The key here is to focus on a measurable result. This is because being precise makes your goal more achievable.

For example: writing I want to lose weight is vague and general. Without any details, your destination is unclear and less actionable. On the other hand, I want to lose 20 pounds to reach a BMI range that fits my height and age is more clear cut. It’s stronger, more specific, and is actionable because you have all the details you need to plan out exactly how you’re going to achieve the result you want.

2. Purpose Driven 

Robbins calls purpose “the fuel of human emotion” and we have to agree! After all, it’s one of the best drivers that have kept human beings moving forward since the beginning of time. Figure out the reason why you do what you do because if you don’t, each task and activity you take part in will feel pointless.

“Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure” is another saying from Robbins, which makes sense: if your accomplishments have no value and are meaningless to you, then how can you expect to feel a sense of fulfillment for having achieved them? So allot time for yourself to give this second question a thought: “Why do I really want it?” 

Let’s go back to the example earlier about losing weight: is your purpose to become healthy? To look amazing? To reduce the risk of sickness and disease that can be exacerbated by not shedding extra weight? Write it down in your journal and, when things get difficult, during days where your goal seems impossible, let your purpose be your guiding light to persist.  

Remember: it doesn’t matter what your purpose is as long as it keeps you going, closer, to the result you’re aiming for. It can be different for each of us so find one that encourages you to keep moving forward. 

3. Massive Action Plan   

The third and last question is, “How do I achieve it?” Now that you know exactly what you want and why it’s important to you, it’s time to come up with an action plan to finally get the results you’re aiming for. There are many different ways to get there so don’t limit yourself to just one possibility. Explore them all and see which one resonates with you. 

Going back to our weight loss example, most likely, there are a lot of factors to consider. Would it be better if you had a personal weight loss coach? Will you do better just following workouts on YouTube or going to the local gym? Do you need the help of a nutritionist so you can tailor fit a specific diet to your chosen fitness regimen? List all of your ideas down and choose which one will most likely work for you.

The great thing about journaling is that there is always a method you can use depending on what you need and what you think will work for you. Whether that’s tracking your progress, marking out dates in your planner, or developing a meal plan, there’s something for everyone. 

Robbins believes that there is one force that controls our life: decisions. Through the Rapid Planning Method, you get full control of the direction you’re headed towards. From the get go, it is you who decides what you want, why it matters, and how you can achieve it. So if you haven’t given it some thought yet, perhaps it’s time to pause for a bit and ask yourself:  

What do I really want? Why do I really want it? How do I achieve it? We know you’ll figure it out and look forward to you having the successful, fulfilling life that you deserve.