Switch Goals

Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible – Tony Robbins

Still Going

At age 39, Lebron James should not be playing the level of basketball that he is. At an age where most players experience significant decline or have already retired, Lebron continues to defy the odds. In his 21st year in the NBA, a feat matched by very few, Lebron has separated himself as one of the greatest players not just for his ability, but his availability to play at a high level at this stage in his career. Instead of shifting to neutral and coasting to the finish, LeBron James continues to exceed expectations. Recent evidence of this is leading the Los Angeles Lakers to win the inaugural In-Season Tournament in December last year. 

Lebron is reaping the benefits of a decision made years ago. To perform consistently at such a high level requires a body that is at its best. And LeBron has spared no expense investing in body conditioning. According to an article in Essentially Sports, he spends roughly $1.5 million each year on his body! That investment has paid off handsomely in the form of 21 seasons (and counting), the all time leader for points scored, the NBA’s all time leader for minutes played, 10 NBA Finals appearances, 4 Finals MVP honors, and 4 NBA Championships. And we are all witnesses. Lebron made a switch goal to invest in his body conditioning that continues to pay off years later. 

Switch Goals

These goals require a lifestyle change for them to become actualized. Switch goals call for a realignment of how you use your time, talents, energy and even money. They come at a price, like Lebron’s body conditioning, but the price is worth it down the line. For example, if you decide this year that you want to embark on a debt reduction or elimination plan, this requires not only attacking the debt but a change in your lifestyle that curtails your expenses or raises your income through a side hustle. While stair goals for a start and a daily consistent effort, a switch goals call requires sacrifice. I can only imagine how much Lebron sacrificed to be able to play at this level late in his career. The sacrifice you make today to employ a switch goal will be painful in the short term but rewarding in the long term. Without switch goals we are prone to remain in vicious cycles that keep our quality of life stunted. 

Switch goals call for a realignment of how you use your time, talents, energy and even money.

For switch goals to remain in place to their completion, two things are essential:

A Why

What is the reason for your switch goal? I believe Lebron’s was to increase his longevity in the game he enjoys playing and play at a higher level. What is the reason behind your switch goal? When you have a strong why, you will overcome the quitting feeling when the road gets bumpy, and you see no end in sight. The why will also keep you disciplined and your focal point on reaching the summit of your goal. 

Touchpoints

With switch goals, progress is measured along the way using touchpoints. A touchpoint is a regular marker you place either weekly or monthly where you sit down and take an honest look at progress made. Using the example of debt reduction or elimination, you can decide to have a weekly checkpoint where you look at your budget, how you’ve reduced your spending and what debts you have reduced or paid off. These touchpoints are meant to be moments where you celebrate progress and make adjustments for the next space of time until the next touchpoint. 

Final Thought: Are you bold enough to set a switch goal? It will require sacrifice, but with a strong why and regular touchpoints, the short-term pain associated with switch goals will lead to the long-term reward of a goal achieved that will usher in a higher quality of life. 

Keep on keeping on!

Notes

https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-basketball-news-inside-lebron-james-self-love-routine-that-takes-1-5-million-from-his-net-worth/. Accessed on January 15, 2024