Escaping the Drift - The Weekly Drop: The Journey to Sustainable Change

Host: John Gafford
Release Date: January 2, 2025

In the inaugural episode of the new year’s edition of "Escaping the Drift," host John Gafford delves into a topic that resonates with many: the elusive nature of New Year’s resolutions. Titled "The Weekly Drop: The Journey to Sustainable Change," this episode dissects the common pitfalls that prevent individuals from achieving their resolutions and offers actionable strategies to foster sustainable success.

1. Understanding Why Resolutions Fail

John begins by addressing a ubiquitous scenario familiar to many: the overcrowded gyms on January 1st that soon empty by mid-February. He questions, “Why does it go so quick from February to nobody being there?” (02:15).

a. Lack of Effective Systems

Drawing inspiration from James Clear’s acclaimed book, Atomic Habits, John emphasizes that "motivation is not enough" (05:30). He likens motivation to a shower—something necessary daily but insufficient for long-term habit formation. Without robust systems to support their goals, individuals are likely to falter when motivation wanes.

b. Poor Goal Setting

John expresses his disdain for the term "goal," advocating for "objectives" instead. He states, “I hate the word goal... I don’t call the things that I want to accomplish 'goals,' I call them 'objectives,' because that's something I'm going to achieve” (12:45). He underscores the importance of SMART objectives—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—and illustrates this with the example of setting a precise health objective: "I’m going to lose 10 pounds by [specific date]" (16:20).

c. Lack of Perseverance

John highlights that many give up too easily, citing real-life struggles and losses that underscore the necessity of perseverance. He recommends Grit by Angela Duckworth, emphasizing that "perseverance and passion in what you're doing is super important" (23:10).

d. All-or-Nothing Mindset

Referencing Charles Duhigg’s The Power of Habit, John warns against the all-or-nothing approach. He criticizes rigid programs like 75 Hard, arguing that such extremes often lead to failure. Instead, he advocates for incremental improvements and manageable changes, stating, “If you’re like, I’m not going to eat any sugar at all... you’re completely screwed” (31:50).

e. Procrastination and Instant Gratification

In today’s age of instant gratification, John points out that procrastination is a major barrier to achieving long-term goals. He shares a personal anecdote about advising his son to “embrace the suck” and lean into challenging tasks, reinforcing the idea that “nothing is going to be accomplished” without facing and overcoming hardships (39:25).

2. Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Change

Building on the identified reasons for failure, John outlines five strategies to enhance the likelihood of successfully meeting New Year’s resolutions.

a. Build Effective Systems

Instead of relying solely on motivation, John advocates for creating systems that support desired outcomes. He offers a practical tool—a free business planning course available through his website. This one-page system isn’t limited to business planning; it can be adapted for personal goals such as weight loss or skill acquisition (09:00).

b. Set SMART Objectives

John reiterates the importance of setting SMART objectives to provide clarity and structure. By specifying what exactly needs to be achieved and within what timeframe, individuals can create a clear roadmap for success. For instance, rather than vaguely aiming to "get healthy," setting a measurable objective like "lose 10 pounds by March 31st" provides a tangible target (18:00).

c. Cultivate Perseverance and Grit

Perseverance is crucial for overcoming obstacles and maintaining progress. John encourages listeners to develop grit by focusing on their vision and the underlying reasons for their objectives. He shares his personal motivation for staying healthy: “Being in the best health possible has nothing to do with vanity... it has to do with the fact of being there for as long as I can for my family” (25:15).

d. Focus on Incremental Changes and Systems Over Outcomes

John advises shifting focus from end results to the systems that drive those results. For example, in business, concentrating on setting appointments rather than closing deals can lead to significant progress over time. By prioritizing actionable metrics, individuals can ensure continuous movement toward their objectives (34:05).

e. Embrace Hardness and Overcome Procrastination

To combat procrastination, John stresses the importance of embracing challenges and taking immediate action. He references Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle is the Way, advocating for a mindset that views obstacles as opportunities for growth. “Without being able to lean into what makes things hard, nothing is going to be accomplished” (42:00).

3. Practical Tools and Resources

Throughout the episode, John emphasizes the availability of resources to aid in goal achievement:

• Free Business Planning Course: Accessible via the link in his bio or website, this course provides a structured approach to planning and executing objectives.

• Book Recommendations:

  • Atomic Habits by James Clear
  • Grit by Angela Duckworth
  • The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

These resources complement the strategies discussed, offering deeper insights and frameworks for sustainable change.

4. Conclusion and Encouragement

John concludes the episode with words of gratitude and encouragement, expressing excitement for the upcoming year’s guests and content. He reinforces the message that “you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, but you've got to set your mind a direction that makes sense” (50:30). He urges listeners to take proactive steps by utilizing the free planning course and adopting the discussed strategies to escape the drift and achieve meaningful success.

Notable Quotes:

• “Motivation is like a shower. It's something you require every single day.” (05:30)
• “I hate the word goal... I don’t call the things that I want to accomplish 'goals,' I call them 'objectives.'” (12:45)
• “Just give me the one win. That's all I care about.” (20:10)
• “There’s nothing, there’s no such thing as a bad one” when focusing on appointments in business. (34:10)
• “Without being able to lean into what makes things hard, nothing is going to be accomplished.” (42:00)

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Business Planning Course: www.EscapingtheDrift.com
• Books:
  • Atomic Habits by James Clear
  • Grit by Angela Duckworth
  • The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Final Thoughts:

"Escaping the Drift - The Weekly Drop: The Journey to Sustainable Change" serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone feeling stagnant in their personal or professional lives. John Gafford adeptly combines personal anecdotes, expert references, and practical advice to provide listeners with the tools necessary to break free from unproductive patterns and achieve lasting success. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, athlete, or someone seeking personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights to help you set clear objectives, build effective systems, and maintain the perseverance needed to realize your aspirations.