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Ever set a goal that you just can’t seem to commit to? 

This one’s for you.

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🔑 Unlock Positive Change with Motivational Interviewing 

This article is brought to you by one of our coaches, James Hartley, who helps founders reach the next level and navigate transformations. After 13 years in tech/startups and financial independence, his purpose is helping others fulfill their potential through a coaching practice and Masters of Social Work.

Last week we shared 9 Proven Tips on Overcoming Founder Procrastination. 

This week we’re exploring another powerful tool in the battle against procrastination and for positive behavior change - Motivational Interviewing (MI).

It’s simple. 

Takes 15 minutes. 

And the best part, it feels like a friendly chat over coffee, just with a goal. 

Motivational Interviewing: From Addiction to Empowerment  

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach developed by psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick in the early 1980s. 

MI was originally used in addiction and substance abuse.

Now, it has proven its effectiveness in healthcare, mental health, social work, as well as my own coaching practice. 

Your Strategic Nudge in the Right Direction 

MI is rooted in self-determination theory, recognizing our need for connection, competence, and autonomy. 

MI requires a questioner, so pick a friend, co-founder, colleague, partner etc. 

The questioner will guide you to explore 2 key aspects of change:

1. Why change is important to you 

2. Your confidence in your ability to make the change 

Why the Non-MI Way Fails: Somebody Else Decides for You

What typically happens: 

You tell your friend you want to, for example, workout 4 times a week. 

They tell you why they think you should do it and how they would do it.

This frequently doesn’t resonate with you. 

Why MI Works: You Shape Your Own Narrative  

We are story-telling creatures - our identity is dynamic and shaped when we tell our narrative to others. 

As we answer the questions in MI, our reasons and confidence to change become clearer and more salient. 

The questioner’s reflections witness and further solidify your reasons and confidence.

Experience the Power of MI in Action 

Choose a behavior you want to change. One that’s important to you / your business, yet one you’ve been struggling with. 

Examples:

• meditate daily

• post on my business’ socials 5 times per week to increase brand awareness

• cut down to 2 drinks a week

• reach out to 10 new clients a day etc. 

Find a questioner and have them ask you the following questions one by one. 

Do not move onto the next question until you’ve exhausted the one you’re on: 

1. What is 1 behavior change / goal you want to achieve?

Make sure you set a SMART goal.

2. Why is it important to you? 

Give as many answers as you can.

You’re probably going to stumble after 3-4. 

Keep going.

I promise you can get to at least 12. Yes 12. 

Don’t move onto the next step until you do. 

Your questioner paraphrases and summarizes why this is important to you, then asks: 

3. Given all these reasons, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being of the utmost importance, how important is this to you?

At this point you’re likely ranking your goal above a 5.

If it’s under 5, then maybe it’s not as important as you thought and it should be deprioritized.

4. What skills, experience, knowledge do you have to accomplish this?

List at least 10.  

Your questioner paraphrases and summarizes what makes you competent in accomplishing this, then asks:

5. Given these skills, experience, and knowledge, on a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you that you can accomplish this?

This is usually where the magic happens and you realize that you’re more capable and confident than what you originally gave yourself credit for. 

Notes for Your Questioner 

As a questioner, approach this with empathy, acceptance and non-judgement. 

Let the responder be the expert in their own life. 

Provide affirmations to the responders' answers.

Have questions you want answered here?

Submit them here, anonymously.

Want to troubleshoot live with fellow founders?

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Let us know how Motivational Interviewing works out for you!

Warmly,

Founders Club