Three Words That Underpin Everything I Do
In a world bursting with information and seemingly endless tasks, finding a method that simplifies decision-making, and execution is gold. For me, this method has evolved into a personal guiding principle: Define. Dial. Do. It’s a framework that provides structure, clarity, and momentum. Each word, simple yet profound, represents a critical phase in the journey of turning ideas into reality. Whether it’s tackling a complex project, setting personal goals, or making daily choices, these three words serve as my North Star.
Let’s break down what each word means and how together, they build a powerful cycle of purposeful action.
Step 1: Define
At the start of any process, clarity is king. Defining the “what” and the “why” behind an endeavour isn’t just a first step, it’s the foundation. In this stage, I delve deeply into understanding exactly what I’m trying to achieve and why it matters. This involves examining goals, priorities, and desired outcomes. Without definition, even the best ideas can fall flat, lacking direction and purpose.
In defining a project or goal, I ask myself:
◆ What am I trying to achieve?
◆ Why is this goal or task important?
◆ What does success look like in this context?
Defining goals clearly creates a sense of ownership. Once I understand what I’m aiming for, it’s easier to map out the journey ahead. It helps me visualise what the outcome could look like and feel like, making the whole endeavour feel both personal and purposeful.
Step 2: Dial
Dialling is about refining the plan and adjusting as needed to align with my strengths. It’s the equivalent of tuning a radio or adjusting a camera lens until you get a clear signal. With a clear definition of my goal, I can now focus on crafting a practical roadmap and gathering the tools, resources, or skills I need. This stage is where strategy meets precision, allowing me to align my efforts and ensure everything is set up for success.
Dialling includes:
◆ Prioritising tasks to maximise efficiency and effectiveness.
◆ Assessing resources I have and identifying any gaps.
◆ Setting timelines and realistic milestones to keep momentum without burnout.
◆ Anticipating potential obstacles and having backup plans in place.
Dialling is also about flexibility; it’s the ability to adjust and recalibrate without losing focus. If things aren’t progressing as planned, I come back to this stage to readjust and tweak my approach. It’s a reminder that not everything needs to be perfect from the start, but it does need to be clear and actionable.
Step 3: Do
After defining and dialling, it’s time for the final, and most crucial step: Do. This is where I put plans into motion, focusing on action and execution. Doing is about commitment and persistence; it’s where ideas meet reality. Here, I prioritise staying disciplined, tackling tasks head-on, and maintaining momentum, even when challenges arise.
Doing is often the hardest part because it requires resilience and follow-through. In this stage, I remind myself:
◆ Start small but start now. Even a small step forward is better than waiting for the “perfect” time. Remember one of the quotes from my website is “Day One or One Day”
◆ Stay consistent. Effort compounds over time, and consistent action often leads to unexpected breakthroughs. Another quote from my website “Without commitment, you’ll never start, but more importantly, without consistency, you’ll never finish”
◆ Celebrate progress. Recognising wins regardless of the size keeps motivation high and reminds me why I began in the first place.
This stage is about transforming thought into action, aligning intentions with behaviour, and making real progress. It’s where abstract plans become tangible results, and it’s the fuel that keeps the cycle moving forward.
Why Define. Dial. Do Works
Define. Dial. Do isn’t just a catchy slogan it’s a philosophy that provides structure in a world full of distractions. Here’s why it works so well:
◆ Simplicity and Clarity – With three distinct phases, this approach avoids unnecessary complexity. It breaks down the overwhelming task of “getting things done” into manageable steps.
◆ Flexibility – Each phase is adaptable, allowing me to return to any stage when necessary. If I find myself off track, I can always pause, reassess, and either redefine my goal or recalibrate my approach.
◆ Forward Momentum – The cycle naturally propels me forward. By breaking things into “define,” “dial,” and “do,” I avoid stagnation and can continue moving toward my goals with confidence.
How to Use Define. Dial. Do in Your Own Life
If you’re looking to apply this framework, start with a project, goal, or idea in mind. Follow each stage mindfully, and don’t rush the process:
◆ Define your goal with as much clarity and detail as possible.
◆ Dial into the specifics, your strengths and setting yourself up with the resources and priorities you need.
◆ Do the work with a commitment to seeing it through.
Give it a go. You may well be surprised with the results.