The following is an excerpt of an actual transaction between David and a client in Top Coaching Techniques.

David: I’ve got an idea. Is it possible that at least one day out of the past 365 that you’ve set yourself targets that cannot actually be achieved in a day?

Client: [Laughing] Yes. A lot more than one, I would think.

David: Is it possible that could be a factor in your frustration?

Client: Yes, probably so.

David: Right.

Client: That’s why it is hard to not get frustrated if you have goals, and don’t achieve them. It’s a permanent state of frustration.

David: I can relate. I spent most of the last year in that space. At the end of each day I was constantly frustrated because I wouldn’t have achieved everything that I had said I wanted to. I have some quotes for you that will set the scene, and then I’ll get practical. So, ‘When you die, your inbox will not be empty.’ Right?

Client: Yeah.

David: Actually, I’m going to leave it at one quote. So that’s always going to happen. Now, I wonder what it would be like for you, I really do, to set targets for the next 7 days that you could actually hit – and hit them.