ABC GAME PLAN:

GUARANTEED SUCCESS 

ABC Game Plan: Guaranteed Success 

Sometimes, we get derailed and stressed because our performance is not going the way we’d hoped it
would. (Also see the Acceptance and Trusting the Process sections regarding attachment to an outcome.)

The ABC method of setting goals for your performance allows you to consciously set goals BEFORE you
perform. Having an ideal plan (plan A), a backup plan (plan B), and a backup to the backup plan, called a
safety net plan (plan C), ensures that you will ALWAYS be successful in your performance!  

Your ˝A˝ plan is ideal—that’s the ideal outcome you could experience through any given situation.

Your backup plan B occurs when you can’t achieve your ˝A˝ plan. You then change your focus to gain
something more achievable and still valuable. And if neither your A nor B plans work, plan C changes the
focus again so that you still experience a successful performance. Remember, it’s up to you to decide what
success is, and making a conscious choice in the moment, like we’re describing here, allows you to choose
success as you define it in the moment. 

Example: You’re a bowler who has been practicing a bigger hook than you normally play. You’re very excited
to try it in your league tonight. 

Your stated plan A goal is: Consistently deliver the ball movement you want. 

You also know that conditions, or your lack of practice, or a variety of other influencers may get in your
way, so with your Specialist’s help, you decide that another great value you receive from bowling is the
camaraderie. If your A goal isn’t coming to fruition, you can let go of your first goal and then focus on taking
the actions to achieve the next one.

Your plan B goal: Enjoy the company of your teammates.

This is easier to control, and if that’s your goal, you will most likely perform it well. But what if something
goes wrong? No need to throw in the towel, because you have a safety net goal:

Your plan C goal: Learn something.

When all else “fails” you can rely on your plan C. If you need to drop the first two, then C becomes your goal.
You can always guarantee success with your plan C.

Knowing when plan A is no longer reasonable will be a key to success, and will create more energy (which,
ironically, will allow you to perform better, possibly to the point where plan A begins to work again). 

Think about an ABC plan for your next performance. Write your ideas below, and review this with your
Specialist.  

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