This week I have been talking a lot about habits as we try to find a new normal and get back on track with the coronavirus pandemic still looming. Even if you haven't been personally affected by the virus, the quarantine has probably thrown your schedule off.
You are home a lot more, your everyday is routine is completely different, you are probably eating different food, and there is also a lot of stress. Even though some of that has faded, it is still out there and how do you make the best of it?
As I was doing research for this post, I found a lot of info about success habits. I can’t even tell you how many different articles I saw outlining the 30 different habits you need to be successful, or the 20 must-have habits, or even 50 or more! That is a lot, who has time every day for all those extra habits?
It actually made me laugh, because I truly believe the simpler and more streamlined you make things, the more likely you are to stick with them. You do NOT need 50 habits to be successful. Or even 20!
I want to talk about just 5 simple habits that will help you reach your goals… and even better news is, they’ll help you achieve almost anything you want in life. These 5 habit ideas come from Jack Canfield who created the Chicken Soup series of books.
Are you ready for Habit #1?!
The first habit is to BELIEVE IN YOURSELF and BELIEVE that you can achieve it.
When you’re first starting something new or going after a big goal, it can be really hard to believe you can actually do it. The fact is, you can do almost anything you put your mind to! It won't be easy but you are in control of putting in the work to make it happen! Remember earlier this week when we talked about only focusing on the things you can control, this is one of those things!
The second habit is … HAVING SPECIFIC GOALS.
Successful people are always working TOWARD something. Your brain likes having something specific to work for. It helps give you focus and drive.
What separates your goals from your dreams, is that your goals have a deadline. So, instead of saying, “I want to run a 5K,” you would say, “By September 1, I will be able to run a 5K.”
The third habit is … GOING THE EXTRA MILE.
In business, this is called over-delivering. It’s giving your clients more than they signed up for, or going above and beyond on the work you’re doing for your boss.
It also works in your own health and fitness ... it could be holding a plank for an extra few seconds, when your mind is telling you it’s too hard and you want to stop. It could be jogging that extra 50 steps to the next mailbox without quitting. Even following through on your commitment to yourself to eat more veggies by doubling up on your dinnertime serving of broccoli counts.
The fourth habit is … SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE TAKE ACTION.
Nothing will happen unless something HAPPENS … and for that to occur, you have to take ACTION. You have to DO SOMETHING. It’s true that taking those first couple of steps can seem daunting, but it’s also exciting!
You’ll never run that 5K if you never take a step. You’ll never write that book if you don’t start writing … you’ll never lose the weight unless you take action to make it happen!
Believe in yourself … set a goal … go the extra mile … and TAKE ACTION. See how these are all building on each other?
Which leads to the fifth habit of highly successful people …
SHOW APPRECIATION.
They are grateful for the process, and they take time to thank the people who help them along the way. You have a choice in how you feel about the journey to achieve your goals. One of my favorite TV shows of all time is One Tree Hill. The show came out when I was in high school/ early college and there is a quote that has stuck with me. “Who knows where life will take you. The road is long and in the end, the journey is the destination.” Whitey Durham. You have options when it comes to your journey, you can feel negative and resent it, or you can feel positive and grateful for the opportunity to create it.
So, there you have it:
1. Believe in yourself
2. Set a goal with a deadline
3. Go the extra mile
4. Take action
5. Show appreciation
Which one is YOUR favorite?
What are YOU working toward now? What goals are you setting?
If you are struggling to set some goals right now that are achievable let me know. I would love to help you get some goals on paper so your brain can have something positive to focus on and drive towards. Whether you are a current member or checking us out for the first time click here to see my calendar! Setting up a strategy session is completely free and can be done in person or online
