“You can't build a reputation telling people what you are going to do!” ~Henry Ford
It's a commonly accepted practice after all... tell everyone about your goals so you are accountable and extra motivated to push forward, right?
Well surprise - surprise! It turns out that announcing your goals is one of the biggest drains of energy and it often proves to diminish your chances of success as you strive to achieve your goal.
Martin discusses his personal experience with this concept and how he noted his energy was best expended NOT in talking about his goals but in the act of getting busy to accomplish them— forging the habits that will accelerate the goals achievement.
Martin then shares a related TED talk by Derek Sivers (link below) and some of the science Derek cites that contradicts the often promoted "tell everyone" tactic.
Check out this week's F.A.F. and learn how keeping your trap shut is likely to put you on the fast track to goal achievement!
If you still want to tell someone... Martin discusses exactly who you can share your most important goals with!
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Derek Sivers website: Sivers.org
The TED talk by Derek Sivers "Keep Your Goals to Yourself"
“Companies see that there is so much value that comes from doing good in the community and it adds so much business value as well."
“And I realized that through my many zigs and the zags I picked up experiences that really helped me to grow as a consultant." ~Frank Scarpaci
Frank Scarpaci, a sought-after B corp and corporate social responsibility consultant, reviews a vast array of benefits related to becoming a "B" corporation (short for a "Benefit" corporation), a new type of corporation that puts social, community and environmental causes and stakeholders at equal value with corporate profits.
Today, certified "B" corps span 47 countries and more than 130 industries and encompasses a growing community of more than 1,600 businesses!
In this episode, Frank recounts his unique experience and the journey that led to him to becoming a leader in the space and a well-known consultant for aspiring businesses looking to become B corp certified.
Frank shares many smart insights in this episode, including:
- How the B corp came about
- The TOP well-known brands/companies that are B corps
- How he came to be recognized by AMEX as one of only 150 employees (out of 85,000) as a team member who embodied their "Good Citizenship" Value
- How to FIND A JOB with a B Corp
- How to take the "B Impact Assessment" for your existing company
- Why it's important to share the good that you and your company provide for your community
- For business owners: Be sure to share and talk about the causes that matter to you and your company!
- Great places to work — a ranking of great companies to work for as well as other resources
- How to check up on non-profits you are interested in and look under the hood
- Frank's best habits, favorite books and how he defines "success"
“We are in a perfect time where we are seeing this shift in the business community to start taking a look at a lot of these challenges..."
----------------------------------------------------
Frank has more than 30 years experience with corporate social responsibility, strategic planning, meeting facilitation, and event management experience and helps companies connect their business success to social good.
Frank is a passionate advocate for the growing B Corp movement— simply a better way to do business. Frank's company, VIANOVA, was one of the first companies to earn B Corp certification in 2008.
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VIANOVA - Frank's Company
"Humans are justifying creatures... we'll craft a story and then we'll dig-in and get behind it. The exercise is, I think, to challenge our story recognizing that is our nature."
While many people may be naturally gifted when it comes to interpersonal skills, others struggle in the area and it often holds them back and expends a lot of time and energy.
What most people fail to recognize is that arguments are often rooted in the simple truth that nobody wants to be thought of as stupid or dumb and therefore will do whatever they can to position themselves as "right" and justify their actions, no matter what they might have been.
Consider this truth and how it might be useful when understanding and relating to friends, family and others better— to help avoid unnecessary arguments.
Whether it's as mundane as not doing the dishes or as horrible as murder one tends to justify their actions. And, it's important to note that people will as fiercely defend their non-actions as their their actions!
"People will either show you their results or they will show you their excuses."
Martin asks listeners to examine various aspects of their lives, analyze those results and simply ask, "What am I justifying?"
Check it out now... hear all about it n this Mind Bullet Monday!
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Resources
Brian Tracy: Maximum Achievement: Strategies and Skills That Will Unlock Your Hidden Powers to Succeed
After searching for nearly 20 years Napoleon Hill finally declares he's discovered the missing link— the secret that he unintentionally left out of his bestselling classic, "Think & Grow Rich".
It appears that The Law of Cosmic Habit Force is only something Napoleon Hill could have discovered after writing Think & Grow Rich and hearing from many that, "it didn't work" and wasn't making them rich.
A distraught Napoleon was confounded as he heard this sort of feedback repeatedly. Even though it worked for many, his 16 principles fell short for a number of other readers.
“WHAT was missing!?”
Well, Mr. Hill pondered that question long and hard, and, as he explained it, he found himself meditating upon this “missing link” FOR ANOTHER 20 YEARS!
So, what was missing!?
Well, it’s almost unfair to tell you/share it ; ). Consider that Napoleon Hill spent 20 years of his life formulating this success philosophy and authoring Think & Grow Rich, then another 20 years trying to figure out what the “MISSING LINK” was (those are HIS words) —40 Years total!
This may be too BIG a topic for a short Mind-Bullet Monday but Martin does his best to shed light on this mystery in about 12 minutes and encourages those who want to learn and understand more to check out thehabitfactor.com blog and / or the book. An article/post specifically about it is linked here and below.
When completely understood there may be nothing more powerful and impactful to one's life. Check it out now and learn about Hill's unbelievable insight in this Mind Bullet Monday!
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Resources
Think & Grow Rich (Book) Amazon
The Science of Personal Achievement: Follow in the Footsteps of the Giants of Success (Amazon)
Note: In this program he adds the 17th principle— the Law of Cosmic Habit Force (not in Think & Grow Rich)
YOUTUBE VIDEO - Napoleon Hill Describing The Law of Cosmic Habit Force - watch and listen 3 x!
The Habit Factor Article "NAPOLEON HILL Missing secret LINK
“The primary mark has to work in black and white and it has to be as simple as possible"
“That logo was talking to me... and it was talking to everyone..." ~Thom McElroy, Co-Founder Volcom
Thom McElroy covers a ton of ground in this special interview (recorded live from his ultra-modern, beachfront crib in Laguna Beach ; ).
He speaks candidly about his early days, being a "grom" growing up in Huntington Beach, as a graphic design major at SDSU, and yes, the creation of the Volcom logo and all the graphics that rallied the "YAE" Youth Against Establishment".
The interview covers his inspirations and thoughts on logo and design, the rise and early struggle of the rebellious surf, skate and snowboard company Volcom.
Thom pulls no punches and shares
- The crazy story that led him to SDSU— it's surf related!
- Growing up in Huntington beach
- How his life pivots toward art and graphic design
- How he defines success
- His most important habits
- The birth and evolution of the Volcom logo
- His design influences
- The essence of a great logo and the technique to get there!
- & so much more!
“I love reading books about the struggles and how to get over the struggles and how to still win."
When Volcom went public in 2005, Thom went on a leave of absence that eventually lead to his retirement. For the past ten years he has consulted with many new companies and young CEOs and invested in several emerging brands. Thom currently sits on the Campanile Board of Directors and Chairs the Alumni Engagement Committee. He also mentors at the Lavin Entrepreneur Management Center and is involved in the School of Business, the Zahn Center of Engineering and The College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts at SDSU.
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"Are you bigger than your problems?" T. Harv Eker
Martin kicks off this show about CONTROL with a quote he's heard T. Harv Eker say many times regarding a technique people can use to solve their problems. The first thing they can ask themselves is, "Who is bigger? Me or the problem?"
Martin then carries the idea of "control" further, where control influences other facets of our lives...
Consider winning and losing? When one "controls" the environment they certainly have a better chance at winning, don't they? Hence, competitive environments are designed to be neutral and there are even referees to ensure an environment of fairness. We all tend to recognize the idea of the "home field" advantage.
Further, psychologists now concur that a sense of control increases one's level of happiness. If you're unhappy perhaps you should investigate your level of control related to various aspects of your life (home, family, work, etc).
"Ask yourself, "Is there anything I can do to change the environment (control) to increase my happiness and chance of success?" ~M. Grunburg
Martin reminds listeners to revisit the prior week's episode and agrees that there are a lot of things beyond our control, including those unwavering principles.
Finally, he sums up the episode with a simple statement and a MAJOR question you can ponder for some time...
Check it out now... hear all about it n this Mind Bullet Monday!
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Resources
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind:
Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth
T. Harv Eker
"Are habits better than goals?"
This is a semi-crazy meme that Martin wrote about last week (here). In this episode, Martin elaborates on the idea that these are equal and complementary components when it comes to goal achievement. Then he shares a bit of a surprise— just how far back this realization actually dates.
The short story is that goals properly set (with significant motivation to achieve them) illuminate the ideal behaviors/habits one needs to foster.
And, using The Habit Factor's method of habit development, P.A.R.R. (Plan, Act, Record & Reassess) one is able to develop habits more quickly.
Then, Martin shares a quick example and reviews a little "Goal Setting Theory" and a man named Edwin Locke (you likely know him via his SMART goals system).
Enjoy the episode ; )
Quick note of thanks and request: If these short episodes are helpful and provide value please share a review on itunes to help others find the show!
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Resources
GOAL Setting -Wikipedia (Something is missing ; )
The Habit Factor Article "Are Habits Better Than Goals? Are Goals Bad?"
“Intention is one of those things that can go either way— you can have negative intention or you can have positive intention and that means you are in alignment... "
“It's all about how YOU respond to them..." ~Coach Rich Phillips
Coach Rich Phillips is a Former Head Show Trainer at SeaWorld, a Bestselling Author. Speaker & Business Coach
Regardless of where you may stand on the current controversy regarding killer whales in captivity, you're asked to suspend your judgement (for now) and simply listen to Coach Rich's incredible journey. In fact, should their captivity come to an end, it would make his undeniably unique experience even more special—including the amazing lessons he's learned from training and riding these unique, intelligent and powerful creatures.
In this episode Martin & Rich discuss:
- His crazy story — how a wrong number started it all
- His evolution (and hazing) via a "Fishhouse"
- The first time he slides into the tank as a backup trainer with the 14,000 lb creature
- The value and types of operant conditioning he learned
- "Chances are good that if you can communicate with a killer whale you can communicate with a difficult employee"
- "Then, there was the 'Oh, by the way, we're going to have you ride the whale'" moment...
- How he learned from a young age to change his "style" to address and communicate with an abused horse
- The importance of taking responsibility of what you CAN control in the relationship
- The time he was held under for about 3 minutes and what he learned from the experience
- & so much more!
“I don't know about you but I know of nobody (other than Coach Rich) whose ridden on the back of a killer whale"
~Martin Grunburg
Coach Rich Phillips is known as the "accountability coach" and he provides business leaders insights and strategies for growth. You can learn more at Coach Rich Phillips Website
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"Fundamentally, these are the core four— the power four— that sustain us and direct our outcome and well being..."
Martin opens with a story shared by the late, great Dr. Stephen Covey regarding the unwavering principles that influence the outcome of our life. If these are ignored, dishonored the consequences are severe.
Covey shares a fabled (and apparently fabricated) story about a US Navy Captain being told that another ship is in their course and further, is unwilling to move.
The Captain gets on the phone and demands the other ship to move or suffer the consequences.
The importance of checking our ego, asking questions and "honoring" these four dimensions helps us to direct the consequences. That is, since the lighthouses (the principles are unwavering) we must "move" and honor them with our actions in order to experience the outcomes we desire.
Dr. Covey's four dimensions are:
- Mind
- Body
- Heart
- Spirit
Grunburg sees some overlap between the heart and the body and also the mind and so, insists that the social dimension (is missing) and is a governing principle in our lives that cannot be overlooked
- Mind
- Body
- Spirit
- Social
Hear all about it on this Mind Bullet Monday!
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<image creative commons: courtesy of KevinSawicki>
"How long does it really take to develop a habit?"
One of the GREAT myths related to habit development is that it takes 21 days to develop a habit. Martin explains where that myth originates and reviews the actual time it is likely to take PLUS what the KEY component/requirements are to form ANY habit.
In this short episode (about 10 minutes) Martin reviews those three core, required elements, revisits the P.A.R.R. methodology of habit development and then shares a MUST watch video (link below) that supports the idea of HabitStrength™ and how long it could really take.
Enjoy the episode, the video and the abstract ; )
Go for it - check it out now!
note of thanks and request: If these short episodes are helpful and provide value please share a review on itunes to help others find the show!
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Resources
MUST WATCH! >>> Backwards Brain Bike
European Journal of Social Psychology
How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world (Abstract)
“Even though I had a background in exercise physiology and psychology and nutrition I was still struggling with creating my own healthy habits and I was diagnosed at a young age with panic disorder and depression. " ~Heidi Hanna Ph.D.
Bestselling Author. Speaker. Founder Synergy Programs
In this episode Heidi and Martin cover:
- What is energy, how to conserve, manage and recharge
- The FOUR types of energy• Touches on a story of GRIT and perseverance
- GTR: She's committed to making a change in her life and is intentional about traveling less to improve her personal life!
- The important difference between the brain and the mind
- What is heart "math" and heart rate variability
- What is more important than time?
- How we are wired for negativity bias
- Various ways to optimize and manage our energy best throughout the day
- the FIVE "M's"
- And more tips to experience improved energy throughout the day and WHY it's so important!
Synergy Programs offers a variety of programming targeted to make brains better though a series of initiatives including keynotes and lectures, full day workshops, corporate retreats, and fully integrated corporate wellness solutions ranging from a few months to several years in scope.
Visit Heidi's Website: Synergy Programs
“There’s an important alignment between the brain and the heart” ~Heidi Hanna, Ph.D.
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"When we are no longer able to change our situation we are challenged to change ourselves" ~Viktor Frankl
Positive change most often starts when we take responsibility for our situation.
Responsibility may be one of the most foremost virtues. While Aristotle proposed that courage was the mother of all virtues where would any great person be without responsibility? In fact, could greatness be possible?
What is responsibility ultimately, responsible for in our lives? Here's a few thoughts:
- happiness
- self esteem
- character
- decisions
- purpose
- discipline and even
- desire
You can quickly see how responsibility is a major/core ROOT, perhaps the root or pillar for one's personal development and even happiness and general contentment.
Hear all about it on this Mind Bullet Monday!
"What's your best habit?"
Kicking off this inaugural Frequently Asked Friday, a new feature for season 2, Martin addresses one of the more common questions he receives after giving a presentation, "So what is your best habit?"
In this short episode (about 5 minutes) Martin reviews what the habit is and WHY it is probably the most significant. He then talks about how it aligns with his values and even mission statement.
It's certainly food for thought... If you had to choose your best habit what would it be and WHY?
Go for it - check it out now!
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“I joke often that I know a lot about happiness because I've experienced a lot of unhappiness first." ~R. Michael Anderson
Bestselling Author. Speaker. Founder of Executive Joy.
• We teach competitive driven people how to lead happier lives
• "Things" looked great from the outside: Partying at the Playboy mansion, etc., but missing meaning and fulfillment
• Michael opens up about his personal journey where competitive drive and winning doesn't always equate to personal satisfaction
• GTR: Share inspiring story about sponsoring young lady from orphanage - a recent visit to celebrate high school graduation
• Touches on a story of GRIT and perseverance
• Avoiding "victim" mindset
• The path to learning about joy and happiness
• His massive TURNING point! -
• A few tips and tools to experience happiness and joy DAILY
“Leaders tend to give so much to other people yet often have chaotic inner lives” ~R. Michael Anderson
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"The first step takes the most courage."
While not easy, taking the first step is powerful and a requirement for anyone to get anywhere. Most people will think and think and think some more about an idea, a plan, but fail to take action.
Tony Robbins once said the real measure of a decision is when it's backed by action. And, Napoleon Hill has said that, "Action is the real measure of intelligence."
Using either of those as a gauge the question becomes, how intelligent are you — how many decisions are you making?
In this Mind Bullet Monday Martin encourages you to GET STARTED!
Go for it - check it out now!
“Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” ~Calvin Coolidge
In your personal and professional life, almost nothing in the world will take the place of persistence.
Persistence is more valuable than planning, IQ, knowledge, genius, and talent. Have you ever noticed that some "not-so-smart" people appear to be more successful than some really smart people? It can be frustrating if you're one of those "smart ones". And, it's easy to attribute good luck or chance as the reason these "dumb" people have made it. But, if you investigate further, chances are you will find that these "dumb" people have worked really hard for a really long time.
What's the level of your persistence on a scale of 1 - 10? Do you start things but not finish them? Do you get easily side-tracked if you run into an obstacle?
Here's the good news, persistence is a HABIT and like any other habit it can be intentionally developed.
Guess how long it will take to develop persistence? The answer is you don't care. Do you know why? Because you are PERSISTENT- it might take a year or or could take 10 years and that is the point. YOU will persist!
Challenge yourself to persist at the little things first, whether that is a few extra pushups or situps, jogging ten more minutes or working later or getting into the office earlier. Make a game of it... and as you persist time and again at the little things the habit will become stronger.
[Tweet "“Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.” "]
*IMPORTANT NOTE* The Podcast is going on HIATUS!
First, THANK YOU! It's been an unbelievable (first) run at the podcast and Martin and I are extremely grateful. We started this with the goal of just twelve initial episodes and with this one we have just hit 35!!! It's been an amazing and enlightening journey and it's not over just yet. Martin plans to return after a few months... his goal is to practice what he preaches and put more attention, energy and focus on the completion of his upcoming book, The Pressure Paradox.
If you're interested in reading a pre-release version and joining an exclusive launch team, click below!
Join The Pressure Paradox Pre-Launch TEAM! Link Coming! >> <<
To have the latest about The Habit Factor and The Pressure Paradox, jump on the mailing list (UPPER RIGHT - you can just TEXT to that number to sign up instantly!)
THANK YOU AGAIN! It's been an epic journey we'll return in a few months with so much more to talk about after the new book is released.
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” ~Benjamin Franklin
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"If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." ~African Proverb
There are very few things in the world more powerful than that of a strong TEAM— a group of individuals committed to a clear, common goal.
TOGETHER. EVERYONE. ACHIEVES. MORE. ~John Maxwell
While it's tempting to be a "one-man band" or an "efficeincy machine" ultimately, one person can never keep up with the long term value that a TEAM provides. Join Martin and I as we discuss what makes a good team, what can destroy a team and important strategies for building your own dream team.
According to the late, great Dr. Stephen Covey, (author, businessman, and speaker) there are three stages of maturity; dependence independence and ultimately, inter-dependance (the highest stage).
Unfortunately, most individuals believe that independence is the pinnacle of maturity. It isn't.
[Tweet "“The strength of the team is in each member and the strength of each member is in the team.” "]
For the wise (you), the end-game is INTER-DEPENDENCE. Ultimately, you should strive to move past the “me vs. we” mentality and build bridges.
Core traits and qualities to look for in a solid team:
- Harmony
- Vision and alignment
- Shared values
- Strong leader
And, much more... join us now to check it out ; )
Thanks!
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“All of men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.” ~Pascal
In this A.D.D., loud and crazy world it's often tough just to hear yourself think!
The understanding and intentional application of SILENCE may be the most understated principle when it comes to wellness and creativity. Join Martin and I as we review some of the key ideas about how to use silence as a path to reflection, creativity, concentration and wellness.
“Silence is a source of great strength”
By letting energy settle, silence creates a space that allows for the concentration of energy as well as the contemplation of unlimited possibilities.
One of the best ways to intentionally create silence in your life is to simply wake up earlier and allow yourself time to reflect and think. So, that's your challenge... should you chose to accept it, wake up at least a half hour earlier one or two days this week and notice the peace and insight the experience brings.
[Tweet "“Everything emanates from silence. Everything returns to silence. We are infinite.” "]
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Sometimes the best inspiration for unlocking the secrets to a more productive and fulfilling life can be found in nature. Join Martin and I as we share a new perspective on habit development and how to reverse engineer your goals.
Brian Tracy likes to use the metaphor of a “Time Factory” and remind us that no matter how poorly we may have used our time yesterday, last week or even last year… tomorrow each of us will receive twenty-four fresh, new hours delivered to our doorstep.
Here’s the catch; what good are the twenty-four hours if you are not physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually well?
So, we decide to take the “Time Factory” metaphor just a step further and we imagine instead that we all have an “Energy Factory”.
How will you design the widgets and the cogs in your energy factor? What do you want them to produce?
Knowing that to enjoy a life well lived we should be designing the widgets and cogs in our factory to produce results in the following major seven wellness areas:
- Mind
- Body
- Social
- Spiritual
- Financial
- Lifestyle
- Professional
Just focus on one wellness category and ask yourself what should the factory’s output look like tomorrow, next week, or maybe even at the end of the year?
YOU get to build out your factory and all of its machinery… just determine what kind of cogs and widgets will produce the results you are looking for. It’s YOUR factory!
Once the widget (habit) is in place and working… you can design the next widget. Enjoy!
“What’s a man without energy? Nothing. Nothing at all.” – Mark Twain
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Sometimes it seems as though simply having a goal in mind can help you to get to where you want to be. Believe it or not, everyone has the ability to program themselves and create their own instinct-like behaviors. Join Martin and I as we explore the Automatic Success Mechanism (or ASM) and share how you can access it and reap its hidden benefits.
Derived from Dr. Maxwell Maltz’ Psycho-cybernetics, the ASM is founded on the idea that each and every one of us has a built-in computer and all we have to do is understand how it works and then program it. Give yourself clear targets, forge the habits that support the goal and then trust that the many unknowns will find a way to work themselves out.
[Tweet "“Success is 90% clarity.” "]
By taping into the collective consciousness and applying your ASM, even when you can't see the full staircase, you can trust that just taking the first step the next step will come into view.
Knowing how to use and trust the ASM frees you from the "paralysis by over-analysis" syndrome so many suffer from.
Check it out.... Enjoy! ; )
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Resources
Psycho-cybernetics - Dr. Maxwell Maltz
Double, Double: How to Double your Revenue and Profit in Three Years or Less - Cameron Herold
Many of the greatest thinkers and philosophers throughout history believed that ideas are "alive" and readily available in some sort of universal space which is often referred to as "infinite intelligence" or the Super-Conscious.
Whatever you want to call it, chances are it exists! Emerson once noted, "There is a power above and behind us and we are the channel of its communication."
There is a power above and behind us and we are the channel of its communication. —EMERSON
The best part is this "resource" isn't relegated to the super genius or the super-creative... it's available to everyone...all you have to do is connect to it!
Perhaps you've wondered how Leonardo da Vinci could draw a helicopter centuries before one existed or how Edison had the insight for the lightbulb or Ford the carburetor or... and, on and on it goes.
Even Albert Einstein once noted, "There comes a leap in consciousness, call it intuition or what you will, the solution comes to you and you don't know how or why."
"A LEAP IN CONSCIOUSNESS"... Fascinating.
To draw upon this innate creative intelligence that we all have Martin and I review a "system" that he credited helped to reveal many of the insights in The Habit Factor and now his upcoming book, The Pressure Paradox. The process is just an ordered formula or recipe he calls the "Ments".
1. Elucidate
Start by defining the end state.. the problem and the ideal solution. Try to get crystal clear on the underlying problem and this will help to provide some associations and connections you may have not otherwise made.
2. Investigate
Once defined... RESEARCH! Feed your conscious and subconscious mind with the problem and all available information you can find about it and possible solutions. What's been written and thought about it already. With the search engines of today, research has never been easier!
3. Marinate or (accelerate if you must)
The next step is to allow the problem and all the related information you have come across in your research to really sink in. Think about the idea often and just let the idea marinate for while. You can accelerate the process through a brainstorming session with others. Sometimes, depending on the urgency of the matter, a person might marinate on a subject for years.
4. Emancipate
As you marinate, set the problem free.... go for a jog, surf, take a walk hit the gym. Just get away from the problem that you are trying to solve. This allows you subconscious mind to take over the process and make the connections and associations--the leap as Einstein called it that you can not make consciously.
5. Congregate
After releasing your problem, the insights will start to arrive. Now is the time to corral them, and pair them up and ORGANIZE all the new ideas with the research and the original problem statement and see how your new solution fits.
This super conscious connectivity may seem mysterious at first, but when you start following this process you will see better and faster results on a consistent basis. Much like any exercise and like a muscle continued use will strengthen the skill. Start to identify opportunities in your life where you need an innovative solutions. Make super conscious connectivity a habit you practice.
The art of tracking one's behaviors (habits) dates back hundreds of years ago and wasn't necessarily born with the iPhone or even The Habit Factor. In fact, one of the world's greatest minds, Benjamin Franklin famously wrote about the art of tracking his "virtues" in his own autobiography to refine his character.
In this episode, Martin and I review the roots and similarities of tracking behaviors to help achieve personal goals and refine one's character... all through habit tracking.
A renowned inventor, politician, scientist, author, and one of our nation’s founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin built quite the legacy. In spite of all of these remarkable achievements, can you guess the one thing he wanted to ensure he shared with the future generations?
"I hope, therefore, that my descendants will follow
this example and reap the benefits"
Benjamin Franklin was referring to the long standing practice (which itself became a habit) of tracking his thirteen virtues over the course of the year. He would rotate from week to week tracking each day one of his thirteen virtues (habits).
Because of this practice (behavior tracking) we believe he ought to be considered one of the great, great grandfathers of personal development!
By deciding WHO BF wanted to BEcome... and what he wanted to BEcome, Ben simply reverse engineered the character traits he wanted then identified the behaviors (habits) he believed that would help to get him there... then he just tracked them daily!
Fast forward a couple hundred years and we find a Hindu spiritualist, Dandapandi, (a former monk), who goes to great lengths at his speaking / teaching and workshop engagements to share the importance of building a "consistent practice" (in other words, a "habit"). And, in order to do this he urges that we follow the same process that his own monastery used, which was to track their behavior daily!
Paradoxically, of course this would suggest that the art of mindfulness requires the development of its corresponding habit. So, the goal is to be as mindful as possible without having to think about it. Then, in order to do this, the monks would track their behavior each day about how mindful they were and in the process they would develop the "consistent practice" of mindfulness. The mindfulness habit.
So, whether you are a spiritualist from India or Benjamin Franklin, YOU can rest assured that there is ONE way to get the results you are looking for and that is to TRACK your behavior or more specifically, use P.A.R.R. (see video ; )
Until next time.
Trying to create new, effective habits is often associated with first trying to kill-off any existing bad habits that are holding us back. In this quick, high-value episode, Martin and I identify the three most important “MENTS” when it comes to busting those bad habits!
“Birds of a feather flock together."
- EnvironMENT
Why would our environment influence our habits? Well, as our energy wanes throughout the day (along with our willpower), it is essential that your environment is tailored to support your new habits and goals. For example, if you're trying to lose weight, throwing out all of the potato chips in the pantry is a great start. The environMENT applies to all things--not just a new diet. When you surround yourself with like-minded people it provides a great support system to help you craft new habits.
“A nail is driven out by another nail. Habit is overcome by habit." ~Desiderius Erasmus
2. ReplaceMENT
Quitting any habit cold turkey is often difficult and ineffective because it leaves a void. When it comes to removing a bad habit it's important to remember that nature abhors a vacuum. Instead, try replacing any bad habit with a new, positive one. When Martin wanted to cut back on his coffee habit, rather than stop drinking coffee, he replaced his morning cup of joe with green tea.
“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you do, the better.”
3. Experiment
This podcast, writing The Habit Factor, and even his new book, The Pressure Paradox as well as The Habit Factor app have all been, in some form or fashion, an experiments. It takes trial and error (action to create information) in order to find out what will work best for you. In many ways, this idea brings us back to #2 (replacement) since you will need to try things, make some mistakes before you find what will actually stick!
[Tweet "“Good habits happen when planned, bad habits on their own.” @TheHabitFactor"]
When trying to craft any new habit or BREAK ANY BAD HABIT, take a quick run through this checklist to ensure that you are setting yourself up for success. With these three "MENTS", you'll be certain to break bad habits and craft new powerful habits that will help you take charge of your life.
While many do not consider the importance of habit development when it comes to goal achievement, those that do unfortunately are subject to the many great myths which surround the topic. In this episode, Martin and I review and dispel four monster myths about positive habit formation.
1. It takes 21 days to develop a habit.
This originated decades ago with, Psycho Cybernetics a terrific book by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. While it does not take 21 days to develop a habit it is safe to say you can START to develop a habit in 21 days. According to a study from the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes, on average, 66 days. Research tells us though that it depends upon all sorts of criteria including; desire, skill and knowledge related to any particular habit.
2. Cue- Routine-Reward
Cue, routine, reward and the related, "habit-loop" were largely popularized by The Power of Habit. The habit loop helps to illustrate what triggers and environments have been supporting past behaviors (habits) but the habit loop fails to provide any guidance about how to actually form good habits intentionally. Cue, routine, reward may address half the battle but leaves out the significance of TRACKING and REASSESSING as well as using Target Days, Minimum Success Criteria and Tracking Periods, all which help greatly when developing good habits and constitute P.A.R.R.
3. Consecutive Days
Positive habit development is NOT an all or nothing proposition. In fact, the study referrenced above supports something that The Habit Factor introduced over five years ago, that you can and should use Target Days to develop habits and that habit development depends far more upon consistency over time than consecutive days.
4. All habits will last forever once established.
People often view habits as static and unchanging. Habits do need to be maintained, but it's important to constantly reevaluate your life and your goals to make sure that your habits remain aligned with your goals. As your life progresses your goals will change and its likely you'll want to reassess what habits you will need to help you achieve those goals. This is why habit tracking and the PARR methodology are so important!
Are you pushing yourself hard enough? Most people would respond with a resounding yes. While the idea of a second wind is fairly common, Martin and I explore the possibilities of having a third, fourth, fifth (even an eighth!) wind in this episode of The Habit Factor.
“If you're going to doubt something, doubt your own limits.”
Ever notice during exercise that even when you're tired, you can always dig a little deeper and find energy reserves to get you through to the finish line? By changing your state of mind you can radically change and increase your energy levels and persevere to the end of any project!
Challenge your assumptions, your biases, and challenge the perceived limits that you have set for yourself. If you feel that you've been lulled in to a comfort zone of limitations, set increasingly extreme challenge for yourself and discover your eighth wind. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
“Life doesn't get easier. We just get stronger.”