“Habit lies at the intersection of knowledge, skill and desire." ~Dr. Stephen Covey
Martin and Henry discuss a topic that has many of even the top behavioral psychologists in the world have a difficult time addressing, that is, how habit and skill differ.
Think about it, is tying your shoes a skill or a habit? Or, is it both?
Martin argues that rather that trying to explain their differences we ought to put more emphasis on why they are almost the same, fraternal twins so to speak.
This matters because when we do that we can quickly dispel so many of the silly myths around habit development. For instance, that you need a reward to develop a habit or you have to perform the behavior every day or the classic myth, it takes 21 days to develop a habit. Just insert the word "skill" for habit and you can see how silly that becomes. Do you need a "reward" to develop a skill? Or, we know we can learn any skill without practicing/learning it daily. Or, imagine telling anyone you'll have that skill in 21 days.
So, rather than fully accepting Covey's theory and statement above, where "Skill" is a requirement for habit development. Martin tweaks it just a little so that skill is not a requirement but rather part of what is developed/created in a similar way as habit.
Habit and skill both require conditioning/strengthening, much like a muscle! Here's a video explaining P.A.R.R. and HabitStrength™ >> Meet BILL
Thanks for checking out, sharing and subscribing to this podcast!
-----------
More Resources
(FREE! The Habit Factor's Tracking Template)
The Habit Factor® (website: BLOG, tips, tools and other resources)
The Habit Factor® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Pressure Paradox® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Habit Factor app (iOS, Android)
The Habit Factor's Facebook (Private) Accountability Group
>>>>CONNECT WITH HENRY EVANS<<<<
“I was facing some rejection from a lot of areas in my life... everything kinda caved in all at the same time.”
Meet Cathey F! An amazing woman and a long-time THF reader, app user and podcast listener. MG begged her to share her story about her semi-recent struggles and how she was able to breakthrough.
Cathey was in "total overwhelm"... trying to start a new business in the midst of a potential health crises, changes in her community, social circle and other difficulties made even tracking a few habits just too much.
Then, she signed up for a "Focus & Discipline" webinar hosted by MG and shares how some of that content combined with tracking certain key habits proved to help feed her ongoing breakthrough.
Every reader/listener is going through a challenge or will be! Her willingness to share her experience is likely to help others and bring great value to the audience!
Brilliant job — thank you again Cathey!
Thanks for checking out, sharing and subscribing to this podcast!
-----------
More Resources
(FREE! The Habit Factor's Tracking Template)
The Habit Factor® (website: BLOG, tips, tools and other resources)
The Habit Factor® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Pressure Paradox® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Habit Factor app (iOS, Android)
The Habit Factor's Facebook (Private) Accountability Group
>>>>CONNECT WITH HENRY EVANS<<<<
“All knowledge is based upon perceptual experience” ~Aristotle
Empiricism is a theory that states that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience.
Here’s a couple questions to ponder deeply…
"How real are certain “truths”? "How accurate is your knowledge particularly as it relates to the stories you tell yourself about your desires, goals and intentions?"
For instance, the US Supreme Court has nine justices? Why not just one? The reason is all nine people can and often see the same data, same experience and same "truth" differently. It turns out that their unique perception reveals to each a different story.
So, the question becomes, what story are you crafting about yourself? Which ones impose limits on you? How “real” are they? Are you certain that you can’t change the story to better support your ideals and goals.
Knowledge is rarely static. Rather, we find that knowledge shifts around often throughout history. For instance, we know today that the world is round. There was a time that knowledge told all humans the world was flat. In middle school, we were taught that there are nine planets in our solar system. Today, knowledge tells us that there are just eight! Science told us for years that cholesterol was bad. Today there is good and bad cholesterol.
So, if your story (knowledge) isn’t serving you or your goals, CHANGE IT!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thanks for checking out, sharing and subscribing to this podcast!
More Resources
(FREE! The Habit Factor's Tracking Template)
The Habit Factor® (website: BLOG, tips, tools and other resources)
The Habit Factor® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Pressure Paradox® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Habit Factor app (iOS, Android)
The Habit Factor's Facebook (Private) Accountability Group
>>>>CONNECT WITH HENRY EVANS<<<<
“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things." ~Einstein
Why is it that we (humans) have this innate capacity to set goals for ourselves?
If success can be defined as "creating your ideal future" then how anyone can go about achieving "success" is via GOALS. Goals provide people a sense of control and self-efficacy as well as purpose. The challenge is, most people don't know how to effectively go about goal achievement so unfortunately they give up or think it's futile.
Henry and Martin review a few definitions and theories about "success" and realize that if we're trying to simply become better people, it is goals that help provides us the vehicle! And, any progress along the road is "success".
It turns out though that success is NOT really an event or a destination but should rather be this idea of constant improvement — the journey.
Check out this episode and set a big goal today!
Here's a video explaining P.A.R.R. and HabitStrength™ >> Meet BILL
Thanks for checking out, sharing and subscribing to this podcast!
-----------
More Resources
(FREE! The Habit Factor's Tracking Template)
The Habit Factor® (website: BLOG, tips, tools and other resources)
The Habit Factor® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Pressure Paradox® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Habit Factor app (iOS, Android)
The Habit Factor's Facebook (Private) Accountability Group
>>>>CONNECT WITH HENRY EVANS<<<<
“My goals are posted on my website for the world to see, JackDaly.net”
At 59, Jack Daly did his first Ironman Triathlon! Today's he's closing in on 100 marathons and has the goal to complete one on every continent! When Martin catches up with him in this H2G interview he's preparing to go compete at the USA Triathlon "nationals".
Jack wasn't always an athlete and that's at least one of the many lessons in this entertaining and educational episode. Jack Daly has an extensive list of "Bucket List experiences" an MBA and his sales expertise makes him a sought after speaker and consultant.
Although Jack's real specialty (as far as Martin is concerned) is his philosophy of "lifestyle by design" and throughout the episode you will learn the important lessons and mindsets, tools and tactics that helped him craft his unique and inspiring life. Yes, YOU GUESSED IT, it comes down to his HABITS and GOALS! ; )
Jack's Bestselling Books!
Thanks for checking out, sharing and subscribing to this podcast!
-----------
More Resources
(FREE! The Habit Factor's Tracking Template)
The Habit Factor® (website: BLOG, tips, tools and other resources)
The Habit Factor® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Pressure Paradox® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Habit Factor app (iOS, Android)
The Habit Factor's Facebook (Private) Accountability Group
>>>>CONNECT WITH HENRY EVANS<<<<
"Habit is a cobweb at first and a cable at last." ~Chinese Proverb
Let's say you have a habit of doing push-ups every morning. At what point does a habit cease to become a habit?
Well, it turns out that psychologist, Clark C. Hull introduced something he labeled "habit strength" many years ago. As Martin puts it, his "formula" was a little eccentric, perhaps too complicated and Martin set out to reintroduce HabitStrength™ but make it much easier to apply and understand.
Just like a muscle, habit is strengthened with consistency over time. By following the P.A.R.R. methodology anyone is able to increase their HabitStrength™
Plan. Act. Record. Reassess. P.A.R.R. is The Habit Factor's proprietary methodology to help anyone develop habits and increase their HabitStrength™. After each successive 28 day period (4 weeks) the participant, if they've registered 85% or better against their targets can "raise the bar."
The fact is HABIT DEVELOPMENT demands three core elements/ ingredients... Knowledge, Skill (capacity to do the work), DESIRE.
Here's a blog post to add some depth to the idea: Skill vs Habit
Here's a video explaining P.A.R.R. and HabitStrength™ >> Meet BILL
Thanks for checking out, sharing and subscribing to this podcast!
-----------
More Resources
(FREE! The Habit Factor's Tracking Template)
The Habit Factor® (website: BLOG, tips, tools and other resources)
The Habit Factor® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Pressure Paradox® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Habit Factor app (iOS, Android)
The Habit Factor's Facebook (Private) Accountability Group
>>>>CONNECT WITH HENRY EVANS<<<<
“Muddied waters left to stand become clear.” Lao Tzu
What is STRESS really? Martin and Henry explore stress diving deep into the topic at hand. The idea is simple; the better we can understand the subject the better we can address it.
Henry starts the discussion recounting an entrepreneur group meeting led by Martin discussing the same topic and how his comments and that quote above have stuck with him ever since.
Henry and Martin review discuss and analyze stress from various vantage points and review different mindsets and techniques to help manage stress.
Later, Martin shares a F R E E Gift (unplanned) but realizes it's a great way for listeners to help manage stress. Please see resource link below - As a Man Thinketh. Since you can only hold one thought in your mind at a time, this beautiful, short and powerful little book helps you to guide your mind and “think right” in times of great challenge.
Check it out and learn other great tips and find out how to get your free gift!
--------------------------------------------------
More Resources
(FREE! The Habit Factor's Tracking Template)
The Habit Factor® (website: BLOG, tips, tools and other resources)
The Habit Factor® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Pressure Paradox® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Habit Factor app (iOS, Android)
The Habit Factor's Facebook (Private) Accountability Group
>>>>CONNECT WITH HENRY EVANS<<<<
Get Clear Marketing
The Hour A Day Entrepreneur
"The successful person is just the average person focused.”
This episode is chock-full of tips, tools and techniques to help you master your focus and to be more productive! Martin and Henry discuss focus in an age of high technology and perpetual distraction.
Martin shares that the very reason The Habit Factor even exists is because of his inability to focus and how THF was the answer that helped him to write two books.
Henry covers a few great tips like time blocking (hours at a time) and changing up his environment, sometimes even crashing nice hotels!
A few KEYS covered include: deep breathing, knowing you energy patterns, setting minimum focus time and changing your environment!
"A five watt light bulb can barely light up a closet but when focused can cut through steel."
Resources mentioned:
WriteRoom (app iOS)
Headspace (app)
Brain.FM
Pomodoro technique
Here's a video explaining P.A.R.R. and HabitStrength™ >> Meet BILL
Thanks for checking out, sharing and subscribing to this podcast!
More Resources
(FREE! The Habit Factor's Tracking Template)
The Habit Factor® (website: BLOG, tips, tools and other resources)
The Habit Factor® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Pressure Paradox® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Habit Factor app (iOS, Android)
The Habit Factor's Facebook (Private) Accountability Group
>>>>CONNECT WITH HENRY EVANS<<<<
“Before fear becomes fear, it’s pressure.” Martin and Henry dive deep into WHY we all seem to procrastinate more than we’d like. Spoiler alert: The biggest reason is resisting the possibility of future PAIN, FEAR and/or uncertainty.
Then they delve into the various mindsets and strategies they use to address and overcome procrastination. Talk of "The Pressure Paradox™" comes up as it must!
How do you “refract” PRESSURE? Just like light refracts through a prism Martin proposes that each of us refract pressure and procrastination is just a negative form of refraction based again upon fear, uncertainty and the concern for future pain. Check this one out!
Thanks for checking out, sharing and subscribing to this podcast!
More Resources
(FREE! The Habit Factor's Tracking Template)
The Habit Factor® (website: BLOG, tips, tools and other resources)
The Habit Factor® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Pressure Paradox® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Habit Factor app (iOS, Android)
The Habit Factor's Facebook (Private) Accountability Group
>>>>CONNECT WITH HENRY EVANS<<<<
After Martin and Henry bust out their GTRs (Good Things Report) they tackle the power of accountability. Henry calls out MG on his confession about tracking just 50% with his accountability group. Then, Martin shares the significance of TRACKING + ACCOUNTABILITY and the mindset that helped him to stay motivated!
Questions to ponder: What are you comparing yourself against? How much better are you doing just by the act of tracking in the first place?
Martin shares that The Habit Factor's Facebook Accountability Page has been critical to help him push through stagnation and how fun it is to see others progress and how everyone encourages each other!
They even review the fundamental components of habit development (the absolute requirements PLUS the best method for habit development; P.A.R.R. ) and examples of working with others who’ve realized a great ancillary benefits even if and when they were tracking the wrong habit and chasing the wrong goal!
The Habit Factor Facebook Accountability Group (application is here)
Here's a video explaining P.A.R.R. and HabitStrength™ >> Meet BILL
Thanks for checking out, sharing and subscribing to this podcast!
More Resources
(FREE! The Habit Factor's Tracking Template)
The Habit Factor® (website: BLOG, tips, tools and other resources)
The Habit Factor® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Pressure Paradox® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Habit Factor app (iOS, Android)
The Habit Factor's Facebook (Private) Accountability Group
>>>>CONNECT WITH HENRY EVANS<<<<
In this, the first episode of the new season Martin welcomes Henry Evans of "Hour a Day Entrepreneur" fame and "Get Clear Marketing" as the season’s new co-host and they get right into the topic du jour, “Theme Days”.
When you think about the most successful organizations they do one thing well: they are consistent! Consistency of behavior is achieved via a rhythmic, habit-pattern sort of scheduling that takes advantage of the natural rhythms in nature. Hence, we have a calendar and a clock. So, for instance, management teams will meet on Mondays. Or your gardener always shows up on a Tuesday and Church is always on Sunday. etc.
Consider how you can employ the same idea to your productivity! The key question becomes, how are YOU going to establish a rhythm of behavior (habits) that support your or your organizations goals. Rhythmic behavior is a great way to SOLVE problems ensuring that problem areas get routine, systematic attention and treatment.
For more on the topic you can read Martin's post
Here's a video explaining P.A.R.R. and HabitStrength™ >> Meet BILL
Thanks for checking out, sharing and subscribing to this podcast!
More Resources
(FREE! The Habit Factor's Tracking Template)
The Habit Factor® (website: BLOG, tips, tools and other resources)
The Habit Factor® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Pressure Paradox® Book (Amazon Kindle)
The Habit Factor app (iOS, Android)
The Habit Factor's Facebook (Private) Accountability Group
>>>>CONNECT WITH HENRY EVANS<<<<
BONUS: Just for checking in on this episode, Martin is giving away one of his most powerful and now, just for YOU (F R E E) tools—the Personal Evaluation Toolkit! (P.E.T.) A gift just for listening, subscribing, reviewing and helping to ensure an EPIC launch for Season III. All you have to do is listen to this show and follow the simple guidelines below...
This is “The Bridge” episode! Titled such because it bridges Season II and the all new, exciting, upcoming release Season III. Season III is set to premiere 2/21 with a new Co-host and Cover Art!
Just listen to the show, subscribe and write a quick review when Season III debuts (between Feb 20 - 28) and you will be sent the powerful P.E.T.! Personal Evaluation Toolkit! A fantastic way to ensure that YOUR 2017 is off to the best start possible. It’s that simple. Thanks!
"Wisdom is equal measure experience plus reflection." ~Aristotle
With 2016 almost entirely in the rear view mirror, now is the time to REFLECT and add some growth and wisdom to our lives as we look toward 2017!
Martin reviews a few essential questions and exercises that have helped him immeasurably and covers some bigger concepts like wellness, happiness and the essence of habit and goal achievement.
This episode is designed to help us identify where we are and where we want to go in 2017 and of course, how to get there.
At the end of this show Martin shares a similarly themed blog post (yr end post) that links to a much more in-depth document— a P.E.T. (a Personal Evaluation Toolkit) approx 40 pages... which is totally FREE.
Just visit: http://thehabitfactor.com/2016
Thanks for listening and be sure to use all these great ideas and tools to make 2017 your best year ever. Also, be sure to subscribe and share the Habits 2 Goals podcast and blog with your friends!
Happy New Year!
Happy Thanksgiving!!! Episode 100 is short, sweet and powerful. Yes! There is even a GIFT! A Free eBook, As a Man Thinketh! This very quick, powerful read is one of Martin's favorite books and he shares exactly WHY (plus, the link to get your special edition).
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~Martin Luther King
This episode is the perfect reminder on this Thanksgiving Day! While most people will tell you to be grateful for the fact that you are alive, have clean air and water and live (hopefully) in a FREE country. Martin changes the discussion pointing to an essential gift that is often overlooked.
What we ought to be thankful for is our UNIQUE capacity to choose our thoughts! To direct our attention, intention and focus.
If we "feel whatever we focus upon" then the question to ask is, "WHO is holding your flashlight?"
One more time: "WHO is holding your flashlight?" Who decides what you will focus upon at any moment?
This Thanksgiving we get to recognize that our FIRST debt of gratitude ought to be the fact that we hold a most unique gift— the ability to direct our awareness.
In fact, it's this capacity that allows US TO BE GRATEFUL this Thanksgiving.
So, should you be thinking that you have NOTHING to be grateful for, think again— and then use your gift of awareness as it was intended! ; )
Thanks for sharing THF with your family and friends!
BTW: If you're a NEW LISTENER please download the last episode as it will direct you to a great list of "best of" and "Starter" episodes to chew on until SEASON THREE kicks off in the not too distant future!
In the meantime, be sure to subscribe! ; )
A short episode designed for new listeners. MG recaps some of the most popular episodes — helps any new listener/subscriber get up to speed before season III begins.
Download this episodes —
Mindsets & Philosophies:
- MBM02 - Responsibility
- The Physics of Personal Productivity
- Making the Time to Relax
- 7 Reasons Self Help Does Not Suck
- Silence and Concentration
- Success in Common Hours
- MBM 21- "Be Like Water"
- The Eighth Wind
Habits
- What does Ben Franklin and a Hindu Priest have in common
- 3 Habit Busting Tips
- What makes a good habit?
- The Habit of Asking Questions
- How Long Does it Really Take to Develop a Habit
- What is the law of cosmic habit force!
Goals
- Why SMART goals aren’t so smart
- Vision: Everything is Created Twice
- Got Leverage
- Persistence is more valuable than
- Super-conscious connectivity
- MBM 18: “Getting to”
- The Eight That Separate
A few Interviews to start with:
- Jon Carder - Super Entrepreneur
- Eric Kaufmann (Virtues of Leadership)
- Henry Evans - The Hour A Day Entrepreneur
If you're new to the show these will give you plenty to chew on until season three kicks off in the not too distant future! ; )
It's no accident that so many of the clinically and even non-clinically diagnosed "sufferers" of ADD / ADHD symptoms seek out and recommend The Habit Factor.
In this episode Martin shares how and why you ought to regard your ADD/ADHD as a terrific asset and not focus so much on the liability aspect in the Season II finale episode.
As it turns out, The Habit Factor was birthed as a solution to Martin's own productivity and goal achievement challenges as chronicled in the bestseller, The Habit Factor (amazon)
Choosing to focus on the positive symptoms of ADD, we see how for instance, "seeing connections others may miss" can be a powerful asset. In fact, this is a great illustration of how The Habit Factor originally identified and published the powerful habit alignment for goal-achievement or "Habits 2 Goals" methodology. And, at the same time exposed best practices like "SMART Goals" for leaving out habit entirely.
Finally, Martin shares that it's time for him to dive head first into some big projects and moves and wrap-up Season II. All new listeners are encouraged to revisit some of the older episodes!
Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE today, so you'll automatically get the latest episode when it's released!
________________
How's your habit tracking going? Interested in joining our private accountability group? If so, visit: http://thehabitfactor.com/join
**NEW Weekly Giveaway! Each week we select ONE, new iTunes review (good, bad or indifferent) and send a FREE signed book. (US residents only) Int'l Shipping may apply). *Limited Time*
Either email the review screenshot or add your Twitter handle and we'll find you that way!
BTW: Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and you'll have each episode sent to you automatically!
Subscribe
Don't miss a single episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get each episode sent directly to you.
Resources
Plan, Act, Record and Reassess: Dedicate yourself to tracking (for a period of 28 days) please check out the P.A.R.R. methodology for habit development that underscores the importance and the best way to track.
Here's a quick/short video to illustrate!
Text "HABITS" to 33444 or visit the "Template" Link below!
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others." ~African Proverb
Touching on a theme from a prior episode in season one, Teamwork Makes the Dream Work, Martin shares a couple #MBM worthy quotes, to help underscore the importance of working together.
Citing how geese will fly up to 70% further when they fly as a group in their "V" formation, the analogy isn't to be lost when it comes to us, attempting to reach our own goals.
The geese will even share leadership and responsibility which allows the other geese (particularly those who've worked the hardest) the ability to go to the back, draft, and conserve energy and refresh.
The idea here is to reflect upon your life goals, identify the team you are building and working with and see if you can't learn from and model the success formula of the geese —teamwork!
And the geese in the back of the formation have an important role too, honking the loudest and cheering the lead geese on who are working the hardest!
Check out this episode and be sure to share this Mind Bullet Wednesday!
BTW: It's easy to SUBSCRIBE and to have each episode sent to you automatically.
***NEW Giveaway! Each week we select ONE, new iTunes review (good, bad or indifferent) and send a FREE signed book. (Int'l reviews may need to pay shipping)
Either email the review screenshot or add your twitter handle and we'll find you that way!
Subscribe
Resources
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
It's hard to argue that water is not the ultimate solution...
Particularly when you notice water's unique traits and how they can apply to our lives.
As a follow-up to the recent Adaptability Episode (Mind Bullet), Martin shares how water proves to be a fantastic model for us to learn from.
Not many elements change from gas to liquid and even become a solid with general ease.
Further, water provides a powerful model for two other important concepts; mastery & character.
Maybe it isn't a coincidence that our body as well as the earth itself, is comprised of approximately of 70% water?
When it comes to our character, water provides an example of many important traits we'd be wise to assume; strength, transparency, resilience, cohesiveness, patience, flexibility, formlessness, self-balancing/correcting, smooth, soft, etc.
These are the same traits any, would be, "master" must assume while, of course, refusing the "master" label.
The master never reaches for the great, thus she achieves greatness. when she runs into a difficulty she stops and gives herself to it. She doesn't cling to her own comfort. Thus problems are no problem for her.
~Lao Tzu
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and share this or another episode with a friend and each Mind Bullet will show up automatically for you each week!
Subscribe
Resources
Bruce Lee - Youtube Video, Be Like Water My Friend
Brainpickings Bruce Lee - Be Like Water
The Pressure Paradox™, Martin Grunburg
Brian Tracy The Psychology of Achievement.
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
"What gets measured gets done!"
A great question and now after about thirteen years of tracking important behaviors/habits Martin shares that it's almost impossible to imagine achieving any goal without tracking those behaviors/habits that align with his goals.
Martin sets the table be recounting how and where tracking first entered and influenced most of our lives; school! The teacher tracked our attendance and our grades. Why? So we would know (in real time) whether we were progressing or not. Then he touches on a quick anecdote about a great camp director on Catalina who used to warn that kids that the counselors were tracking their BMs (seriously).
Then Martin shares how tracking behaviors or habits is time-tested and proven process to achieve goals and once again cites and refers listeners to a prior, "Be Like Ben" Mind Bullet Monday episode #11!
So, if you haven't experienced and dedicated yourself to tracking (for a period of 28 days) please check out the P.A.R.R. methodology for habit development that underscores the importance and the best way to track.
Here's a quick/short video to illustrate!
To further illustrate the importance, consider watching a basketball game where there was no scoreboard. How would you feel about that? How would the players feel? How focused would the players be? How committed to winning would the players be? Could you tell who was winning or losing?
Absurd, right?
Yet, we dare go through our lives NOT tracking what is important to us? Do you know if you're winning or losing? How committed to the outcome can you really be? As though, a basketball, football or pick your sport is more important than your own goals and ambitions!
Martin further shares that nobody, ever, has emailed or commented to him to say that P.A.R.R. doesn't work. That is because the only way it doesn't work is if the person doesn't follow through.
Once they Plan, Act, Record and Reassess they begin to develop the essential habits that will lead them to their goal!
To wrap things up Martin shares that perhaps the greatest tracker and goal achiever he knows is a man named Jack Daly — a friend and mentor. (http://www.jackdaly.net) And, how Jack is a tremendous inspiration who shares his quarterly tracking stats that include things like; bicycle miles per month, wine drinking days, nights at home, nights on the road (for work), miles run, miles flown, etc.
This is a can't miss FAF episode if you've ever wondered about the significance of tracking your behaviors and to inspire you to start TODAY in order to help you reach your most important goals!
Don't forget to download and revisit some of the prior episodes if you're new here! ; )
SUBSCRIBE to be sure each new episode automatically on your device!
________________
How's your habit tracking going? Interested in joining our private accountability group? If so, visit: http://thehabitfactor.com/join
**NEW Weekly Giveaway! Each week we select ONE, new iTunes review (good, bad or indifferent) and send a FREE signed book. (US residents only) Int'l Shipping may apply). *Limited Time*
Either email the review screenshot or add your Twitter handle and we'll find you that way!
BTW: Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and you'll have each episode sent to you automatically!
Subscribe
Don't miss a single episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get each episode sent directly to you.
Resources
"It's not the strongest or the smartest of species that survives, but the one most adaptable to change." ~Charles Darwin
In order to be "successful" you can bet you'll need to first survive— to be alive. Seems obvious enough and when considered in that context, one really cannot over-emphasis the importance of adaptability as it relates to not just survival but the attainment of success.
In her bestseller Mindset (Amazon), Dr. Carol Dweck points to grit as a key predictor of success. Angela Duckworth (correction) is the author of GRIT (Amazon).
Martin then shares his take on what a GRIT pyramid might look like and the visual (link here to related post) really underscores how both resilience and adaptability are essential. No adaptability— no grit.
It seems we all know people who experience the same poor results and yet continue with the same behaviors. The inference is that if they could take the time to first reflect on the outcome they desire and then adapt their behaviors and habits they will improve their results.
"It's hard to have adaptability without that reflection component..."
The next dimension of adaptability falls under interpersonal relationships. Once we can acknowledge that everyone sees the world a little differently, it's imperative then to be flexible and willing to adapt our own viewpoints to meet others.
Finally, we're cautioned not to fixate on models and strategies even if they have worked in the past. The fact is, times change, people change, technologies change, etc. For instance; the Taxi cab was a terrific business model and it has been greatly disrupted by new technologies and companies like Lyft and Uber have capitalized. Adaptability played a key role for those new companies to take shape and shift an entire industry.
The idea is to reflect upon your own life and any current challenges and ask if these may present opportunities for you to be more adaptable and flexible, more open to other alternatives and solutions?
Check out this episode and be sure to share this Mind Bullet Wednesday!
BTW: It's easy to SUBSCRIBE and to have each episode sent to you automatically.
***NEW Giveaway! Each week we select ONE, new iTunes review (good, bad or indifferent) and send a FREE signed book. (Int'l reviews may need to pay shipping)
Either email the review screenshot or add your twitter handle and we'll find you that way!
Subscribe
Resources
GRIT by Angela Duckworth
Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
"In times of change the learners inherit the earth while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." Eric Hoffer
It seems we all know a few people who decided that learning should cease when with their schooling. Unfortunately, these people tend to be same ones who are unhappy and discontent with themselves and their lives.
It's important to ask ourselves, "Is growth and learning a habit that I've incorporated into my life?"
That is, do you routinely set aside time to learn new subjects and skills; to broaden your mind, to read and explore new and different environments daily.
Better yet, do you track your learning process— the development of any new skill or habit. If not, you ought to consider it since greats like Benjamin Franklin did this regularly (see Be Like Ben episode)
So, whether it’s tracking your attempt to become better in your vocation, learning a new skill or reading spiritual texts, the key idea is making your continued growth intentional and a habit.
Reminder: Using The Habit Factor's P.A.R.R. methodology, it's simple to Plan, Act, Record and Reassess your effort. Or, you can use the free tracking template or app.
This helps to ensure your growth is also focused upon the core, four areas; mind, body, spirit and social.
Sidenote: Martin references a Youtube video he saw recently (Rabbi video) where a Rabbi shares that the impetus (as he learns it) for the lobster to grow is discomfort. The lobster then discards its old shell and this is what allows the lobster to grow.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and share this or another episode with a friend and each Mind Bullet will show up automatically for you each week!
***NEW Giveaway! Each week we select ONE, new iTunes review (good, bad or indifferent) and send a FREE signed book. ***International fees may apply***
Either email the review screenshot or add your twitter handle and we'll find you that way!
Subscribe
Resources
Brian Tracy The Psychology of Achievement.
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
Quitting is one of the easiest things to do. Hence, most people quit when the going gets tough. It's the rare person that forges ahead on not much more than faith and adapts and persists and then adapts some more. Hence, "success" seems rare.
Unfortunately, it seems to be popular lately to encourage quitting, as though it was a virtue.
In this episode Martin takes a different tact and recommends forging on... almost always, despite setbacks and using them to become more resourceful and adaptive.
Having said all that, there are indeed times to quit. But here's a key distinction; it's typically when you've had various successes already and you know what a real failure looks like because you've experienced it.
Recall that it's good judgement that comes from experience and experience that comes from bad judgement. So, there's great benefit to the continued pursuit of one's ideal outcome; character is forged, creativity is enhanced and resourcefulness grows despite the odds.
Often the data that we're observing may not be entirely accurate or, it may be skewed— magnified by our poor self talk.
Those who succeed seem to press through the desire to quit; to carefully manipulate the information they pay attention to and magnify even the smallest victories.
So, when should you quit? There's a short checklist here...
Check out this slightly extended FAF episode... (Plus, notice of brief hiatus. No new episodes the first week of July. Please download and revisit some of the oldies! ; )
SUBSCRIBE to be sure each new episode automatically on your device!
________________
How's your habit tracking going? Interested in joining our private accountability group? If so, visit: http://thehabitfactor.com/join
**NEW Weekly Giveaway! Each week we select ONE, new iTunes review (good, bad or indifferent) and send a FREE signed book. (US residents only) Int'l Shipping may apply). *Limited Time*
Either email the review screenshot or add your Twitter handle and we'll find you that way!
BTW: Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and you'll have each episode sent to you automatically!
Subscribe
Don't miss a single episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get each episode sent directly to you.
Resources
In this episode Martin recounts the classic parable about a Chinese Farmer.
As you listen to the story it becomes easy to see how we, like the neighbors in the story, are intent on labeling events either "good" or "bad", "fortunate" or "unfortunate".
The parable though teaches us to withhold immediate judgement and cautions us at the same time to allow events to play out further.
Martin recalls a similar story when an entrepreneur within a group he was coaching/mentoring was ecstatic about finally making the perfect hire after months of frustration and struggle including dozens of interviews.
Finally, the entrepreneur updated Martin with a text saying that he had made what he believed was the perfect hire!
A month later though as the group reconvened, the entrepreneur shared that the new hire had only lasted a couple days and then quit.
The question for us is, what events are transpiring in your life, at the moment, that appear unfavorable?
And, like the wise Chinese farmer can you ask yourself if perhaps the event rather deserves a "maybe" response. As in, maybe it's unfortunate and maybe it's fortunate.
The idea is to get our minds to this place of "maybe" particularly when things don't go our way. Could it in fact be a "maybe"? Can you look for the seeds of opportunity in each perceived setback?
Check out this episode and be sure to share this Mind Bullet Wednesday!
BTW: It's easy to SUBSCRIBE and to have each episode sent to you automatically.
***NEW Giveaway! Each week we select ONE, new iTunes review (good, bad or indifferent) and send a FREE signed book. (Int'l reviews may need to pay shipping)
Either email the review screenshot or add your twitter handle and we'll find you that way!
Subscribe
Resources
Chinese Farmer as told by Alan Watts [Youtube]
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
"Life shrinks or expands according to one's courage." Anais Nin
If we're not growing we're probably slowly dying. Sounds like a painful cliche but there is ample truth to the statement. The root or foundation of growth in personal all development can be traced to what Aristotle deemed the "mother" of all virtues—courage.
We have reviewed courage many times on this podcast. And, it's important to remember that any virtue is simply a habit long sustained. Nobody is born virtuous and therefore we know that courage habit can be cultivated like any other habit and ultimately become a virtue.
But how and where can we apply Anais' quote to our lives?
Martin poses questions like this:
If you learned a new skill would that make life expand or contract? Would that take courage?
If you volunteered for a leadership position at work or at a local non-profit would that make life expand or shrink? Would that take courage?
If you set and went after your big, improbably goal? Do you think life would expand? Would that take courage?
So, the question for you to ponder is, "Where (what aspect of your life) can you be more courageous?"
"Courage is the mother of all virtues because without it, you cannot consistently perform the others." ~Aristotle
Check it out — listen to today's episode and see how changing your dialogue with yourself changes your attitude and your output!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and share with a friend and each Mind Bullet will show up automatically for you each week!
***NEW Giveaway! Each week we select ONE, new iTunes review (good, bad or indifferent) and send a FREE signed book.
Either email the review screenshot or add your twitter handle and we'll find you that way!
BTW: It's easy to SUBSCRIBE and to have each episode sent to you automatically.
Subscribe
Resources
Brian Tracy The Psychology of Achievement.
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
"We don't see the world as it is, we see it as we are." ~Anais Nin
When people talk about shifting their paradigm it might sound corny, or perhaps trendy, or both.
The importance of shifting one's paradigm particularly when it comes to self-imposed limitations or limiting beliefs can not be overstated. In fact, Einstein once said you can't solve a problem using the same level of thinking that created the problem and that is precisely the value of a paradigm shift.
Martin provides the example of how The Habit Factor, itself, by exploring the subject of HABIT very deeply helped to shift people's paradigms about habit. And in particular, how habit helps to drive goal achievement.
He even shares the example of Apple's "Think Different" campaign which was their way to underscore Apple's belief that a computer isn't a computer (as we know it) but rather an extension of our personality, how we work and even in many ways could be viewed as art.
Martin also recounts a great story, originally shared by the late Dr. Stephen Covey, that provides a dramatic example of a powerful a paradigm shift can be!
The key is to understand that paradigms are forged by our values, past experiences and our habitual thinking and knowing that, we have the capacity to shift them if we're willing.
Check out this extended FAF episode... and SUBSCRIBE now to get these episodes automatically on your device!
________________
How's your habit tracking going? Interested in joining our private accountability group? If so, visit: http://thehabitfactor.com/join
**NEW Weekly Giveaway! Each week we select ONE, new iTunes review (good, bad or indifferent) and send a FREE signed book. Either email the review screenshot or add your Twitter handle and we'll find you that way!
BTW: Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and you'll have each episode sent to you automatically!
Subscribe
Don't miss a single episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get each episode sent directly to you.
Resources