"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!
Don't miss a single episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get each episode sent directly to you.
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!
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!
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!
Don't miss a single episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get each episode sent directly to you.
"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!
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!
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!
Don't miss a single episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get each episode sent directly to you.
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!
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.
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!
Don't miss a single episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get each episode sent directly to you.
"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." Henry David Thoreau
In this episode Martin revisits this quote by the famous essayist — a quote that sent him on a journey of personal discovery and analysis about the enigma that is "success".
In this famous quote Henry David Thoreau points out with great assurance that, "he WILL meet with a success in common hours". Notice that HDT doesn't say he "might" or that he "could" but that he "WILL"!
After years of analysis and reaffirming this statement, Martin has settled on much the same truth. That success is not a destination but a realization along the journey and is experienced as one pursues their ideal future confidently.
It seems that it is only when one advances confidently toward their dreams and works hard realize the life that they have imaged that the improbable happens — that they are met with the feeling of success in "common" hours.
HDT's formula is crystal clear:
1) have an ideal vision, a dream to pursue
2) work hard to achieve it
3) move confidently every day toward it
When you can check off those three boxes each and every day you will meet with a success in common hours.
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.
Either email the review screenshot or add your twitter handle and we'll find you that way!
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
"As long as you are above ground, these are ALL things you 'Get to do!'"
How we talk to ourselves determines a vast majority of what we do and do not do.
The language that we use often creates resistance. So, then what happens? Well, we know what we need to do but still don't do it.
What are the chances that some of that resistance is simply tied to the language that we use?
In this episode Martin begins by asking you to imagine you both work at the same company and he get to "tell you what you have to do". Doesn't sound too pleasant does it?
Yet, many of use will go through each day saying that exact statement to ourselves, things like; "I have to pay my bills". "I have to go to the gym." "I have to get the car washed." "I have to go to school" etc.
A subtle and significant shift takes place when we revisit our language and change the way we talk to ourselves. Simply saying, "I get to pay my bills." "I get to go to the gym" etc. will reduced our reluctance to do them!
What are you telling yourself "you have to do" and how easily can you make that shift?
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.
Brian Tracy The Psychology of Achievement.
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
"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.” ~Albert Einstein
What is the difference between the superconscious and the subconscious?
When a problem is well defined it seems that when we are relaxed, and in a subconscious, habitual state that we make that "leap in consciousness" that Einstein talks about.
Einstein calls it a "leap" in consciousness and many theorize that is exactly what it is. But the "how" and the "why" may in fact be related to the subconscious and in particular HABIT.
Many personal development greats like Brian Tracy and Napoleon Hill (video link below) have also termed this the "God-Mind" and "Infinite Intelligence". Whatever you call it, it's a powerful aspect to one's creativity and it appears to be most often fostered when we are performing habitual activities such as; brushing our teeth, showering, shaving, driving, etc.
In this episode Martin uses the "three-layer cake" analogy and shares his experience and insights regarding the matter.
There is a power above and behind us and we are the channels (conduit) of its communication." ~Emerson
Check out this short 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!
Don't miss a single episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get each episode sent directly to you.
Infinite Intelligence by Napoleon Hill (YouTube)
A diamond in the rough doesn't look like a diamond and that's an important point to remember.
In this episode Martin revisits a timeless classic from the personal development archives, "Acres of Diamonds" by Russell Conwell.
Russell Conwell shares the story of an African farmer who becomes excited about the prospect of finding a fortune of diamonds elsewhere. He hurriedly sells his farmland and heads out to seek his treasure.
After years of searching, dejected, despondent and alone, he ultimately kills drowns himself.
The moral to the story is timeless, that our real fortunes lie within. That we already have a fortune within our selves as long as we are willing to take the time to refine our skills and character.
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.
Either email the review screenshot or add your twitter handle and we'll find you that way!
Acres of Diamonds (Amazon)
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
"The key is tricking yourself to move quadrant two items to quadrant one whenever possible."
This episode Martin revisits Stephen Covey's classic Effectiveness or Time Management Grid.
Many of us become great at "getting stuff done" (GTD) the only challenge is that often it's NOT the the important stuff that, in the long run, will make us feel content, accomplished and like we've lived a life that was worth living.
All too often that "stuff" resides in quadrant one as Dr. Covey points out yet, it's quadrant #2 as Covey defines it, where things the important but not urgent items are that have the most value to us.
What sort of things can be found in quadrant #2?
-Planning and strategy
-Setting a vision
-Exercising
-Reading to your children
-Vocation
-Prevention
-Long-Term Goals
Martin explores this idea that within his latest book, The Pressure Paradox™ one of the underlying themes was the importance to creating a sense of urgency (pressure) and how a key to being more effective is moving the those long-term goals into quadrant 1.
For instance, the book and even the app as well as goals like the Ironman and catalina classic were all quadrant #2 items. And, it was via the use of The Habit Factor that helped move those key behaviors (habits) into quadrant #1.
Check it out — listen to today's episode and see if you can't identify the important quadrant #2 items in your life and make sure you are tracking the important habits that will help you achieve your goals!
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.
Brian Tracy The Psychology of Achievement.
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
"Worrying is like paying interest on a loan that may never come due."
But, is there really no value in worrying?
It's a great question and one worth considering. What is the value of worry? Why have we been given this capacity to worry?
It turns out that worry can be damaging and a great waste of time and energy. However, there are many instances where worry serves a tremendous purpose; to get us off our butts— to take action!
So how do you know which type of worrying is beneficial?
There are essentially two types of worry; things you can influence and control and things that you can not.
To worry about the weather next week is likely a waste of time and energy. However, when you worry about things that you can influence and it forces you to think and act resourcefully then the worry provides great value.
Examine your own worry patterns; when and where you place your time, energy and attention particularly when it comes to things beyond your sphere of influence.
The subject than reminds Martin about the old, “Serenity Prayer” that goes something like, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things i can not change. The courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
There is a reason that is called the serenity prayer— knowing the difference helps one avoid worthless worry and at the same time can bring great peace and serenity.
After all, why pay interest on a loan that may never come due?
Check out this short FAF episode... and SUBSCRIBE now to get these episodes automatically on your device!
________________
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"Comfort is the great enemy of success." ~Brian Tracy
In this episode Martin explores the upside and the downside of becoming conditioned.
In any environment over time (humans) become conditioned but it isn't just the environment that we become conditioned to. We are conditioned to our diets, to the amount of money we earn, to our friendship, professional and social circle. In fact, we are conditioned to our thinking (habituated) about things like how much money we can make, how strong we are, what we are good and bad at (our self-concept), etc.
The relationship between being "conditioned" and habit is hard to avoid and in psychology it's directly tied to habit formation; think Pavlov's dog, stimulus and response. It's difficult to imagine any person who is habituated to a "thing" and not at the same time conditioned to it.
The key is knowing that conditioning (all forms) can serve us as much as harm us— to use the power of conditioning to get stronger— physically, mentally and even emotionally. Therefore it's essential to continually test new boundaries and trust what was once uncomfortable will become comfortable.
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.
Either email the review screenshot or add your twitter handle and we'll find you that way!
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
"Creativity takes courage." ~Henri Matisss
This episode may be the perfect follow-up to last Friday's Frequently Asked Friday (FAF), "What if I fail?"
With the thought of "failure" comes a lot of resistance that prevents many of us from ever getting started.
Similarly, when a person is considering taking on any creative endeavor, they often will unknowingly seek permission to begin— as though someone is going to grant them that ability.
What happens when you give yourself permission to:
-Take the first step
-Start that company
-Write that book
-Develop that app
-Start that blog
-Fail (at anything), etc.
Martin explores this idea that we (YOU) don't need permission from anyone to begin your creative project/endeavor NOW and recognizes that had he sought permission to write The Habit Factor® or The Pressure Paradox™ or develop his apps, he could have been waiting a lifetime.
The interesting thing is not only was nobody going to grant him permission but the impact that the book and app have had on thousands of people around the world would have never come to pass.
Check out today's episode and remove that last bit of resistance to get started today.
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.
Brian Tracy The Psychology of Achievement.
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
"There is never enough time to do everything and there is always enough time to do the most important things." ~Brian Tracy
The Law of Forced Efficiency tells us that we can NEVER use the excuse that we don't have enough time to achieve our goals.
Today's episode highlights a profound lesson and "law" shared by the great Brian Tracy in his Psychology of Achievement.
By separating and prioritizing your habit list versus your To-Do list you focus on the habits (recurring behaviors) that will help you achieve your goal.
Plan. Act. Record and Reassess. The P.A.R.R. methodology and The Habit Factor® are the perfect complement to The Law of Forced Efficiency.
Subscribe and be sure to share this Mind Bullet Monday with a friend!
***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.
Brian Tracy The Psychology of Achievement.
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
Motivation is often fleeting and while it's important not to wait for motivation to strike there are a few mindsets that help getting and staying motivated easier.
In this episode, Martin reviews these strategies and shares his experience about what has helped when motivation was lacking.
A precept is understanding the critical importance of getting started. In order to give yourself a shot you must begin... sounds obvious but many never take that first step.
Next, making your vision as vivid and compelling as possible (prior episode) will help greatly!
Another key idea is self-efficacy which is the ability to create a desired result which creates momentum. This is best achieved when one follows The Habit Factor's PARR methodology; Planning, Acting, Recording and Reassessing.
It helps to regard achievement as a process rather than a single event. This facilitates the most essential ingredient and perhaps a surprise one to staying motivated, patience.
Check out this short FAF episode... and SUBSCRIBE now to get these episodes automatically on your device!
________________
**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!
Don't miss a single episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get each episode sent directly to you.
Willpower Math (blog post)
Three Habit Busting Tips - prior episode
Everything is created twice...
Where there is no vision the people perish. ~Proverbs
If success can be defined as "creating your ideal future" then it's essential to know what your ideal future looks like. Are you able to clearly articulate that vision. If you close your eyes now, can you envision what it might look like three or five years out?
"Your imagination is your preview to life's coming attractions." Albert Einstein
Unfortunately, out of one hundred people it's likely that less than ten will take the time to really think through and envision their ideal future. Fewer still will write it out!
Martin suggests that you identify all the major categories of your life: professional, health, family, relationships, mind, spiritual, adventure, recreation and where you will live and detail each as a vivid and descriptive paragraph.
A Chinese proverb says, "Vision without execution is a day dream and execution without vision is a nightmare."
Once a compelling vision is crafted you'll be "pulled" by it as Steve Jobs once explained and you can then identify what habit will help to make the vision a reality.
Check out this episode and be sure to share this Mind Bullet Wednesday!
***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.
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
"I'm an overnight success, it just took twenty years."
We tend to overestimate what we can accomplish in the short term and under estimate what we can achieve in the long run.
Today's episode is about how long it takes to really make any entrepreneurial endeavor "stick". That is, whether it's a book, an app, a podcast or any business endeavor, if it's something you want to succeed you'd better be willing to invest years of time, effort and personal energy.
To kick off the episode Martin first shares a quote by the late, great Steve Jobs regarding just how hard it is to create a successful company and ultimately why so many people quit.
It's hard. It's very, very hard and you have to be persistent.
Martin shares how he fully underestimated the amount of time it would take and now, 20+ years later, it is still an active company and partnership.
When you think about it, the most successful companies have been around dozens and some even over a hundred years. It seems the most successful companies are even generational.
So, it's important to know that when you start something you are planting a seed that will need consistent care and feeding for years to come.
Subscribe and be sure to share this Mind Bullet Monday with a friend!
***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.
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich