Compound Effect Chapter 3 Golden Nuggets

“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” – John Maxwell

Once upon a time there was a wise teacher walking along with a student. The teacher challenged the student to pull a newly sprouted tree from the ground.

Easy.

Each new challenge got bigger and bigger until they encountered the Mighty Oak Tree.

“Impossible,” said the student.

“My son, you have just demonstrated the power that habits will have over your life. The older they are, the bigger they get, the deeper the roots grow, and the harder the are to uproot. Some get so big, with roots so deep, you might hesitate to even try.”

95% of everything we feel, think, do and achieve is a result of a learned habit. Would it surprise you to know that former pro NBA superstar Larry Bird practice 500 free throw shots each morning before school?

None of these things surprise us. We may have heard them all before and maybe even believe, the question is – how do we install empowering habits that will lead us to our better futures.

Here are 6 Key Ideas from Darren Hardy

• Prepare for success

If you’re going to be cutting down the carbs, have protein snacks on hand. Clear out the cupboards of temptations.

• Think addition instead of subtraction

Instead of thinking – what can I remove – instead think of all the things you can add.

In your nutrition plan – seek out all the amazing, nutritious snacks you can add in.

Think about all the fun disciplines you can add in to keep your mind off of dis-empowering habits.

• PDA’s rock

Not public displays of affection silly, public displays of accountability. (sorry if we got your hopes up there) 🙂

Often times sharing your results and commitments publicly can provide some added social pressure to follow through.

• Find a success buddy

Hook up with a weekly accountability or mastermind partner.

I have a weekly meeting scheduled with 2 of my marketing friends and it’s priceless for helping me stay on track and filled with great ideas.

• Competition

Some people are competitive by nature and so getting involved in a friendly competition can sometimes, be a great motivator.

• Celebrate success

We often continue to do those things we’re rewarded for so why not reward yourself for good behavior? This can range from a simple “WAHOO” to whatever you design to treat yourself.

Final Nuggets

• 99% of failures and success both have something in common – they hate doing the same things. The difference is – successful people do them anyway.
• Science shows that patterns of thoughts and actions repeated many times create what’s called a neuro-signature or a “Brain Groove.” (like a record) Our brains are malleable.

Isn’t it great we can change?

Have you used any of the above ideas or any others for having success installing habits?

I’d really love to hear about them below.