Do you want to create some MASSIVE positive shifts in your life? If so, I want to teach you a secret that has the potential to do just that. It can all be summed up in one sentence:
“How you do one thing is how you do everything.”
Have you heard that phrase before? It’s a powerful little concept that has incredible ramifications.
It simply means that how you go about the everyday, routine things is how you will inevitably approach the “big” challenges in life.
We have all developed patterns and habits that become the default way that we approach life’s challenges and hurdles. It’s the way that we generally “show up” on a regular basis, no matter what the situation is.
I want you to take a moment right now to consider how you “show up” in the world most of the time:
- Do you approach challenges with a “can do” or “can’t do” attitude?
- Can you be relied on without fail?
- Do you push on, undeterred, seeking to excel, finding new energy and qualities you didn’t know you had?
- Do you tend to buckle and quit?
- Do you expect the best from people or take a “wait and see” outlook?
- Do you take full responsibility for your actions and results?
- Or do you consistently blame others and external circumstances?
- Do you start strong, with good intentions, but stop short when things get tough?
- Are you determined that we follow through with excellence, despite your fears?
- Or do you tend to find ways to excuse yourself – to quit, maybe even letting others down?
Okay, now that you’ve got a picture of the kind of patterns you have, ask yourself if your approach tends to be consistent within various areas of your life: in business, in relationships, in your goals, health and fitness, spiritual practice, etc.
Sir Richard Branson was asked once what he thought was the key to being more productive in business. His answer? “Working out.” *
Huh?!?! But when you think about it, exercise has a positive impact on your brain health, your emotional balance, your longevity, your energy and stamina, and perhaps most importantly, it teaches you discipline, endurance, a winning attitude, and to not quit.
As Brian Tracy says, “success leaves clues.” And one of the clues that highly successful people leave is that they are in alignment with themselves. They approach everything with the same values, commitment, and standards every time. NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) calls the state of alignment “congruence.” That is, where every fiber of your being is consistent and in agreement.
Okay, here’s today’s coach’s challenge for you: Start being aware how you do the small things in your life. Then look for the same patterns in other areas. Are your habits and patterns helpful? Or do they hold you back?
Now here’s the key. Start Small. Make a conscious intention to become more congruent by changing the way you approach the small things. Take contrary action on just a few things.
Set the bar just a little higher for yourself. You may be quite surprised how over time, those small changes will start showing up in a BIG way.
