"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems" James Clear
"Don't join an easy crowd; you won't grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are High." - Jim Rohn
It's the beginning of a new year and I'm sure you're as tired as I am of hearing people saying "new year, new me' or others complaining about them. I've never been big on new year resolution, doesn't do anything for me. Instead, what I've adopted thinking about a meaningful word or phrase that I want to incorporate in my life each year. 2023 my word is intentionality.
What does that even mean or look like? The meaning or the approach I am taking is being intentional is thinking before acting, then violently executing. Applying it in every aspect of my life; mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Being intentional as I'm learning, is saying no and not committing to a lot of things, but being very selective in what I do agree to.
Part of the 1101 Brand ethos is Be Solid, which to me means holding myself to a level of attentiveness, focus, discipline and plainly put, just showing up and making things happen. It's a daily battle even thought it's simple, it's absolutely not easy. I used to find myself like a lot of people searching for hacks to get the results faster, without doing the work. In my experience 10 times out of 10 nothing else produces long term results like doing the work.
Building daily habits, even small ones over time bring sustainable progress that hacks just wont. I don't have all the answers and what works for me, might not be the approach for you. That is the beauty of it, the approach's can be different, but the process of building systems that lead to the longevity of your habits is the same. Below are systems I incorporate in my life that have really helped me.
Bottle of water on the counter with my multivitamin next to it, to drink and take first thing in the morning. This helps me be more focused and get my brain the much needed water after sleeping.
To avoid missing breakfast, I lay out the things I know I will need in the morning: bowl for my oatmeal, oatmeal container, pan for my egg white on the stove, cooking spray for the pan on the counter, fork and spoon, my instant coffee already measured and placed in my coffee mug, water in my tea pot for the coffee and oatmeal.
Pre-pack my gym bag and have my prework out mixed and in the fridge ready to drink. Additional habit, when I feel the lazy or start to fall for my own excuses, I start to drink the prework out and take myself hostage. By the time I'm halfway done I'm energized and ready to go. I usually go in the afternoon after work, but I do switch it up to early mornings every few months and it still works.
You might read those habits and think you can never do it. I used to say the same thing until I finally tried and decided to keep at it. The battle is internal and we are all capable of control what we do. Belief is like a muscle, if you don't' work it out, it weakens. But the more you exercise belief, the stronger it becomes. It doesn't happen overnight and it doesn't need to be a a dramatic change. Start small with the intent of getting better at that small habit, being consistent with the system to put in place to help you strengthen that habit. Do the work, and you'll see the rewards.
Make this year your best year by winning the day one day at a time. Win the day by planning for the day, habits over hacks
Much Love
No matter where life takes you: Do You | Dream Big | Stay Solid
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