WEEK 89: FOCUS ON THE INTERIOR NOT THE EXTERIOR

Concentrate all of your thoughts on the task at hand. The sun's rays do not BURN until they come to a focus.   Alexander Graham Bell

REFLECTIONS (learnings and actions): I heard a saying last week that sums up why the majority of people are not able to accomplish their goals, and thus not achieve their dreams.

Focus on the "Interior" not the "Exterior."

Now what does this mean?

Let me explain. All us make goals, but only a small percentage of us are able to follow through and achieve them on a consistent basis. We are talking about less than 3% of the population on this planet.

Now, I have learned this is such a small percentage, as the most of us get caught up in the negative emotions produced from our DIPs, or lowest part in taking on new challenges. Think about the last time you felt STUCK or struggling to master something new? How did you feel? What were you thinking?

It is probably safe to say you were feeling some negative emotions. A steady does of doubt, anxiety, and fear can definitely stop you in your tracks and make you question what you are doing and if it is really worth it. This can lead to a downward spiral of thoughts and actions which can take you away from doing the necessary work to take you closer in achieving your goals.

Additionally, achieving your goals can be done in isolation, but most times, involves some external factors. Although you think you can determine the outcome of all aspects, you will NOT have complete control over them. I am going to repeat that. YOU WILL NOT HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL over them. 

I have learned DIPs are inevitable on the path to achieving your goals and dreams. They are a necessary part of the process and help you learn and grow. However, we often times get caught up in only focusing on the results because we have not achieved x, y, or z yet. This is what is called the "Exterior." 

BUT...

What is the "Interior?" Well those those who consistently achieve their goals really focus on the actions which they can take and then take them. They do not get caught up in not seeing result x, y, or z yet, rather, they focus on the actions they can take. This allows them to validate ideas, learn, and identify modifications to create results usually far better than they expected. 

Now what can you control? It starts with your thoughts, perspective, and actions.

You can choose at anytime to change your thoughts, I know some of you might disagree, but you have the conscious power to change your thoughts at any given time. This in turn, can help you see a situation in a different perspective, which then allows you to take actions which you might have thought impossible before. 

For example, I told myself I could never write a book in the beginning of my LYP. However, I took small consistent actions which allowed me to change my perspective from one "no way!" to one of "Not a question I will finish it!" This allowed me to take the steps to find a book cover artist, editor, ...

Now how can you learn to focus on the "Interior?"

I have talked about steps you can take in the last couple of weeks, but wanted to clarify them here for you. 

Here is the TWO step process:

First. Analyze your principles, daily actions and decisions, to identify if what you are doing is moving you towards your achieving your goals. If YES, continue doing it. If NO, see how you can make a modification and then implement it. 

Second, you also need to MAKE ROOM, or release and forgive the thoughts which are holding you back from moving forward. For example, how can you accomplish anything amazing if all your are thinking about is the lack of progress or why things are not working.

This jab and upper cut combo will allow you to continually focus on the "Interior" and take action to move you forward when you encounter your DIPs. This in turn, will help you take the steps to achieve your dreams!

What Went Well?

Really EMBRACING challenge, not resisting it. Also, clarifying a way to take consistent action in achieving my goals. Also, my partner and I got our first sale for our software business! It was an amazing feeling and something we look forward to duplicating over and over again.

What is something we can improve? What actions can we take next week?

Tony Robbins says that your life transforms when you trade expectation for appreciation. The LYP has given me laser like focus and sometimes it is realy hard to turn it off. However, I want to do a better job of turning it off when in the presence of family and friends. 

What is something to avoid next week?

Being physically in one place and mind in another. 

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PLANNING (Implementation Intention):  You will follow through 2X to 3X more likely to complete your weekly task than you normally would just by filling in the following statement.

I plan to complete the weekly task [day] at [time] in [location]. 

A reminder you might have to use multiple Implementation Intentions in order to follow through.

EXECUTION (strategies used):  From week to week, I use a combination of many strategies. There are always some which are used more than others depending on what comes up, but I wanted to offer a link to all them at once. 

My advice is to identify the I CAN'T statement you tell yourself during the most. Then find a strategy below the statement which resonates with you, and then start using it. 

Enjoy!

STRATEGY LIST

WEEK 88: STOP COMPARING

You can not fill a cup that is already full.     Omaticaya

REFLECTIONS (learnings and actions): This week I wanted to write to you and expand upon an idea I have talked about in the past, but gained more insights about this week. It centers around DIPs, or the lowest points of taking on new challenges, when they become stressful and 0% fun.

These moments occur, after the novelty of a new experience has worn off and you are met with the reality of actually having to do the work. Unfortunately, we often get caught up focusing on the end RESULT, thus feelings of anxiety, stress, and wanting to quit because arise. This happens as there is a gap between where we are and the result we are trying to achieve. I have learned this is a trigger for you to analyze your principles, daily decisions or actions, as what you are currently doing is not moving you to your ultimate outcome. 

This week I want to go deeper and explain the clarity I have gained. When we experience our DIPs our minds are filled with thoughts about WHY we have not achieved what we set out to. For example, I have only lost 2 lbs, yet I have been dieting for TWO whole weeks. OR, I do not see any results from the program I bought after trying it a month.

Now these feelings usually appear, as you are comparing your results to the results of others. I have learned this a sure fire way of cementing yourself in your DIP. I see others and they are doing x, y, and z, but WHY can't I?

Now, what starts out as a few thoughts becomes an avalanche which overwhelms you! All of a sudden, you are inundated with anxiety, doubt, and stress. 

WHY did you choose to take this on?

WHY did you invest that money?

HOW did you believe you could do this?

On, and on....

It might get to a point where the stress manifests itself in physical form, as constant tension in your shoulders, fatigue, or even illness as you are solely focusing on why things are not working. 

Like I mentioned above, this is where you want to analyze your principles. But I have learned before you do this, you need to MAKE ROOM. What do I mean by this?

Well, currently you are inundated with thoughts about why things are probably not working. If that is all you are thinking about, then there is no room for anything else. 

You can not learn, grow, or succeed if there is no space for it. You can not analyze and identify what can be changed in order to make progress if all you do is blame yourself or even worse others, for not making progress. 

Thus, if you are in the midst of a DIP do the following to endure and move past it:

1. Be aware you are solely focused on the end result.

2. MAKE ROOM by letting go and non-comparison to the results of others.

3. Analyze your daily decisions and actions, principles. Are you even measuring your actions? Are you doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.  Are you reporting on your actions to modify what you are doing to move you closer to your end result.

4. Implement. Identify your modifications and implement. 

Thus, know experiencing a DIP is inevitable on the path to achieving your dreams, but focusing on the end result and comparing yourself to others is a sure fire way of giving up before you reach places you never thought possible,

What Went Well?

Clarifying. Learning more strategies to cope with DIPs.

What is something we can improve? What actions can we take next week?

BE PRESENT. BE where you are. If I am talking to someone, I want to be there, not somewhere else. 

What is something to avoid next week?

Not making room for growth and learning. 

PLANNING (Implementation Intention):  You will follow through 2X to 3X more likely to complete your weekly task than you normally would just by filling in the following statement.

I plan to complete the weekly task [day] at [time] in [location]. 

A reminder you might have to use multiple Implementation Intentions in order to follow through.

EXECUTION (strategies used):  From week to week, I use a combination of many strategies. There are always some which are used more than others depending on what comes up, but I wanted to offer a link to all them at once. 

My advice is to identify the I CAN'T statement you tell yourself during the most. Then find a strategy below the statement which resonates with you, and then start using it. 

Enjoy!

STRATEGY LIST

WEEK 87: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PRINCIPLES

Don't aim at success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue.
Viktor E. Frankl

REFLECTIONS (learnings and actions): I heard this quote during one of my meditation sessions this week and it resonated perfectly with what is going on recently.

The path to achieving your dreams will be hazy and unclear at times, then there will be moments when you know exactly what you want! Although this clarity is great, I have learned you must be aware of the trap. What trap am I talking about?

Focusing solely on the result and not the process. 

Now I have written many different posts about this idea, and I actually went back and dug up a small expert from some past posts.

First, I learned from James Clear to focus on SYSTEMS, your daily actions, over goals to make progress. Goals should be used to plan, but minimal or no progress will be made solely focusing on the end result. 

Second, I learned from Eben Pagan the idea of Inevitable Thinking, ADD. He wrote "Inevitable Thinking is thinking and acting as if what you are doing is a forgone conclusion because you set up the conditions for it to happen." 

Third,I learned Dr. Stephen R. Covey said "We control our actions, but the consequences that flow from those actions are controlled by principles."

For example, your body is governed by principles and will become unhealthy if you only consume unhealthy foods. Your finances are governed by principles and you will become in debt if you spend more than you have. You control the action, but the consequences that follow are governed by PRINCIPLES.

Fourth, I learned that when you encounter a DIP, the lowest point in taking on a challenge, it is a trigger to analyze your principles. 

The common theme between all three center around focusing on your SYSTEMS = DAILY DECISIONS and ACTIONS = PRINCIPLES to make progress.

Now principles are the compound effect of daily decisions. Doing something one time, like drinking a beer or smoking a cigarette, will not have a damaging effect on your health. Where as, these activities done over a extended period of time can cause major health problems. It is more important what you to everyday, versus what you do every once in a while. 

Thus if you want to create better outcomes, then improve the daily decisions you make, thus creating a positive compound effect. 

Again, finding clarity in what your dream is incredible, but I have learned you must be aware not to fall into the trap to solely focus on the end result. You must remember the result is your destination, but it is your SYSTEMS = DAILY DECISIONS and ACTIONS = PRINCIPLES that will get you there. 

This rings so true for me currently where I often focus solely on getting that first sale, where this gives me laser like focus, it takes me away from analyzing my PRINCIPLES. It is like I am a horse with blinders on and I can only see in front of me and nothing in my periphery.

Thus, get clarity in what your ultimate outcome is first. Next, set goals to plan how to get there. Then, FOCUS solely on your PRINCIPLES, daily decisions and actions, which will get you there.

Thanks for tuning in and see you next week.

What Went Well?

Weekly task completed and focusing more on the PROCESS, than the result to accelerate towards achieving my ultimate outcome. 

What is something we can improve? What actions can we take next week?

Be grateful of the NOW. I find myself thinking I will be happier in the future when X or Y happens, but there is so much to appreciate now!

What is something to avoid next week?

Get out of our own way!

PLANNING (Implementation Intention):  You will follow through 2X to 3X more likely to complete your weekly task than you normally would just by filling in the following statement.

I plan to complete the weekly task [day] at [time] in [location]. 

A reminder you might have to use multiple Implementation Intentions in order to follow through.

EXECUTION (strategies used):  From week to week, I use a combination of many strategies. There are always some which are used more than others depending on what comes up, but I wanted to offer a link to all them at once. 

My advice is to identify the I CAN'T statement you tell yourself during the most. Then find a strategy below the statement which resonates with you, and then start using it. 

Enjoy!

STRATEGY LIST

WEEK 86: FAIL UP

Everything you want is on the other side of failure. Jack Canfield

REFLECTIONS (learnings and actions):  This week I want to write about two things that go hand in hand and are necessary parts you will need to understand on the path to achieving your dreams.

First, is the idea that EVERYONE STARTS AT ZERO. Today, we constantly see the end results of fantastical stories. Bob lost X pounds in Y months! Anne built her millionaire dollar business from her couch!  Just select any social media channel you use and you sill see how to get an END REULT in the shortest amount of time. 

Unfortunately, what we do not see is process that went into creating these results or the understanding all of these individuals started as beginners or at ZERO. This is where they probably had minimal to no skill or resources at the time when they began. However, they ALL had one thing in common. What is it? What helped them achieve this level of success?

Well, I will give you a hint, it is what I wrote about last week....If you did not have time to read the article then I will save you a few clicks and searches through your inbox and tell you it is the skill of taking MASSIVE, CONSISTENT ACTION. 

The road to achieving our dreams will be hazy and unclear at times, and taking action consistently helps you find the clarity on how to get to the next step.

This one skill can help you get over the I CAN'T statements you will tell yourself along the path. Everyone, I mean everyone starts at ZERO and is faced with the uncertainty of NOT knowing all the steps to take to achieve their dreams. This is a fact! However, it is those who take consistent action in the face of the unknown that eventually prevail and achieve things never thought possible. 

This leads me to my second learning this week. which can help you take consistent action. This word can help you in those times when you tell yourself I CAN'T because...

What is it?

FAIL-UP!

I actually have seem this worn in many different forms throughout the LYP process, but it sums up all the main points beautifully. 

FAIL-UP allows you to harness the power of the Japanese work Kaizen, which centers around the philosophy of continual improvement. Thus, everything is viewed as experiential and iterative. 

FAIL-UP allows to embrace the idea of growth mindset. Thus, nothing is set in stone! Nothing! You are able to grow continuously by focusing on the process and the actions you take. This is an opportunity to break the limiting beliefs you have every placed on yourself. 

FAIL-UP allows you to focus on SYSTEMS or principles over GOALS. This allows you to concentrate on your daily decisions and action you take, rather than being overwhelmed on achieving result X by date Y. 

I have learned the unknown and the uncomfortable feelings it produces are a key part of the process to achieving your dreams. Furthermore, it is those who take consistent action in the face of the unknown that prevail and achieve their dreams. 

Do you have doubt? Do you feel anxiety? Are you fearful? 

Then take consistent action and FAIL-UP to accelerate your progress of achieving your dreams! 

What Went Well?

Weekly task completed and continuing to FAIL-UP in order to achieve my ultimate outcome(s). 

What is something we can improve? What actions can we take next week?

Being run by the TO DO list. There are times when I am just checking the boxes off, not being truly present in what I am doing. I want to do a better job of focusing on a fewer number of tasks and doing them well, rather than trying to do more tasks at a mediocre level. 

What is something to avoid next week?

Forgetting to breathe. Do you ever catch yourself deep in thought and forget to breathe. I want to do a better job of being centered on the breath and not just lost in thought. 

***

PLANNING (Implementation Intention):  You will follow through 2X to 3X more likely to complete your weekly task than you normally would just by filling in the following statement.

I plan to complete the weekly task [day] at [time] in [location]. 

A reminder you might have to use multiple Implementation Intentions in order to follow through.

EXECUTION (strategies used):  From week to week, I use a combination of many strategies. There are always some which are used more than others depending on what comes up, but I wanted to offer a link to all them at once. 

My advice is to identify the I CAN'T statement you tell yourself during the most. Then find a strategy below the statement which resonates with you, and then start using it. 

Enjoy!

STRATEGY LIST

WEEK 85: CLARITY COMES FROM ACTION

Clarity comes from Action.    Jeff Goins

REFLECTIONS (learnings and actions):  I was reminded this week of a powerful quote from Jeff Goins, the Author of the Art of Work. Now those of you who have been reading the LYP from the beginning know Jeff as the person who introduced me to the "3 Bucket System" of writing, which now is helping me write these posts, but also helped me write my book. 

I was reading an article by Jeff on Medium and the quote hit me again. He said

CLARITY comes from action 

I have mentioned before that the road to your dreams will be hazy and unclear at times. This lack of clarity will undoubtedly cause you to feel uncomfortable feelings like doubt, anxiety, and fear. 

What I have now learned is the unclear and hazy parts are a TOTAL NECESSARY part of the process. Additionally, you have to be willing to endure them. Why you might ask? Why would you want to have times where you doubt yourself, or feel anxiety of the outcome? 

In short, it means you are taking on something which is worthwhile and meaningful, but also something which will make you stretch and help you achieve things you never thought possible. 

Think about the last time you did something you could easily do. Did you doubt yourself? Did you feel anxiety? Did you feel knots in your stomach? The answer will probably be NO, as the experience is not something which will help you grow.

However, think about the last time where you felt doubt, anxiety, or fear? Where you engaging in something which stretched you? Answer YES!

Now I have learned you must also be willing to endure these in these times where you feel uncomfortable feelings, or the lowest points of taking on new challenges. Focus on these THREE things:

1. Cultivate the Soft Zone. 

Sit with, observe, and use the uncomfortable feelings to your advantage. If you feel nervous, know this is a mechanism telling your body it is ready for action. If you are taking frequent breaths, know this is getting more 02 to the brain. Lastly, if you feel you are not achieving what you want to, use it as a trigger to analyze your principles.

2. Delay gratification. 

Success will require you to choose at one time or another, discipline over what is easy. I discussed this in W84, but simply put, be disciplined to key habits, and push off easy distractions in order to succeed. 

3. Use Pareto principle to analyze your principles. 

List out all the activities you are doing on a daily basis and identify the 20% activities which produce 80% of your results, or help you make the largest steps forward. Cut the ones that do not make the cut and focus on modifying the others to accelerate your progress towards achieving your ultimate outcome. 

Again, know that there will be moments of unclarity where you feel uncomfortable feelings. Know these are a necessary part of the process, and be willing to endure them to achieve your dreams!

Keep on rocking you all!

What Went Well?

Weekly task completed and starting to incorporate the Pareto principle on a weekly basis to accelerate growth towards my ultimate outcomes. 

What is something we can improve? What actions can we take next week?

Projecting onto others. Sometimes, the I take the uncomfortable feelings and project them outwards on others. For example, the feeling of NEED can come off as pushy and trite. I have done that in the past couple of weeks. Sorry to those who were the recipient of this.  

What is something to avoid next week?

Projecting.

******

PLANNING (Implementation Intention):  You will follow through 2X to 3X more likely to complete your weekly task than you normally would just by filling in the following statement.

I plan to complete the weekly task [day] at [time] in [location]. 

A reminder you might have to use multiple Implementation Intentions in order to follow through.

EXECUTION (strategies used):  From week to week, I use a combination of many strategies. There are always some which are used more than others depending on what comes up, but I wanted to offer a link to all them at once. 

My advice is to identify the I CAN'T statement you tell yourself during the most. Then find a strategy below the statement which resonates with you, and then start using it. 

Enjoy!

STRATEGY LIST