WEEK 164: 2018 BIGGEST LEARNINGS

Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.     Soren Kierkgaard

REFLECTIONS (learnings and actions): What a year!

Serious, there has been so many learnings (from successes and failures) this year!

I wanted to share my "Top 5 Biggest Learnings" so you can follow through and achieve your greatest goals in 2019.

No messing around today, just getting right into it.

1. You are the Greatest Asset You Possess

That is right. Numero uno is you.

You are the conduit which everything flows.

Thus you have two options (it is simple).

1. Invest and nurture yourself.

By doing so you make yourself similar to the "eight wonder of the world: compound interest."

Consistent deposits return exponential returns. 

2. Neglect and underutilized it.

Ever broken a bone?

What happens to the muscle around the bone after being in a cast for months of no pressure, stress, or challenge?

It atrophies...losing all the strength it once had. 

Decision is up to you.

#2. INPUTS

If you do not like the outputs, results, then change your inputs.

Serious, it is that simple (there is that word again).

Take your health for example?

Don't like how you look physically...change what you eat.

Want to have more energy...change when you go to bed.

Want to achieve the best level of health you have ever had...hire a mentor to accelerate the process. 

#3. The Power of Honoring Commitments

Everything starts with belief.

If you have it, you can achieve anything.

Without it, you struggle to do even the most mundane tasks.

What is the quickest way to create momentum and increase self-belief?

Honor your commitments.

#4. Rituals

Have you ever been on a roller coaster ride?

The incredible highs...the crazy drops.

Logically, there will be minimal growth in your (health/relationships/business) with this erratic behavior. 

Being on top of a mountain one day and then crashing to the depths the next day will not help you make progress. 

Now there is always going to be variance (highs and lows), but the truly successful manage it so it's distance from the crest to the trough is minimal.

How you might ask?

Rituals.

I am talking how you connect with your identity...control your state...and construct your day (wake-up, middle, and end).

MEGA important.

#5. Lead over Lag Indicators

What are lead and lag indicators?

Lead indicators are processes you control.

For example, what time you get up every day...what you eat to be in optimal health...etc.

Lag indicators are the results of the lead indicators.

For example, self-belief, having energy to outlast your days. 

In one sentence...

Focus on the process and the results will take care of it self.

Could rap about this for days, but Nick Saban say's it pretty well. 

There you have it.

Could have added much more, but everything funnels into these "5 Top Learnings."

Can guarantee you will

-produce at a higher volume (right stuff)

-perform at a higher level

-achieve your greatest goals

-Make 2019 *The Year*

See you on the other side...J

Top three activities that move me forward?

1. Honoring commitments (here it is again.)

2. Zen eating. Let's me access my fountain of youth.

3. Morning routine. Sets the day for success.

Biggest lessons/learnings and corrections?

The power of rituals.

The morning routine is vital to setting the intention for the day and without it I feel behind and out of sorts. 

What are you grateful for?

Today marks the 32nd year I was adopted by my parents who gave me this incredible life!

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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 163: AWARENESS OF THIS CAN UNLOCK YOUR ABILITY TO LEVEL UP

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort or convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.   Martin Luther King

REFLECTIONS (learning and actions): Have you achieved something worthwhile?

Serious. Something others said you could not do?

I want you to think about it, as there is an aspect you have probably overlooked which can help unlock your ability to level up in...ANYTHING.

What you might ask?

Well, to do this I want to explain how muscles grow.

Seriously Jess?

Simple I know, but it is often understanding and mastering the simple things which are the most powerful.

So, how do muscles grow?

Well, first let me tell you how they do not grow.

They do not grow if there is no pressure. For example, if you go to the gym and pick up 2 lb dumbbells you are not looking at minimal to no growth at all.

Just not possible for you to get those defined biceps if there is no pressure or stress.

Just not how it works.

Logically, you know muscles grow after enduring stress or challenge.

For example if you go to the gym and pick up dumbbells which are heavier than you think you can lift and consistently train with those dumbbells I can guarantee you will grow muscles.

Caveat here is you do not choose dumbbells which are so heavy you can't even pick them up, producing too much pressure, overwhelm, and burnout. 

Now, how does this simple lessons in muscle growth help you unlock your ability to produce and perform at a higher level?

Simple (there is that word again). You will need elements of stress and pressure to grow.

This means to no avoiding challenge. 

This means to no complaining when things will get hard (which they will).

This means no quitting, when everything around you says to. 

etc, etc, etc...

There is an epidemic today where everybody wants the rewards, but they do not want to work in to get it.

"I will do anything to achieve my (health/business/life) goal."

Yet, at the first sign of difficulty they fold up the tent and say it is too hard. 

STOP.

This is where you need to zoom out and redefine chaos, challebge, and pressure.

Here are new definitions you need to implant into you mind.

CHAOS: Your reward for promotion and precursor before your authority.

CHALLENGE: Something you can control and a sign post you are on the right path.

PRESSURE: Draws out your best and sign post that what you are doing is worthwhile. 

These elements are givens on the path to achieving your greatest goals.

If you do not face any chaos, challenge, or pressure than your dreams are worthless.

Serious. 

Ask a successful person if they achieved their greatest accomplishments without learning from chaos, challenge, and pressure?

Not going to happen. 

So STOP looking for the easy way out.

The great thing is awareness and knowing the proper definitins is more than 1/2 the battle. 

So knowing that chaos, challenge, and pressure are all a part of the process helps you push through these points when they appear (and they will).

So if you are serious about leveling up your game, then STOP looking for everything to be easy...STOP looking to eliminate all the problems.

Understand they are a part of the process and sign posts you are on the right track!

See you on the other side....J

Top three activities that move me forward?

1. MF. Installing and deleting beliefs.

2. Keeping commitments. No greater responsibility.

3. Release control of the external. 

Biggest lessons/learnings and corrections?

Life is and always is happening FOR us in amazing and abundant ways. 

Stop trying to control everything and receive and accept all that God and the universe is bringing to you!

What are you grateful for?

Learning the strategies to fortify my inner citadel >> mindset << so I can perform in any situation under any conditions. 

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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 162: AUDIT TO SUCCEED

We are what we see. We are products of our environment.  Amber Valleta

REFLECTIONS (learning and actions): Would you like to know one simple thing you can change to raise the ceiling on your performance and production?

No, serious. Just one thing?

Well, you are in the right place as we will speak about it today.

Now before we start I wanted to ask you about a time when you were on a very successful team. It does not matter if was through work or sports?

Do you remember what happened to your thinking...ability to make decisions...your behavior?

On the flip side, do you remember a time when you were not on a good team?

Pretty much certain there is a stark difference between being on those teams.

This brings up what I want to talk about today and it highlights the *one* simple thing you can change to raise your ceiling on your production and performance. 

To do that, I want to share some stats on the New England Patriots.

The Patriots have tied the longest streak for consecutive playoff appearances with 9 seasons and one of two teams to have won 3 Super Bowls within a span of 4 years. 

Pretty incredible in the day and age. 

Now how do they do this?

Is it their facilities?

No, as just like any other pro football team they have the resources to purchase whatever they would like.

Is it their players?

No, as from year to year players come in and players go other than the exception of a few stalwarts.

Is it their coaches?

Again, no as the same with players coached come and go with the exclusion of a few stalwarts.  

So what is it, that makes the Patriots an annual contender to win the Super Bowl, and go to the playoffs every year?

In one word, Environment. 

Environment. Environment. Environment. 

Environment is defined as the surroundings a person lives or operates. 

This is comprised of the players, coaches, personnel, owners, and everyone in that organization creating a championship environment. 

If there is a slump, there is no panic.

If a key player gets injured or traded, another one steps in. 

If they get negative publicity; they choose to focus on what they control.

If everything around them seems to be falling apart, they get stronger. 

Whereas, the other teams in the league crumble when faced with the same challenges.

Have said this before but the number one thing which puts a cap on your abilities is the way you think about yourself. 

And the number one thing you can change to help you see yourself in a different light is your environment. 

Here are 3 things you can check to audit your environment.

1. Identify your Inner Circle

Identify the top 5 people you hang out with.

Just this step alone brings clarity.

2. Language

Language is a powerful lever you can use to your advantage, thus identify how your inner circle uses it.

Difficulties, pressure, and challenge, how do they speak about them?

3. Goals

What are the goals of your inner circle?

Do they align with where you want to be and who you want to become?

So want to raise your ceiling on your performance and productivity?

Take an audit of your environment. 

Guarantee you will start accelerating your progress by joining the proper one.

See you on the other side...J

Top three activities that move me forward?

1. Morning Formula. Empower myself and set the intentions for the day. 

2. Zen. Gives me the greatest resource on the planet, energy = drive and focus. 

3. Pomodoro. Controlling my state consistently gives me leverage in crisis and challenge. 

Biggest lessons/learning and corrections?

Pomodoro. Controlling my state every 25 minutes in calm times gives me the reserve to control myself during times of crisis and challenge. 

What are you grateful for?

Being able to travel and spend time with family over the holidays. It is a gift and very grateful for the ability to do so.

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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 161: DONT'S CHASE DESTINATIONS OR ACHIEVEMENTS

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in doing it.   Greg Anderson

REFLECTIONS (learnings and actions): Happy post Thanksgiving!

December is here and it is one of the month which will dictate how 2019 will turn out.

That is right, how you end 2018 has a big impact on how 2019 will be.

But that is not what we are going to talk about today.

This week I want to talk to you about how you should make goals but not to chase the destinations, achievements.

But you might say isn't that goal of well making a goal...to achieve the result...arrive at the destination?

Nope.

Serious Jess?

Dead, and let me tell you why.

To highlight this point let me tell you about my experience of self-publishing a book.

I had no idea how to publish a book, or even felt like I was not a good writer before I started the process. 

Yet, I put my nose to the ground and did the necessary work to do achieve the result.

Now you might be saying, "Jess you just said it was not about achieving the goal!"

Achieving the results felt good, but the true reward was something more powerful (will tell you in a moment).

However...I felt a bit unsatisfied once I got there. I'm not lying when I say that it was a little underwhelming.

Why? 

Well, by the time I had written the manuscript, edited it 4 times (+250 pages), and working with a consultant to get the layouts and marketing lined up for the launch, and...

It just felt normal at the time that I would publish the book.

It did not seem like a "Big Deal."

It was jus something I knew would happen.

And when the day came out when I saw my book on Amazon Kindle, I felt happy but I actually felt hungry to write the "next chapter."

This taught me a very important lesson about making goals and how not to chase solely their achievement.

Come in close as this is MEGA important to understand if you are going to truly going to create something meaningful.

Don't chase destinations, as once you get there you will be unsatisfied once you get there. 

Going to say this again.

Do not chase destinations or achievements. 

Rather see them as signposts you are heading in the right direction.

It is like taking a long trip and seeing the results as mile markers telling you are on going the right direction.

You wouldn't stop at each mile marker would you?

No, you just see them as signposts that you are headed in the right direction. 

This is powerful as if you are a high performer you know there is truly never a destination. 

It always keeps shifting and changing as you keep up leveling and getting stronger. 

Once you get to one level, you are prepared to reach for the next. 

And now that I look back at that experience of 

-self-publishing my first book

-getting to the best shape fo my life

-shifting careers successfully

...

I know the true reward was not achieving the result, but it was the person I became in the process. 

Yet, I look back at the times I might have fallen short and recognize I was caught solely focusing on the results.

What was the end result of that?

-rushing and not mastering the fundamentals

-judging and comparing

-consistent stress and overwhelm

-fighting with myself of not quitting

Not fun.

So going to tell you 2 steps to follow for you to follow through so you can accelerate the process one, help you master the fundamentals, and two, allow you to normalize, up level, at a much higher speed.

1. Set goals to set a clear target. 

2. View destinations and achievement as signposts not the end.

3. Obsesses over the process, not the results. 

Follow this I can guarantee you will accelerate from one level to next in health, business, and life. 

See you on the other side...J

Top three activities that move me forward?

1. Atlas. Confront to empower daily!

2. Zen. Gives me boundless energy and drive. 

3. Breathing. Controlling my breathing, allows me to control my mental state. 

Biggest lessons/learnings and corrections?

The biggest cap on your ability is how you think about yourself - identity.

In order to up level in any area of your life you need to upgrade one, how you think of yourself, and two, your environment. 

What are you grateful for?

The gift of this life. I recollect the process of being adopted, growing up in the US, living abroad now and all that is happening and about to happen!

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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