I imagine Forrest Gump and I would disagree about a few things, but the biggest one is this:
Life is NOT like a box of chocolate.
Life, Mr. Gump, is actually like a Rubik’s Cube.
A Rubik’s Cube is a problem.
And we all have problems.
The good thing though, is that like a Rubik’s Cube, all our problems are just puzzles to be solved.
The problems might be minor like a physical setback or bad habit, or major, like a failing relationship, a struggling business, or an ailing family member.
But no matter the problem, no matter how big the puzzle, YOU are the type of person that meets this challenge head on and finds the best solution possible.
So Mr. Gump, we DO know what we’re going to find in life.
First we’re going to find problems...
And second, we’re going to find answers — as long as we are consistent and persistent in seeking out those answers...
If we are willing to ask for help... do the work... and never give up...
Every single one of the Rubik’s Cubes in our lives can and will be solved.
For example...
A few of my clients are struggling to control alcohol intake.
I kicked that bad habit to the curb in 2013.
But after that, I still struggled with eating a little too much late at night.
What’s the solution for each situation?
1. Circumvent the Loop
When someone takes out a tub of ice cream and starts eating mindlessly, what they need to do is stop the loop.
Either throw it out or pour Draino on it. Or go outside for a walk.
This goes for many of our bad behaviors. When you are “acting out”, take a walk in the sunshine, have a nap, or call a friend, or even better — go help someone else.
Action beats Anxiety.
2. Move Away
When you break free from the loop…
Keep taking action and distance yourself from the negativity.
Just like when someone wakes up after binge eating or drinking, they must realize that every minute that passes takes them further away from that prior behavior.
The past is the past. Nothing can be done about it.
But we do control the here and now and our future direction. THAT is where you need to turn your focus.
Motion beats Meditation.
3. Get Back on Track
If you make a mistake the key is to get back on track ASAP.
That’s it. Full stop. The end.
Don’t berate yourself for something that you can’t change.
Instead, analyze the slippery slope of incorrect choices that led you down the path to destruction.
Then clean that path up so the temptations get removed.
Work beats Worry.
4. Stop Relying on Discipline
God must have a sense of humor.
He gave us the greatest discipline, willpower, and intention in the morning.
And he gave us chocolate cake and red wine at night ;)
The mismatch must leave him laughing.
Willpower doesn’t work.
Instead, it’s our rituals, routines, and environments that ensure we make the right choices.
Build a fence around yourself to keep the enemies out.
And finally...
5. Change Your Identity
Changing your identity — your internal beliefs and how you talk to yourself — will keep you out of harm's way in the future.
If you say, "I am the type of person that ALWAYS has control over alcohol and never lets alcohol have control over me"...
Then you are far less likely to give into temptation.
Of course, you also must remove the tempting item from your environment…
Find a hardcore accountability partner who you deeply do not want to disappoint…
And maybe even go ALL-IN with by declaring your new identity publicly on social media.
That’s exactly what I did in 2011 when I said, “I no longer curse.”
That commitment I made in front of friends and followers still keeps my speech as clean as a choirboy today.
My buddy Joel did something similar a few years ago, telling his 1.4 million social media followers that he was never drinking again. And he hasn’t.
Tapping into the power of your personal integrity and identity is far more effective than “white knuckling” along on mere willpower.
I challenge you to give it an honest try.
If there’s a negative behavior you’ve been trying to overcome…
Just follow these 5 steps.
I think you’ll be blown away by how well they work.
Success Loves Speed,
Craig
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