Hey,
Today I’m sharing a few questions I’ve recently answered for clients which will also help YOU perform at your best.
These tips can help you slash stress… accomplish your top priorities… and put 1-3 hours of lost time back on your clock each day.
Q: “Craig, how is it that you have so much going on and yet you keep adding more to your plate while still limiting distractions? I’m trying to run a law firm, be a great husband, socialize with my friends, sleep 8 hours, exercise, and read every day.”
Answer:
Here’s what I do and what you must do too...
Ruthlessly audit what you are doing in 3 ways:
a) Can someone else do this?
b) Does anyone need to do this?
c) Can what I’m doing be done in less time?
For a, your job is to find people better than you at doing things in your business, and coach them to do it the right way.
Right now your mindset is probably to look for low skilled people and to be the boss “telling them what to do”. That works at first but will handcuff you in the long run.
Instead, commit to being a leader. Aim to hire people much better and smarter than you (and YES, those people exist, lol!)
Here’s a great Steve Jobs quote to remember:
“It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.”
For b, you need to say NO to more things. You can’t do everything.
For me, the truth is I'm not that social. I’d rather read a book than leave my house.
And thanks to running / being part of multiple Masterminds, I spend plenty of time socializing with high performers every year.
If you want to be social every weekend then you need to realize that something’s gotta give.
And as for daily reading... it might need to be put on hold till you’re a boring 47 year old like me.
Or you might need to switch from daily gym visits to using my no-equipment bodyweight workouts just three times per week.
Bottom line:
You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.
Focus on what matters now and what will make the biggest difference in your life today.
Q: “Craig, I’m an extreme ‘Type-A’ entrepreneur... any tips on relaxing?”
Answer:
Bubble baths?
Lol. But seriously...
a) Use a guided meditation app or video on YouTube.
There’s a channel I enjoy called “Mindful movement” — the meditations are great and the woman’s voice is very calming.
Even if you start your day with just 5 minutes… meditating will help you big time.
Other things that can help...
b) Journal for 10 minutes a day... mostly gratitude, some goals, some reflection
c) Take the kids (or dog) outside more... or just play with them more
d) Most importantly, remember this...
“The business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end that's all there is.”
– Carson of Downton Abbey
Some of the memories come from the thrill of business victory, making money, and then spending that money on skiing adventures or safaris, but not all of them do.
Choose wisely where you spend your time and how you manage your emotions.
Q: “Hey Craig, how can I consume less caffeine?”
Answer:
First, try one of my favorite coffees...
McCafe Decaf Premium Dark Roast
Seriously, this McDonald’s coffee is amazing!
And you can buy it at the grocery store and make it at home.
(Michelle disagrees with my refined taste buds, btw, haha)
Now seriously...
Here’s what to do if you’re drinking too much caffeine at once...
a) Consume smaller, more frequent doses
US Army research found that sleep-deprived soldiers were more alert when they consumed more frequent, but smaller doses of caffeine compared to giving all the caffeine at once.
Switching to this technique should allow you to eventually consume less over time.
b) Make a Commitment with Consequences
If you want to cut back, then make a public declaration and ask for accountability...
I.e. Post it on Facebook, tell your kids, etc.
If you fail, pay a price.
Consequences are key.
c) Deliver Yourself From Temptation
If you drink too much caffeine, start using a food journal.
Write down what you’re eating / drinking and why you’re eating / drinking it.
Making an association between the action and the motivation (i.e. “I am drinking another coffee because I’m bored... or because I want a donut and coffee goes well with it) allows you to replace the motivation (stimulus) and the response.
Destroy the temptations this way (and it’s a method that works for any change in life).
***
So there you have it…
3 easy ways to make your days run more smoothly so you can perform at your best.
Let me know how these help you… and if there are other questions you’d like me to address!
Success Loves Speed,
Craig
