| With the new year fast approaching…
And as you set your big goals for 2023…
I want to give you an extra “boost” — to help you stay the course with all that you want to accomplish next year.
Below are similar questions from two clients in two different scenarios…
But as you can see, the answer for both is the same:
Q1: “Craig, I just got back from a trip. My habits went to heck while I was gone (I really wanted to use a different word but I know you don’t swear). I feel completely messed up. Now what? How do I get back on track?”
Q2: “Craig, what do I do when I mess up my day. It started so great... I didn’t hit snooze... I did my NUI work... but then I went on Facebook and spent the rest of the morning bouncing around on my phone. How do I get back on track?”
Answer:
If you get OFF track...
The solution is simple...
Get back ON track as soon as possible.
No moping.
No beating yourself up.
No switching from one bad behavior (like scrolling & snoozing – aka “scroozing”) to another (like stress-eating donuts) to help you “feel better”.
Instead, use your emotional self-discipline to make the right rational decision.
Look for the quickest victory you can get to return to normal, helpful habits.
Learn from the past mistake but don't dwell on it.
When you learn from a past mistake that means:
a) You build a system that makes the wrong move more difficult... Toss toxicity and eliminate distractions (build a fence around yourself to keep out the wolves)
b) You identify supportive sets of behaviors and circuit breakers that make the right actions as automatic as possible (make the path to success as smooth as you can)
c) You share your future behavior goals with a coach or accountability buddy who holds you accountable and helps keep you on track.
Someone who reminds you that no matter how late it is...
You always still have time to save the day.
If you overeat at dinner? Or go 1 for 5 on your to-do list?
You can still end the day on a high note.
Look to leave each day with a victory.
It could be writing in a gratitude journal... saying a prayer... prepping your first meal the next day to start the day right...
Or making sure your workstation is already set-up the night before — so that you get into your #1 task as quick as possible.
You can salvage any situation.
And when you wake up in the morning you must start the day right.
For example...
A long-time client told me how he’d gone three stressful weeks without working out or eating properly...
“Let’s get back on track with one simple healthy habit,” I said.
“Don’t think you’re going to wake up at 3am and go to the gym for 2 hours and then survive on 1500 calories a day. That’s a recipe for falling OFF track.”
“Instead, just set yourself up with a smoothie. That’s it.”
“Get up. Throw protein, a banana, some blueberries, some spinach, water, and ice into the blender. Then go for a walk. That’s how heroes get back on track – one step at a time.”
“If you do that first thing, then you'll be able to keep the momentum going all day.”
*** The bottom line?
When you follow this simple advice to get back on track...
When you learn to switch at will from the “vicious loop” to the “virtuous cycle”...
You’ll never have a lost day.
You’ll win every morning.
And you’ll dominate at the game of life.
Success Loves Speed,
Craig |
