The 4 Ridiculously Easy Steps Towards Excellence

Humans hate change. (Immediate change at least)
Do you struggle to pack your bags and move location?
Do you struggle to adapt when changing jobs?
Do you struggle to change habits?

We always have and probably always will. This is because instant change usually entails that we need to adapt in a short period of time. This requires the exertion of a BIG amount of energy.

And energy…

Well, let’s just say that humans are instinctively programmed to be lazy.

We’ll have to move out of our comfort zone, away from the safe. From the known into the unknown. In ancient times it was usually a lot safer to stay the same instead of trying to change (which could possibly spell death).

“Hey! Let’s try my new experimental hunting technique on that saber-tooth!” (Yeah, probably not such a good idea :/)

Yet, this instinct is still strongly ingrained in us despite the countless benefits that these changes could bring us (for example: happiness, success, wealth, love, health).

So.. How do we use change to our advantage?

Step 1: Focus On Progression

In my opinion, there’s no such thing as a constant (not in the long-term at least). Everything is in the process of continual change. As an example:
The rotation speed of planets is gradually slowing down
Climate temperatures are slowly rising
Erosion is continuously causing our landscape to change

The same is true for humans.

We’re either growing a little bit more each day (which results in happiness & success) or we’re getting a little bit more off-track. We’re either following the narrow road or we’re drifting off.

Take notice of your friends and surroundings. There are some people I only see at rare occasions and in those moments I’m able to clearly distinguish the people who are “still going strong” and the ones who “let themselves go”.

The ones that are letting themselves go show signs of:
Slowing down at work
Indulging in bad habits
“Burn-outs”, stress and depression
Caring less about their looks

So the first step to sculpt a happy and successful life is to actively pursue growth.


Step 2: Take Small Steps

We are constantly re-programming our brain (and therefore our life) with the choices we make on a daily basis. All these small changes add up over time to reach our desired goal. For example:
Taking the stairs vs. taking the elevator
Cooking for yourself vs eating out
Buying an online course vs buying that new smartphone

Yet, many of us believe that happiness and success are the product of a magical event instead of these tiny steps that can have a HUGE impact on our life over time.

We often look at great entrepreneurs or celebrities who have had great success in life and simply believe in magic stories.

Last time I checked, we don’t live in the enchanted forest

Happiness and success are the result of compounding small steps. For example:
Bill Gates worked for 10 years on his craft before he reached success. That’s 10 years of compounding small steps and effort!
Tim Ferriss had 26 rejections for his book “The 4 Hour Work-Week”. Twenty-six rejections for what would later become a New York Times Bestseller. He now has three of those.
James Dyson (vacuum cleaning Dyson) spent 15 years perfecting his DC101 vacuum-cleaner (the first model with their patented “dual cyclone technology”). He created 5127 vacuum prototypes before he found the right one!

Do you still believe their results were “lucky”?

Luck – in my opinion – is defined by action and not by events. These were all people who consciously made small, persistent steps towards their goal.

“Our life is the sum of our daily choices”

Step 3: Start Young!

Our choices are the most potent whilst we’re still young (if you aren’t: start ASAP). Therefore self-education will make your life skyrocket by the time you get older and this will lead to compounding results.

Here is a great quote from MJ Demarco on “Eroding Horsepower”:

Your choices have significant trajectory into the future, and the younger you are, the more horsepower they exude. Unfortunately, horsepower fades with age. If this is confusing, think about it in terms of an asteroid that is on a collision course with Earth. (With the asteroid being you and the Earth being your “success”)

When an asteroid is millions of miles out in space (representing your youthful choices) a simple one-degree change in trajectory will save the Earth from destruction. This is the power of horsepower. For us older folks, the asteroid is closer to Earth (and closer to our death), which weakens the potency of our choices.

A one-degree change isn’t as effective, and for the same potency, it needs to be 10 degrees.

When you are under 25 you have maximum horsepower and your choices discharge an incredible amount of firepower. A simple choice I made more than 20 years ago is still felt today. That’s a lot of torque! If you reflect on your choices, you make them in an instant, yet their consequences transcend a lifetime, especially ones made early in life.

Your life’s choices are like a mature oak tree with millions of branches. The branches symbolize the consequences of your choices. Near the trunk of the tree, the branches are thick, reflecting the decisions you’ve made early in life, while the top branches are thin, symbolizing decisions near the end of your life.

The scientific explanation for why this happens is called “neuroplasticity“.

What it basically means (as applied to this article) is that our brain loses the ability to adapt over time (malleability). The best way I know to explain this is by simply comparing your brain with a tree.

When the brain is still young and supple it can easily adapt, like a young tree-twig can be bent in any desired direction. Whilst in older states, the neural synapses have become strong bonds and cannot be easily removed. Just like an older tree cannot be bent anymore and therefore remains rigid.

Therefore it’s critical to implement empowering traits from a very young age so these can compound into later successes, as my fancy drawing clearly demonstrates

Ka-Bang

Double down on essential education when you’re still young. You’ll thank yourself later.

“Alright, so slow changes over time (processes > events) and starting young. This kind of starts to make sense now!”


Step 4: Trust The Process

I get it. So.. if I get all these processes right I’ll be undeniably happy and successful in an instant, right?

Nope, following the right processes isn’t a surefire path to success sadly enough.

Despite doing all the right things there’s still a possibility that you won’t get the results you’re looking for.

Example: One of the people I look up to is Greg Plitt, a fitness model. He once applied for a big-time advertisement deal in a big company. He was in supreme condition (as always), on-top of his research, did all the personal branding required, yet didn’t make the cut.

Why? A woman on the board of directors thought Greg looked too much like an ex-boyfriend she had.

Don’t fret over it, life can simply be that way.

So here’s the thing:

The best laid-out plans can still fail. Ultimately it’s out of your control.

So, what should we do?

Just focus on doing the right things right and eventually some of it will start to pay off over time. It’s the best bet we can ultimately make.

Jim Carrey put this most eloquently;

“My father could have been a great comedian but he didn’t believe that that was possible for him, and so he made a conservative choice.

Instead, he got a safe job as an accountant,” Carrey said. “When I was 12 years old, he was let go from that safe job, and our family had to do whatever we could to survive. I learned many great lessons from my father, not the least of which was that;

you can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.”

A great metaphor I’ve used for this approach is the following; Imagine yourself to be an artist and you’re given a massive piece of granite out of which you’re going to sculpt your life.

Chip away.

One imperfection a day.

And eventually your masterpiece will begin to unfold…

Essence

Sculpt your life to perfection in order to reach happiness and success.

Remember:
Focus on continual growth. You’re either progressing or regressing, nothing stands still.
Take small steps. Find the process required to reach your goals and execute them in little, daily steps.
Start young. Your capacity to learn new things degrades over time. Double-down on essential habits and skills whilst you’re still young. No matter your age, start now.
Trust the process. Whilst you can be doing everything right, there’s still a chance you won’t make it. Focus on the process and perfect it as best as you can, the rest is not in our control.

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4 Ways to Amplify Your Confidence

Lack of confidence can be a tough thing to contend with. It can prevent us going for what we want, make social interactions a challenge and leave us feeling lost, frustrated and stuck. There are things we can do to build our confidence though – it’s often not something that just comes naturally! Some things can be implemented in an instant whereas others take a little more time.

As an introvert, confidence (or lack of it) is something I have had to deal with in life. Though actually, even the most outgoing people can lack confidence in many ways too. Confidence is unique to every person, regardless of their personality. For me, it still unveils its face in some situations but here are 4 things that I have done (and still do) to overcome it.

What’s the worst that could happen?

Whenever I feel like my lack of confidence is stopping me taking a bold step or doing something I really want to do, I pull out the ‘what is the worst that could happen?‘ card. That gives me the exact perspective I need to do it anyway. And in all cases, the worst thing (which is never that bad!) never happens. In fact, I usually feel great at the fact I pushed past the fear. And then I remember that feeing for next time!


Big changes come from taking small steps.

If you lack confidence in an area, what little thing can you do to push yourself just slightly out of your comfort zone without completely overwhelming yourself? As an example, if you struggle with confidence socially around other people, challenge yourself every day for a week to smile at 3 people you don’t know. It doesn’t sound like a big deal but can give you a real confidence boost to know you have instigated that subtle interaction. Plus, you’ll likely make the days of 3 people!

Get good at what you want to be confident in.

Confidence when it comes to doing something well usually doesn’t come completely naturally. To anyone! Think about those people you know who are confident in their work. The chances are they’ve practiced or nurtured the skills they need to get really good at what they do. Or musicians or public speakers. They may have raw talent but endless hours will have been spent perfecting their craft so that they can get up and do their thing with absolute conviction and confidence. Even people who seem to ooze confidence socially have probably practiced it! So what practical steps can you take to get good at an area that you want more confidence in?


Don’t beat yourself up over it.

For me personally, this is the most important lesson I’ve learned. Ultimately it’s that inner confidence that provides the core foundation to then build upon. And that comes from self-acceptance. I spent most of my twenties in a battle with myself and my confidence as a consequence, was at an all time low. I couldn’t really see a way forward or find my confidence because I didn’t know who I was. I lost my passion for everything. After working through this, the natural confidence I have cultivated now really comes from just letting go. Letting go of fear of what people think, fear of failure, fear of fun, even! By taking care of myself, doing the things I love, going for what I want in my career, laughing, spending time with people who bring out the best in me and constantly pushing myself in a positive way to do more, with that has come self acceptance and confidence.

There are many situations in which we may have to ‘put on’ confidence and that’s normal. But really, the end goal I think, is having that true, authentic inner confidence. And that comes when you amp up the self-care, do things that make you feel on top of the world and not be afraid to let your true, fantastic and completely unique personality shine through.

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Why Positive Thinking Works

Positive thinking does create positive outcomes. But not everyone believes that. Some people think positive outcomes are only dictated based on how much effort you put into something. And, while effort counts, how great of an outcome can you have if you think miserably along the journey to that outcome? Some people think positive thinking is a "trendy thing" and that the truth is, "whatever is meant to be will be." And while destiny, fate, etc. can be something to believe in, you must realize that your mind and the energy you give off impacts that destiny. And then, you just have cynical people that always find the bad in situations or play devil's advocate way too much. Well, that is their prerogative, don't feed into it and stay away from them.

If you want more positive outcomes in your life, you do have to think positive. Positive thinking steers your course into a positive outcome. Here are 3 ways positive thinking leads you toward a positive outcome:

1. Positive Thinking Builds Confidence.

When you think positively you think positive about what is around you. You see the good in life and in people. You trust in yourself and your resources. This process builds confidence. As you see the strength and goodness of your world and yourself, you are more apt to take healthy risks. Instead of letting fear stop you from huge dreams and goals, you are able to believe in yourself and take leaps toward goals. You know that if you hit a barrier, you can hurdle it or those around you will help you hurdle it, and that builds confidence. Confidence is what you need to take risks and risks often lead to positive outcomes, like success.

2. Positive Thinking makes you See More Resources.

Happy and positive people see what they do have, and that goes for their resources, too. Those who think limitedly, are cynical or fail to see the positive in situations often miss resources that are right around them. They often close their mind to their community and those around them who want to help. You may often hear them use the statement "I always do everything myself." This is a very powerful black and white comment. This type of thinking shuts down a lot of amazingness right around them. Instead, the positive minded person looks at the resources they do have even if they are limited. They will work harder to find resources in the community that could support them. Resources will help you gain momentum, stay your course, and help you hurdle barriers. All things that will lead to a positive outcome.

3. Positive Thinking Keeps You Open-Minded.

Positive people have open minds. They listen to others, not just give their two cents. This gives insight into what people desire, what questions they should ask and alternate points of view. They try to see life through different perspectives. By opening your mind, you see more answers, opportunities and ways to live your life fully. More opportunities, more insights and more fulfillment create more positive outcomes.

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7 Ways to Beat Procrastination and Start Taking Action Today!

With the advent of the Internet, smartphones, and Wi-Fi, low productivity has become one of the most prevalent diseases across the globe. It will be a long battle to regain our attention control, and I recommend you to take baby steps during the process.
Below are 7 simple ways to help you beat procrastination so you finally take action on the goals you have set.

1 No More "Someday I will... "
Recognize that the best time to take action is 10 years ago, the next best time is now.
Stop living in the delusion that you have millions days in the future to pursue something your heart desires.
If there's something that you really want to do - whether it's to start a blog teaching people your cooking expertise, or making the phone call and ask your crush out, or giving a surprise visit to your parents whom you haven't seen for a year - you've got to plan when you are going to do it.
Time doesn't wait.
According to Bronnie Ware, author of the bestselling book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, the number one thing people regret is that "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."
Procrastination may be a short-term relief, but it's not going to get you anywhere.
Choose the pain of discipline over the pain of regret.

2 Take Massive Imperfect Courageous Action
Forget about perfectionism, just aim for the "85% good enough" standard and get it out there.
Your life-changing products or services aren't going to change a single life until you push it out to the market.
Your relentless studying and reading won't do humanity any good until you go out and implement the wisdom.
Your genius ideas aren't going to turn into a billion dollar business until you pitch it in the Shark Tank.
The key to success, especially entrepreneurial success, is your speed of execution.
Results come from nothing but massive imperfect courageous actions, not affirmations, visualizations or meditations.

3 Action Leads To Motivation
Do you think you need motivation first before you can take action?
Do you believe you need to wait for the "perfect moment or timing" before you can take action?
Do you trust yourself that you are good enough to at least start taking action?
In the self-help world, many people fall into the thinking trap that they need to "prepare more" before they can really initiate the task they want, whether it's about starting a conversation with a lady, starting an online business, or starting to workout.
Sadly, these preparations often become excuses for them not to take action.
The truth is motivation comes when you take that scary action.
If you're willing to force yourself to "do that thing" for just 5 minutes, you'll be surprised that action is easier than you thought and you'll be motivated to continue taking action and make some real progress.

4 Plan Your Day the Night Before
You never want to wake up not knowing exactly how the next 16 hours will be.
Planning should always happen the night before, so that the moment you open your eyes, you are in automation mode and you don't need to spend extra thoughts to craft out your day.
Before you know it, you're already spending your first 2 hours doing the one big thing of the day that will yield you 80% of the progress.

5 Stop Multitasking
Science has proven that our brain is incapable of multitasking.
All we are doing is reacting to that stimulus, switching our attention to a different task, finishing the unimportant stuff, coming back to the original task having no idea where we are at, spending extra time & energy to get back into flow.
CNN World has reported that switching tasks make you dumber than being stoned, because our IQ drops by 10 points when we switch tasks while our IQ drops by 5 points when we smoke marijuana.
Don't want to be an idiot?
Time to cut off all the emails, phone calls, Facebook, app notifications, news updates, or chit-chat with your colleagues while you work!

6 Chunk Things into Baby Steps
I am annoyed by this cliché but it's true: You eat an elephant one bite at a time.
One main reason we procrastinate is because we feel it's too difficult, too long and too much to do it.
Big goals are fantastic, but when it comes to action, you want to make them seem as easy as possible.
So chunk them into mini segments so that the pleasure of completion outweighs the pain of taking action.

7 Reward & Celebrate
Nothing pisses your brain off more than enduring some painful discipline for a long time and not getting rewarded at the end of the process!
You've got to reward yourself kindly at the end so that you anchor massive pleasure to the beautiful moment of task completion.
Pet yourself on the back so that when you start another boring, mundane, yet significant campaign, you can motivate yourself to finish it as soon as possible and arrive at the end of the pleasurable tunnel!
I'm going to reward myself now, how about you?

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