It’s Practice, Not A Checkbox
The verdict is in. For sustainable results and lasting success, it’s important to make the actions you take to accomplish your goals a practice and not a checkbox. Some people resist this truth. But, individuals who have a track record of being at the top of their game over a long period of time, embrace it. The areas of my life that are consistently extraordinary are that way because I have created a daily practice to make them that way. For example, my health and fitness have been optimal for over 20 years. It has nothing to do with genetics, but rather a non-negotiable commitment to eat healthy foods daily and exercise 5-6 days per week. In two decades I haven’t deviated from this practice. The areas of my life that are “average” are those where I treat my goals as a checkbox. For example, on the one hand, my career over the last 10 years has been incredibly rewarding in regard to how it makes me feel when I serve others. However, on the other hand, I have not grown the company like I’ve wanted to. That’s because I treated the marketing aspect as a checkbox. I did it whenever we had an event coming up. Then I would cross marketing off the list. If I had made promoting the company and community a practice, I would’ve marketed every day.
The people who are physically healthy and fit without fluctuations have made great nutrition and exercise a practice. Those who are not at their ideal weight or fitness level make these areas a checkbox. They go on a diet for special events such as a high school reunion, wedding or vacation. And, after the occasion is over, they gain the weight back. When they sign up for an event like a 10k race, they train by running 3-4 times a week. Once the race comes and goes, they stop exercising.
Take a close look at the areas of your life that you want to be extraordinary. Are you satisfied with the level of fulfillment they bring you? If not, they you’re probably treating them like a checkbox and checking them off by taking temporary actions. If you want a lasting success, make all actions associated with your goals a consistent practice.
Stronger Mindset,
Keith
