Keith JonesAugust 26, 2016

One of the great things about life is the countless opportunities to improve and be better than you were the day before. As I have written in previous blogs, life is not about being perfect. It’s about doing your best and giving your best every single day. Oftentimes this means raising the standards you set for yourself. What was normal behavior for you yesterday will not be enough to achieve the new goals you set for yourself today. To meet those requires a creating a new normal for your mindset and behavior.

Normal behavior and ways of thinking don’t challenge you or activate growth. It’s the new manner in which you approach situations and objectives that expands our capacity to grow. If you set a goal to be physically stronger than you currently are, lifting the same weight will not get you there. Only increasing the weight and securing a spot for the last few reps will build strength and muscle. If you want to lose weight, the eating habits that led to putting weight on will not take it off. That will require creating a new commitment and relationship with food that is a healthy, effective one for weight loss. And if you are a person that wants to be more loving and positive, having a cynical view about the world and people won’t help with this. You will need to make a choice to see growth opportunities in the most challenging situations and the good in people you think are the most unlovable. To make these behaviors your new normal doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it may be difficult at first. But you can do it by applying these three steps to any behavior you want to change and replacing with a new normal.

1. Get clear on what is you want to change or improve.For me, I want to show up as inspiring every day for my colleagues, clients and friends. Since attitude is a choice, I can’t allow external forces to become an excuse for not showing up with great energy. Your goal may be to pursue a new career, lose weight or be happy regardless of challenges present in your life today.

2. Once you set your goal, commit to it 100% without exception. This is how a new normal in behavior is created.As stated, I want to motivate and inspire everyone I come in contact with no matter what. If a client discontinues their membership, it doesn’t matter. I choose to express gratitude to them for the time they were a client and celebrate, honor and value the people who are still clients by how I deliver classes. For you, this might mean exercising five days a week whether in town or on the road. It could be eating healthy whether others are doing the same or not.

3. Now that you’ve defined the new behavior as your new normal, lock it in place by doing it every single day. Consistency is key. Most goals require you to work on them a little each day. Some people dislike this part. I say embrace it. With a positive attitude, you’ll learn more and have fun along the way. Now, if creating a ritual and sticking with it is hard for you, get an accountability partner. I have quite a few in my life. They ensure my energy is at a level ten for each class. If eating healthy is your challenge, tell your friends to help you by choosing healthy restaurants when you go out. Opt for outings that incorporate physical activity. And ask for feedback if you’re deviating from your stated goal.

Creating a new normal for your life can make you brand new. That’s a happier and healthier you. Don’t delay another day. Raise your standards and the ceiling on what’s possible in your life now. See you at the top.

Stronger Mindset!

Keith