Keith JonesJune 8, 2016

When I was kid, I use to wonder why some people did the same thing over and over again. Their routines seemed so boring. Why did my grandfather get up the same time every morning and work out back before anyone else got out of bed? Why did my mom read the bible and pray before beginning her day? And, in the world at large, why did the elite athletes and life-changing leaders perform the same routine day in and day out, not just before a big event, but over the the span of their lives? I just couldn’t understand it. That life seemed so mundane and void of excitement. I wanted more out of life. Then I realized what all these people had in common. They were establishing and practicing healthy habits that gave them more out of life. When I understood this, I began to implement healthy habits in my life so I could become my best. And, more importantly, I made a commitment to look for areas of my life that could benefit from good habits in place.

The Marine Corps is known for having sharp, disciplined men and women in its ranks. Among these mission-oriented people, a few individuals stand out. They look and perform like the model Marine. They wake up before everyone else does. Their uniform is always squared away. They are towards the front during the morning runs and rank in the top ten percent of the physical fitness tests. While everyone else complains about changes to the mission, they stay quiet and carry out the new objective. When I first joined the service, I wanted to be like them. Then I lost my way and fell into the group that judged the real leaders. This group made fun of them for missing out on hanging out and always getting up early when it’s not required. It didn’t take me long to realize which group had the kind of habits that produce extraordinary results in life. These early risers gave their personal best every single day and served others in the process. These are the people you want serving our country. And when I evaluated both groups, I knew which one I needed to learn from if I was going to making a difference in the world.

I took the lessons I learned from my family, a few good Marines and some inspiring public figures and began applying them to my life. Here are the habits I practice every day in my effort to be my best and serve others. I encourage you to try them on.

1. Exercise. When your day begins this way, you find positive emotional footing, increase your mental clarity and creativity and improve your fitness.

2. Silence and meditation. Before getting out of bed, clear your mind and think of nothing for a few minutes. Then call forth the one question that that reminds you of your goals and purpose. Every morning I ask myself, “Will you do what needs to be done today to be your best and fulfill on your purpose?” Since the beginning of ToBeRe…, the answer was mostly yes. But that’s not good enough. Over the last year, it’s been yes so much more. What’s your answer to the question?

3. Listen to podcasts that inspire you to grow and be your best. There’s no internet, social media or emails during the first few hours of my day. I use that time to do Deep Work on the things that really matter to my purpose.

4. Surround yourself only with people that seek to be their best and serve others. My friends and I love each other unconditionally. We extend compassion and grace to each other when mistakes are made. We give support to one another without exception or explanation. And we challenge each other to stretch ourselves and grow.

Without the examples of some great people before me and around me, I would not be on the path I’m on. I would not understand that I need to be healthy and fit in body, clear and sober in mind, and loving and forgiving in spirit to make a difference in the world. And I certainly wouldn’t have  recovered from some of the mistakes I’ve made. My healthy habits make me strong for the life I want to create and the people I want to serve. Are your habits healthy? Do they make you better on all levels? To be your best, requires your best. Become a Stronger Total Being member today to establish habits that will help you create a life you love.

Stronger Mindset,

Keith