Some takeaways from a couple of books I have read this year, principles that can apply to your coaching or the way you lead your life. True change in your life begins in the mind, that’s why reinforcing your most powerful thoughts through podcasts, books, self talk and visualisation is critical to your success. You can’t be what you cannot see. If you are interested in going deeper on mindset, Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza is a fascinating read on changing your internal state. Below are some desirable habits to pursue the greatest version of yourself.
“If you want a new outcome, you will have to break the habit of being yourself, and reinvent a new self.” — Dr. Joe Dispenza
1. Be Decisive
Make decisions fast and make decisions firm
Where are you sitting on the fence right now?
What are you interested in that you need to get committed about?
Tell the world, get some public accountability.
It’s not always about being right, it’s about avoiding paralysis by analysis.
Commit and finish what you started.
Book recommendation: Relentless by Tim Grover
2. Learn by Doing Not Just Talking
Be a massive action taker, embrace all the mistakes you wouldn’t have made if you did nothing.
Continue to evolve, by expanding through action. Try things you have never done before.
Get a degree in G.S.D — Get shit done!
Success is your responsibility, take extreme ownership for where you are at.
Book recommendation: Rework by Jason Fried.
3. Don’t Change Your Willpower, Change Your Environment.
Get around people who are where you want to be!
Modelling: stop thinking how, and start thinking WHO can help me get where I want to go?
You will become a product of who you surround yourself with, make those people a little further ahead.
Nobody has any special gifts, they’ve simply taken action to improve.
Your own belief will increase simply by association.
Those ahead of you can be your greatest teachers
Book recommendation: Willpower Doesn’t Work by Benjamin Hardy
6. Get in the Hurt Box
The only thing you should fear is regret, not risk.
Doing the things you feel comfortable doing have gotten you where you are, and they will not get you any farther.
You should fear looking ahead in your life in 2 years, and being exactly the same coach you are right now.
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” — Marcus Aurelius
Discomfort is a great thing, we are here to grow.
Book recommendation: The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday.
7. Never Stop Learning, The Game of Life Never Stops Teaching
The more you learn, the more value you can give to others.
Keep sharpening the saw. You’re rather growing or you’re dying.
Stop listening to the radio and start listening to podcasts and audiobooks.
Have the humility and maturity to receive feedback.
“Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.” — Tony Robbins
Book recommendation: Mindset by Carol Dweck.
8. Run Your Own Race
Put the blinders on your team, your career, your relationships.
Stop looking left and right, fix yourself first.
Nobody’s life or team is more important than yours, unless you allow it to be.
Narrow your focus, what are your priorities?
Book recommendation: Success Principles by Jack Canfield.
9. Be Where Your Feet Are
In a world of distraction, have a singularity of focus.
Don’t be a jack of all trades, master of none.
Go an inch wide and a mile deep, not the opposite.
When spending time with the ones you love, be THERE.
Meditate. Do Yoga.
Book recommendation: The One Thing by Gary Keller & Deep Work by Cal Newport.
10. Build a Dream Team
Who gives you your greatest advice on coaching, relationships, health, nutrition, business, leadership?
The best athletes in the world have coaches, so why don’t you?
Having a coach is not weakness, it is in fact great strength.
You have to pay to play. Any investment in yourself is worth it.
If you don’t put any skin in the game, the stakes are not high enough for you to act with urgency.
Book recommendation: Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss.