Yesterday I was interviewed on the Success Lift podcast by my good friend, Brian Panuzzo.
It was one of my favorite conversations because we dove into some human behavior concepts that help to inform better decisions.
One of the things that Brian said about me is that he feels like what I talk about is very actionable.
It’s not simply a rah-rah message to “inspire” or “motivate.”
It’s actionable.
And I really hope that’s the case.
My intent is to impact your thoughts, decisions, and behaviors in a positive way.
My intent is NOT to give you a short dose of motivation.
Which is why you’ll never hear me say shit like … “You got this! let’s fuckin go!”
I say boring things like … “What’s one thing you can do today that if you get that one thing done, you’ll win the day?”
Anyway, I want to stay on-brand today with a quick hitting list of 5 action steps you can take right now (like … today) to get better results and exponentially increase your probability of success.
Remember … there are a lot of things we can’t control. We can’t control the exact outcome we achieve. We can’t really control the time it takes to get there.
But we can stack the odds in our favor so success becomes inevitable.
5 Actions Steps to Take TODAY to Get Better Results
Let’s get into it …
1. Establish your MED –
MED = minimum effective dose. You should understand the bare minimum requirements to progress or maintain in every area of your life.
What’s the bare minimum number of workouts per week to maintain your muscle? What’s the bare minimum that you need to do each day to win the day? How about the bare minimum that you need to maintain a healthy relationship with your partner?
MED applies to every aspect of life. Most people think they need to do all the things, all the time.
That’s a great way to get stuck in the all or nothing trap.
A plan that requires you to be at your best each day is a terrible plan.
Take the time to establish your MED and you’ll look at success much differently.
2. Expand your time horizon –
Yesterday I wrote about two undefeated opponents … time and randomness.
We want them on our side … not playing against us.
One way to do that is by expanding your time preference.
What’s with the arbitrary deadlines? You’re only setting yourself up to do something unsustainable.
Sure … you can push the gas pedal and bust your ass to hit a goal by a certain date.
Then what?
You’ll likely crash and burn.
Sometimes the best thing you can do to stack the odds in your favor is give time, time.
3. Only track data that informs decisions / behaviors –
Lots of data driven people think they’re productive because they keep detailed spreadsheets with mountains of information.
They track sleep, recovery, calories, macros, steps, heart rate, calories burned, fiber, sugar, sodium, HRV, weight, measurements, and I’m sure several other things I’m leaving out.
How is all of that data informing decisions and behaviors?
Hint: It’s probably not.
Looking at data trends over time can be useful. However, being granular and hyper-focused on daily metrics can be damaging.
It’s a false sense of control and certainty.
The scale went up 2 pounds overnight so the “data driven” crowd starts to over analyze every single metric on their beautiful spreadsheet and tries to draw a conclusion.
We need more than 1 data point to start to see trends.
Drop the data that isn’t informing your behavior.
Use the data that informs behaviors but zoom out and look at averages and trends over longer periods of time.
4. Stop gathering more information, start doing –
“I’m really interested in coaching, especially your Neurotyping concepts, but I’d like to read more about it first before we chat about coaching.”
I got this message two days ago.
Gathering information is another form of “feeling productive” without actually moving you forward.
Let’s say you wake up really early in the morning and you’re about to go into the kitchen to pour yourself some coffee.
It’s still dark. The sun isn’t up yet.
You can’t see anything in the kitchen and you really want that coffee.
Do you simply flip the light switch on?
Or do you stop, turn around, and think … ya know, I should really go learn about how electricity works. I need to read up on the electrical grid. While I’m at it, I should do some research on light bulbs too.
Taking the action of turning on the light solves your problem.
Gathering more information about “how it all works” simply prevents you from doing what needs to be done while making you feel productive.
It’s mental masturbation.
Just do the thing that will solve your problem.
5. Get yourself some accountability FFS –
You know why some people are scared of accountability?
Because then shit gets real.
You don’t show up for yourself …
You break a commitment you made to yourself …
No one knows. It’s just you.
And while that’s damaging in and of itself … at least you’re only letting yourself down.
You get some accountability … now it’s real. Now other people know. Now you’re letting down yourself AND someone else.
Yeah … it’s scary.
Do it anyway.
You want to show up for yourself and actually follow through on the things you say you want?
Get some damn accountability.
Hire a coach. Get some support. Seek out guidance.
Remember, we’re stacking the odds in our favor.
You do those things and success is no longer in question.
It’s just a matter of time.
The longer you wait to implement these things … the longer it’ll take you to get better results and get to where you want to be.
So remember … You got this! Let’s fuckin go!
Kidding.
You don’t need fake motivation.
You need consistent action.
