A Simple Guide To Grow And Improve

After spending 24 years observing the general masses (24 as we speak), I have made a shocking discovery.

The difference, and I mean the only difference between those who are successful and those who are not, is that they make and keep good habits.

What makes it even sadder is the fact that there is only a single hurdle that gets in the way of keeping habits.

So forget buying books or finding excuses, because no matter how desperate you are to find the magic pill, you still can’t run from the fundamental.

What am I talking about?

The only way to keep a habit is to be consistent.

Reporting in for duties

Eighty percent of success is showing up. - Woody Allen

Whether it’s hitting the gym, studying, working on a personal project, learning a new language, or writing, you want to be consistent. I call this reporting in for duties.

Imagine a 9-5. On some day, you perform less. Other days you perform more. But no matter how much you perform, as long as you show up, you’re almost guaranteed a paycheck.

The same goes for keeping a habit. It doesn’t matter if you perform less or more (though obviously the latter is better), what count is that you’re there for the work.

Drop some

If you have trouble with consistency, it may be because you have too many plans in hand. Consider dropping all unnecessary plans and focus on one. Since a new habit takes approximately 21 days to register, I recommend sticking with one new habit before making another one the next month.

Make a list

And in case you are forgetful, it doesn’t hurt to make a list. For a constant reminder, remember to place it in places you can see often.

And don’t make these mistakes

1. Getting excited – Is the mistake most beginners make. To improve by way of habit, you want to be at a constant pace, so don’t rush it. By that, I mean don’t go all out on the first day. Take it slowly. Assuming you can do 40 reps of sit ups, try 30 reps for a week before you increase the reps to 40.

2. Expecting immediate results – Once you have that kind of mentality, it is almost guaranteed that the habit won’t stick in the long run. Instead, if you treat it as a lifestyle, the odds will be in your favor.

3. Depend on discipline – Discipline is a lie. Without reason, there is simply no justification for us to make the effort. You know, the “Why am I doing this?” question. So instead of trying to get your plans going by sheer willpower, get motivation instead. It’s much easier.

Wrap up

So here’s the thing. It can be hard and it can be troublesome. But no matter what your opinion is, consistency is not something you can avoid. The good news? It’s the same for everyone. As long as you don’t skip the work, sooner or later it will turn into your habit.

Yep, it is that simple.

As part of my resolve to make improvements an everyday process (I focused on increasing physical strength and writing as we speak), I have been constantly keeping my new habits in check. When it comes to constant improvement, nothing beats keeping good habits.