The habits you keep!

With 2015 rapidly approaching the time for setting yourself up for a successful year is knocking on your door.  In my 2013 post about goal setting, I gave you tips on how to set S.M.A.R.T. goals.  This year, lets take things a step further.  As you know, setting goals is only the beginning.  In order to insure your success you also have to  create a road map  to help you accomplish those goals. That includes creating and maintaining good daily habits.  Are your current habits benefiting you, or are they hurting you?

I recently read an article by Thomas Corley.  He is the author of “Rich Habits”.  His research on the differences between the worlds wealthy and the worlds poor, all boils down to the habits you keep.  Your success depends on the daily fractional things that the worlds wealthy do that the rest of us may not be doing.

As you are setting your goals, think about creating some good habits, that will carry you to success in 2015.   Some of the goals that I’ve adopted that have changed my life in 2014 are: exercising at least 30 minutes 3 times per week, read to learn every day and tracking behavior.

Read to learn every day

The amount of people who I talk to that tell me they do not read, is truly concerning.  whether you are listening to an audio program/book or picking up a physical book, 30 minutes of reading per day is tied to self-improvement and separating yourself from your competition, which could also mean more success for you in the upcoming year.  If you need a few suggestions on where to start, take a look at my “Books you must read” post! A friend once told. that it doesn’t matter how you get the information as long as you are getting the information.  If you cannot, find 30 minutes to physically read book, take a look at Audible.com.

Workout 30 minutes per day, 3 times per week

I once gave a speech to a group that detail my extreme dislike for running.  Although I loved working out running was not a friend of mine.   I was determined in 2014 to become a runner. I even took on a challenge to run 1000 miles in 2014.  Now, with 2 5K races under my belt, I look forward to completing my first 10K and half marathon races by the end of 2015.  Although I didn’t quite meet my goal of 1000 miles in 2014, I did however run more and further than I have ever run in my life.   Here is a workout routine that worked for me when i was first starting:  Also talk a look at Runner’s World smart coach to create a run schedule that fits your needs.

1 Mile Run (or 25 4 count jumping jacks)

30 Push-ups (x3)

30 Sit-ups (x3)

40 squats (x3)

1 Miles Run

Track your behavior

This is one habit that encompasses a few areas. How much TV you watch, What you eat, who you associate with, all  have an impact your success.  Is a relationship encouraging you, or is it moving you away from your goals? Is that second serving of apple pie within your daily caloric budget?  Tracking your behaviors will allow you to know exactly what habits, you need to target in order to ensure your success.  According to the study, Corley says, that 80% to 90% of the wealthy set goals and track their behaviors, and have done so on a long-term basis.  When was the last time you have done anything for more than 5 minutes?   A few trackers that I use MapMyRun, to track my running and exercise, and MyFitnesspPal, to track my calorie in-take. These are two great way of starting to track your behaviors.

You may want start your 30 minutes of reading with Thomas Corley’s book “Rich Habits”,   that I’ve linked to in the resources section of this post, to discover the other 247 habits his research uncovered. Or you may want to start by incorporating a workout plan like the one I suggested above into your morning or evening rituals.  No matter where you start the key is to just get started. Keep track of behaviors using a daily journal.  The habits you keep are the most important factors in securing your success!  See you in 2015!

Resources

Corey L. Stokes – Books you must read

Corey L. stokes – Plan your 2013 

Success Magazine – 16 Rich Habits

Thomas Corely – Rich Habits, The daily habits of Wealthy individuals