Welcome to this edition of Reflections! As our days grow shorter and the air feels crisper, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our goals—both professional and personal—and consider whether we’re genuinely enjoying the journey. October invites us to move with a sense of purpose and renewed focus. Not just because of the cooler temperatures outside, but also because of the end-of-year timeline to accomplish the goals we set out to achieve at the beginning of the year. This month, I’m exploring the keys to success and wondering if, in our relentless pursuit of goals, we’ve forgotten how to simply have fun. Let’s dive in!
What I am Reading.
I’m continuing my journey through “Unbreakable Valor” by Shaun Murphy. This month, I’m paying close attention to the chapter on the 5 M’s of Success, a framework that has been invaluable in shaping my thoughts on purpose, progress, and resilience. This simple but powerful framework consists of Mindset, Motivation, Massive Movement, Money, and Management. It’s a holistic approach to success that moves beyond simple ambition and into a more deliberate, actionable way of life.
Let’s break down each of the 5 M’s and why they’re so crucial:
- Mindset: Before you can achieve anything, you must first believe it’s possible. Your mindset is the foundation of all your actions. It’s the belief that you can overcome challenges, learn from failures, and ultimately, succeed. Shaun’s story is a testament to how shifting your mindset from one of scarcity and limitation to one of possibility and purpose can literally change the trajectory of your life. This isn’t just about positive thinking; it’s about developing a core set of beliefs that empower you to take action, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
- Motivation: Once the mindset is in place, you need the fuel to keep going. Motivation is that internal drive that pushes you forward, especially on the days when it feels like everything is an uphill battle. It’s about connecting your goals to a deeper purpose that holds meaning for you personally. Is your goal to provide a better life for your family? Is it to create something that helps others? Finding that internal “why” is what keeps you from giving up when things get tough.
- Massive Movement: This is where the magic happens. All the mindset and motivation in the world are useless without action. Massive movement is about taking consistent, deliberate steps toward your goal. It’s not just about doing something, but about doing the right things with intensity and purpose. It’s the difference between thinking about going to the gym and actually showing up every day. It’s grit and perseverance that turn an idea into a reality.
- Money: In our society, money is often a key component of success, as it provides the freedom and resources to pursue your goals without the constant stress of survival. However, as Shaun’s framework suggests, money is not the first or most important part of the equation—it’s a result of having the right mindset, motivation, and taking massive movement. This M is about understanding money as a tool to fuel your purpose, not as the purpose itself. It’s about building a financial foundation that supports your ideal life, rather than being controlled by financial worries.
- Management: Finally, once you have momentum and money, you need the skills to manage it all effectively. This M is about managing your time, energy, resources, and relationships. It’s about building sustainable systems that allow you to maintain your success over the long term. This prevents burnout and ensures that the success you’ve worked so hard for doesn’t crumble due to poor planning or a lack of self-care.
Shaun Murphy’s 5 M’s provide a clear, practical roadmap for anyone looking to achieve their goals. It’s a framework that reminds us that success is built from the inside out and that a strong foundation in mindset and motivation is essential for creating lasting change. This is something that I’m continuing to explore as I discuss what Success looks like in our lives.
Something I Found Interesting
While reading about Shaun’s 5 M’s of Success, what I found most interesting is how interconnected they are. You can’t have one without the others. What he labels the 5 M’s of success aren’t steps to be completed in isolation; they are a continuous loop. For example, your mindset directly influences your motivation, which then fuels your massive movement. The money you earn is a result of that movement, and your ability to manage it all determines if your success is temporary or sustainable.
This framework really resonates with the idea that our biggest breakthroughs often come from a complete overhaul of our perspective, rather than just a new technique or a lucky break. It’s a reminder that true, lasting success isn’t about hacks or shortcuts. It’s about a deliberate, step-by-step commitment to becoming the person who can achieve their goals, which starts long before any visible progress is made.
The 5 M’s teach us that the real work is internal. It’s in the way we think, the way we push ourselves, and the way we handle the fruits of our labor. It’s a call to action that starts with self-reflection and a profound understanding of what we truly want and why.
What am I pondering?
Achievement isn’t everything. Just as big as the “Productivity” industry is the “Find Balance” industry. This continuous pursuit of goals and success, while vital, has led me to ponder something a little different this month. I’ve been thinking about how we no longer tend to do things just for the fun of it. Everything seems to have a goal or a purpose attached to it– A scheme; a way to make money; or advance our position– Do we do anything just for the fun of it?
When we pick up a book, it’s often to “learn a new skill”, or “discover a new secret.” When we go to the gym, it’s to hit a “fitness goal.” Our vacations are meticulously planned to “build memories” or “get the perfect photo for social media.” We’ve become so focused on optimizing every single moment that we’ve lost the simple pleasure of doing something just because we enjoy it. The fun of it, is no longer the purpose; it’s a byproduct, if it happens at all.
So, I’m pondering: Do we still know how to have fun? When was the last time you did something with no other goal than to experience joy? No expectation, no purpose, no desired outcome—just pure, unadulterated enjoyment. It’s something I want to revisit and something I encourage you to consider as well. Let’s make this the month we rediscover the art of play.
Money Tip I Recommend:
How to Create a Budget and Stick to It – This month, as we return to fun, let’s also revisit the basics and master the art of budgeting.
If things didn’t go the way you hoped they would this year, it may be time to revisit budgeting. A budget is simply a plan for how you’ll spend your money each month. It’s a powerful tool that helps you track your income and expenses, save money, and reach your financial goals. …And oh yeah, schedule in some time to have a little fun! The process doesn’t have to be complicated. The simplest method is often the best.
Here’s a quick guide to getting started, based on my blog post “How to Create a Budget and Stick to It“:
- List Your Bills and Income: Begin by listing all of your monthly bills, debts, and expenses. Next, write down your total take-home income for the month.
- Prioritize: Subtract each payment from your income until you have no money left. If you find that your bills exceed your income, you need to prioritize. Always cover your “Four Walls” first: shelter (rent/mortgage), transportation, utilities, and food.
- Handle Your Debts: After covering the essentials, list your debts from smallest to largest and make the minimum payments on each. Apply any remaining money to the smallest debt, a strategy that helps build momentum and motivation.
As you build your budget, keep a few things in mind to make the process easier and more effective:
- Don’t Try to Create the Perfect Budget: Your first budget won’t be perfect. Don’t let the pressure of getting it exactly right stop you from starting. The goal is progress, not perfection. You can adjust it as you go.
- Budget for the Current Period Before the Period Begins: It’s a lot easier to stick to a plan when you’ve already made the decisions. Take an hour or two at the end of each month to budget for the next one. This provides a clear roadmap and helps prevent impulsive spending.
- Build an Emergency Fund: My post suggests setting aside a small “baby emergency fund” of $500-$1000 in cash. Do this before you start tackling any of your larger debts. This is your first line of defense against unexpected expenses, keeping you from derailing your budget and incurring new debt.
- Be Patient with Yourself: Learning to budget is a skill that takes time to master. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Acknowledge them, learn from them, and get back on track.
Creating a budget is an act of empowerment. It is not supposed to be limiting. It’s a way to take control of your financial life and align your spending with your values and goals. If you view budgeting as limiting, might I suggest revisiting the 5 M’s of success before you get started?
Let’s Talk!
What are your thoughts? Have you read Unbreakable Valor by Shaun Murphy? how do you view his 5 M’s of success? When was the last time you did something just for fun? share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you.
If you’re ready to take your financial goals seriously and build a solid plan, I’d be happy to help. Schedule a free coaching consultation with me today: https://calendar.app.google/oEyuikwjDLMoPxtf7
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Let’s spread the word about building a more intentional and fulfilling life.
Resources:
Unbreakable Valor by Shaun Murphy
How to Create a Budget and Stick to It (Blog Post: https://corey-stokes.com/2023/05/13/how-to-create-a-budget-and-stick-to-it/)
Corey Stokes 