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

Reading
A little father daughter time reading.

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.

Running in Wichita, KS
Photo By M. Stokes

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

Want to know why you didn’t get the job?

Do you want to know why you did not get that job? Are you feeling like you are stuck in a rut? Don’t worry you are not alone. Many are struggling to find employment. Michelle Kruse, Success writer, compares why you didn’t get the job at your last interview to dating.  She give you a few pointers on what may be hindering you landing that J-O-B.

1. You didn’t have chemistry. As frustratingly simple as this explanation is, sometimes it’s true—you and the interviewer just didn’t click. This could happen for a number of reasons: Your nervousness was a turnoff, they didn’t get your sense of humor (or you didn’t get theirs), or you may have come off as overly confident. Whatever their reasoning, the interviewer decided that your personality wasn’t a good fit for the company culture, and they could be right.

2. You were overeager. Much as in dating, an overeager job candidate can be a big turnoff. Constantly calling to check in, sending incessant emails and dropping in to say hello is not only unprofessional, but a waste of the employer’s time. Play it cool, remain calm, and patiently wait for that call back.
3.  You didn’t take care with your appearance. Even in a casual workplace, it’s important to look professional during the interview. Everyone else may be wearing jeans in the office, but you can show your commitment and respect for the position by dressing nicely and properly grooming yourself. True, a three-piece suit might not be appropriate for an interview at a small tech start-up, but still take care to choose an outfit that shows that you have style and class.

4. You seemed like a gold-digger. We all want to be paid what we deserve, but it’s not a good idea to go into an interview with money being your main focus. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask about the salary, but don’t lead with that question, and don’t spend too much time on it either.

What ever your current situation, if you are looking to move out of it, just like dating you may be the cause of your rejection.   It is important to take a look in the mirror before your next interview and polish up the rough edges.  As Michelle Kruse says in her article, “It is important that you bounce back quickly”

See more at: http://www.success.com/article/8-reasons-why-you-didnt-get-the-job

Books

48 Days to the work you love – Dan Miller

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It’s Friday!

Friday is probably the most loved day of the week.  It’s the start of the weekend, The end of the work week (for those that don’t work on the weekends). Historically the day that many choose to unwind after a long week of work.  It is also the day that most couples choose as date night.  Flower, movie, and restaurant sales all rise on Friday night.  Dance clubs are full, and Bars and grills are all welcoming to people looking to simply relax and unwind.  For me however, Friday means something else.

Ever since my daughter was a baby,  Friday night has been our night. Then when my son was born, we brought him into the fold.  From the time they stopped Screaming bloody murder as soon as mom walked out the door,  until today Friday has been reserved for my children and me (occasionally we let my wife join the fun).  Today, the tradition of Friday night is more than just another day to unwind It is a time reserved for a date night for the entire family.

family fun

Since most of the week is spent, running too and fro; getting to den meetings, soccer and volleyball practices, and the like,  time spent in each others company, is severely limited or hindered to say the least.  It is only makes sense that the end of the week is spent, playing with the kids,  building Lego’s, watching movies, or even having a dance off with their dancing game on the Wii. Last week we spent the evening having a breakfast cook-off (Move over Waffle House, here come the Stokes Kids).

When we think about date night we tend to focus on the relationships between couples.  Although that relationship is highly important and while I agree that couples need to enjoy that time alone; the same holds true for the entire family.  Family’s also need to take a moment to date each other as well.  Early on in our marriage, we discussed having days that we will date our kids, swapping occasionally so both children will get time to alone with both of us.  As they are now old enough to enjoy such outing, I look forward to enjoying this great way to talk, and stay engaged in the lives of your children.

Building these types of traditions however, is not only reserved from Friday nights.

Dinner time is another great time to date your family and to stay connected.  After asking my wife how her day went during several dinners,  It didn’t take long for our children to catch on and say, “Daddy don’t you want to know about my day”  and thus started another tradition that kept our family engaged!

Our time is and our attention is often scattered in many directions.  All too often, it is not focused on what matters most.  Many people have referenced the saying ,On their death beds, no one wishes they wish they spent more time at work.   It’s Friday, spend the time now with the ones that count!

Question! What is one thing you enjoy/enjoyed (parents with children who are out of the house can answer too) doing with your children?

Books

Boys should be boys! by Dr. Meg Meker

Strong Fathers Strong Daughters by Dr. Meg Meker