Coaching For Navigating to Success: It’s the Little Things 1

I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions.   Do you remember yours from last year? Are they the same ones you made the year before?  It is better to have annual goals than not have any at all, but I have found more success by focusing on daily habits versus annual goals.  If you want to transform your life then change the little things you do every day.  They add up and compound.  Understanding and transforming daily habits are a big part of coaching for success.  

Jeff Olsen agrees, he states that the little things make the difference between the wealthy guy shooting eighteen holes on the golf course and the laborers keeping the grass green who are struggling to pay the bills.   His book, “The Slight Edge“, tells the story of his transformation from a beach bum to a successful entrepreneur and his realization that the little things add up to make a big difference. 

“The Slight Edge philosophy is based on doing things that are easy-little disciplines, which, done consistently over time, add up to the biggest accomplishments.” – Jeff Olsen

I agree with his philosophy about the little disciplines but not necessarily that they are easy.  Many of the little things are simple but not easy, if they were easy then everyone would do them.  They are not easy because there is no consequence in the moment; the consequences are delayed and reflected over time.  For example, making a choice of vegetables instead of french fries or staying in bed another hour instead of getting up and exercising.   Over time, these little choices compound and may result in either a heart attack or actively hiking with the grandkids.   Daily discipline with your time and how you spend that time may add up to a successful and growing business, a promotion, and/or new knowledge and amazing experiences that exceed your dreams.  

Here is my coach’s challenge: identify five to ten daily habits that you can put into practice today.  If you start on December 10^th then you will have twenty-one days to solidify the habit by the 31^stand you’ll have achieved a strong  habit in time for the New Year.  Avoid making these “shoulds” and feelings of guilt or self criticism if you miss one occasionally.  Instead, focus on the positive energy and success that they will bring.  I have experienced and seen amazing transformations based on making these little daily discipline changes.  You can achieve incredible results by consistently reviewing and following your daily habits.  Here are some habit ideas to get you thinking:

• Laughter (if possible hard enough that it makes me almost cry)
• Walking and/or running (in nature if possible)
• Flossing
• Creating a key to-do list for tomorrow
• Returning phone calls, even if it is just to state that I’ll have to get back to them later
• Reading
• List a few things I am grateful for (Gratitude list) 

 Make your habit list visible and check off when you have accomplished them each day.  Include some that you are already doing and some that you know will not be too difficult or will give you current gratification (like laughter) in order to keep yourself motivated and increase your confidence in achieving the real challenging ones.   Consider hiring a coach to help keep you motivated.  

What daily habits have helped you navigate to success?  Please leave a comment!

Photo credits: BrentandMarilyn, Crypto