Habits 2 Goals: The Habit Factor® Podcast With Martin Grunburg | Goal Achievement, Productivity & Success Simplified

While many do not consider the importance of habit development when it comes to goal achievement, those that do unfortunately are subject to the many great myths which surround the topic. In this episode, Martin and I review and dispel four monster myths about positive habit formation.1. It takes 21 days to develop a habit.This originated decades ago with, Psycho Cybernetics a terrific book by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. While it does not take 21 days to develop a habit it is safe to say you can START to develop a habit in 21 days. According to a study from the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes, on average, 66 days. Research tells us though that it depends upon all sorts of criteria including; desire, skill and knowledge related to any particular habit.2. Cue- Routine-RewardCue, routine, reward and the related, "habit-loop" were largely popularized by The Power of Habit. The habit loop helps to illustrate what triggers and environments have been supporting past behaviors (habits) but the habit loop fails

This episode has us turning the tables... in the coming weeks we'll begin to weave-in interviews of domain industry experts so we figured we might as well start with Nick Palkowski, podcast guru, expert in online marketing strategy and all-around-great guy!Things weren't always sunshine and rainbows for Nick. The first business he started in college, while a great learning experience, ultimately left him with $2 in his bank account and a jar of peanut butter. A jar of peanut butter. Those important lessons (from failure) taught Nick what not to do and what he needed to do differently. They proved invaluable and led him to launch his booming, full-time business Your Podcast Guru."The best way to grow your business is to consistently add value to your audience." @NickPalkowskiOne of the most important factors for Nick was understanding that success is a habit, meaning he recognized the importance of becoming a consistent and disciplined professional. Nick even shared his top three character traits and supportiv

Are you pushing yourself hard enough? Most people would respond with a resounding yes. While the idea of a second wind is fairly common, Martin and I explore the possibilities of having a third, fourth, fifth (even an eighth!) wind in this episode of The Habit Factor. “If you're going to doubt something, doubt your own limits.”Ever notice during exercise that even when you're tired, you can always dig a little deeper and find energy reserves to get you through to the finish line? By changing your state of mind you can radically change and increase your energy levels and persevere to the end of any project! Challenge your assumptions, your biases, and challenge the perceived limits that you have set for yourself. If you feel that you've been lulled in to a comfort zone of limitations, set increasingly extreme challenge for yourself and discover your eighth wind. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. “Life doesn't get easier. We just get stronger.” This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this wit

No matter how close you live to big, green spaces, many of your struggles can be traced to how aligned you are with nature. Sparked by a conversation with his teenage daughter Martin and I delve review some clues that can very well make our life easier.“Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.”Anytime there is frustration and friction in your life it's important to check and compare how aligned your affairs and thoughts are with the natural world. In this episode, Martin shares some of his observations about nature and just how we might adapt them to our own situation. (12:00):PatiencesRhythmBusy, DiligentEconomy & EfficiencyThe cycle of lifeChange & metamorphosisStruggle creates strengthNature is flexible, adapting, and resilientEverything must flowUnityThere are many things we cannot controlBalanceThis week, we challenge you to take one of these observations and apply it to your life. Track it and see for yourself how effective you can be when you align yourself and your efforts with nature!

The word “philosophy” comes from Ancient Greek and means “love of wisdom”.Unfortunately, the modern translation appears to have become slightly twisted to the point where the word might only connote some impractical college major.Yet, philosophy ought to be embraced by all who seek to live in a more "favorable" world for it is our own mental constructs (our own philosophy) that dictates how we think, feel and act. So, philosophy isn't just about talking or even thinking, its true meaning lies in the execution of the ideas and ideals.Today, Nick and I revisit the essence of philosophy and review some of the framework behind The Habit Factor franchise.“All men’s natures are alike, it's their habits that carry them far apart.”In this episode, Martin shares a handful of his favorite quotes and a few books that helped him to form a foundation for thought and action (a mixed philosophy that spans; Thoreau and Socrates to Kurt Vonnegut.Enjoy!  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscr

“Give me a long enough lever and a place to stand and I can move the world.” In the battle to get ahead, often the first step is finding a better way to leverage the only limiting resource everyone shares, TIME. Understanding how to properly leverage your time and ideas is a game changer and it's sure to boost your productivity. In this episode, Martin and I review some strategies to optimize your personal power (your ability to act on ideas) to help get the results you want! Touching on Dr. Stephen Covey’s "Quadrants of Effectiveness", Martin shares a few tips for deciding when and how to outsource  (contract labor) to allow yourself more time to focus on the things most important to you. Or, if you're not quite ready to source other experts, there are simply more effective ways to plan and use your days. When you leverage your time more wisely, you simply take longer, more efficient steps toward your goal which accelerates your achievement and of course will have a life time effect on your achievement

“Good things happen when planned, bad things happen on their own.” ~Quality is Free Tweet ThisThe path to leading a more efficient life is simply to harness the power of positive habits and rituals.Chances are very good you already have a set number of habits and rituals (particularly in the morning or evening). The question is, have they developed by choice or by chance? Are they by design or by default?Intentionally establishing positive routines in the morning and evening will help you to feel refreshed, balanced, connected and even, as a bi-product far more productive.In this episode, Martin and I review 6 reasons rituals are powerful and various tips for establishing them to help foster your efficiency and peace of mind. (7:10):…rituals are more energy efficient…they compound greatly w/out notice at first…they work with natural rhythms…help you to feel more connected…bring you mindfulness and mindlessness…they can be established consciously using the P.A.R.R. methodologyThis week, Martin and I challenge

“Goals are just dreams with deadlines.”A man named C. Northcote Parkinson once claimed that work expands to fill the time for its completion. While its human nature to procrastinate, there aren't enough people using deadlines to their advantage. Join author Martin Grunburg on this episode of Habits to Goals as he shares his strategies for accelerating productivity with deadlines.When you don't understand how deadlines can help you, sometimes they can hurt you. Avoid thinking in terms of all or nothing and accept that there will be times that you will need an extension. Maintain perspective and persevere with accountability groups and realistic timelines to transform deadlines into a positive force to empower your life.“There are no unreadable goals, just unreasonable deadlines.” This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit habits2goals.substack.com/subscribe

One of the great inspirations for Grunburg’s The Habit Factor is Dr. Stephen Covey’s classic, bestselling book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. In this episode, Martin reviews some of the similarities and differences between the two works. (10:20).If, by chance you haven't read Covey's masterpiece (do so!) and, in the meantime, here is a quick synopsis (12:45):Be ProactiveBegin with the End in MindPut First Things FirstThink “Win-Win”Seek First to Understand than to be UnderstoodSynergizeSharpen the SawMartin then explains one of the reason The Habit Factor "had" to be written and how The Habit Factor "bookends" and complements The Seven Habits 11:52.Later we discuss how the first three habits focus on the "self" and the next three habits focus on fostering inter-dependence and teamwork. Finally, the seventh habit, "Sharpen the saw" is about renewal and allows for never ending growth and the ability to continually cycle and master each habit.Now, it's your turn! Are you being proactive? Are you b

“Everyone wants to improve the world, very few are willing to improve themselves.” Tweet ThisMany people write-off self-help thinking that positive thinking just sets you up for disappointment later.Zig Ziglar once put it brilliantly, "positive thinking won't allow you do everything, it only allows you to do everything better." For instance, positive thinking may not help you to dunk a basketball. But, it will make your efforts much improved.The beauty is self-help isn't just about "positive thinking". First and foremost, it's an acknowledgment that the person responsible for their growth and development is themselves.SELF HELP (at the proverbial end of the day) has been described as the only real help there is.Self-help is also about accepting one's self as they are and then acknowledging ways they might improve. The pursuit of self-help assures a certain amount of humility.“True nobility isn't about being better than others, it's about being better than you were before.” ~Wayne Dyer Tweet ThisSo, really, th

Who hasn't felt STUCK before?The good news is, it's common and something everyone is likely to experience at some point. The bad news is, it's an uncomfortable awareness that you've lost momentum and enthusiasm is gone.That no matter what you try to do, nothing seems to move you or your career forward? Hence, you are STUCK.And, when you’re stuck, it's important to know that it's not just an emotional but also a physiological state. Sometimes it even makes us feel alone or isolated.“Motion creates emotion.” ~Tony Robbins Tweet ThisTo help you form some habits that will ultimately propel you forward, Martin and I review these eight tips to become UNSTUCK (time):More Accurate ThinkingMove!Use and Create RegretAvoid the Comparison GameRead Autobiographies and other books- keep learningChallenge FearAcknowledge and Accept the SituationTrack- Track - Track (Did we say Track!?)By tracking even your smallest, recurring behaviors (habits) that move your toward your goal, you build immediate momentum! Reaffirming exact

It seems everyone I know is "super-busy" and so many people are stressed-out... the question is, how many of them are making time to RELAX.“The best time to relax is when you don’t have the time.” Tweet ThisThe most productive people I know schedule spa days, massages and recreation in the midst of their hectic schedules. That's right, the SCHEDULE relaxation as though it were any other responsibility on their list—and it is. They don't wait for a time when things will slow down... they proactively make the time and slow things down.In order to be the best you can be in your personal and professional life, you must make the time to RELAX.“I have just five letters for you: R-E-L-A-X.” ~ Aaron Rodgers  Tweet ThisUttered, Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers after the Packers started the 2014 season 1-2.  Whether it was because of his statement, imploring PACKER nation to chill or not, the team turned things around and made a great run through the playoffs.In this episode, Martin and I review the "B.R.A.D." ac

“Every master was once a disaster.”  T. Harv Eker Tweet ThisLife is similar to sports. What's interesting is sometimes we choose intentionally to PLAY and other times, without knowing, we've allowed ourselves to fall into the shadows and become a spectator.While it's good to have periods of reflection and rest, too much inactivity or indifference impedes our growth, progress, happiness and success.You know you're PLAYING to WIN when you have a goal defined — you can describe what the end-zone and even first downs look like.“Good things happen when planned out. Bad things happen on their own.” Tweet ThisTo stay motivated and keep your head in the game, be sure to track and keep score! Just try to imagine any professional sport without a target and/or score.Athletes know how they are doing because there is a score and it's tracked! Are you tracking?This simple concept alone accounts for much of popularity of The Habit Factor® app (iOS) (Android) and  FREE tracking template (spreadsheet). Tracking creates moment

It's common to hear conflicting messages from personal achievement experts or “gurus”? (5:15).One authority will insist that you don't have to work hard, you just have to work smart. Another insists that balance is bogus or, you just have to follow your bliss. Yet, another claims life is a marathon not a sprint... and on it goes.“Take away paradox from the thinker and you have a professor.” ~Kierkegaard  Unfortunately, achieving your goals isn't so black and white. Often, the "real" answer is a mixture of conflicting advice. In a world of a thousand shades of grey, confusion and then paralysis can set in if we remain fixed.In this episode, Nick and I review an essential "key" when it comes to navigating all of this conflicting information. (14:35)."Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another." ~JuvenalIt turns out in your pursuit of personal growth and your goals its best to mirror the many visible traits in the natural world (dynamic, flexible, adaptive) for starters.That mindset, combined with awaren

“What is man without energy? Nothing. Nothing at all.”  With all of the gimmicks and advertisements for ways to increase your energy, we are made to forget that both we and our goals are energy. Energy, as defined by the Latin root ergo, is the capacity for doing work. To make the most of your energy and to increase your capacity for doing work, Martin fuses  Newton’s Laws of Physics with his strategies for increasing your productivity  (5:45): An object in motion tends to stay in motion Force = Mass x AccelerationFor every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.  In the words of a Navy SEAL, “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” Friction causes tension, so challenge yourself to be more mindful of your responses to negativity and use your energy in a more productive manner. Martin reminds us that we have a limited amount of energy each day and that drama should be avoided at all times, if necessary.   “Always take hold of things by the smooth handle.” This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss

A quick thank you! Our Habits 2 Goals podcast was featured once again by iTunes and has been in the top 10 (Self-Help category) for several weeks... a terrific start for this new show!Now, on to the business at hand. It seems that everyone I know is "busy, busy, busy". In this show Martin and I cover some of the things you can do to make the most of your time and ensure that your results are meaningful too! No point climbing up the wrong ladder, right?In this episode we walk through some key tips to help anyone be more productive:Effectiveness -what is it really? (4:38)Concentration and Focus (6:03)Leverage (10:30)Delegation (13:02)Creating Milestones (15:07)Finding Models and Asking Questions  (18:55)Deadlines and Launching (21:50)Constantly Learning (23:55)Importance of tracking (24:15)Reassessment, adapting and adjusting as you move forward (26:05)While these ideas will greatly enhance your productivity, it's essential to know mental toughness and persistence remain paramount (see GRIT post). Remember too,

“Questions direct our energy, attention and focus.” As children we constantly asked questions which led us to learn about our world and ourselves. Over time, many adults fall out of the habit and stop asking questions.Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green? Why do giraffes have such long necks? Our questions are only limited by our imagination.Fortunately, that habit of asking questions can be strengthened. The more often you ask questions, the stronger the habit becomes. By challenging yourself to look at a problem from multiple dimensions,  questions provide an excellent why to focus and reconnect your attention to any problem.Questions have been the cornerstone of education, science and invention since the beginning of time. The greatest inventors and scientists, like Edison and Einstein where famous for the questions they would pose. And, of course, questions have tremendous value to everyday life. In this episode, Martin provides a few examples of how asking the right questions might just help you a

“Nobody is born with grit and no one is born with discipline.” Tweet This Grit is one of the greatest predictors of success and one of the defining virtues of successful people… yet, what is grit exactly and how can you develop it? According to Angela Lee Duckworth’s TED talk, grit is a combination of persistence and a willingness to change and adapt to improve. It is actively choosing to pursue a goal, refusing to quit and being willing to accept failures— understanding that "success" is a processs. “People with a grit mindset are committed to outcomes and are willing to disregard facts if and when necessary.” Tweet This By persisting and keeping your eye on the prize, you can develop habits to guide you in achieving your goals. This week, Martin offers a few thought and behavior habits to transform your mindset and get help you get “gritty” (13:10): Start with a vision Believe it's possible Be patient Work hard and have courage Reframe your mistakes into learning experiences Craft creative alternative

“It's important to regard failure as an event and not a person.” Tweet ThisOn your unique journey to a more balanced and successful life, failure is inevitable. One of the biggest obstacles to achieving your goals is separating your sense of self from any particular instance of failure (2:44). Rather than labeling yourself as a failure after a tough setback or challenge, shift your perspective and simply view the failure for what it was: an event.“Failure is not the opposite of success; it's a prerequisite.” Tweet ThisResearch (or quickly Google ; ) the autobiography of any one of your favorite heroes and you will notice that each and every one has essentially failed their way toward success (5:02). Here are a few ways setbacks can be overcome more easily... (9:48):Continuing to move forward assertivelyFrequently attempting new and challenging thingsIdentify a "winning" modelReverse engineering the desired outcomeWhile almost everyone tends to overestimate what they can accomplish in the short term, they gros

 By: Nick Palkowski “Virtues must be a product of habit” Tweet This Everyone wants to be a success…. but how do you define success? Without a personalized target in mind, it’s tough to have a clear direction. “You can’t hit a target you can’t see.” ~Zig Ziglar used to say. That’s why defining your ideal [...] This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit habits2goals.substack.com/subscribe