S2 E27 New Year's Solutions

Instead of resolutions or goals, we are talking about SYSTEMS.

"Put your energy into building better habits, not chasing better results." -James Clear

MIND: Take on the identity as someone who already does what you want to do.

If we don't think of ourselves (really truly) as someone with the capacity to be or have the result we want, then we won't actually get there. We might see some progress here and there, but if we are actually going to experience a result we want, we have to believe that it's even a possibility.

If the identity seems like too big of a stretch, we can mentally "massage" the idea or the identity until we get to something that feels more true and is also moving us in that direction. April gives the example of wanting the identity of someone who likes to exercise, which feels more true than the identity of someone who is disciplined, getting up early for 6am workouts.

BODY: Create a system to make it easy.

Constantly "swimming upstream" isn't the way to get what we want. If it feels like a lot of effort, or there's lots of obstacles, there's a better way. Taking the time to create a system removes the obstacles and sets us up for success and makes it easy. When we have a system in place, the rest takes care of itself.

For example, if you want to get up to workout, your system might include signing up in advance for a class, planning it with a friend, letting your spouse or family know what to expect, and setting out your clothes and shoes the night before.

PURPOSE: Remember it’s a process, not an outcome.

Progress is never perfectly linear. We logically probably understand this, but then when we feel a "dip" or a setback, it's easy to think it's' not working or that we'll never get the result we want. Remembering that lifestyle is what delivers results, not goals, helps keep our perspective in a healthy place.

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