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

"Intentionality is your superpower, and the best news is, you're already great at using it!" When was the last time you went shopping? When was the last time you got a haircut? When was the last time you ate some food? That fact is, you're already an incredible, purposeful, deliberate, goal-driven machine. You use your intentionality every day, all day long. Getting your hair cut wasn't an accident. You set up an appointment and then showed up. You didn't just arrive at a grocery store; you realized you needed food and made a plan to go shop. You didn't accidentally start reading a book; you intended to read the book, so you picked it up. Intentionality isn't just a superpower, though; it's your means to design the life you want, AND it's a demonstration of your intelligence in action! Being intentional—being purposeful, being goal-driven—equates to intelligence in action. Tony Robbins put it this way: "We all have goals; the problem is, most of us have really crappy goals, like, 'I just want to get through t

"Like painted kites, those days and nights they went flyin' by." ~Frank Sinatra (Summer Wind) Building off last week's episode, "Bridging the Gap," this week, we review a force that makes progress possible: TIME! Some view time like the flow of a river. Brian Tracy uses the analogy of a delivery truck backing up to deliver 24 fresh hours each new day. MG loves Sinatra's imagery of days "flyin' by like painted kites" from his hit song, "Summer Wind." Whichever imagery you choose, there's no mistaking just how quickly "The DAYS" go flyin' by. To illustrate, MG tries an experiment—an exercise—and asks the listeners to give it a try. This is an Arnold Schwarzenegger exercise called "The Vacuum," where you attempt to suck in your stomach and hold it in, as far as you can, for a minute or so. MG set the intention to do the "Vacuum" twice a day, a few minutes at a time, for seven days straight. The purpose is simply to illustrate just how quickly The DAYS go flyin' by. Whatever small behavior or exercise you may be

"When the student is ready, the lessons and teachers will appear." Approximately four years after presenting to IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management), James B., who witnessed The Habit Factor® presentation, finally decided to listen to the audio book.  FOUR. YEARS. LATER. Afterward, he was excited to put habit alignment and the free habits-to-goals tracking sheet to work. He shared this story with me via email. This week's episode is about "Bridging the Gap." Sometimes the steps we take are long and swift, and sometimes they are slow and small. To span the bridge, we must keep moving forward. If intelligence is goal-directed behavior, and we are "intelligent" beings, then we must set goals. We must have an ideal to strive for, but that doesn't mean we have to be unhappy about our present circumstances. We can do both: be grateful for our present and have a goal to strive for. At any given time, we could be at point "A" while we're attempting to arrive at point "B." The challenge for ALL of us, in theory,

"While every day can't be the best day ever, your best day is almost always right around the corner. Realizing it, though, depends upon how well you navigate your worst days." Gurus everywhere promote silly claims like, "HOW YOU CAN HAVE YOUR BEST DAY EVER, EVERY DAY" Here's the bad news: You can't have your best day ever, every day. The good news: Your best day ever is almost always awaiting you! Realizing those "best days ever" depends greatly upon how well you navigate your sh*tty days. Too often, people find a way to make their bad days much worse due to emotional fragility—taking too many things personally. Unfortunately, there will be days when awful things will happen to us and/or our loved ones. When that happens, the environment is not conducive or supportive (for the time being) enough for us to pursue our goals and ideals. In times like these, rather than wasting energy fighting unfortunate circumstances or taking things personally, letting our emotions get out of control, it's best to simply "duck

"To break the inertia: S.T.A.R.T.! Simple Today Actions Repeated & Tracked" It's inevitable: We are ALL trending toward zero. Laziness. Stillness. Eventually, even nothingness. However, that's a consideration that doesn't have to be depressing or debilitating; rather, it can be useful. The great mathematician, physicist, and philosopher Blaise Pascal put it this way: "Man is equally incapable of seeing the nothingness from which he emerges and the infinity in which he is engulfed." Next time you feel stuck, recognize the dynamic, universal forces at play, namely inertia and gravity for starters. The key to flipping the script is to get started! Just S.T.A.R.T.! Simple (small). Today. Actions, Repeated and Tracked! Once the inertia is broken, the task forward is much easier. Plato put it this way: "The beginning is the most important part of the work." Thus, whatever you may be attempting to do, whatever your goal may be, the real challenge is to GET STARTED. Nothing is done without a beginning. Once you'v

"The longest journey begins with a single step." ~Lao Tzu The Ocho—Season 8—is here, and we follow up last week's episode, "Try Slow," with this week's offering, "The Incremental." This episode was inspired by an illustration MG saw on Facebook: A man, struggling, on his tippy-toes, arms outstretched, attempting to reach the first rung of a ladder—yet the very first step was too far away. It's tough to climb any ladder when the rungs are too far apart. It's equally tough to develop any habit and move toward any goal when the expectations, targets, and next steps are too far apart. The key to habit development and goal achievement is the incremental: Small steps that are attainable, reachable, and achievable. To put our expectations, targets, and goals too far out of reach would make them about as worthwhile as a ladder with steps that are too far apart. Recognizing the INCREMENTAL is critical. Whether it's for saving money, getting out of debt, writing a book, or running a marathon, respecting and mastering t

"Slow is smooth and smooth is fast." The Ocho—Season 8—is here, and along with it, our first episode: Try Slow. A sign in MG's neighborhood cautions drivers to slow down. Yet the more he passes the sign, the more meaning the message has: "TRY SLOW." Try slow to be more efficient and effective. Try slow to be healthier. Try slow to concentrate and focus better. Try slow to remember things. Try slow to be a better friend by listening more. "Try slow" is a catchy motto and a welcome message in our fast-moving, modern life. Trying "slow" might not just save some kid from the dangers of speeding drivers. Trying "slow" is likely to make you a better human. Enjoy the episode! How much do you really know about habits and goals? Check out the Habits & Goals Mastery course, NOW ON-DEMAND! Visit: https://thehabitfactor.com/challenge **** Feedspot's "Top 10 Habit Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021" New listeners: By texting the word "HABITS" to the mobile phone number "33444" you will instantly receive your "hack"/hab

"If you cannot be happy unloading a dishwasher, you cannot be happy." Today's episode is all about real happiness. Happiness involves a couple major ingredients: choice and gratitude. Consider for moment all the incredible "things" that must take place for you to be unloading your dishwasher. You can begin with the obvious: Unloading a dishwasher likely means you have eyes, hands, fingers, and arms, and that you're standing (legs and feet), for starters. Then, consider the first-world commodities at your disposal: plumbing, electricity, not to mention a home and shelter. Finally, if you're unloading a dishwasher, it likely means that you had some food to eat! Of course, the very same awareness should be applied to various other "chores": Laundry, making your bed, mowing the lawn, washing your car, maybe even being stuck in traffic! Thus, unloading the dishwasher is a terrific litmus test of one's capacity for true happiness. So, if you cannot be happy unloading the dishwasher, chances are good, you cannot be

"The roots create the fruits; the fruits reveal the seeds." In today's episode, we invite Jen Grant back on the program to discuss our Mind-Bullet: The Fruit! What do ALL fruits have in common? Correct. Seeds! While we should probably be more focused on the process (our habits/the roots) that creates the fruits (money, car, big home, etc.), it turns out that focusing on the fruits reveals something extraordinarily important: seeds! Tony Robbins likes to say, "Success leaves clues!" MG seconds the observation and points out that fruit, by definition must contain seeds. Further, it's the seeds that offer the promise that, when planted and cared for within a conducive environment, they will produce rewards! Jen and MG further the analogy by referencing the resistance each seed experiences initially as it struggles to see the light of day. Similarly, its our efforts—building new habits—that experience extreme resistance as we put in the practice, work and discipline in order for the seeds to produce fruit. The gr

"Discipline is a habit: cultivate it." "No man is free who cannot command himself." Pythagoras If you are not in control of yourself (your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors), you will never know true freedom. In today's episode, MG shares how, for many years, he grappled with what appeared to be conflicting primary values: freedom and family. Upon further reflection, he made the realization that the banks of a river provide direction, power and strength. Similarly, a family also can provide the very same qualities: direction, power and strength. Thus, the values of family and freedom don't necessarily conflict; rather, family and freedom can be complementary values that guide our energy. A similar analogy can be made for tracking behaviors and habits while cultivating discipline. When we track our habits and behaviors, like the banks of a river, we add controls and constraints to our energy force, further guiding and directing our power. It turns out that we discover real freedom when we develop discipline in

"At birth, you have only instincts, no habits." How many beliefs are you born with? How many habits are you born with? In today's episode, MG revisits the concept of Tabula rasa—blank slate—to help us recognize and challenge any limiting beliefs and habits that may be keeping us stuck. It's important to know that we've acquired these limiting thought and behavior habits. They weren't ours since birth; they've been inscribed upon our character (Tabula rasa) as we've lived our lives, dealing with life's daily challenges and struggles. Knowing that we've picked up self-deprecating thoughts and habits along the way also means we know we can change them. With intention, reflection, and practice (PARR), we can inscribe new habits of thought and behavior to produce new, different, and better outcomes. Tabula rasa is a powerful awareness tool, helping us to understand that how we view ourselves and our limitations is just a story we've acquired via habit. Habits are strengthened by repetition, over time. However, unl

How often do you judge your own judgment? We often tell our kids, "Use good judgment!" Yet, when it comes to our own judgment, we tend to forget the advice. In this week's episode, MG invites Jen Grant to co-host as they explore the significance judgement plays in our life. When is judgment valuable? When is judgment harmful? If we ruminate in the negative feelings judgment may bring, it can be harmful. If judgment derails your progress and keeps you off track for too long, it's harmful. However, great value arises when judgment helps us to identify improvement and how we can move toward our goals and ideals more effectively and efficiently. Good judgment is what helps companies to improve their products and services, making them more successful. Be sure to assess the value of your judgments. Notice if your judgments are derailing you. Should that happen, do your best to pause, filter through the debris and find the value. Good judgment can help anyone to make better decisions, form new habits, and move towar

“Everything is hard before it is easy." ~Goethe Why do humans possess a subconscious mind? In season two, we covered the subconscious mind relative to the "Super-Conscious". In today's episode, we wonder why the subconscious mind exists. As science is about studying "things" that can be measured and observed, some scientists may even argue the subconscious mind or even the "mind" itself, does not exist. MG speculates otherwise and reiterates the important distinction between the mind and the brain, an idea covered in The Habit Factor® (book). Unlike animals born with "instincts", humans are endowed with the capacity to program their subconscious with new habits and skills. Not unlike a computer programmer, we can write a script (with  intention and practice) that automates a behavior or skill over time. The process to program the subconscious with a new habit or skill—is by following P.A.R.R. (Plan, Act, Record & Reassess). As humans develop new skills and habits the behaviors ascend through the various l

“It doesn't matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." ~Confucius Some days are better than others. Sometimes you're on track and sometimes you are not. A way to ensure you keep moving forward, despite setbacks, is to begin tracking your habits.  By tracking your habits, you reinforce both your intention and commitment. So, when setbacks happen, you're able to get back on track more quickly. MG recounts a couple stories about getting thrown off track and how considering these days as "throw-away days" helps him to reset more quickly and keep moving forward. Further, he shares a story about a guy he recently coached to follow the tracking process and P.A.R.R. who experienced multiple setbacks, including; a colonoscopy, a tax deadline and a family member needing medical care, all of which derailed his progress. In short, he didn't experience a throw-away day, he experienced a throw-away week! The best part, he was already tracking his habits and knew to expect throw away days. Thus, the real key—the

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." ~Dalai Lama Kindness is a habit (and trait) that is learnable and strengthened with practice. In Season 5, episode 50 the "Kindness" topic was previously explored. In this episode, MG expounds on the subject, citing his experience tracking "TKT" ("The Kind Thing"), a habit he's had fun working on. MG gives credit for the idea to a fellow entrepreneur who decided to start tracking his "kindness" habit in a goals accountability group. Using The Habit Factor app, Martin code-named "The Kind Thing" as "TKT" and suggests that tracking acts of "kindness" is up there with the other "pro tips" like tracking at least one diet and one exercise habit, regardless of the overarching goal. You're encouraged to give "TKT" a try and add it to your habit tracking. Not only is "TKT" likely to make you feel better about yourself but it's likely to foster a habit which will serve you for a lifetime. Enjoy the episode! How much do you really know about habits and goals? Check ou

“Success is nothing other than a feeling. Some people feel 'successful' after taking their dog on a walk. Others feel like a failure if they don't get 1,000 likes on Instagram." What is success, really? Part of understanding success is knowing how you define it— that is, what are you aiming to achieve? Having said that, there's a great argument to be made that success isn't something to be achieved as much as a moment to be appreciated. Chances are good, though, that the truth lies in the middle. Success is both something to achieve and something to appreciate that generates a feeling of success. For some, a big house makes them feel successful; maybe for a day, maybe for a month or year. For others, success includes a life of service and contribution that provides fulfillment. Both situations equate to a moment in time when one FEELS SUCCESSFUL. Thus, to feel successful, it's important to understand how you define success, know what makes you feel successful, and how to manage your emotions with precision mo

“During the darkest days of the Model 3 program, I reached out to Tim Cook to discuss the possibility of Apple acquiring Tesla (for 1/10 of our current value). He refused to take the meeting." @elonmusk As much as rejection sucks, often, the further removed from it we become, the more it seems like a blessing. After a rejection, two narratives may emerge. One takes us toward a direction of doom—a story and outcome we do not desire. But the other narrative can be hopeful—a story of possibilities.  The idea is to consciously redirect rejection toward the positive narrative which fosters the emotions that set you up for a win, later. In fact, rejection's greatest value may be that it fosters emotional resilience and self-reliance! After a rejection, be aware of the story you're telling yourself. For example, "Oh sh*t! I didn't get that job, nobody's going to hire anyone my age," or, "They wouldn't fund our company, we have way too much debt, nobody is ever going to invest in our company." If you're spiraling dow

“What if hell was the experience of meeting the person you could have become the moment before you die, and heaven was the same experience because you fulfilled your potential —or came close?" Today’s Mind Bullet challenges us to reimagine a new and different concept of heaven and hell. MG's always recommending imagination exercises, so this one grabbed his attention. Consider the best version of yourself—the ultimate person you ever could become. Whether or not you actually get there is beside the point; the pursuit is the success. In fact, this, arguably, is what the Habit Factor is all about: the pursuit of idealization (see our episode devoted to idealization). How do you match up with your ideal version? How have your habits matched up with that fully idealized future self? It doesn’t matter if you’re not there yet, or not even close. You have the power to pivot, change direction, forge new habits, and continue pursuing the future of your dreams. This mental exercise is an excellent wake-up call for all

“If you had a $10 million racehorse, how would you treat it?" Today's Mind Bullet exposes a basic truth about you and your place in the world. Each of us has been given a $10 million racehorse, and that very gift begs us to ask this simple question: "How are you going to treat this expensive thoroughbred?" Quick contemplation should lead you to one answer: VERY WELL. In other words, you'll ensure it gets the proper nutrition and enjoys ample exercise and sleep. In short, you're going to make absolutely certain its wellness habits are in order. The punchline is this: YOU ARE THE PRICELESS THOROUGHBRED. Building on an old story Zig Ziglar used to share, MG reiterates this message. Whether you feel like a $10 million thoroughbred or not, you are! And NOW—this moment—is the only time that really matters to make the choices that support this truth! Enjoy the episode! How are you going to improve your results in 2021? NOW ON-DEMAND! Visit: https://thehabitfactor.com/challenge *** New listeners: By texting the word

“Balance is key. Balance good, karate good. Everything good. Balance bad; better pack up, go home.” ~Mr. Miyagi (Karate Kid) Today’s Mind Bullet explores the monster concept of BALANCE. Balance may be one of the most misunderstood life principles, yet it is a master key to an effective life. Thus, Mr. Miyagi nailed it when he said, "Balance bad; better pack up and go home. Understand?" The first core principle is that balance is NOT something you should ignore, and it isn't a MYTH, as many "gurus" proclaim. Balance is a very real and inescapable concept and principle essential to understand for one's general wellness. The first core idea is that balance is less about a moment in time and much more about a process—it's about adjustments. Thus, the feeling at any one moment in time that you are off-balance is actually a positive signal, guiding you to make adjustments. Einstein put it brilliantly when he said, "Balance is like riding a bicycle; in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving." Consider the