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

“One of the best reasons to start habit tracking is that you will develop an ancillary habit, DISCIPLINE.” This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers. The next 28-DAY BREAKTHROUGH! program begins 10/3/23!Learn more here —» The 28-Day Breakthrough!You’ve never tracked habits before? That’s alright, most people haven’t.After all, life is meant to be lived, not tracked, right?Well, it turns out, you can and should do both; live and track.As an example, Benjamin Franklin tracked his habits (13 virtues) for approximately sixty years. Sixty years!Apparently, habit tracking is what Hindu priests do to in order to refine their character and concentrate better.Habit tracking is an effective method for goal achievement.If your goals are important, you should begin habit tracking.Many people think that discipline is required to track habits.The truth is that discipline is a HABIT. Discipline is strengthened via habit tracking.Nobody is born disciplined.Habit tracking is difficult at first because it require

“The difference between a good life and a bad life is how well you walk through fire.” ~ Carl JungThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers. The next 28-DAY BREAKTHROUGH! program begins 10/3/23!Learn more here —» The 28-Day Breakthrough!What if a key difference between the successful person and the unsuccessful person was how well they navigate life’s difficulties?The fact is, nobody escapes life’s challenges.Yet, we all know people who seem to complicate matters when things get tough. They react rather than respond.What’s the difference?Animals, babies, and small children REACT.Humans have the capacity to RESPOND.By pausing, an emotionally mature adult can (more often than not), direct their response – tailor it – toward a desirable outcome.Meanwhile, reacting often compounds problems.Think of the people who seem to have drama follow them everywhere; work, home, events, relationships, etc.The collective drama isn’t a random coincidence. Rather, it’s the source of compounding troubles; and const

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood." ~Ralph Waldo EmersonThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.After hearing a Gooroo caution his students, “When it comes to relationships, you must be very careful; relationships are dynamic.”I thought to myself. “That is kind of “funny.” Last time I checked, LIFE IS DYNAMIC.Thus, what got us “here” might not necessarily get us “there.”Deepak Chopra put it like this“The world is not a static place. It is constantly changing and evolving. To live a fulfilling life, we must embrace this dynamism and be willing to adapt to change.”Such an observation underscores the importance of setting worthwhile goals and ideals; the type that helps us to transform.We covered this in a prior episode, “Two Types of Goals.”“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” ~Peter DruckerIt’s the dynamism of life that forces us to keep upgrading our skills and habits to evolve —to keep up with the pace of change.Even better, the pursuit of

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” ~Leo Tolstoy.” This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.What if patience was the key to mastering your universe?If courage is the mother of all virtues (according to Aristotle), arguably the father, along with prudence, could be patience.Let’s run through some of the advantages of developing the virtue of being patient.“Patience is the key to paradise.” ~ Persian Proverb* Patience helps you achieve your goals. * Patience helps you make better decisions. * Patience helps you to build stronger relationships. * Patience helps you manage stress better.* Patience helps you stay calm in difficult situations. * Patience helps you learn from your mistakes. * Patience can help you be more creative. * Patience can help you become more resilient. * Patience can help you be more compassionate. * Patience helps you to cultivate discipline. * Patience will enhance mindfulness.* Patience will help you control your emotions. * Patience will help you to be

“What I didn’t realize is that everyone is a sailor. Everyone is sailing somewhere.” This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.Right now you are sailing somewhere. The question is, “Do you know where you are headed?”It’s important to recognize that if you’re not pursuing an ideal destination, chances are, you’ll end up somewhere else.Yogi Berra put it this way…“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.”Seneca the great Stoic philosopher said, “If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.”No wind is favorable.No wind can help the sailor who doesn’t know where they are headed.If success is creating your ideal future then, it becomes one’s onus – their responsibility – to know where, ideally, they’d like to go.Do you know where that is?If not, that is priority #1. (See below info about The 28-Day Breakthrough!)Clarity – knowing your ideal destination – is essential for living a content and fulfilling life. Now, to be clear, just knowing your id

“The only way ‘it’ gets better for you is when you get better. Better isn’t something you wish for, it’s something you become.” ~ Jim RohnThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.Ironically, change is one of the great constants of life. Since the environment is constantly changing; relationships, careers, technology, etc., the same thought and behavior habits that once served us, may begin to make us feel stuck.Thus, one of the best ways to stay ahead of constant change is to set worthwhile personal goals. Peter Drucker put it this way, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”Translation: Pursue worthwhile goals and ideals!In this episode, we cover two types of goals. Long-term personal transformation goals – these are the type of goals that force you to develop new habits and skills. The other type of goal is relatively simple, an adventure/travel type of goal; say a trip to Paris. Each are often labeled “goals” and each are very different.For an adventure/travel goal, one only ne

“Critical thinking is the art of analyzing information to separate fact from opinion.” ~ Carl SaganThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.It’s no wonder people scoff at personal development.Often “GooRoos” will say ridiculous, silly, and dichotomous things like:“There are no good habits.”“Competition is stupid.”The following is a statement that inspired this episode. It’s kinda hard to read.It came in an email and it stopped me in my tracks."When I think of a truly successful person, I think of someone who can authentically say, ‘I cherished every moment of my existence.’”Once I read that, I knew I had to discuss critical thinking.Can you ‘authentically cherish the moment your child becomes ill or a loved one passes away?” Can you authentically cherish the moment your home burns to the ground?Authentically CHERISH every moment? Come on.Oh, and if you don’t, I guess you’re not a success!?I queried my AI buddy “BARD” Google’s AI “experiment.” I figured I’d ask him/her/it, “Bard, can you see any

“The philosopher’s product is his life.” ~NeitzcheThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.This episode is a follow-up to last week’s show MIRACLES!In response to a few comments, I do what I can to set the record straight: I was simply practicing what I was talking about. The understanding that the real miracle is to walk on Earth, not water.Hence, practicality lies in its practice!I was practicing what I was preaching and teaching.The real value of any philosophy lies in its practicality.Is there a way to reaffirm one’s practice?Yes. Track it!How should you track it? Follow the P.A.R.R. methodology.PLAN. ACT. RECORD. & REASSESS.Cue, routine, and reward as a habit development framework was developed based on the study of rodents. You are human.You can, and should, use your innate capacities of choice, intention, and reflection.“But”, you insist, “Tracking is difficult and you’ve tried it before and you end up skipping days and fall off track…” (more excuses)Do you want to practice or give u

“"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." ~ SocratesThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.In less than a week this Maven cohort kicks off… The 28-Day Breakthrough!There are approximately 6 spots available.Be more productive than ever before in 28 days, or your money back! 110% money-back guarantee! No breakthrough – I pay you!*Visit: https://maven.com/thehabitfactor/the28daybreakthrough to learn more!Enjoy the show!Update:HERE WE GO!!! Whooohooo! Very excited about next week’s small-group coaching cohort (which is practically free!) A few spots are still available! The 28-Day Breakthrough! begins 8/8/23!*Recently Awarded: “Finalist: Self-help, Motivation” International Book Awards: EVERYTHING is a F*cking STORY.Visit https://thehabitfactor.com/templatesTo learn more about P.A.R.R., just Google “P.A.R.R. and The Habit Factor.”Get The Habit Factor® FREE with your audible trial! https://audibletrial.com/habits2goalsIt’s time to mak

“The greatest miracle is the ordinary.” ~Henry David Throreau This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.Wouldn’t it be great if there were more miracles in your life?Recently, a woman approached me to explain that a miracle was supposed to happen to her in a few days.“Uh… this is it.” I replied, “This (life) is the miracle. It’s all a freakin’ miracle!”Apparently, Rumi proclaimed, “The greatest miracle is that we are awake and alive.”Einstein reportedly said: “Miracles happen every day, change your perception of what a miracle is and you'll see them everywhere.”Now, from the great Persian philosopher and the brilliant physicist to Insane Clown Posse (band). Yes, ICP!

“Sometimes the best way to find inspiration is to ask an important question.” This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.In this episode, Jen and I discuss the significance of motivation and inspiration and their relationship to goal achievement.Inspiration tends to be intrinsic, while motivation can be both intrinsic and extrinsic.Both inspiration and motivation are powerful assets for goal achievement. Each has its place and neither is “better” than the other.Wayne Dyer used to suggest that inspiration was a calling from the spirit within. He would often say, “If you want to be inspired, be an inspiration.”How can you apply these ideas to your goals?Consider the person who doesn’t feel inspired to get fit yet, they know they must. They could change their environment, hire a fitness coach, and get a gym membership (external motivation).Motivation is both the carrot and the stick. Typically, it’s the desire to avoid pain that provides the greatest motivation.Both motivation and inspiration are t

“The very best heroes and philosophers are dead.” ~Friedrich NietzscheThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.The best heroes and philosophers are dead?!What does that mean?I thought I’d ask my AI buddies, ChatGPT and BARD to see if they knew.Unfortunately, their interpretations weren’t convincing; they were too literal. Neither offered the insight I suspected was behind the statement.In short, both AI “experiments” had a similar, weak response:“Nietzsche is suggesting that the greatest heroes and philosophers are those who have already lived and died. He argues that these individuals have already made their mark on the world and that we can learn from their example.”I believed the statement meant something else.Perhaps it was my own philosophical leanings (Exhibit A: Habits 2 Goals), that drove me to keep searching.I slept on this riddle for a while. Finally, the answer occurred to me.Have you ever heard the advice:If you truly admire or love a hero (a movie star, athlete, musician, author,

“Personal development exists on a spectrum. It’s a gift that allows you to become the person you could by using your intelligence, intention and effort.” This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“He (or she) is on the spectrum.” A phrase that is probably overused these days.BTW: If it’s a spectrum, then everyone is on it.In this episode, we carry the idea of “The spectrum” and apply it to our personal development and potentiality.If intelligence is goal-directed behavior, then improving one’s wellness (over time) is a terrific use of their intelligence.Is it possible to consider your health on a spectrum from 1 - 10? How would you rate it?What about your finances or your professional career?Is it possible to improve your score in any wellness category over time? Arguably, it’s mandatory.How do you know where to start your personal development journey?The answer is often found by identifying your greatest challenge – the lowest score – in each of the eight, essential categoriesEnjoy the show!Upd

“Life is like a dew drop, on a blade of grass, in the morning sun.” ~Zen ProverbThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.Deepak Chopra said it like this, “Life is a lucid dream.”How well can you recall yesterday?How about sharing a story from your childhood?The painting below has hung in my stairway for nearly twenty-five years. It’s a photograph from our wedding in Baja, Mexico. It has a Monet-type filter applied to it.The original image is a beautiful, crisp photo taken by a professional photographer.Yet, for nearly twenty-five years, the image has looked like this, intentionally blurry.Why?Where have the young newlyweds gone? Where did the 25 years go?As we approach our 25th anniversary, the effect is fitting. The wedding seems like it happened both yesterday and a lifetime ago.The effect perfectly captures the ephemerality of life.This moment is already gone.No matter how old you are, your life is nearly over. It’s just a matter of time……and time is illusory.Even if you live to be 200 years

“Zen is laughter, laughter Zen.”This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.How is Zen like laughter? ☝️Many people think Zen is a philosophy. Philosophies are ideas. The answer can be found in this great quote by Zen master T.D. Suzuki, “Zen has nothing to do with ideas.”How much thinking do you do when you laugh?Have you considered all the amazing benefits of laughter?Here is a short list:* Reduces stress and anxiety. * Boosts the immune system. * Helps to relieve pain.* Improves cardiovascular health. * Strengthens social bonds. * Improves mood and outlook on life. * Improves cognitive function. * Helps with recovery from illness. * Increases creativity. If laughter and non-thinking are healthy. What is the cost of too much thinking or overthinking? How much anxiety and pain is created from too much thought?Isn’t it true that anxiety and most pains are created by thought?These quotes remind us to be careful of our thoughts; to be cautious of our perpetual cleverness — aware of our overthi

“You can only tell yourself one story at a time.”(see EVERYTHING is a F*cking STORY)This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.On a recent training run, I reflected upon an answer I’d given in a podcast interview on the Fifth Quarter.Hosts Lason Perkins and Jeff Osterman asked: “Do you celebrate the green lights?”The guests were wondering, figuratively, if I had the habit of appreciating the little blessings in life. I surprised them, and myself, by noticing that very morning, I did just that – celebrated several successive green lights while running.I answered literally.I shared how the green lights allowed me to complete my run without stopping.However, on a subsequent run, I would realize a far better answer. I thought about their question as I approached a red light. I was forced to stop. Automatically, I raised my arms and celebrated. This is awesome!Why was I celebrating a red light!?It wasn’t because I was able to stop and rest. Rather, I was filled with appreciation that I was running…Tha

“The great value of having a big, hairy, audacious goal is that it forces you to get on your toes. Nobody with big, hairy audacious goals is living passively.” (see EVERYTHING is a F*cking STORY!This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.At halftime of a recent NBA playoff game, Kenny Smith (the TNT color analyst) shared a powerful observation about the Warriors’ play and, more importantly, their disposition.Kenny’s observation isn’t confined to the basketball court. The defending NBA champs – the Warriors – found themselves down 0-2 to the Sacramento Kings and were now facing a crucial game 3.At the half, the Warriors were up 53 - 41.Kenny said, “This is the first time in this series that the Warriors look like ‘the hunters.’”----Champions tend to rest and relax. Success breeds complacency. Meanwhile, the competition becomes hungry.Those who are hungry hunt. Those who are well-fed become the hunted.Finding themselves down 0-2 and possessing a halftime lead in game 3, Smith made an important obse

“High expectations are the key to everything.” ~Sam Walton (Founder of Walmart)“The key to happiness is low expectations.” ~Barry Schwartz (American Pyschologist)This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers. Which is it?Should you have high expectations or low expectations?How about…Both.Often you should have high expectations. Sometimes you should have low expectations. Sometimes, no expectations are the way to proceed. It depends.----To let go and to possess high expectations are just two sides of the same coin.While Habits 2 Goals is about goal achievement. It is also about appreciating the things we can influence as well as the things we cannot.Put simply: Goal-striving is intelligence in action. However, it is also one’s ego and willpower in action.John was a guy who seemed to accomplish every goal he went after. A goal achiever of the highest order. He’d recently sold his company for millions while undergoing an eighteen month battle with leukemia.Just a week before he would pass away, he did

“By adding positive pressure, anyone can improve their productivity, performance and even peace of mind.” ~MG (see The Pressure Paradox™)This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers. On a return trip to San Diego, I stop in Orange County for breakfast with a great friend – a super friend – who happens to be a championship-winning, professional collegiate rugby coach.Surprisingly, he starts to ping me about setting big goals for himself and, more importantly, about how he can stick to them!----I tell him that the very best way I know (from experience), to stay on track and move toward my biggest goals is to simply track the key, supportive habits that will drive the goal’s attainment.He knows this, by the way.It’s likely that we ALL know this. That is, if it’s important to you, you’d better be tracking.“To know, and not to do, is not to know.” ~ConfuciusHabit tracking is not optional and some methods are better than others ; )Here’s the “right way.”---The first part to ACHIEVING ANY BIG GOAL is to c

“There are three constants in life – change, choice and principles.”~ Stephen CoveyThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers. Principles govern one's results over the long term.— Excerpt from Principles I —Principles can be likened to the law of gravity: Throw a rock out of a window and you know it will fall toward the earth – every time!Principles are environmental factors that control, influence, and dictate one's results.Covey shares his, "Law of the Farm" example to convey a principle in action.It's impossible to plant a seed today and reap the harvest tomorrow.Impossible.The principles at play demand that time and nurture are required to reap a harvest.Thus, principles govern results.Human effectiveness operates similarly – within a context of timeless, environmental principles.Part II is about how the concept of principles coincides with “The 3 Circles of Behavior Echo-System.”---In the model above, where do you think these governing, timeless principles are located?Correct.The environment