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

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” - Ralph Waldo EmersonNote: There are a few occasions where MG accidentally says determination instead of determinism.For eons, a philosophical debate has raged: Free will vs determinism.Where do you stand? Determinism says you have no free will, and that all actions and events are predetermined.However, free will says, you are fully accountable and responsible for your entire life.Once again, MG takes the middle path in this debate.“Life is much like any card or board game. You have rules (in life these are laws like gravity, etc. AND you have chance and randomness. You have the ability to move up and across the board and can influence your results, and your are subject to chaos and randomness.”One of the worst quotes, it may make some people feel better but it’s absent much critical thinking is: “Well, EVERYTHING happens for a reason.”Depending upon what happened, a tsunami in

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.CommitmentUntil one is committed, there is hesitancy,the chance to draw back.Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation),there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans.That the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.~ Johan Wolfgang von Goethe “If you're looking for a guarantee, buy a toaster.” ~ Clint Eastwood Life is far less predictable than a kitchen appliance. It’s full of opportunities, each possessed of great promise. Yet, there is a catch, of course; each comes with risk. Opportunitie

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“Wisdom is equal parts experience and reflection.” ~ AristotleRuminationThe term 'rumination' is often associated with negative thinking patterns. For better or worse, psychology has perpetuated this idea.As you can see from the definition above, to ruminate is to simply consider or think deeply about something; as in philosophical ruminations.Have you ever encountered a new concept that left you confused?Perhaps worse, you thought you fully understood the idea and you didn’t.Encountering new ideas in a strange way is somewhat similar to meeting a large group of new people.Just as it takes time to distinguish faces and learn names, it takes time to really grasp new ideas.Imagine embarking on a week-long hike with a group of strangers. On day one, the faces blur together, and names are impossible to recall.By day four, after shared experiences and conversations, you not only know each of the individuals but their distinct personalities and backstories eme

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“Success is always a co-creative endeavor.”Who wants to be a “success”?The short answer is, “Only EVERYONE!”Yet, when someone attempts to define ‘success’ they tend to struggle.They say things like, “I just want to be happy or have a smile on my face.”It’s tough to hit a target you haven’t defined. Is your definition for success any better?MG and JG discuss a slightly amended definition for ‘success’.Largely due to the “Three Circles of Behavior Echo-System”. It’s the acknowledgement that ‘outside forces’ – acts of god, luck, good fortune, etc., play a role in one’s ‘success’.The truth is, we can only CO-CREATE our ideal future. We have a large role in our success and forces beyond our control contribute. Enjoy the show!~mgThe link to the tracking sheet is here: https://thehabitfactor.com/templatesAdditional:* Download the free habits-to-goals tracking template to cultivate the habits that support your goals here: https://thehabitfactor.com/templates.* B

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“Learning Zen is a phenomenon of gold and dung.Before you understand it, it’s like gold; after you understand it, it’s like dung.”Gold & DungIn this episode MG and JG discuss a perplexing and important Zen koanFor many, Zen appears to possess the “gold” – the promise of enlightenment – peace, and a deeper understanding of oneself.However, this koan teaches us that the value of such knowledge is in its application.It’s easy to drown in intellectual concepts. It’s even easier to get caught up in the constant consumption of knowledge.Here's the rub: intellectual understanding, however impressive, is ultimately DUNG – valuable as fertilizer.The essence of Zen (and most worthwhile concepts), lies within its PRACTICE.Embrace the transformation that comes from putting knowledge into action.PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE.That's where the real gold truly lies.~mgThe link to the tracking sheet is here: https://thehabitfactor.com/templatesAdditional:* Download th

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”~Sun TzuThe EpiphanyWhere do opportunities come from?JG and MG discuss a prior Thursday Thread subject: Opportunities.Einstein famously said, “Nothing happens until something moves.”There is no telling the ripple effect a decision or action may have once it’s seized.Saying "yes" to a challenging project or adventure often leads to new projects and adventures. Attend an industry event and lo and behold, unexpected collaborations and opportunities present themselves.Stepping outside your comfort zone is about more than just success or failure. It's about setting in motion a ripple effect of experiences, learning, and growth.Opportunities rarely arrive with fanfare. They often whisper, disguised as invitations, or perhaps even as anxieties urging you to break free from self-imposed limits.Initiate, move, and observe.Enjoy the show!~mgThe link to the tracking sheet is here: https://thehabitfactor.com/templatesAddit

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“After our startup’s ‘failure’, with my tail between my legs, I took a trip to Puerto Escondido, Mexico to surf for nearly two weeks, reorient and clear my head. Out of that trip, I dove headfirst into personal development.”The EpiphanyOne day, in early 2003, while the iPod was in shuffle mode, it was riffling through various programs; Ed Foreman, Wayne Dyer, Stephen Covey and Anthony Robbins. Even though I’d probably heard these tracks hundreds of times, something clicked. I noticed that all of them had a common theme; they were saying nearly the same thing, just in very different ways. Robbins was talking about “conditioning” and Foreman was talking about daily habits for success, while Dr. Stephen Covey was talking about seven habits. I started talking to myself aloud, then began pacing in circles. “It’s not about morning habits or success habits or a list of habits. It’s far more basic! It’s about HABIT; the singular force of HABIT.”Enjoy the show!~

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“It can scarcely be denied that the supreme goal of all theory is to make the irreducible basic elements as simple and as few as possible without having to surrender the adequate representation of a single datum of experience.” ~ Albert EinsteinSystemsI’ve come across a few authors, ”thought leaders,” who, in an attempt to describe a system, unfortunately, confuse their audience.Author #1: A system is “a series of habits.” Author #2: A system is something that “gives you the most options.” On top of these loose and inaccurate definitions, each author repeatedly states, “Systems are better than goals.”Oy veh!Let’s review an actual definition of a system.A system is a collection of interrelated components that function together to achieve a specific objective.“To achieve a specific objective.” Interesting.A “specific objective” is a goal. Hence, systems serve goals; they need each other, and they are not better than goals.Why the confusion?Well, it turns

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers."Opportunities multiply as they are seized." ~ Sun TzuLIMITEDAs we approach middle age, we realize that our time, opportunities, energy and certainly, our experiences become limited. While this may seem obvious, it can also provide a terrific wake-up call!How much longer are you going to put off that trip “of a lifetime”?How much longer are you going to put off that creative project?Let this episode remind you to seize the moment and realize that each new day is a gift to seize the opportunities that are vanishing before your eyes.NOW! Now is the time to make the most of your life. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.” ~ Mark Twain.” Key ideas:* Whether financial or otherwise, recognize decisions as limited opportunities* Qualify opportunities that come your way

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.Joel Brown & Addicted2Success.com“I think success is seeing your potential play out and knowing that it matches alignment with what you value most and it resonates in reality.”~ Joel BrownThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.The JourneyJoel Brown founder of Addicted2Success.com as well as mindstrongacademy.com. He’s a master coach and host of the podcast sharing the same name, “Addicted2Success.”JB and MG discuss everything from Joel’s journey as a dropout in high school to creating the phenomenally successful website Addicted2Success, which boasts lifetime viewership upwards of 370 million people!The discussion covers a wide array of topics, from overcoming obstacles to defining discipline and success, as well as a handful of anecdotes that make Joel’s journey so special. They explore the importance of setting goals and the essence of building and aligning habits for those goals. Background and Intro:* Joel was born in Perth, Aust

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“Decisions are the hinges of destiny.” ~ Edwin Markham “The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually afraid you will make one.” ~ Zig ZiglarBetter Decisions: The Art of ChoiceDecision-making - it's the bedrock of our lives, shaping every experience from the mundane to the monumental. Our approach to decision-making isn’t always thorough, and therein lies the potential for growth.1. The Comfort of Habitual Decisions:Often, we navigate routine decisions on autopilot. The familiar barber, the trusted mechanic, the well-worn route home - these choices, while not necessarily the ‘best,’ work. Each brings a sense of comfort and efficiency. While this serves us well for day-to-day tasks, it can also inhibit exploration. Stepping outside our comfort zones, trying a new restaurant, or exploring a different route might just unlock better results and experiences!2. Intuition vs. Expertise:For infrequent, high-consequence decisions, we might rely o

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“You are perfect and you could use some work.” Self-Help Sucks!One Size Fits All? “The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.” ~ Carl JungChallenges and Words of Caution:* The “One Size Fits All” Fallacy: As Jung rightfully pointed out, individual differences are inescapable. What works for one person may not apply at all for another. It’s crucial to critically evaluate any self-help advice and adapt it to your unique personality, circumstances, and needs.* Having said that, The Habit Factor’s P.A.R.R. methodology (habit-tracking process) provides a broad, application framework designed to ‘fit’ any person regardless of the goals or habits they are looking to develop.* » https://thehabitfactor.com/templates* The Cult of Positivity: While optimism is valuable, ignoring negative emotions or experiences can be counterproductive. It’s important to acknowledge and process the full spectrum of human emoti

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way.” ~ BuddhaThe Happiness EpisodeKey takeaways:Internal and External Factors:* Happiness originates from BOTH internal (choice/control) AND external factors (events/circumstances). (see behavior model below)* Things we can control with intention and practice, better thoughts, choices, and habits. Genetics, relationships, circumstances and events are external influences.* Choosing happiness is a crucial part of the equation, even when faced with external challenges.Beyond Happiness… Contentment* Contentment is a deeper level of happiness. Happiness is fleeting, like the surface of the lake; it can be stormy or calm. However, deep down at the very bottom of the lake, the waters are still and calm; this is contentment.* Contentment is not about complacency; it’s about being confident and comfortable with who you are AND striving for personal growth, developing new skills and enjoying new experiences.Internal

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“Discipline is doing what you ought to do, when you ought to do it, whether you feel like it or not.” ~ Jim RohnBridging the Gap between Desire and DoingNew Year, new you. Right? Did you promise to get in shape for 2024 only to feel the comfy couch pulling you into its fluffy abyss? Incredibly, the second Friday of January is known as “Quitter’s Day,” according to several online publications, such as Fortune.That’s when people quit – they abandon their New Year’s resolutions.Just two weeks into the New Year!?A Bible proverb says, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”What does that mean?In short, it means goals, aspirations, and desires are easy to conjure up; however, to realize your goals, dreams, and desires requires work; work that most people are unlikely to do.For better or worse, humans are naturally wired to avoid pain and seek pleasure. Thus, “weak” flesh is simply your body seeking comfort instead of effort.Your spirit says, “I will co

“The vast majority of people do not recognize that this is what they're doing.So my work is showing them, no, that's not the world.That's the story you're telling yourself about the world.And some stories serve you, but many of your stories do not serve you.” ~ Srikumar RaoThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.Creativity and Personal Mastery.Srikumar Rao’s remarkable journey spans Indian roots and a pioneering course at Columbia, “Creativity & Personal Mastery,” empowering countless individuals to tap into their creative and personal strength.Srikumar insists that we are not just our physical selves, but pure consciousness that creates the reality we experience through our mental narratives.Key Points:* Personal mastery: Begins with understanding and controlling the stories we tell ourselves and using that awareness to shape our lives.* The Matrix analogy: Dr. Rao compares our perceived reality to a self-constructed “matrix” shaped by our mental chatter and models. We can deconstruct and

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” ~ ProverbsThe Greater the Vision, the Greater the PossibilitiesImagine yourself staring at a chessboard, lost in the tangle of pieces. Suddenly, a move leaps out, clear as day. Not because you’re a grandmaster, but because you finally saw the board differently. This is the magic of vision. It's not just about eyesight, it's about perspective, understanding, and the ability to see greater possibilities Outstanding quarterbacks and point guards have one thing in common, great vision.They see things differently and thus, better options unfold. Coaches call it “field vision” and it's often the difference between a good player and a game-changer.But vision isn't just about sports and games. Throughout history, great leaders and thinkers alike have emphasized its importance.Even in the Bible, Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish,” underscoring how a clear vision guides individuals and

This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.“If it bleeds, it leads.” ~ William Randolph HearstCloudy with a Chance of SuccessThere’s a reason the phrase “If it bleeds, it leads” exists in the media, it captures people’s attention.Eyeballs and ears gravitate toward sights and sounds of fear and panic.Imagine: You’re about to cross a rickety bridge. Mr. Optimism skips along, whistling a happy tune, while Ms. Pessimism checks the planks, grumbling about “potential splinters and structural integrity.”Who comes out ahead? It depends. The pessimist may appear to be the party pooper. Yet, she might’ve just saved some lives.Humans are naturally, hard-wired with a built-in alarm system; constantly scanning for threats, risks, and what-ifs. Media companies know this and run stories accordingly.Isn't optimism the real ally though?Similar to “Expectations” (prior episode) the idea is that both pessimism and optimism can be superpowers when used wisely.The trick is finding the balance – the sweet spot – the p

“The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.” ~ Muhammad AliThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.From Ring Conqueror to Hollywood CanvasForget the Rocky Balboa wannabes. Meet Michael Bentt. A man who claimed the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Heavyweight Championship title (1993) and would later star in the boxing classic “Ali” as Sonny Liston (2001).Our conversation reveals an intelligent, complex man whose life defied expectations; a tapestry of grit, resilience, and seized opportunity.Roots of a Champion:* Aviation Aspirations: A bright student at New York’s Aviation High School, Bentt harbored dreams of soaring as a pilot. Baseball, however, was his first love, a passion nurtured by his supportive father.* Fistic Footsteps: Fate had other plans. His father, a former boxer and aficionado, saw raw talent and a fighting spirit in young Michael and steered him toward the ring. This wasn’t just about toughening up; it was about channeling raw

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” ~ Socrates This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.AUDIT-U: Your Year-End Personal Inventory for Wellness and Optimized Living“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to become.” ~ Ralph Waldo EmersonAs the confetti falls and champagne fizzles, marking the end of another year, we often turn inwards, reflecting on the journey just passed. Resolutions flit across our minds, fleeting promises whispered to the new year.Wouldn't it be more effective to approach personal growth like a savvy CEO, conducting a thorough audit of her company?Imagine yourself as the head of LIFE Corp. You are responsible for your well-being, success, and happiness. Just as any business undergoes regular audits, so too should YOU. Dive deeply into the following eight key areas of your life, assessing, optimizing, and strategizing for the year ahead.The Core Four Pillars of Wellness: Building Solid Foundations* Mind: Did you nurture your intellect throu

“Discipline is a habit. Nobody is born discplined.” This Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers.Got Discipline? Cultivate it.Frequently Asked Friday: How can I be more disciplined?How to Be More DisciplinedA great definition of discipline comes from Jim Rohn: doing what you ought to do, when you ought to do it, whether you feel like it or not. Forget genetic predispositions or willpower superpowers. Discipline isn’t some magical quality reserved for the “chosen few.” Discipline is a habit, just like brushing your teeth or making your bed. And like any habit, it can be cultivated, nurtured, and strengthened over time.Think of building discipline just like building a muscle. Each time you choose the salad over the fries, the early morning jog over the extra hour of sleep, you’re flexing your discipline muscle. It will feel tough at first, but with each action, those choices develop into big changes.To develop discipline, follow the P.A.R.R. method.Plan, Act, Record, Reassess. This framework, develop