I AM AN EXTREMIST

This is the path to success and world-changing excellence.

Excellence is my only standard. Excellent health, excellent fitness, extreme wealth, excellent relationships.

Seldom do extraordinary results come from ordinary efforts.

(I take this philosophy from some good friends who I admire personally and professionally. These people inspire me.)

A New, Healthier Lifestyle

I just read an article in Fast Company entitle “Change or Die“. It reminded me that most of America’s health problems come down to 5 preventable causes: too much smoking, drinking, eating, and stress and not enough exercise.

The thing is that we know these things are not good for us, but we go ahead with that ridiculous behaviour anyway. Even after recieving bypass surgery, 90% of people fall back into their old habits, even though they know they have a life-threatening disease. The odds for change are stacked against us 9-to-1. The problem is backsliding.

Change is not just limited to health though. Behavioural change in business is also difficult.

Preventative steps are required. Two principles apply:

• Prevention is better than cure.
• The wise man does at once what the fool does eventually.

The article also highlights that the most effective way to make any change is to nurture a positive lifestyle, filled with life’s little joys. The most effective way to change is to make life more pleasurable in constructive ways – regular walks, time in nature, wholesome food, positive work evironment and habits, respect, gratitude for small and large things… and so on. Change is driven my positive emotions and experiences that support the change.

Ironically, making small incrimental changes in our diet, work habits or lifestyle is more difficult than making radical change! The reason being that we often don’t see the benefits of the small, incrimental changes soon enough for it to be emotionally engaging enough to reinforce the changes. This is why stopping smoking can’t be an isolated act – it needs to be a part of a lifestyle makeover which might include yoga, raw food and daily meditation!

Lastly, fundamental to change is the ability to learn. The stronger our learning muscle, the better we’ll be at change. Take up a language or learn to play an instrument. Everything is related.

We get into bad habits that don’t serve us, although we could just as easily get into healthier ones that do. As my karate instructor often reminds me: “Practice makes permanent“

Clean up as you go along

A principle of life success I prescribe to is “Clean up as you go along”. This is the ultimate way to be more productive.

Saying “I’ll do that later” causes a build-up of tasks, which eventually becomes overwhelming. Doing it now, however, is the most effective way to keep a clear head and space.

A simple example is keeping your home clean… It’s far easier and more productive to clean up your mess as you go along, rather than letting it build-up. You might take slightly longer preparing a snack in the kitchen because you’re cleaning up as you go along, but you’re relieveing yourself of a small unconscious stress which would otherwise play on your mind if you leave a mess behind that you will have to clean up later anyway.

It’s the same with work. Emails, articles or whatever else. Do not differ stuff indefinately… I used to find myself with a backlog of unfinsihed tasks which eventually caused me to ignore some of my duties in favour of less important stuff.  The princple here is – when you have the opportunity to start something and get it done, do it! If you differ it indefinately, it’s likely to cause you more stress than it’s worth.

Some quotes:

• “Screw it, let’s do it” – Richard Branson
• “The wise man does at once what the fool does eventually”

The small things add up

I’ve just listened to the audio version of “The Tipping Point“, and was reminded of the cumulative effect of our small daily actions.

For example, I bought a clipper for R300 and started shaving my own hair instead of going to a hairdresser every week. The saving each month is about R400. Over a year, that adds up to a ±R4800 saving!

Other examples include eating at home a few more times a week rather than going to a restaurant. Over a year, that will save thousands!

Other small examples are the details of the way we present ourselves… For example, having ironed clothes, polished shoes and keeping your office and desk neat and clean.

How about swearing? Can you imagine someone as dignified as Nelson Mandela swearing? That little detail wouldn’t befit his character in my eyes.

Today, and every day, I am commmitted to improving my health, wealth, relationships and spirit by paying attention to the SMALL things… because they’re the easiest, and yes, they do all add up.

Meeting South Africa’s deputy President was inspiring

I had such a sense of awe at the power and dignity of the person who is second in charge of our beautiful and diverse country.

I’ve met business leaders, like Sir Richard Branson, and various music stars through my charity events… but strangely, I was never in such awe.

Perhaps that’s what I was supposed to feel…. She expects people to treat her with dignity and utmost respect. We teach people how to treat us.

Next time I meet her I’m going to suggest that she start blogging!

Waking up early works for me!

Getting an early start is awesome. I really enjoy the early morning in Summer.

I wake up at 5:30 am, meditate, have some juice, and then I hit the road for a jog.

By the time 7am comes, I’ve jogged, meditated, washed and changed, eaten breakfast and am ready to pop off a blog post.

Waking up early is one of my success priniciples.