I am an avid follower of Eric Jensen and I still receive emails from him directly as you can see below! Wink Wink (I don’t know how to communicate without emojis anymore). Anyway, I received this email today and I thought that we all need these reminders to take care of ourselves first and foremost. On conference week, red ribbon week or halloween week, we will feel it just like the kids will, but please take time to think about the habits that you are creating for yourself and are they propelling you to greatness! Because I want nothing but greatness for each and every one of you!
Hi Marci,
Eric Jensen here.
Rarely do we think about “habits.” We are more likely to think about personality traits.
For example, we say someone is frugal or a spendthrift. But are not those traits actually, they’re a cluster of habits?
So which are the high performing habits that can lead to greatness?
My own personal list would include the following (in no particular order):
#1 – Self-Regulation. If you cannot run your own brain, greatness can be elusive. You learn when to step on the gas pedal to charge ahead, and when to step back. You must learn to regulate your stress when others are going crazy. You forgive when others hold a grudge. You downregulate your anger, disappointment or sadness better than your peers. You upregulate your joys and laughter. In short, you are “driving your own bus.”
#2 – Dream big and bold. Every great person dreamed of the “impossible dream” and stayed on the path towards it. You share your dream with many others. You enlisted others in it and persist at it, as a life mission. Maybe you’re the person who sets higher standards for yourself, than even your peers set for themselves.
#3 – Foster quality relationships. You smile and hug your family and friends. You greet new people with enthusiasm. You spend time with your “Close 5” in your life, and you stay connected with your circle of 15 colleagues and friends. Plus, you always put your partner and kids at the top of your priority list, above your job.
#4 – Get and stay healthy. You drink alcohol less than your peers and friends. You take the stairs when others take the elevator or escalator. You stretch, do Pilates, yoga or work out 3-6 times a week. You eat healthier foods than most. You get your checkups, take your supplements, and get your 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
#5 – You can create and keep important habits. You hold yourself to a higher level of excellence than others; good enough is never “good enough.” You have learned, for example, to avoid distractive career-killing or relationship-ruining addictions. You might journal, share your gratitudes and meditate. You always finish the day with “wins.” You keep the main thing, the main thing.
#6 – You are passionate, happy and confident. People around you may think that you have those traits in your genes. But the truth is, you work on them every day. You feel blessed, optimistic and share that joy with others around you. Greatness is always saying, “share me!”
#7 – Never stop learning and growing. When there’s a special chance, unusual event or “last chance” to grow in your area of expertise, you pay attention.
Here’s an example of a chance to grow.
#5 on the list talks about habits. That’s exactly what I am going to help you grow in my new course. Why? Habits are the building blocks of your character. Poor habits = less desirable outcomes.
If you’re the type of person that wants to become “so good they can’t ignore you”, then lean in. Maybe mastery is just as important to you as having “raving fans.”
If so, you’re unusual.
In fact, you might even be interested in knowing how to become amazingly good in training or teaching. You may also be curious about the very last public training I am doing for professional developers, teachers, and trainers (or those wanting to be one).
If the time is right for you now, check out how to become amazing at your craft,CLICK HERE for the details.
Eric Jensen