The Surprisingly Boring Secret Behind Extraordinary Lives

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." — Aristotle

If excellence had a marketing department, I suspect it would be much more exciting.

It would promise dramatic transformations.

Lightning bolts.

Epic movie soundtracks.

Perhaps even someone running triumphantly up a mountain in slow motion.

Instead...

Excellence usually shows up wearing comfortable shoes.

It quietly asks,"Are we doing this again today?"

Not exactly the blockbuster we were hoping for.

The truth is, our lives are shaped less by the occasional spectacular effort and more by the wonderfully ordinary things we repeat without much fanfare.

The conversations we have with ourselves.

The way we care for our bodies. #CommissionsEarned 

The choice to keep going when no one is watching.

It isn't glamorous.

But it is powerful.

Here are three habits that might deserve a little more credit than we usually give them.

1. Make Your Good Habits Ridiculously Easy

Have you ever noticed how bad habits seem incredibly convenient?

Cookies practically introduce themselves.

Your phone somehow ends up in your hand without your permission.

Meanwhile, the healthy habit requires planning, determination, and occasionally locating matching socks.

So make the good habit easier.

Leave the water bottle where you'll see it.

Keep the book on your pillow.

Put your walking shoes by the front door.

Healthy snacks? Keep them where they're easy to grab instead of hiding behind the frozen peas like they're in witness protection.

I've learned that when healthier choices are simple, I'm much more likely to repeat them. That's one reason I enjoy keeping Shameless Snacks Wunderlicious Whales  #CommissionsEarned nearby. They're a small, satisfying treat that fits the healthier lifestyle I'm intentionally creating without feeling like I'm giving something up.

Success often comes down to making the next good choice the easiest one.

2. Stop Waiting to Feel Like It

Motivation has an interesting personality.

It loves making grand entrances.

It also loves canceling at the last minute.

If you wait until you feel inspired to take care of yourself, organize your business, or work toward your goals...

You may spend a surprising amount of time waiting.

Instead, let your habits make the decision for you.

"I always take a walk after lunch."

"I always write for twenty minutes."

"I always prepare tomorrow before I finish today."

Eventually your brain stops debating.

It simply says,

"Oh...

This is what we do now."

3. Become the Kind of Person Who Keeps Tiny Promises

Big promises are exciting.

Tiny promises are life-changing.

Drink the water.

Make the phone call.

Stretch for five minutes.

Turn off the television and go to bed before your future self sends you a strongly worded letter.

Every time you keep one small promise, you quietly strengthen your trust in yourself.

And self-trust is one of the most powerful habits you'll ever build.

We tend to admire extraordinary moments.

But extraordinary lives are usually built in ordinary moments.

One healthy choice.

One encouraging thought.

One habit repeated long enough that it becomes part of who you are.

So don't underestimate today's small decisions. 

#CommissionsEarned 

They're quietly introducing you to the person you're becoming.

And I have a feeling...

You're going to like her very much.

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