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

"When we are no longer able to change our situation we are challenged to change ourselves" ~Viktor FranklPositive change most often starts when we take responsibility for our situation.Responsibility may be one of the most foremost virtues. While Aristotle proposed that courage was the mother of all virtues where would any great person be without responsibility? In fact, could greatness be possible? What is responsibility ultimately, responsible for in our lives? Here's a few thoughts:happinessself esteemcharacterdecisionspurposediscipline and evendesireYou can quickly see how responsibility is a major/core ROOT, perhaps the root or pillar for one's personal development and even happiness and general contentment.Hear all about it on this Mind Bullet Monday!   This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit habits2goals.substack.com/subscribe

"What's your best habit?"Kicking off this inaugural Frequently Asked Friday, a new feature for season 2, Martin addresses one of the more common questions he receives after giving a presentation, "So what is your best habit?"In this short episode (about 5 minutes) Martin reviews what the habit is and WHY it is probably the most significant. He then talks about how it aligns with his values and even mission statement.It's certainly food for thought... If you had to choose your best habit what would it be and WHY? Go for it - check it out now! SubscribeDon't miss a single episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get each episode sent directly to you.  ResourcesThe Habit Factor appThe Habit Factor templateThe Habit Factor bookBig Brothers Big Sisters  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit habits2goals.substack.com/subscribe

“I joke often that I know a lot about happiness because I've experienced a lot of unhappiness first."  ~R. Michael AndersonBestselling Author. Speaker. Founder of Executive Joy.• We teach competitive driven people how to lead happier lives • "Things" looked great from the outside: Partying at the Playboy mansion, etc., but missing meaning and fulfillment• Michael opens up about his personal journey where competitive drive and winning doesn't always equate to personal satisfaction• GTR: Share inspiring story about sponsoring young lady from orphanage - a recent visit to celebrate high school graduation• Touches on a story of GRIT and perseverance• Avoiding "victim" mindset• The path to learning about joy and happiness• His massive TURNING point! - • A few tips and tools to experience happiness and joy DAILY“Leaders tend to give so much to other people yet often have chaotic inner lives”  ~R. Michael Anderson[powerpress]SubscribeDon't miss a single episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get each episode sent dire

"The first step takes the most courage." While not easy, taking the first step is powerful and a requirement for anyone to get anywhere. Most people will think and think and think some more about an idea, a plan, but fail to take action.Tony Robbins once said the real measure of a decision is when it's backed by action. And, Napoleon Hill has said that, "Action is the real measure of intelligence."Using either of those as a gauge the question becomes, how intelligent are you — how many decisions are you making?In this Mind Bullet Monday Martin encourages you to GET STARTED!Go for it - check it out now!  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit habits2goals.substack.com/subscribe

“Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”  ~Calvin CoolidgeIn your personal and professional life, almost nothing in the world will take the place of persistence.Persistence is more valuable than planning, IQ, knowledge, genius, and talent.  Have you ever noticed that some "not-so-smart" people appear to be more successful than some really smart people? It can be frustrating if you're one of those "smart ones". And, it's easy to attribute good luck or chance as the reason these "dumb" people have made it. But, if you investigate further, chances are you will find that these "dumb" people have worked really hard for a really long time.What's the level of your persistence on a scale of 1 - 10? Do you start things but not finish them? Do you get easily side-tracked if you run into an obstacle?Here's the good news, persistence is a HABIT and like any other habit it can be intentionally developed.Guess how long it will take to develop persistence? The answer is you don't care. Do you know why? Because

"If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." ~African ProverbThere are very few things in the world more powerful than that of a strong TEAM— a group of individuals committed  to a clear, common goal.TOGETHER. EVERYONE. ACHIEVES. MORE.  ~John MaxwellWhile it's tempting to be a "one-man band" or an "efficeincy machine" ultimately, one person can never keep up with the long term value that a TEAM provides.  Join Martin and I as we discuss what makes a good team, what can destroy a team and important strategies for building your own dream team.According to the late, great Dr. Stephen Covey, (author, businessman, and speaker)  there are three stages of maturity; dependence independence and ultimately, inter-dependance (the highest stage).Unfortunately, most individuals believe that independence is the pinnacle of maturity.  It isn't.[Tweet "“The strength of the team is in each member and the strength of each member is in the team.” "]For the wise (you), the end-game is INTER-DEPENDEN

“All of men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.”  ~PascalIn this A.D.D., loud and crazy world it's often tough just to hear yourself think!The understanding and intentional application of SILENCE may be the most understated principle when it comes to wellness and creativity.  Join Martin and I as we review some of the key ideas about how to use silence as a path to reflection, creativity, concentration and wellness.“Silence is a source of great strength” By letting energy settle, silence creates a space that allows for the concentration of energy as well as the contemplation of unlimited possibilities.One of the best ways to intentionally create silence in your life is to simply wake up earlier and allow yourself time to reflect and think. So, that's your challenge... should you chose to accept it, wake up at least a half hour earlier one or two days this week and notice the peace and insight the experience brings.[Tweet "“Everything emanates from silence. Everything returns to

“Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.”CLICK TO TWEET Sometimes the best inspiration for unlocking the secrets to a more productive and fulfilling life can be found in nature. Join Martin and I as we share a new perspective on habit development and how to reverse engineer your goals.Brian Tracy likes to use the metaphor of a “Time Factory” and remind us that no matter how poorly we may have used our time yesterday, last week or even last year… tomorrow each of us will receive twenty-four fresh, new hours delivered to our doorstep.Here’s the catch; what good are the twenty-four hours if you are not physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually well?So, we decide to take the “Time Factory” metaphor just a step further and we imagine instead that we all have an “Energy Factory”.How will you design the widgets and the cogs in your energy factor? What do you want them to produce?Knowing that to enjoy a life well lived we should be designing the widgets and cogs in our factory to produce results in

Sometimes it seems as though simply having a goal in mind can help you to get to where you want to be. Believe it or not, everyone has the ability to program themselves and create their own instinct-like behaviors. Join Martin and I as we explore the Automatic Success Mechanism (or ASM) and share how you can access it and reap its hidden benefits.Derived from Dr. Maxwell Maltz’ Psycho-cybernetics, the ASM is founded on the idea that each and every one of us has a built-in computer and all we have to do is understand how it works and then program it. Give yourself clear targets, forge the habits that support the goal and then trust that the many unknowns will find a way to work themselves out.[Tweet "“Success is 90% clarity.” "]By taping into the collective consciousness and applying your ASM, even when you can't see the full staircase, you can trust that just taking the first step the next step will come into view.Knowing how to use and trust the ASM frees you from the "paralysis by over-analysis" syndrome so

Many of the greatest thinkers and philosophers throughout history believed that ideas are "alive" and readily available in some sort of universal space which is often referred to as "infinite intelligence" or the Super-Conscious.Whatever you want to call it, chances are it exists! Emerson once noted, "There is a power above and behind us and we are the channel of its communication." There is a power above and behind us and we are the channel of its communication. —EMERSONThe best part is this "resource" isn't relegated to the super genius or the super-creative... it's available to everyone...all you have to do is connect to it!Perhaps you've wondered how Leonardo da Vinci could draw a helicopter centuries before one existed or how Edison had the insight for the lightbulb or Ford the carburetor or... and, on and on it goes.Even Albert Einstein once noted, "There comes a leap in consciousness, call it intuition or what you will, the solution comes to you and you don't know how or why.""A LEAP IN CONSCIOUSNESS".

The art of tracking one's behaviors (habits) dates back hundreds of years ago and wasn't necessarily born with the iPhone or even The Habit Factor. In fact, one of the world's greatest minds, Benjamin Franklin famously wrote about the art of tracking his "virtues" in his own autobiography to refine his character.In this episode, Martin and I review the roots and similarities of tracking behaviors to help achieve personal goals and refine one's character... all through habit tracking.A renowned inventor, politician, scientist, author, and one of our nation’s founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin built quite the legacy. In spite of all of these remarkable achievements, can you guess the one thing he wanted to ensure he shared with the future generations?"I hope, therefore, that my descendants will followthis example and reap the benefits"Benjamin Franklin was referring to the long standing practice (which itself became a habit) of tracking his thirteen virtues over the course of the year. He would rotate from wee

Trying to create new, effective habits is often associated with first trying to kill-off any existing bad habits that are holding us back. In this quick, high-value episode, Martin and I identify the three most important  “MENTS” when it comes to busting those bad habits!“Birds of a feather flock together."EnvironMENTWhy would our environment influence our habits? Well, as our energy wanes throughout the day (along with our willpower), it is essential that your environment is tailored to support your new habits and goals. For example, if you're trying to lose weight, throwing out all of the potato chips in the pantry is a great start. The environMENT applies to all things--not just a new diet. When you surround yourself with like-minded people it provides a great support system to help you craft new habits.“A nail is driven out by another nail. Habit is overcome by habit." ~Desiderius Erasmus2. ReplaceMENTQuitting any habit cold turkey is often difficult and ineffective because it leaves a void. When it comes

While many do not consider the importance of habit development when it comes to goal achievement, those that do unfortunately are subject to the many great myths which surround the topic. In this episode, Martin and I review and dispel four monster myths about positive habit formation.1. It takes 21 days to develop a habit.This originated decades ago with, Psycho Cybernetics a terrific book by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. While it does not take 21 days to develop a habit it is safe to say you can START to develop a habit in 21 days. According to a study from the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes, on average, 66 days. Research tells us though that it depends upon all sorts of criteria including; desire, skill and knowledge related to any particular habit.2. Cue- Routine-RewardCue, routine, reward and the related, "habit-loop" were largely popularized by The Power of Habit. The habit loop helps to illustrate what triggers and environments have been supporting past behaviors (habits) but the habit loop fails

This episode has us turning the tables... in the coming weeks we'll begin to weave-in interviews of domain industry experts so we figured we might as well start with Nick Palkowski, podcast guru, expert in online marketing strategy and all-around-great guy!Things weren't always sunshine and rainbows for Nick. The first business he started in college, while a great learning experience, ultimately left him with $2 in his bank account and a jar of peanut butter. A jar of peanut butter. Those important lessons (from failure) taught Nick what not to do and what he needed to do differently. They proved invaluable and led him to launch his booming, full-time business Your Podcast Guru."The best way to grow your business is to consistently add value to your audience." @NickPalkowskiOne of the most important factors for Nick was understanding that success is a habit, meaning he recognized the importance of becoming a consistent and disciplined professional. Nick even shared his top three character traits and supportiv

Are you pushing yourself hard enough? Most people would respond with a resounding yes. While the idea of a second wind is fairly common, Martin and I explore the possibilities of having a third, fourth, fifth (even an eighth!) wind in this episode of The Habit Factor. “If you're going to doubt something, doubt your own limits.”Ever notice during exercise that even when you're tired, you can always dig a little deeper and find energy reserves to get you through to the finish line? By changing your state of mind you can radically change and increase your energy levels and persevere to the end of any project! Challenge your assumptions, your biases, and challenge the perceived limits that you have set for yourself. If you feel that you've been lulled in to a comfort zone of limitations, set increasingly extreme challenge for yourself and discover your eighth wind. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. “Life doesn't get easier. We just get stronger.” This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this wit

No matter how close you live to big, green spaces, many of your struggles can be traced to how aligned you are with nature. Sparked by a conversation with his teenage daughter Martin and I delve review some clues that can very well make our life easier.“Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.”Anytime there is frustration and friction in your life it's important to check and compare how aligned your affairs and thoughts are with the natural world. In this episode, Martin shares some of his observations about nature and just how we might adapt them to our own situation. (12:00):PatiencesRhythmBusy, DiligentEconomy & EfficiencyThe cycle of lifeChange & metamorphosisStruggle creates strengthNature is flexible, adapting, and resilientEverything must flowUnityThere are many things we cannot controlBalanceThis week, we challenge you to take one of these observations and apply it to your life. Track it and see for yourself how effective you can be when you align yourself and your efforts with nature!

The word “philosophy” comes from Ancient Greek and means “love of wisdom”.Unfortunately, the modern translation appears to have become slightly twisted to the point where the word might only connote some impractical college major.Yet, philosophy ought to be embraced by all who seek to live in a more "favorable" world for it is our own mental constructs (our own philosophy) that dictates how we think, feel and act. So, philosophy isn't just about talking or even thinking, its true meaning lies in the execution of the ideas and ideals.Today, Nick and I revisit the essence of philosophy and review some of the framework behind The Habit Factor franchise.“All men’s natures are alike, it's their habits that carry them far apart.”In this episode, Martin shares a handful of his favorite quotes and a few books that helped him to form a foundation for thought and action (a mixed philosophy that spans; Thoreau and Socrates to Kurt Vonnegut.Enjoy!  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscr

“Give me a long enough lever and a place to stand and I can move the world.” In the battle to get ahead, often the first step is finding a better way to leverage the only limiting resource everyone shares, TIME. Understanding how to properly leverage your time and ideas is a game changer and it's sure to boost your productivity. In this episode, Martin and I review some strategies to optimize your personal power (your ability to act on ideas) to help get the results you want! Touching on Dr. Stephen Covey’s "Quadrants of Effectiveness", Martin shares a few tips for deciding when and how to outsource  (contract labor) to allow yourself more time to focus on the things most important to you. Or, if you're not quite ready to source other experts, there are simply more effective ways to plan and use your days. When you leverage your time more wisely, you simply take longer, more efficient steps toward your goal which accelerates your achievement and of course will have a life time effect on your achievement

“Good things happen when planned, bad things happen on their own.” ~Quality is Free Tweet ThisThe path to leading a more efficient life is simply to harness the power of positive habits and rituals.Chances are very good you already have a set number of habits and rituals (particularly in the morning or evening). The question is, have they developed by choice or by chance? Are they by design or by default?Intentionally establishing positive routines in the morning and evening will help you to feel refreshed, balanced, connected and even, as a bi-product far more productive.In this episode, Martin and I review 6 reasons rituals are powerful and various tips for establishing them to help foster your efficiency and peace of mind. (7:10):…rituals are more energy efficient…they compound greatly w/out notice at first…they work with natural rhythms…help you to feel more connected…bring you mindfulness and mindlessness…they can be established consciously using the P.A.R.R. methodologyThis week, Martin and I challenge

“Goals are just dreams with deadlines.”A man named C. Northcote Parkinson once claimed that work expands to fill the time for its completion. While its human nature to procrastinate, there aren't enough people using deadlines to their advantage. Join author Martin Grunburg on this episode of Habits to Goals as he shares his strategies for accelerating productivity with deadlines.When you don't understand how deadlines can help you, sometimes they can hurt you. Avoid thinking in terms of all or nothing and accept that there will be times that you will need an extension. Maintain perspective and persevere with accountability groups and realistic timelines to transform deadlines into a positive force to empower your life.“There are no unreadable goals, just unreasonable deadlines.” This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit habits2goals.substack.com/subscribe