I came across a speech recently given by a Navy Officer, where he said (paraphrased)

“If you want to be successful, start each day by making your bed”.

I thought it was silly, but take a step back and think about it. All of us are busy to some degree. It is easy to let the stresses of daily life get the best of us from time to time and we can lose motivation. I’m not just talking about motivation in the gym.

How many of you get a “case of the Mondays”? (Hope you get the reference). Miserable as soon as you wake up and dreading going to work. Starting the day off on the wrong foot.

Let’s start with the most obvious thing- YOU WOKE UP TODAY! You have another chance to make your life better. Another 24 hours on this earth to take care of yourself, to make money, to better your life AND the lives of others. What’s not to be excited about?!

You get out of this life what you put in. Just like in the gym, if you are not continually striving to do better, you wont better your situation. It really is, in a sense, as easy as that. You just need to put the appropriate amount of work in to get there. I understand that sometimes the challenges you face can feel insurmountable, but if we have the right approach, I completely believe we can all accomplish anything we put or mind to. It is simply getting yourself in the mindset to do so.

Start by creating a daily checklist. Include everything, from errands, cooking, gym goals, paying bills, laundry, etc, and hold yourself accountable. As you complete each task, check it off. As the day goes on you will have a sense of accomplishment. When you wake up, make your bed. Something as simple as that is already starting your day in the right direction and that’s already one thing off of your list.

The next, is a goal board. Put your biggest goals that mean the most to you down. Whether they are long or short term goals, you should always be constantly reminded. I want it to be somewhere you will see it every day. Whether it is on your bathroom mirror so you see it first thing every morning, or by your door so before you leave the house every day you are reminded of exactly what it is you are working towards. Now I want you to think about something very important- WHAT IS YOUR ‘WHY’. Not just WHAT your goals are and how to get there, but WHY you are working towards those goals. What are they important? How will your life be better once you accomplish that goal?

Are you training to get stronger to enter a competition?

Are you staying up late studying to get that degree for a better job?

Are you working your butt off to provide for your family, or saving for a vacation?

If you keep a constant reminder of why you’re are working as hard as you are, why it is important to stay on top of your daily goals and tasks, it really becomes pretty easy to WANT to work as hard as you can and to cross as many things off that list as possible. That’s because every day, every check mark means you are one step closer to achieving your goal.

I have said this before, that you need to hold yourself accountable, and your success is 100% in your hands. That does not mean it will be easy, and does not mean that it won’t take a while to get there, but when you welcome every challenge that comes your way because that get you one step closer. It will make you that much stronger. It will better you in a way that NOTHING IS STOPPING YOU from getting what you are working for.  Every check off of that list is one step closer to attaining your goal and improving your life.

So from here on out, Monday’s are viewed as the best day of the week, because you have an entire week to continue working. Make the most of TODAY because every day you are not actively working toward your goals is a day you will not get back. Stay hungry!