Habits 2 Goals: The Habit Factor® Podcast with Martin Grunburg

S02-Mind Bullet Monday 06: The Power of the Mind

"There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way." ~Buddhist Proverb While happiness, as the Buddhist proverb goes, can and should be a choice (most often) there is no doubt our present circumstances and events have great influence upon our current level of happiness. In fact, what happens more often than not is that we will assign and craft stories about events (in the present) and then layer on our own subjective and speculative implications (stories) about how that event will influe...

S02-Frequently Asked Friday 05: Should I Announce My Goals?

“You can't build a reputation telling people what you are going to do!” ~Henry Ford It's a commonly accepted practice after all... tell everyone about your goals so you are accountable and extra motivated to push forward, right? Well  surprise - surprise! It turns out that announcing your goals is one of the biggest drains of energy and it often proves to diminish your chances of success as you strive to achieve your goal. Martin discusses his personal experience with this concept and how...

S02-INT05: Frank Scarpaci: Founder Vianova, The Power of The "B" Corp

“Companies see that there is so much value that comes from doing good in the community and it adds so much business value as well."  “And I realized that through my many zigs and the zags I picked up experiences that really helped me to grow as a consultant." ~Frank Scarpaci Frank Scarpaci, a sought-after B corp and corporate social responsibility consultant, reviews a vast array of benefits related to becoming a "B" corporation (short for a "Benefit" corporation), a new type of corporati...

S02-INT05: Frank Scarpaci: Founder Vianova, The Power of The "B" Corp

“Companies see that there is so much value that comes from doing good in the community and it adds so much business value as well."  “And I realized that through my many zigs and the zags I picked up experiences that really helped me to grow as a consultant." ~Frank Scarpaci Frank Scarpaci, a sought-after B corp and corporate social responsibility consultant, reviews a vast array of benefits related to becoming a "B" corporation (short for a "Benefit" corporation), a new type of corporati...

S02-Mind Bullet Monday 05: Humans Are Justifying Creatures

"Humans are justifying creatures... we'll craft a story and then we'll dig-in and get behind it. The exercise is, I think, to challenge our story recognizing that is our nature." While many people may be naturally gifted when it comes to interpersonal skills, others struggle in the area and it often holds them back and expends a lot of time and energy. What most people fail to recognize is that arguments are often rooted in the simple truth that nobody wants to be thought of as stupid or d...

S02-Frequently Asked Friday 04: What is the Law of Cosmic Habit Force?

After searching for nearly 20 years Napoleon Hill finally declares he's discovered the missing link— the secret that he unintentionally left out of his bestselling classic, "Think & Grow Rich". It appears that The Law of Cosmic Habit Force is only something Napoleon Hill could have discovered after writing Think & Grow Rich and hearing from many that, "it didn't work" and wasn't making them rich. A distraught Napoleon was confounded as he heard this sort of feedback repeatedly. Even though...

S02-INT04: Thom McElroy: Co-Founder Volcom, An Icon in the Surfwear Industry

“The primary mark has to work in black and white and it has to be as simple as possible"  “That logo was talking to me... and it was talking to everyone..." ~Thom McElroy, Co-Founder Volcom Thom McElroy covers a ton of ground in this special interview (recorded live from his ultra-modern, beachfront crib in Laguna Beach ; ). He speaks candidly about his early days, being a "grom" growing up in Huntington Beach, as a graphic design major at SDSU, and yes, the creation of the Volcom logo a...

S02-Mind Bullet Monday 04: Who is in Control?

"Are you bigger than your problems?" T. Harv Eker Martin kicks off this show about CONTROL with a quote he's heard T. Harv Eker say many times regarding a technique people can use to solve their problems. The first thing they can ask themselves is, "Who is bigger? Me or the problem?" Martin then carries the idea of "control" further, where control influences other facets of our lives... Consider winning and losing? When one "controls" the environment they certainly have a better chance a...

S02-Frequently Asked Friday 03: Are Habits Better Than Goals?

"Are habits better than goals?" This is a semi-crazy meme that Martin wrote about last week (here). In this episode, Martin elaborates on the idea that these are equal and complementary components when it comes to goal achievement. Then he shares a bit of a surprise— just how far back this realization actually dates. The short story is that goals properly set (with significant motivation to achieve them) illuminate the ideal behaviors/habits one needs to foster.  And, using The Habit Fact...

S02-INT03: Coach Rich Phillips, Riding Killer Whales & Insights about Leadership, Teamwork & Communication

“Intention is one of those things that can go either way— you can have negative intention or you can have positive intention and that means you are in alignment... " “It's all about how YOU respond to them..."  ~Coach Rich Phillips Coach Rich Phillips is a Former Head Show Trainer at SeaWorld, a Bestselling Author. Speaker & Business Coach Regardless of where you may stand on the current controversy regarding killer whales in captivity, you're asked to suspend your judgement (for now) a...

S02-Mind Bullet Monday 03: Principles and Lighthouses

"Fundamentally, these are the core four— the power four— that sustain us and direct our outcome and well being..." Martin opens with a story shared by the late, great Dr. Stephen Covey regarding the unwavering principles that influence the outcome of our life. If these are ignored, dishonored the consequences are severe. Covey shares a fabled (and apparently fabricated) story about a US Navy Captain being told that another ship is in their course and further, is unwilling to move. The Ca...

S02-Frequently Asked Friday 02: How long does it really take to develop a habit?

"How long does it really take to develop a habit?" One of the GREAT myths related to habit development is that it takes 21 days to develop a habit. Martin explains where that myth originates and reviews the actual time it is likely to take PLUS what the KEY component/requirements are to form ANY habit. In this short episode (about 10 minutes) Martin reviews those three core, required elements, revisits the P.A.R.R. methodology of habit development and then shares a MUST watch video (link b...

S02-INT02: Heidi Hanna, PhD: Energy! Your Most Precious Resource and How to Recharge

“Even though I had a background in exercise physiology and psychology and nutrition I was still struggling with creating my own healthy habits and I was diagnosed at a young age with panic disorder and depression. "  ~Heidi Hanna Ph.D. Bestselling Author. Speaker. Founder Synergy Programs In this episode Heidi and Martin cover: What is energy, how to conserve, manage and recharge The FOUR types of energy• Touches on a story of GRIT and perseverance GTR: She's committed to making a chan...

S02-Mind Bullet Monday 02: Responsibility!

"When we are no longer able to change our situation we are challenged to change ourselves" ~Viktor Frankl Positive 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:...

S02-Frequently Asked Friday 01: What's Your Best Habit?

"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 habi...

S02-INT01: R. Michael Anderson: Happiness, JOY and the Journey

“I joke often that I know a lot about happiness because I've experienced a lot of unhappiness first."  ~R. Michael Anderson Bestselling 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...

S02-Mind Bullet Monday 01: Get Started

"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...

Persistance Is More Valuable Than…

“Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”  ~Calvin Coolidge In 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 th...

Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork

"If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." ~African Proverb There 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 Maxwell While 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 ...

Silence and Concentration

“All of men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.”  ~Pascal In 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...

Welcome to Your Energy Factor

“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 ...

Discovering Your Automatic Success Mechanism

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...

Super Conscious Connectivity

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. —EMERSON The best part...

What does Benjamin Franklin and a Hindu priest have in common?

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 r...

3 Bad Habit Busting Tips

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." EnvironMENT Why 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 ...

Four Monster Myths on Habit Development

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 ...

Nick Palkowski | Podcasting Insights From The Master

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 ...

The 8th Wind

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 chan...

How Nature's Wisdom Can Make Your Life Easier

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 s...

Philosophy & Habits of Thought

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...

Got Leverage?

“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! Touch...

6 Reasons to Create and Master Your Rituals

“Good things happen when planned, bad things happen on their own.” ~Quality is Free Tweet This The 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 ...

Deadlines: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

“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 ...

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The Seven Habits Refresher Meets The Habit Factor

One of the great inspirations for Grunburg’s The Habit Factor is Dr. Stephen Covey’s classic, bestselling book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. In this episode, Martin reviews some of the similarities and differences between the two works. (10:20). If, by chance you haven't read Covey's masterpiece (do so!) and, in the meantime, here is a quick synopsis (12:45): Be Proactive Begin with the End in Mind Put First Things First Think “Win-Win” Seek First to Understand than to ...

7 Reasons Self Help Doesn’t Suck

“Everyone wants to improve the world, very few are willing to improve themselves.” Tweet This Many people write-off self-help thinking that positive thinking just sets you up for disappointment later. Zig Ziglar once put it brilliantly, "positive thinking won't allow you do everything, it only allows you to do everything better." For instance, positive thinking may not help you to dunk a basketball. But, it will make your efforts much improved. The beauty is self-help isn't just about "po...

8 Breakthrough Strategies to Become Unstuck

Who hasn't felt STUCK before? The good news is, it's common and something everyone is likely to experience at some point. The bad news is, it's an uncomfortable awareness that you've lost momentum and enthusiasm is gone. That no matter what you try to do, nothing seems to move you or your career forward? Hence, you are STUCK. And, when you’re stuck, it's important to know that it's not just an emotional but also a physiological state. Sometimes it even makes us feel alone or isolated. “M...

Making The Time to R.E.L.A.X.

It seems everyone I know is "super-busy" and so many people are stressed-out... the question is, how many of them are making time to RELAX. “The best time to relax is when you don’t have the time.” Tweet This The most productive people I know schedule spa days, massages and recreation in the midst of their hectic schedules. That's right, the SCHEDULE relaxation as though it were any other responsibility on their list—and it is. They don't wait for a time when things will slow down... they ...

Is Your Head In The Game?

“Every master was once a disaster.”  T. Harv Eker Tweet This Life is similar to sports. What's interesting is sometimes we choose intentionally to PLAY and other times, without knowing, we've allowed ourselves to fall into the shadows and become a spectator. While it's good to have periods of reflection and rest, too much inactivity or indifference impedes our growth, progress, happiness and success. You know you're PLAYING to WIN when you have a goal defined — you can describe what the e...

Embrace Paradox to Avoid Paralysis

It's common to hear conflicting messages from personal achievement experts or “gurus”? (5:15). One authority will insist that you don't have to work hard, you just have to work smart. Another insists that balance is bogus or, you just have to follow your bliss. Yet, another claims life is a marathon not a sprint... and on it goes. “Take away paradox from the thinker and you have a professor.” ~Kierkegaard   Unfortunately, achieving your goals isn't so black and white. Often, the "real" an...

The Physics of Personal Productivity & Relationships

“What is man without energy? Nothing. Nothing at all.”    With all of the gimmicks and advertisements for ways to increase your energy, we are made to forget that both we and our goals are energy. Energy, as defined by the Latin root ergo, is the capacity for doing work. To make the most of your energy and to increase your capacity for doing work, Martin fuses  Newton’s Laws of Physics with his strategies for increasing your productivity  (5:45):   An object in motion tends to stay in mo...

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Accelerate Your Productivity | 10 Tips That Will Boost Anyone's Productivity

A quick thank you! Our Habits 2 Goals podcast was featured once again by iTunes and has been in the top 10 (Self-Help category) for several weeks... a terrific start for this new show! Now, on to the business at hand. It seems that everyone I know is "busy, busy, busy". In this show Martin and I cover some of the things you can do to make the most of your time and ensure that your results are meaningful too! No point climbing up the wrong ladder, right? In this episode we walk through some...

The Habit of Asking Powerful Questions

“Questions direct our energy, attention and focus.”  As children we constantly asked questions which led us to learn about our world and ourselves. Over time, many adults fall out of the habit and stop asking questions. Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green? Why do giraffes have such long necks? Our questions are only limited by our imagination. Fortunately, that habit of asking questions can be strengthened. The more often you ask questions, the stronger the habit becomes. By chall...

The Grit Habit Revealed

“Nobody is born with grit and no one is born with discipline.” Tweet This Grit is one of the greatest predictors of success and one of the defining virtues of successful people… yet, what is grit exactly and how can you develop it? According to Angela Lee Duckworth’s TED talk, grit is a combination of persistence and a willingness to change and adapt to improve. It is actively choosing to pursue a goal, refusing to quit and being willing to accept failures— understanding that "success...

How to Spin Failure to Win

“It's important to regard failure as an event and not a person.” Tweet This On your unique journey to a more balanced and successful life, failure is inevitable. One of the biggest obstacles to achieving your goals is separating your sense of self from any particular instance of failure (2:44). Rather than labeling yourself as a failure after a tough setback or challenge, shift your perspective and simply view the failure for what it was: an event. “Failure is not the opposite of success; ...

Creating Your Happiness

 By: Nick Palkowski “Virtues must be a product of habit” Tweet This Everyone wants to be a success…. but how do you define success? Without a personalized target in mind, it’s tough to have a clear direction. “You can’t hit a target you can’t see.” ~Zig Ziglar used to say. That’s why defining your ideal [...] 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

Unlocking Your Willpower

“If you are trying to achieve goals that are not in line with governing principles, than you’re making things much harder then they ought to be.” Tweet This Do you seem to lack the willpower you need when it comes to accomplishing your goals? If so, don’t sweat it— there’s actually a better way! It’s important [...] 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

Why SMART Goals Aren’t So Smart

By: Nick Polkawski “Discipline is doing what you ought to do, when you ought to do it, whether you feel like it or not.” Tweet This Just about everyone has heard of S.M.A.R.T. goals, the standard for goal setting that has been around since the ‘80s.  Which represent Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time bound [...] 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

How Values Direct Your Behavior

By: Nick Palkowski “The most successful entrepreneurs define their values first, then live them.”  Tweet This It seems so many of us have become lost in our TO-DO lists. And, not by accident as even the most notable goal-achievement process, S.M.A.R.T. goals, leaves a user starring at a long TO-DO list and wondering, “Okay, what’s my [...] 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