"Life is not about the end result—it's about the process of transformation. It's about witnessing yourself re-invent yourself, and evolving into a new person."
By Miles Krol, Founder of Milesfit
Making a clear distinction between goals and rituals is a SUPER important line to draw in the sand.
Goals = something you achieve.
Rituals = the habits you execute on a daily basis to move you towards your goals.
Goals = outcomes.
Rituals = steps.
Do you want to focus on the outcome or the steps? I suggest the latter!
Goals get you excited, but often can get you equally overwhelmed. You want to envision what you want and think about it from time to time, but you don't want to get caught up in the imagination of things for too long. Once you know what you want, it's all about setting up the rituals to get you from where you are to where you want to be.
Let me give you an example. You want to lose 25-pounds. Great goal! Now, what do you do?
Probably what comes to your mind is going on a diet and getting to the gym. These are the typical things we'd think about, but to jump on a diet and start going to the gym regularly might be a tad daunting (depending on where your current circumstances are).
The secret is to set up "path-of-least-resistance" rituals that are easy and simple (that set you off on the right track immediately). Too often, we set big goals and envision big actions, that often either 1) never get off the ground, or 2) get off the ground quickly, but crash and burn soon after.
Let's look at the first point (never getting off of the ground). Why does this happen? Because the rituals are way too drastic compared to your current routine. Too much too fast.
As for second point of actually getting the car started quickly and puttering out of fuel fast (like setting New Year's resolutions and joining the 90% club that gives up after the first 2-3 weeks), that happens because it's way too radical of a shift from your normal regime.
So the secret is to focus on rituals (not the daunting goal), and start where you're at. Yes, I know, this sounds lousy. Small steps...blah blah blah blah. Well, I'd like to invite you to think about something. Has what you've done in the past worked for you? Probably not. So perhaps the answer is in trying something new! What a revolutionary concept, haha! Could it be that the old fable of the tortoise and the hare is the secret to the results you want? I'd like to invite you to consider that, and consider that slow and steady really does win the race.
The problem is also that we all want everything NOW. We live in a nano-second culture. FAST RESULTS! But, let's remind ourselves that anything worth achieving takes time. It's a journey. Yes, I know, the journey card...life's about the journey, not the destination, yada yada yada...BUT, it's true!
Life is not about the end result—it's about the process of transformation. It's about witnessing yourself re-invent yourself, and evolving into a new person. It's about who you become! That journey is the destination. It's a process. It's a trajectory of self-discovery and self-exploration!
With that said, you have to focus on YOUR journey (not on what other people are doing and achieving). If you constantly compare yourself to other people (to see what they're up to, how fast they're moving, etc.), you're doomed! Why? Because you're making it about other people and you're making it about ego and speed of achievement. That's why so many people fail! Give yourself time, go at your own pace, and take the pressure off. Don't compare, just focus on what you need to do (slow & steady).
So, back to rituals to bring things full-circle here!
What are some good rituals to focus on?
EASY AND SIMPLE!
Like what? If hydration is a challenge for you, fill up 1.5L of water in the AM and focus on drinking that during the day for 2-weeks.
If you eat out daily, focus on bringing a healthy meal from home.
If you don't workout, focus on a simple body-weight workout (you can find hundreds on YouTube) and do that 2-3x per week.
Focus on the first step. One-degree of change from your normal routine. That's it!
When you're driving your car at night, are you able to see far down the road? No. You only can see (and focus on) what's close to you. That's what you need to do with your lifestyle shift. Focus on what's right in front of you—a simple step (ritual) that you obsess with until it becomes a second nature habit. Then, and only then, move on to the next step (the next ritual).
Yeah, I know, this doesn't sound exciting. Rituals are rarely exciting (the goals are though). But you have to get excited about your habits knowing that they are part of the whole (part of achieving the goals you want). Obsess about your rituals!
I hope this post serves you!
Please comment down below with your thoughts and feedback! :)
