1. Stand upright, with your head up, shoulders back and spine straight.

This is the first piece of advice in Jordan Peterson’s new best-selling book, “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote for Chaos.” How you position your physical body makes a real impact over time. Not only does standing up straight engage your muscles correctly, ensuring proper posture, but the conscious act of standing up straight will remind your subconscious self that you matter.

2. Surround yourself with people who motivate you to achieve your other goals

It’s been said a million times before: you are an average of the five people you spend the most time with. Your habits, values, and mindset are influenced by your closest peers, so be intentional about who you spend time with.

3. Try out some new (and old) hobbies

Start by making a list of the activities and hobbies that you enjoyed as a kid- art, athletics, music, writing, or whatever it is… Then ask yourself, “when was the last time I felt true JOY?” Take yourself back to that moment and make note of where you were, who you were with, and what you were doing. Is there anything you’ve never done that you’d like to try? Build that list, go out and make it happen! (Pictured above is me attempting glass-blowing)

4. Say NO more often.

This comes courtesy of my friend CJ, a self-motivated financial services professional. CJ’s ability to ignore distractions and say “no” to things that don’t move the ball forward has been a key to success early in his career. “You have to say no. That’s what it takes. Say no to distractions. Period.” It’s not to say that you can’t have fun or take time for leisure, but do what is best for yourself before catering to others.

5. Stop holding yourself back

How are you holding yourself back from achieving your goals? Procrastination? Distractions? Outside influences? Indulgence? You know what it is… so set a goal to bounce back. A few weeks ago on the Joe Rogan Experience, Dr. Andrew Weil referenced a study on people who attempted to quit cigarettes. While it’s long been thought that a failed attempt to quit smoking is not progress in the right direction, this study found otherwise. Folks who had tried to quit several times before were actually more likely to successfully beat their addiction. The point is, past failure doesn’t rule out success in the future.

Thanks for reading! Check out my previous posts on David Goggins and Mental Health.

And here is another link to a previous blog and highly recommended podcast discussion with Jordan Peterson.