Daily Actions & Habits Move The Needle More Than Our Goals.

Winners and losers want the same things. They have the same goals. James Clear’s quote from Atomic Habits explains simply that in sports and life goals are not the deciding factor in success. Working backward from the big picture is important but what moves the needle is what we choose to do daily.

ACTION.

Taking action changes your identity. You become more of the type of person that does the things you are making a priority.

One of the women’s basketball student-athletes that I work with put it simply, your shooting percentage doesn't just go up solely because your goal is to have the highest shooting percentage on the team. You earn it through the actions you take within your preparation.

It is natural for student-athletes to have outcome-based goals of winning the conference championship or making a splash in their postseason. Having the goal is a start but it doesn’t change anything. Student-athletes can start by asking themselves what they want besides to “win” and “work hard”. Coaches can do the same. Asking what they truly want and then creating the space to teach this process to student-athletes. What is needed to achieve what I want and do the actions that I am taking currently align?

The key when creating space is unpacking the desired outcome into daily habits and actions. (WCC championship & examples below)

Habits and actions can compound on top of each other from day to day and week to week creating momentum towards being the best version of yourself. For example high-quality sleep, connection, fueling your body, relationships, what gives you energy, productive high intent extra work, film, constructive actionable feedback, stillness, space, recharging, developing your whole identity, etc.

I see myself falling into this trap which is one of the reasons why I am writing this. My desired outcome is to consistently write and record podcasts to engage with others. In reality, making time for it daily to improve my writing and interviewing skill is the single greatest deciding factor. If I don’t work on it daily I am falling back to the level of my system. Having the goal doesn’t change the game. Being ruthless with my attention and assertive with how I am going to spend my time does.

Understanding your goals, habits, and values, starts with really being honest about where are you spending your time. Where you choose to spend your time shows what you value. Show me your attention and time and I will show you what true value.

What actions/habits are needed to win the WCC championship?

What actions/habits are needed to have a consistent weekly podcast & newsletter?

Review your weekly schedule of where you spend your time. Iterate and make time for what truly matters to you, compared to trying to “find time” at the moment.

On this journey together… Trying to figure it out & just keep livin’

Best Day of The Year Until Tomorrow.

Ferate