Friday, February 16, 2024

Can you dial it in for 90 days?

This is where old habits go to die.
 ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
In today's edition, Joe shares:
  • How to Make a Habit Stick
  • Wisdom from the Super Bowl
  • Why Teamwork Boosts Performance
 
Spartans!

In the arena we call life, The Hard Way is not just a mindset; it's a transformative journey that aligns with the ancient wisdom of warriors, athletes, and over-achievers.

But looking at the entire year stretching out ahead of you, it can be difficult to stay motivated. That's why I have always looked at life in 90-day blocks.

The 90-day timeframe aligns perfectly with the understanding that habits and routines become sticky in about three months.

Want to make strength or endurance gains? Eat clean? Kick alcohol, sugar, and processed foods? Don't think about the rest of your life, just commit to 90 days. That's enough time to wean yourself from old habits and build new ones.

The cool thing? I bet after 90 days you not only want to keep going, you up the ante and go harder.

Through consistent training and a gradual increase in intensity, you not only build physical strength but mental resilience. The magic here lies in the acknowledgment that meaningful progress takes time, consistency, and progression. There are no shortcuts.

After 90 days of super-intense training, there's a risk of burnout, so after each three-month block you need to take up to a week to lighten up and slow down.

So just as the best athletes "cycle" through seasons of intensity, we, too, must find our rhythm. This ebb and flow ensures that our pursuit of excellence remains sustainable in the long run.

The 90-day rule isn't confined to the physical realm alone; it extends into professional development, personal growth, or mastering a new skill; it becomes our psychological anchor.

It beckons us to commit to our goals, understanding that this initial investment can pave the way for a lasting transformation.

Let us embrace The Hard Way for the next 90 days. As Spartans, we understand that true success is a journey unfolding over a dedicated period, allowing for gradual but enduring change.

Here's to The Hard Way!

Joe
 
Lessons From the Super Bowl

Last weekend's Super Bowl saw a failure of composure as Travis Kelce, a prominent figure in the football world, lost his cool and bumped his coach. The incident sent a valuable message to all of us: especially in high-pressure moments, it is imperative to stay grounded.

History has shown us that elite forces like the Navy SEALs, Delta Force, and top-tier combat athletes are adept at maintaining composure in the face of adversity. Their ability to remain cool under the most extreme circumstances serves as a testament to the power of discipline and focus.

This episode brings to mind the legendary tale of Joe Montana during his tenure as quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. With the clock ticking down and the pressure mounting, Montana famously quipped to his team in the huddle, "Hey, is that John Candy in the stands?" His lighthearted remark served as a momentary reprieve, allowing his team to relax and refocus on the task at hand.

When you're faced with stress, whether on the course, in the boardroom, or in the grocery line, remember this wisdom. Take a moment to lighten the pressure, and think before you act. Through unwavering composure, we achieve our greatest victories.

 
You Ask, Joe Answers
Q: Hi Joe,The weakest member in the squad is the strength of the squad. In races, how can people help motivate others but stay in competition?
–Mario, Staten Island, NY

A: Hey Mario, Your Spartan mentality is spot-on. Competition is important, but lifting others up is equally woven into our DNA. My suggestion is to make sure to compete for yourself, first. Give it your all and allow others to encourage you. Then, go back out with the mission to support others. Motivate your team members at the start line or cheer them on throughout the race.

Lifting each other up as a group can significantly increase performance. Spartan's Chief Mind Doc and clinical psychologist Lara Pence told us, "Being a part of a team can stimulate the release of oxytocin, a powerful chemical that enhances the experience of trust and connection."

"When we trust others and feel more connected, we are more likely to try things that we may not typically try. So in essence, teamwork enhances our capacity for bravery."

Don't have a team of your own yet? Head to Spartan Teams where you can link up with Spartans in your area.

Aroo!

Question for Joe? Want to tell him what you think of The Hard Way? Email him at thehardway@spartan.com.
 
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They Said It
"Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave."
Mary Tyler Moore
 
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