Enjoy Life Podcast w/ Nick Maizy: Live Your Best Life

It’s the reasonable excuses that you’ll believe. They will stop you for making the progress that would be possible if you didn’t believe them.

I’m too busy Yes, you could be very busy. But, that’s also an excuse. A reasonable excuse. But, still an excuse. You may be a professional with many demands at work, a family to take care of, goals to achieve, and lots of other things on your plate. Yes, you could be very busy. That is why it’s a reasonable excuse. It makes sense. You’re too busy to do more things because of all the things that you’re doing now. At the same time, it’s just an excuse. What you do is your choice. Own that choice. The next time you tell yourself you’re too busy think about it. What you’re saying is that you choose to keep doing what you’re doing. It’s your choice what you do. It takes money to make money. It’s easy to believe what we hear over and over again. But, let me tell you many many people have made money that didn’t start with tons of money. You can choose to believe that the reason why you’re not making a lot if money is because you didn’t start with it. Believe that if you wish. It may be a reasonable excuse. Anything Else  Just about anything that you believe as being the reason why you can’t achieve your goal can be an excuse. If the excuse seems really plausible, then it has the danger of being a reasonable excuse and you’ll need to be careful that it doesn’t stop you and your progress.

Okay, there may be a legitimate reason why you can’t succeed. I thought about listing some ‘reasons’ why people don’t succeed and then searching and finding successful people who overcame those challenges. Then, I thought it would just upset people and not get adequate credit to those who overcame the challenge. Instead, if there is a real reason why you CAN’T achieve your goal, then ask yourself these questions. Is there something you can do about it? Would learning or developing a new skill help? Has anyone anywhere overcome that challenge? See it as a challenge. Can’t Never Could – Change your language. Google inspirational stories There are two types of limitations. The real and the imagined. Only the imagined are impossible to overcome.  

One of the most difficult things to do when I'm busy striving toward a goal is to intentionally stop. It can be quite difficult for me even when I know that it can help sometimes.

Why Stop?

Look, I'm all about set your goals, take action, achieve them, and Enjoy Life. I love it. You determine what you want and then go after it because this is your life. At the same time all action doesn't lead you where you want to go. Yes, you have to act in order to move forward. But, not all movement is toward the destination you want. Running really fast won't get you to the finish line if you're going the wrong direction, right? The only way will get there is if you're pointing the right direction when you move forward.

Businesses know that there needs to be a regular evaluation of progress to make sure that everything is on track, going the direction they want, and to see if any adjustments are needed. That is why they have monthly or quarterly reports, meetings, forecasts, and the like.

When it comes you and your goals I believe there is a huge benefit to stopping for a minute to figure things out and then starting to take action again.

You can think when you pause. You've heard the saying "Can't see the forest from the trees." When you're deep in what you're doing, it can be very difficult to see where you're at in relation to where you want to go and any adjustments needed. That is why the pause is helpful. It's a time where you intentionally stop, allow yourself to think, do what will help you to be productive when you start taking action again.

What will help you be more productive? What is holding you back or slowing you down? Can you adjust or improve your actions? What about your mindset? This is where you can make adjustments to your plan, the actions you will take, your mindset, how your you're thinking, your viewpoint, or anything else. You can make adjustments that will help you to achieve what you want? Trouble staying focused? Motivated? On track? Taking action? Always tired? Don't feel like doing anything? Too busy doing other things? Keep working hard and not making progress? Are those are key reasons to make sure you do a reset to get you, your plan, and mindset back to a place where you can start moving toward your goal in an efficient productive manner.

This step is simple. Take Action! You've done a little (or big) reset and now start moving forward again. You've made the adjustments you need for your mindset and actions to be on track.

As often as needed. I've experimented with different kinds of resets. A daily mental reset could be a focusing exercise, breathing, mindfulness, visualization or a host of different things. A simple check-in on progress toward a goal could be done daily or weekly. The bigger and more robust the reset the more time it will take and less often you'll want to do it. If you spend 5 hours on a reset every single day, you won't have much time for taking action.

What's the #1 biggest challenge to achieving your goals?
Let me know: NickMaizy.com/survey

One of the most difficult things to do when I'm busy striving toward a goal is to intentionally stop. It can be quite difficult for me even when I know that it can help sometimes.

Why Stop?

Look, I'm all about set your goals, take action, achieve them, and Enjoy Life. I love it. You determine what you want and then go after it because this is your life. At the same time all action doesn't lead you where you want to go. Yes, you have to act in order to move forward. But, not all movement is toward the destination you want. Running really fast won't get you to the finish line if you're going the wrong direction, right? The only way will get there is if you're pointing the right direction when you move forward.

Businesses know that there needs to be a regular evaluation of progress to make sure that everything is on track, going the direction they want, and to see if any adjustments are needed. That is why they have monthly or quarterly reports, meetings, forecasts, and the like.

When it comes you and your goals I believe there is a huge benefit to stopping for a minute to figure things out and then starting to take action again.

You can think when you pause. You've heard the saying "Can't see the forest from the trees." When you're deep in what you're doing, it can be very difficult to see where you're at in relation to where you want to go and any adjustments needed. That is why the pause is helpful. It's a time where you intentionally stop, allow yourself to think, do what will help you to be productive when you start taking action again.

What will help you be more productive? What is holding you back or slowing you down? Can you adjust or improve your actions? What about your mindset? This is where you can make adjustments to your plan, the actions you will take, your mindset, how your you're thinking, your viewpoint, or anything else. You can make adjustments that will help you to achieve what you want? Trouble staying focused? Motivated? On track? Taking action? Always tired? Don't feel like doing anything? Too busy doing other things? Keep working hard and not making progress? Are those are key reasons to make sure you do a reset to get you, your plan, and mindset back to a place where you can start moving toward your goal in an efficient productive manner.

This step is simple. Take Action! You've done a little (or big) reset and now start moving forward again. You've made the adjustments you need for your mindset and actions to be on track.

As often as needed. I've experimented with different kinds of resets. A daily mental reset could be a focusing exercise, breathing, mindfulness, visualization or a host of different things. A simple check-in on progress toward a goal could be done daily or weekly. The bigger and more robust the reset the more time it will take and less often you'll want to do it. If you spend 5 hours on a reset every single day, you won't have much time for taking action.

What's the #1 biggest challenge to achieving your goals?
Let me know: NickMaizy.com/survey

Have you ever been motivated, ready to take action and get some things done, started to try to work on one of your goals, and then bam struggled to by productive?

If so, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve been there more often than I care to say. I can get caught when I don’t know the absolute best next small task in the moment. That’s when I get distracted by little busy tasks that could be helpful somewhat, but aren’t really the best or most productive thing to move me closer to my goals. That’s where I can be a little bit busy. So, it can look like I’m being productive. But, that’s not really the case. I was just being busy

Being Busy Doesn’t Count – Be Productive!

There are times when I’m just busy. I know it and I don’t like it. There are also times when despite distractions, maybe not feeling like working hard, or other obstacles, I still get things done and make progress. What is the one key difference between the times when I’m productive and making progress and those times when I’m just busy? A plan for the specific tasks I need to do.

What will you do in the next small pocket of time

Having specific steps laid out can be a huge help sometimes.

A general idea of what you will need to do in order to achieve your goal. For me the big plan doesn’t need to have every single detail from the beginning because I won’t know them at the very beginning. And remember the plan doesn’t need to be perfect. Just a plan to achieve your goals.

This can be your daily tasks. The specific things you’ll actually do to move toward and eventually accomplish your goal. This is where getting specific really helps me. I can struggle with some of the tasks I need to do. It is far easier for me to get distracted and become more busy and less productive with certain tasks when I’m uncertain on some details. And then other tasks I don’t need to be as specific when I write my todo list. It tends to be the ones I’m more comfortable and familiar with that I don’t need to be as specific.

Exactly what you’ll do.

When you will start and finish the task.

How will you accomplish the task. Add more details to remove any questions and help you to just act and do it.

No idea – No Plan – No Mindset even will accomplish your goals. Action is what will take you to your goals. It’s what you do that counts. Make taking action easier and more productive by knowing the exact, specific steps you’ll take next.

Have you ever been motivated, ready to take action and get some things done, started to try to work on one of your goals, and then bam struggled to by productive?

If so, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve been there more often than I care to say. I can get caught when I don’t know the absolute best next small task in the moment. That’s when I get distracted by little busy tasks that could be helpful somewhat, but aren’t really the best or most productive thing to move me closer to my goals. That’s where I can be a little bit busy. So, it can look like I’m being productive. But, that’s not really the case. I was just being busy

Being Busy Doesn’t Count – Be Productive!

There are times when I’m just busy. I know it and I don’t like it. There are also times when despite distractions, maybe not feeling like working hard, or other obstacles, I still get things done and make progress. What is the one key difference between the times when I’m productive and making progress and those times when I’m just busy? A plan for the specific tasks I need to do.

What will you do in the next small pocket of time

Having specific steps laid out can be a huge help sometimes.

A general idea of what you will need to do in order to achieve your goal. For me the big plan doesn’t need to have every single detail from the beginning because I won’t know them at the very beginning. And remember the plan doesn’t need to be perfect. Just a plan to achieve your goals.

This can be your daily tasks. The specific things you’ll actually do to move toward and eventually accomplish your goal. This is where getting specific really helps me. I can struggle with some of the tasks I need to do. It is far easier for me to get distracted and become more busy and less productive with certain tasks when I’m uncertain on some details. And then other tasks I don’t need to be as specific when I write my todo list. It tends to be the ones I’m more comfortable and familiar with that I don’t need to be as specific.

Exactly what you’ll do.

When you will start and finish the task.

How will you accomplish the task. Add more details to remove any questions and help you to just act and do it.

No idea – No Plan – No Mindset even will accomplish your goals. Action is what will take you to your goals. It’s what you do that counts. Make taking action easier and more productive by knowing the exact, specific steps you’ll take next.

I had a roommate one time say something that just shocked me. It shocked me that someone living in the same apartment as me should say something that I disagreed with so much. Before I tell what he said know that this was a college campus apartment. So, I didn't pick to live with this person.

This guy said "the world is an evil cruel place."

Wow. So much in that statement. If the world was really evil and cruel then what would be the point in doing anything positive? What would be the point in a lot of things?

I'm not all knowing and my way of viewing things is not perfect or the only way. That said. This guy had a roof over his head (and a nice one at that - it was a decent apartment), food in the fridge, his own room to sleep in, clean & hot water, basic needs taken care of, and was still spreading the message of negativity and struggle. Why or how could he even say such a thing? Let me take a guess.

If you see the world as a cruel place, you probably won't treat other people in the most caring and giving way possible. You may even be a jerk most the time. That was him. He was rude and mean to people and people treated him in kind. It kind of like a downward spiral or a positive feedback loop. The more he saw the world and cruel, the worse he treated the world/people, then the worse he was treated, and he saw the world as being even more cruel. A self-perpetuating spiral.

You choose how you view your situation. Yes, there may be challenges and life may not be exactly how you want it to be. That's okay. You still can choose to view life as having opportunities and possibilities. You can choose to make the best of your situation.

"The best things in life come to those who make the best of things" John Wooden

How you view your life is your choice. Choose well because can end up creating the life you experience.

Want more opportunities? Then look for them and not limitations.

Want to feel more content? Then look at what you have and not what you lack.

Where you choose to put your focus and impact how you view the situation. Focus on the negative and it will all seem negative. Focus on the positive and it will seem more positive. Focus on your progress you've made and your goals will seem easier.

It may not come natural or easy trying to change how you view your life or where you place your focus. It can take some effort. You can choose your viewpoint. Just like everything else that can help you achieve your goals and enjoy life, It's Worth The Effort!

For More Material, Episodes, and Resources
Visit: NickMaizy.com

I had a roommate one time say something that just shocked me. It shocked me that someone living in the same apartment as me should say something that I disagreed with so much. Before I tell what he said know that this was a college campus apartment. So, I didn't pick to live with this person.

This guy said "the world is an evil cruel place."

Wow. So much in that statement. If the world was really evil and cruel then what would be the point in doing anything positive? What would be the point in a lot of things?

I'm not all knowing and my way of viewing things is not perfect or the only way. That said. This guy had a roof over his head (and a nice one at that - it was a decent apartment), food in the fridge, his own room to sleep in, clean & hot water, basic needs taken care of, and was still spreading the message of negativity and struggle. Why or how could he even say such a thing? Let me take a guess.

If you see the world as a cruel place, you probably won't treat other people in the most caring and giving way possible. You may even be a jerk most the time. That was him. He was rude and mean to people and people treated him in kind. It kind of like a downward spiral or a positive feedback loop. The more he saw the world and cruel, the worse he treated the world/people, then the worse he was treated, and he saw the world as being even more cruel. A self-perpetuating spiral.

You choose how you view your situation. Yes, there may be challenges and life may not be exactly how you want it to be. That's okay. You still can choose to view life as having opportunities and possibilities. You can choose to make the best of your situation.

"The best things in life come to those who make the best of things" John Wooden

How you view your life is your choice. Choose well because can end up creating the life you experience.

Want more opportunities? Then look for them and not limitations.

Want to feel more content? Then look at what you have and not what you lack.

Where you choose to put your focus and impact how you view the situation. Focus on the negative and it will all seem negative. Focus on the positive and it will seem more positive. Focus on your progress you've made and your goals will seem easier.

It may not come natural or easy trying to change how you view your life or where you place your focus. It can take some effort. You can choose your viewpoint. Just like everything else that can help you achieve your goals and enjoy life, It's Worth The Effort!

For More Material, Episodes, and Resources
Visit: NickMaizy.com

You have beliefs. We all do. I’m not saying that you have to believe in God and the Bible like I do. Of course, I think that would be great idea because those are two things that I believe in that REALLY help me to stay on track, moving forward, and making progress. But, this post isn’t necessarily about those beliefs. Your beliefs, everything you believe to be true, can impact your ability to achieve.

Have you ever gone to a doctor that you didn’t really know personally? And yet you still believed on some level that you’d get some relief.

Have your ever taken pills from a pharmacist and didn’t know their exact chemical composition? And yet you believed they would help.

Maybe those make sense because those professions require advanced degrees and licensing. Okay.

Have you ever gone to work for a new company? And yet you probably believed that they’ll pay you for your work.

Have you ever exercised when you didn’t particularly feel like it? You probably believed that it will help you health.

• Hard work pays off
  • If you really believe that putting in the work will give you the results you want, then the work will be easier to do.
• People can change
  • Do you believe that people can change.
• You can improve
  • How about you? Can you improve? Not that you have to change everything about you in one day. No. But, do you believe that you can improve in the areas that are important to you?
• Success favors the persistent
  • I believe persistence can be the difference between success and failure. Yes, hard work, change, and improvement may also be required. But, sticking to it and not giving up can help you to keep moving forward toward your goals.

What you believe will impact what you do and the amount of effort you put in to achieving whatever goal set for yourself. Your beliefs will also impact how long you give that effort. What do you believe? Use your beliefs to help you achieve what you want and conquer your goals?

You have beliefs. We all do. I’m not saying that you have to believe in God and the Bible like I do. Of course, I think that would be great idea because those are two things that I believe in that REALLY help me to stay on track, moving forward, and making progress. But, this post isn’t necessarily about those beliefs. Your beliefs, everything you believe to be true, can impact your ability to achieve.

Have you ever gone to a doctor that you didn’t really know personally? And yet you still believed on some level that you’d get some relief.

Have your ever taken pills from a pharmacist and didn’t know their exact chemical composition? And yet you believed they would help.

Maybe those make sense because those professions require advanced degrees and licensing. Okay.

Have you ever gone to work for a new company? And yet you probably believed that they’ll pay you for your work.

Have you ever exercised when you didn’t particularly feel like it? You probably believed that it will help you health.

• Hard work pays off
  • If you really believe that putting in the work will give you the results you want, then the work will be easier to do.
• People can change
  • Do you believe that people can change.
• You can improve
  • How about you? Can you improve? Not that you have to change everything about you in one day. No. But, do you believe that you can improve in the areas that are important to you?
• Success favors the persistent
  • I believe persistence can be the difference between success and failure. Yes, hard work, change, and improvement may also be required. But, sticking to it and not giving up can help you to keep moving forward toward your goals.

What you believe will impact what you do and the amount of effort you put in to achieving whatever goal set for yourself. Your beliefs will also impact how long you give that effort. What do you believe? Use your beliefs to help you achieve what you want and conquer your goals?

The road to achieving your goals can be long and difficult. If you have big goals, then you already know that. You may also already know a few things that can help you achieve those big goals.

If you’re anything like me, then reminding yourself of things you already know can help you to keep moving forward. It’s easy to get caught up in everyday life, being busy, working, doing this and that, even getting frustrated when the progress isn’t coming as fast as you’d like. I know I’m not the only one who has experienced some of those.

What do I try to do when I need a mental boost get myself back on track with the right mindset? I remind myself of a few truths.

• Small steps can take you a great distance.
  • If you’re taking steps going forward you’re making progress. Progress will carry you to your goal. You don’t have to achieve everything in one day. Just keep taking steps. When you keep taking steps forward, you keep moving closer to your goals. You learn and improve along the way. Over time amazing things can happen.
  • Success favors the persistent.
• You choose what you do.
  • You are the one who chooses your actions. Yes, you probably have demands for your time, attention, and money. But, you choose what you do. Take ownership of that choice and make it work for you as good as it can. This is your power. Own it.
• The past does not equal the future.
  • This is one of the truths that I am most grateful for in life. You may not know a lot about my past and the details aren’t terrible import for this point. Just know that I was in a bad place for a good number of years there. Through a great deal of hard work, change, accepting help, persistence, and the grace of God I made it out. My life is unrecognizable compared to that before. Believe me, someone what was really down and out, that the past doesn’t have to equal the future.

Remind yourself of the things you need to know that will help you achieve your goals. They may be things that you do already know in the back of your mind. Bring them to the front. Keep you mindset and focus where it needs to be so you can conquer your goals.