“IF I achieve X, THEN I’ll be happy” is the biggest lie you can tell yourself.

In fact, you’re wasting your most precious asset - TIME.

There’s no need to be miserable whilst you ‘grind’ your way to success.

Instead, here are 5 ways to fall in love with the process…⬇️

”Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want” - Naval

You have goals and you want results NOW. Just like I do.

You want time to fly so you get what you want quicker. Yet looking back, time is the only thing you’ll truly want more of.

This is known as the IF/THEN trap.

In other words, it’s a sure way to be unhappy for most if not all your life.

I should know, this problem has tormented me for years.

But I’m telling you it’s possible to be driven AND happy at the same time. Here’s how I do it…

#1 - Relentlessly track progress

Nothing’s more motivating than seeing your future dreams building brick by brick as you improve each day.

Tracking proves you’re always one step closer when the 1% improvement isn’t visible to the human eye.

An extra boost is looking back and realising how far you’ve come from the very beginning.

My goal was to read native Spanish books - so I’ve kept a list of every book I’ve struggled through and completed since 2019. Every time I add to that list you can’t imagine how proud I am.

#2- Celebrate Every. Single. Win.

It doesn’t have to be all about one big prize at the end.

Instead, break your big goal into bite-size chunks to keep momentum high.

Want to lose 30lbs? - each lb is a victory.

Want to cut out alcohol? - every sober day is a milestone.

Want to improve your listening? - each sentence understood through context is a huge triumph.

It’s happening!

#3- Keep a journal

Write about your life, thoughts and feelings on a blank page daily to…

• Identify negative emotions early

• Improve self-awareness and mental clarity

• Maintain focus

• Assess your strong/weak areas

It’s therapy from you to you.

#4- Appreciate the little things

Each day is filled with precious moments that people often overlook.

Such as your morning cup of coffee, an afternoon stroll in the park or dinner with loved ones.

These are your sacred moments you should defend no matter what. Drop all distractions, pay attention and cherish them.

What are your favourite parts of the day? How would you feel if they were taken away from you?

#5 - Disconnect regularly

Remember: Not every minute of the day has to be productive. Don’t be afraid of doing nothing.

Designate some time to explore other hobbies/interests totally unrelated to your main goal.

If not, it’s easy to be caught in the ‘busy trap’ running from one task to the next until the next stop is burn out.

Then your journey is twice as painful as it has to be.