There is one thing we can all be sure of, what got us to this level in our life will not be enough to propel us to the next level.

Let me explain, every phase of our life will require a different you, a better you.

You will need to change, to improve if you are going to propel yourself to where you hope to go professionally and personally.

There are always small tweaks, tiny improvements, we can make that will change the way we run ourselves and our business opportunities.

An excellent place to start is to establish where you are winning and making gains right now. Chances are you have already got some great habits in place.

For me I’m up around 5 am nearly every morning, I put my phone away at least half an hour before I go to sleep and I use that time before I sleep to set my goals for the next day.  I’m exercising regularly and conscious of my diet.

Those things, those habits, helped me to get to where I am, but I know it is not enough to take me to the next level. I need to improve.

I have some good habits, but I know they’re not enough. So I have found seven steps that will take me, and you, to the next level.

1. Get consistent

Okay, I have got some good habits, and the same goes for you, but we need to practice them consistently.

In my case, when I travel, get busy, or when my routine gets upset, then my good habits tend to falter.

Sure we all know life happens but the more consistent we can be with our positive practices, the more likely we are to stick with them and reach that next level.

My question for you is, what good habits do have that you stick to 50 to 70% of the time? If you were more consistent with those good habits, would that propel you to the success you desire?

2. Check your cornerstone habits

Research continues to show how important diet and exercise are to our focus and emotional health. And we need both of those if we are going to step it up.

We all know we should limit our alcohol intake, drink plenty of water, eat clean with lots of vegetables and get in 20 minutes of exercise each day. And I aim to do all of those as often as
possible.

It is a myth that you need a lot of time to get in a good workout. Even getting out of your chair every hour to do 60 seconds of jumping jacks will get your blood flowing and heart pumping and
give you the boost you need.

3. Wake up earlier.

Whatever time you wake up, getting up 15 minutes earlier is even better. As long as you get your seven hours or so of sleep, getting up 15 minutes earlier gives you that extra time for planning out
your day so you can feel like a champion.

Want to wake up earlier? The easiest way is to set your alarm 15 minutes earlier for tomorrow. You may curse me when it goes off and may even be tired for that day but follow your tiredness and get to bed earlier the next night.

And whatever you do, don’t hit the snooze button!

4. Limit your time on social media.

Social media can be a significant drain on your time. Putting your phone far away from you to reduce the temptation to get on Facebook or whatever, will make such a difference to your productivity.

When I feel really pulled in, I will turn my phone off to prevent me from scrolling mindlessly. It is incredible what I can get done in that time when I’m focused on the task.

In your life set limits on how much time you devote to social media. Condense all your social media or surfing time into one block. You can also use an app like “Moment” to become more aware of your media consumption habits.

5. Be mindful to stay in the zone.

When I get restless, it is like I have ADHD. I will pour a cup of coffee and then walk away from it, leave drawers open and find myself sorting a filing cabinet when 10 minutes before I was working
on a big project.

It’s not easy, but the more I can stay in the zone, the more likely I will be to stay focused. On those days, you will see me taking a deep breath and ask myself a question in my head.

What is really important here?

That brings me back to the moment. Even if you don’t have ADHD, we all need to close in more direct our activity when you are trying to cost of extracting it supporting to be mindful where are you spending your energy.

6. What would your idol do?

The good thing about getting to the next level is that others have done it before you.

If I get to a point in my day when I get bogged down and don’t feel like doing something, I remind myself that motivation is rubbish and ask myself what would Richard Branson do? Or what would Oprah do? Or Warren Buffet?

Those three people are my idols in business. Once I remind myself that those three people I admire and respect have worked hard to get to where they are and did not wait to feel like doing
the work before they got started, it’s much easier to get moving again.

Who your idols weather in business, and health, life or relationships? When you find yourself being tired when I want to do something, imagine what your idol would do.

7. Start the week with a check-in.

For many of my mentoring clients, they found that checking in every week is essential to get clarity around expectations and the projects being worked on. That consistent connection also allows
everyone to feel more like a team.

In business, Monday morning is the ideal time to have a check-in meeting. While most advocate autonomy starting the week on the same page is crucial.

You can also have weekly check-ins not just with your business associates but with your life partner and your kids. An ideal time for these check-ins is Sunday evening as Monday mornings
can be chaotic with so much going on.

In your own life, at the start of the week, whether it is Sunday or Monday, check-in with yourself about where you are and what your goals are for the week.

Where in your life when you benefit from a weekly check-in?

Now, how will you step it up and improve to reach the next level?