3 habits that'll get you ahead of 97% of people in 2023

“New year, new me!”

“This year will be our year!”

“This is the year I’m finally gonna ______.”

But then…

Nothing.

The pattern repeats every year.

Different year, same results.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve been guilty of this in the past.

But I’d like to think these past 2 years have been the most transformative of my life.

And along the way, I’ve picked up 3 habits that’ve been the biggest driver for my growth.

So, in this email, I’m going to share them with you.

1. Make the process your goal

One of the best transitions I made was shifting from results-focused goals to process-focused goals.

For example:

The goal isn’t to lose 5lbs.

Instead, the goal becomes:

• Walking 10K steps a day

• Eating 200g of protein a day

• Getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night

When you focus on the results, it becomes too vague. You don’t have way to measure success or a repeatable game plan that’ll get you closer to your results.

When you shift to a process-focused goal, you know exactly what to execute on.

It’s specific and measurable.

And, you know if you execute on the process repeatedly, you’ll achieve your desired result.

So, make the goal to complete the processes that’ll move you closer. Use the results you’re getting as an indicator of how much you need to tweak your processes.

2. Journal

Lotta people’s habits are focused on optimizing productivity, but there aren’t many who make time for their mental health.

Your mental health needs to be a primary focus for you if you want to achieve any kind of success in life.

Because more often than not, it’s limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and emotions that are going to keep you stuck.

One of the best habits I’ve picked up to help with this has been journalling.

I’ve done since I was 18 and has gotten me through some dark times. It took me years to find a solid group of friends who I related with on a deep level. And I didn’t have the money to invest into therapy at the time (another great resource I’ve been prioritizing for the past month).

Now, if you’re reading this, chances are, you’re the black sheep of your friend group or family.

Few have your drive or goals in life.

And because of this, you can feel lonely, frustrated, or lost.

One of my biggest recommendations is to buy a nice journal, pen, and make a habit of writing every day.

Even if it’s one sentence, just reinforce the habit.

Over time, you’ll notice a greater sense of self-awareness and calm.

You’ll see patterns emerge, and you’ll start to challenge your limiting beliefs.

I find many people overcomplicate journaling.

Just write what comes to mind. You don’t need to have life-altering insights on every entry.

You just need to write.

Again, focus on the process and the results will come.

I also find that ending my sessions with writing 3 things I’m grateful for has made me more present and appreciative as a whole.

3. Become obsessed with 1 skill

As I travel Colombia, I’ve been thinking about how hard many of the people work.

Delivering food on scooters in the pouring rain.

Carrying 50lb bags of fruit in the blazing heat.

Soliciting hundreds, if not thousands, of people every day to buy whatever they’re selling.

Yet, they’re still struggling to make a living.

So, what’s the difference?

It’s not how hard they work, it’s what they work on.

If you pick the right skill and get damn good at it, in 1 hour you can make what someone makes working for 12.

Now, how do you do this?

What worked for me:

1. Pick 1 skill that interests you (for me it was writing)If you can specialize and combine multiple sub skills, you become more valuable and can make more money.I combined copywriting + audience building to become a ghostwriter.

2. Make sure there’s demand for that skill (will it make people healthier, wealthier, or happier?).

1. Become obsessed about learning the craft inside and out• Read books • Hire a mentor• Watch YouTube videos

You don’t need to become an expert, you just need to know more than the people you’re helping.

Be consistent for a year and I guarantee your life will change.

But there ya have it my friends.

3 habits that have helped me, and I hope they do the same for you.

Much love and happy new year.

Looking forward to a year of kickass experiences together.

Dakota “New Year New Me” Robertson