The year is still young. Our hopes and New Year resolutions are still fresh in our minds. For most people, this is the time when it sinks in that financially and physically – something’s got to change.

After the holiday hangover is done, you’re probably browsing the internet paying more attention than usual because you desire to get back in the game of life and business stronger than last year. Yet, have you noticed this is easier said than done?

The problem is, most of us aren’t really growing. We’re simply going around in circles. We read, attend seminars, watch Youtube videos from celebrities motivating us and we get pumped up. After that, we get back into the low standard status quo mundane lifestyle we’ve become accustomed to. I call it circling the wagon.

It isn’t that we’re not setting goals, it’s that we are setting tiny, realistic goals that we already know are achievable. This is no way to begin a new year for anyone who wants to experience a more passionate, liberating and prosperous lifestyle.

Which is why I picked up a few pointers from my good friend, world record breaker, high-performance coach and trainer to top Olympic athletes in the world, John McGrath. Not only has John been breaking world records in feats of strength and proving that a man can be stronger at 50 than at 20, he’s also become quite famous for helping athletes go from zero to hero.

When I asked him what his 2018 advice was for his high-performance students, he was quick to remind me that each of us is an artist, a performer, and genius in our own way. There’s a story we are here to tell, and as such, it is our divine duty to rise above the constrictions of status quo and define what our life will represent.

Setting the bar higher than ever before is the top recommendation that John gives whether you are a housewife, a student, an entrepreneur, a rockstar, a CEO or the president of a country. It doesn’t matter what tune you play to, learn to play it well and become a world-class individual.

Why? Because when you set your own high standards and expect that much from yourself, not only do you serve others at a higher level, you also invite others to stretch and discover what they are made of.

Shining your light bright is the best gift you can bring to our scattered, distracted and controversial world. I hope you’ve made a decision that it is your time to shine and prosper.

Here are 4 tips to get you started:

1. Become more aware of the paradigms that run your life

“The gyms are always full in January and by end of February most people have quit.” Well, it’s not the first time I heard that, and it’s because we don’t realize that we are running on habits and patterns of thought that won’t allow us to actually follow through on our goals.

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

2. Take full personal responsibility for your financial and physical health this year

John says there are 3000 diets in the world, maybe more. None of them work! You know why? Because the only way something works is if you work it! Same goes for making money online. There are so many systems and business models. The only one that will make you rich is the one that you learn to apply properly and take full responsibility for.

Do the necessary research and find the right fitness coach, business coach, and financial advisors. Find the methods that actually resonate and work with your values and purpose in life.

3. Implement the 80/20 rule to your physical and financial goals

You must learn to work smarter not harder this year. Whether it’s the gym or the business, make sure you’re working with and receiving mentorship from people who help you accomplish more with the least amount of effort.

“One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.” – John C. Maxwell

4. Mastermind with great people

Since we’re on the topic of receiving mentorship and working smarter not harder, invest in a mastermind this year. Napoleon Hill coined the term mastermind in his famous book think and grow rich, and he offers extensive proof on how effective masterminding is.

Surround yourself with like-minded people who are healthy, wealthy and prosperous this year. They will not only challenge you to step up your game but also offer the encouragement and support needed to become a world class performer.

How will this year be better than the last? Comment below!

Image courtesy of Twenty20.com