This week One Week One Book (OWOB) series is on “The Ultra Mindset” by Travis Macy and John Hanc. Travis Macy is a professional endurance athlete and his racing exploits have been covered by the New York Times, Runner’s World, Adventure Sports, Competitor, UltraRunning, Trail Runner, and Breathe, among others. A sought-after motivational speaker and he also coaches endurance athletes. John Hanc is a longtime contributing writer and columnist for Newsday and he is also the author of 12 previous books, including the award-winning memoir The Coolest Race on Earth.
I categorize this book under Positive Mindset and Personal Growth. The authors laid out 8 powerful mindset; from Mental training to Never quit! Each of the mindset was well narrated and explained in great detail based on his experience as a great endurance athlete. I love it.
The praise for this book;
“Travis coached me to victory in the 2014 Leadman Series, so I know firsthand that his mindset principles are actionable and helpful not only in my athletic endeavors but also in my business and personal life.” —BOB AFRICA, kidrobot CEO and Leadman Champion
The key take away for me is this; “The 4:30 am Rule: When you have no choice, anything is possible” . It is the mindset no 6.
What is this 4:30am Rule?
Obviously, it is about get work done very early in the morning, while others are still sleeping. However, this Rule is more than about getting up at 4:30 am. It is about commitment. It is about doing what you say you want to do. it is not just about 4:30m. it can be anytime…10:30am or 4:30pm. When you say it will be done at that time, it will be done! That is the Rule!
Big question is, how to ensure you are committed to what you say? Many of us want or say that they want to wake up at 5:00am, joining the 5am Club but never do it. One of the strategies is to ensure you make the necessary preparation for the activity that you want to do. The goal is to ensure the task is easier to do when the time comes. Example, if want to run in the morning, make sure the night before, you already prepare the gears and all the equipment.
Another idea suggested by the authors that I love ; make sure you answer these 5 questions;
- “What task you want to accomplish?
- Why this important?
- Why it is hard to do in the moment?
- How I will commit now and follow through when I don’t feel like it including what will I tell myself when the going gets tough?
- How I stay accountable?”
Start with 1-2 tasks first and be fully committed to execute them. Make sure you are fully hearted in answering the above questions.
Call For Action
What is one area of your life that you want leverage on 4:30am Rule? Then commit to the 5 questions mentioned above.