I’ve heard about the “Every day is day #1” philosophy in business (think Jeff Bezos – Amazon) and in life (think Brian Johnson – Optimize). I am fascinated with this concept, so much so that I am fired up about going from theory to practice, starting today.
When we set out to improve, build, create, serve, change or commit to something, inspiration is omnipresent. We see everything clearly, and often go into planning mode. In the beginning stages of anything, it is hard to imagine anything but success, since we are in that magical “nothing can stop me/us” early stages of accomplishment, mode.
But we all know from experience that running a marathon is more than the motivation to get to the starting line. We need to train, consistently over time, to create the success we want to achieve. If we have a goal of saving money, or implementing an exercise or mediation practice, we can start out strong! (Think New Year’s Resolutions.)
As the days pass, “life” can get in the way. Suddenly the fervor and conviction that got us out of bed early on day one, has waned. By day 14 we may be hitting snooze. By day 28 we may have forgotten about the goal altogether and are already fantasizing about some other “plan” that we have for the future. At which time we “imagine” our will power will be strong enough for this next commitment. Repeat often.
The “Every day is day #1” philosophy turns that routine loop of “plan, execution, fatigue, abandonment” on its head. When every day is day #1, there is no room for burnout. We don’t get tired, because we re-ignite the flames of novelty on a daily basis. We approach everything in the day operationalizing our vision, in a moment to moment cadence, integrating all that comes our way, as if we’d expected it.
Friday of last week, I worked my final day in a corporate role that I have embodied for 8 years. When asked what I would do with my first Monday “off” I had an answer: “The same thing I do everyday” (thinking about my morning rituals of meditating, praying, journaling and exercising). The difference today, is how I will spend my working hours.
Transitioning from corporate sales leadership to thought leadership, writing and coaching (which is where I am inspired to focus my energy) is a little more dramatic of a change, than I usually face on a daily basis. But the “Every day is day #1” philosophy keeps things in perspective.
Today truly is for me, day #1, of a new life. One I have been called to for a long time. I am committed to finding out what I suspect is true: If I take care of every day, hour to hour, moment to moment, that the days, weeks, months and years will take care of themselves. This is my hypothesis and journey.
If today is day #1, it’s time to get to work. Hope to see you back here tomorrow. Which will be day #1, again!