Jeff Sanders's Blog: Jeff Sanders' Blog + Podcast, page 71

Hitting Pause on Blogging: A New Focus Beginning Today

Ihave been blogging consistently every week since 2012. As you can see in my archives, I have published over 400 articles and/or podcast episodes in the last 3.5 years (not to mention the 100+ posts from a previous blog).

Today, I’m taking a bold step in a new direction.

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The 5 AM Miracle Podcast

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Don’t worry, I’m not disappearing or halting my content creation altogether. However, I have reached a bottleneck in my business and something has to give.

The John Oliver Approach to Content Creation

Over the last 16 years I have been a huge fan of Jon Stewart and The Daily Show. After watching Jon retire a few months ago I found myself engrossed in a similar and surprisingly brilliant show, HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

John Oliver embodies the “less is more” approach to content creation.

If you have ever watched Last Week Tonight you know that every show is well thought-out, oozing with passion, and takes the time to respond and interact with the audience.

Instead of creating another daily fake-news/comedy show, John Oliver opted for a fresh and intelligent approach to creating high-quality content that keeps you wanting more, which is exactly what I will be attempting going forward.

The Dilemma

As a self-proclaimed productivity junkie and health fanatic, I really do believe I always have more to give each day. This has lead to incredible progress on many fronts, but there really are only 168 hours in a week.

As I discussed in Monday’s podcast episode, I want to say YES! to every new opportunity and I hate saying no. However, in order to truly become the highest and best version of myself I can only say yes to the tasks, projects, and events that align with that vision.

In other words, I cannot continue to commit to anything that takes up my time, energy, or money when I have high-priority projects waiting in the wings, ready to make their entrance.

On that note, I am making a variety of cuts all across the board in order to free up space for what is going to matter most in my business and life in the coming months.

Here’s the Plan

First, in the spirit of less is more, and devoting myself fully to a few high-priority projects, I will no longer be writing or publishing blog posts (or audio blog posts) on Thursdays. Though my articles are short, the time and energy required to produce them is intense, and I believe that time can be better spent.

Secondly, I will continue to publish a new, high-quality podcast episode every Monday morning and I will likely be using many of my blog post ideas in the “Tip of the Week” segments. I will also continue to interview amazing guests, though I may focus more episodes on my own content, as those tend to hit home better with more listeners.

Lastly, when I’m not working on a new podcast episode each week, I will be spending the remainder of my time on two core projects: my new book and public speaking. I believe that the future of my brand rests in the pages of my book. In addition, my ability to repurpose that content through speeches, webinars, and other products is critical to my future success as an entrepreneur and content creator.

Too Many Projects, Never Enough Time

As you may have heard me mention on many occasions, I have more ideas than I will ever have time to process. In my business, this includes a new online course that I have been calling “5 AM University,” a “Habit Experts” audio program that I nearly launched a year ago but then bailed on at the last minute, and even an eCommerce line of products like 5 AM coffee mugs, t-shirts, and bumper stickers.

Oh, and I’m also hoping to self-publish my first book, Graduated and Clueless in a paperback copy, create a 5 AM certified coaching program, and create a productivity course for entrepreneurs.

Bottom line, I won’t have time for any of these projects — not a single one — unless I am willing to let go of something.

When I think about the Jeff Sanders I want to be, that includes writing books and giving speeches. Yes, it also includes everything else I just listed, but writing and speaking are at the core of where I’m headed.

If I have time, I will be slowly developing my plans for 5 AM University in the margins, but that’s only if all the stars align.

For now, I want to provide you with the best podcast episode I can every Monday morning, be responsive to you through email, and push forward as the best author and speaker that I know I can be.

Focus is brutal. Making cuts is never an easy decision and I hate making those kinds of decisions just as much as anyone, but it has to be done.

I only hope I can look back at this decision with pride and gratitude that I saw the storm approaching before it caught me off guard.

We shall see.

Last Week I Promised You Something

At the end of every blog post and podcast episode I announce the content that I will be covering the following week. This week’s article is the first one where I did not fully deliver on that promise.

I was actually half way through writing my weekly blog post when I realized I needed to stop and give it up for a while, but I didn’t want to hold back that content from you just because I decided to shift gears.

So, here are The Top 5 Mobile Apps for Taking Notes:

Nozbe
Google Keep
Simplenote
Microsoft OneNote
Apple Notes

Thanks a bunch. I’ll see you on Monday!

When to Say YES! to Everything (and When to Say No) [Podcast #122]

New projects are always great, right? Not quite. In this week’s episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I discuss when to say yes to new opportunities, and when it’s best to focus and just say no.

Photo Credit: .reid. via Compfight cc

The 5 AM Miracle Podcast: Episode #122

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Download the Script

Here you have access to the script that I use to record each episode. This is not a complete word-for-word transcript, though it does provide you with a detailed account of what I do to produce every episode of this podcast. Download the script.

Resources Mentioned in the Show

John Goddard’s Life List of Goals [we should all aspire to have dreams this big]
The Most Important Skill in the 21st Century, Podcast [episode #53]
Fewer Goals and Better Results with a 12-Week Year, Podcast [episode #88]
The 5 A.M. Miracle: Dominate Your Day Before Breakfast [my upcoming book]

  



Having a lot of fun makes

scary situations so much easier.

– JEFF SANDERS

Subscribe to the Show

To make sure you don’t miss a single episode of the podcast, subscribe with your favorite platform.

iTunes — iHeartRadio — Stitcher — Spreaker — RSS

Review the Podcast in iTunes

If you enjoyed the show, please rate and review my podcast in iTunes. I recorded a quick 2-minute video to show you exactly how it’s done. This will help tremendously in getting the word out. Thanks a bunch!

Next Week

On the podcast next week I will be interviewing Laura McClellan, host of The Productive Woman Podcast. Laura and I will be talking all about how she maintained a productive life as a mother of 5 children for many years, and now does so as a successful attorney.

Top 5 Mobile Apps for Recording Audio Notes

I don’t know about you, but I get ideas at all hours of the day. When I have a new brilliant thought, I don’t want to lose it. So, I have located the best mobile apps for recording ideas on-the-go.

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The 5 AM Miracle Podcast

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Some of my best ideas come about when I am talking. Sure, I get great ideas when I’m writing down my thoughts too, but there is something magical about speaking that makes ideas come to life.

Also, as a guy who loves David Allen’s Getting Things Done system, I find that getting ideas out of my head and into a trusted system is the best way to free up my brain for creative endeavors.

Top 5 Mobile Apps for Recording Audio Notes

NOTE: All of these mobile apps are available on iOS devices and there are very similar apps available on Android devices as well.

1. Siri

Siri, the built-in voice assistant on iOS devices, may be the best solution for a few reasons. First, Siri is already built-in to your iPhone or iPad. Secondly, the hands-free nature of taking audio notes is hard to beat.

With Siri you can record a transcribed email or text message and send it wherever you’d like, all without using your hands in many scenarios. I love sending emails to my task manager, Nozbe, and to my note-taking application, Evernote. I describe this process in detail on my previous article:

A Hands-Free Method to Remember a Brilliant Idea On-the-Go.

For a true hands-free experience, you can just say, “Hey Siri”, and record your message. For most iOS devices you need iOS 8 or higher and to be plugged into a power source to use this feature, but it is now available without being plugged in on iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.

2. Super Notes

If you are a college student and want to record your class lectures, or if you attend a lot of meetings and would rather capture the audio now and listen to it later, Super Notes may be your new best friend.

I find this app super handy for recording long-form audio and playing it back later. Plus you can take notes in the app while the recording is taking place. This makes it ideal during a speech or meeting when you would like to take notes and not miss a single word.

The free version of the app lets you take a few notes with full functionality, but you will want to buy the pro version if you intend to use this app in the long run.

3. Dragon Dictation

Dragon Dictation is well-known as the best desktop app for dictating long form letters, emails, and even whole books. Their free mobile app is a solid dictation tool when used in the right context.

Based on my own usage and after reading many reviews, it appears that the best scenario for this mobile app is when you want to record and transcribe a series of short notes. This app is not designed for use in the car or for a hands-free situation, so using it at home or in the office is best.

4. Say it & Mail it Recorder

The Say it & Mail it Recorder was my first mobile audio note-taker and I still find it very useful, though I have moved on to using Siri 99% of the time.

This app is great for recording your own voice and emailing yourself the recording. It doesn’t provide transcription, so this app is best when you need to actually hear the recording.

I also used to record my notes while driving and then email myself in the car. Honestly, that’s not the safest option because it’s not totally hands-free, but it can work. This app is not free, but as of this writing it only costs $1.99.

5. Evernote

The Evernote mobile app is incredibly powerful and adding an audio note to any note is very simple.

If you are on-the-go and want to add an audio note, simply open the note and press the microphone button. The recording is added and synced up to your account nearly instantly.

This free app is great for power users of Evernote who want to keep everything in one place.

NOTE: You do need an Evernote account to make use of their mobile app. You can get a free account to get started or upgrade to their premium plan for $45 per year. I have been a premium member for years and it’s simply amazing.

Choose One or Choose Them All

Normally I would recommend you pick one app and make it your go-to resource. However, as you can see with the capabilities of each app, you may want to use a different app for every unique scenario you find yourself in.

You could use Siri in the car, Super Notes in the classroom, and Dragon Dictation at home. The key is to choose apps that record your voice without any major technical hurdles.

When in doubt, keep it simple. That’s why I tend to use Siri 99% of the time, and I opt for another app when the right opportunity strikes.

Next Week

On the blog next week I will be sharing the best mobile apps for typing notes on-the-go.

Productivity Music with Will Henshall, Founder of Focus@Will [Podcast #121]

What kind of music works best for you while you are working? This week’s episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast features and interview with Will Henshall, founder and CEO of Focus@Will.

Tune in as I pick Will’s brain, as he shares how to enhance your work with productivity music based on neuroscience. I personally use Focus@Will for multiple hours every day (which I have done for over 2 years now), and it’s a thrill to talk to the creator of this amazing productivity solution.

Photo Credit: Will Henshall

The 5 AM Miracle Podcast: Episode #121

Subscribe in iTunes

Download the Script

Here you have access to the script that I use to record each episode. This is not a complete word-for-word transcript, though it does provide you with a detailed account of what I do to produce every episode of this podcast. Download the script.

Resources Mentioned in the Show

Focus at Will: Improve Your Productivity with Music for the Brain [my article discussing Focus@Will]
Focus@Will [productivity music based on nueroscience]
Will Henshall speaking at TEDx Brussels [great talk about using Focus@Will]

The more engaging the music,

the more difficult it is to work.

– WILL HENSHALL

Get Started with Transpose

I have partnered with Transpose and custom-built templates just for the The 5 AM Miracle community, which includes you!

Transpose offers a unique productivity solution with structured notes and templates. Think of it as Evernote without the blank space. You get organized data and easily searchable content all in one easy to use system.

Get started now with Transpose and download the Jeff Sanders package of templates.

Subscribe to the Show

To make sure you don’t miss a single episode of the podcast, subscribe with your favorite platform.

iTunes — iHeartRadio — Stitcher — Spreaker — RSS

Review the Podcast in iTunes

If you enjoyed the show, please rate and review my podcast in iTunes. I recorded a quick 2-minute video to show you exactly how it’s done. This will help tremendously in getting the word out. Thanks a bunch!

Next Week

On the podcast next week I will be discussing when to say Yes! to everything (and, more importantly, when to say no).

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7 Compelling Reasons to Begin a Daily Meditation Practice

Getting a guy like me to meditate is a hard sell. I’m not the type to sit still for too long.

However, despite my own apprehensions, and thoughts of beginning a fluffy or “new agey” habit, adopting a daily meditation practice may be one of the best things I have ever done for my sanity or productivity.

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The 5 AM Miracle Podcast

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I have admitted multiple times on my podcast that I have started and stopped meditating multiple times in my life.

Most recently, I was chatting with Broadway star Stephanie Gibson on episode 117 and she made a great argument for re-starting this on-again, off-again routine of mine.

I decided to do a little digging, start meditating yet again, and finally convince myself to get this habit to stick for good. Hopefully, you will find this as persuasive as I did.

7 Reasons to Meditate Every Day

In my research I found quite a bit of scientific data and even more anecdotal benefits of meditation. Since I’m not a medical doctor, and it’s so easy to Google “benefits of meditation based on science,” I will share seven reasons to meditate every day through the lens of an over-programmed productivity junkie.

If you’re anything like me and you just need someone to tell you why you should stop doing your work on a Thursday afternoon to just sit on a couch with your eyes closed for 15 minutes, this is it.

1. You Remember to Breathe

Most guided sessions of meditation, yoga, or even massage therapy begin with 3 deep breaths. For the longest time I associated this practice and breathing deeply with relaxation, and that’s true.

However, as I have begun to meditate more I have caught myself in the middle of the day forgetting to breathe. Not that I pass out from lack of oxygen, but I notice my shallow breathing. I notice my stress levels and anxiety with a keener awareness than before.

Breathing is one of the most natural parts of life and yet putting a little intentionality behind it brings this common activity to a whole new level.

When I catch myself in a moment of high tension, I take just a few seconds to breathe deeply and return to my work with the oxygen my brain needs to tackle the task in front of me.

2. You Connect the Dots When You Otherwise Couldn’t

I am the kind of guy who likes to barrel through a hard task. I clench my fists and fight through the muck, assuming that more force will produce the result I want.

This strategy is successful some of the time, and works well with small challenges, but it only brings headaches and frustration when the challenges get tougher.

Meditation provides a moment of clarity, a break in the madness that lets your subconscious mind do the heavy lifting.

If you’re a golfer or baseball player, you know how it feels when you relax and hit the ball on the sweet spot of your club. With minimal effort you can have extraordinary power. That’s good meditation.

3. The Good Ideas Float to the Surface

Like most people, I was under the impression that meditation was about clearing your mind of all your thoughts. Turns out, that’s not quite it.

If you have ever meditated while taking a break from a tough task you know how it feels to have your mind flood with thoughts — usually so many thoughts you don’t know how to handle it.

But, after breathing deeply for a few minutes and slowing down your mind you notice fewer thoughts. Not zero thoughts, just fewer.

What has surprised me the most is that after a few more minutes I still have thoughts, but they are better thoughts. It’s as though meditation is a filter that weeds out the nonsense and leaves behind ideas that matter.

Sometimes those ideas are actionable tasks, but most often they are just high-quality positive concepts that I can roll around in my mind and simmer for a few minutes.

After a while, meditation becomes a practice in letting things take all the time they need, instead of trying to force everything through a predetermined, hyperactive schedule of super intensity.

As a busy productivity junkie, this is a practice I need more than any other.

 

With minimal effort you can have extraordinary power.

That’s good reason to meditate.

 

– JEFF SANDERS

 

4. You Have Time to Think About Something Really Wonderful

On most days I move quickly. There isn’t time to be philosophical, or to pontificate over theory. My days are structured, actionable, and efficient, but that doesn’t make them great by default.

In my meditation practice I rely on guided meditations from the Calm App, Buddhify, and Headspace. Heck, I even recorded some of my own.

All of these guided sessions and many others just like them provide the opportunity to let your mind, heart, and soul embrace something beautiful. In as little as 10 minutes I can transform my attitude by simply thinking about gratitude, peace, and forgiveness.

Allowing yourself the opportunity to be in touch with your own emotions is not only healthy, it’s necessary when your calendar demands you to be on point for so many hours each day.

5. You Get to Let Go of Control for Just a Minute

Taking bold action is one of my mantras. I love being in control and, of course, dominating my day. However, I actually find more peace and serenity when I let someone else take the reins for a minute.

Guided meditations are like being told what to do instead of being in charge. What I love most about having someone else guide me through a session is that I can simply let that anonymous voice lead the way. They are in charge and I am just a temporary follower.

We all seek to be led in one way or another, and it’s personally beneficial to let someone else walk you through your own mental mess.

6. If You Stick With it, Your Brain Gets Better

Now, I said I wouldn’t get into any science, but this is just too cool to pass up. There is a lot of developing research that is pointing to an amazing reality about meditation — it actually restructures your brain.

Meditation has been shown to grow gray matter in the brain, which means that all the time you spend “thinking about nothing” is actually doing quite a bit of something.

In a study published in the journal NeuroImage in 2009, [Eileen] Luders and her colleagues compared the brains of 22 meditators and 22 age-matched nonmeditators and found that the meditators (who practiced a wide range of traditions and had between five and 46 years of meditation experience) had more gray matter in regions of the brain that are important for attention, emotion regulation, and mental flexibility.

Increased gray matter typically makes an area of the brain more efficient or powerful at processing information. Luders believes that the increased gray matter in the meditators’ brains should make them better at controlling their attention, managing their emotions, and making mindful choices.

– Your Brain on Meditation

7. I Love a Good Challenge and I Think You Do Too

Here’s the kicker — meditating every day is not going to be easy. In fact, it hasn’t been. I have already missed multiple days in my own practice.

But, the challenge of doing something that so obviously opposes how I normally operate can certainly bring many positive changes. When you challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, even for just a few minutes, it can have profound benefits.

If these reasons for beginning a daily meditation practice are appealing to you on any level, then I want to challenge you today.

Take a look here.

Your Mission, If You Choose to Accept It

I challenge you to meditate for 10 minutes a day for the next 7 days and record why you will continue this practice.

Record what happened on paper each day and report back in the comments on this article. If you want to keep this private, then just email me directly and tell me how it went.

Keep these questions in mind as you record your meditation experience:

What did you feel?

What did you experience?

What thoughts ran through your mind?

What actionable ideas popped into your head?

What did you struggle with?

What distracted you?

What brought you back on track?

How did you body feel?

How did your mind feel afterwards?

Did you use a guided meditation?

If so, how did that go for you?

When will you meditate again?

Most importantly, why?

Meditation is a powerful tool and I know it can have profound benefits in your life.

Take a moment right now and schedule 10 minutes on your calendar when you can be alone to just breathe. That’s really all it takes.

Next Week

On the blog next week I will be sharing the top mobile apps for recording your own audio notes.

How to Become a Paid Public Speaker [Free Webinar]

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make it as a paid public speaker? From the outside it may seem as though only a select few super stars can get paid to talk.

Fortunately, that’s just not true and you can learn what it takes to build your own career on stage.

Photo Credit: Jeff Sanders

As a podcaster and former actor, I know what it’s like to create content and perform, but I honestly don’t have the knowledge or experience just yet to make it big on the business side of speaking.

That’s where Grant Baldwin comes in.

You may remember Grant from episode 101 of my podcast where we talked about speaking and building the career you want. Now, you can learn how Grant developed his speaking career and how that can translate into your future success.

Learn What it Takes to Get Started, Today

Today, I will be co-hosting a FREE workshop with my friend Grant Baldwin, who will be teaching us How To Get Booked & Paid To Speak!

You’ll learn…

His specific, proven process to get booked even if you have no idea where to find gigs, who to contact or what to charge!
The biggest mistake you can make when contacting potential clients (and what to do instead)
A simple hack to finding speaking engagements that are right for YOU!
Plus live Q&A for all your burning questions

Sign Up Now

Click here to sign up for the webinar.

Don’t worry if you can’t attend live. There will be a replay available for the next few days. If you have any questions, just let me know.

Thanks a bunch and we’ll see you later today!

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Rein in Your Daily Chaos with One Central System [Podcast #120]

Be honest, how many post-it notes, to-do lists, and random pieces of paper are flying around your office right now? In this week’s episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I discuss how to rein in your daily chaos with one central system.

Photo Credit: Macro-roni via Compfight cc

The 5 AM Miracle Podcast: Episode #120

Subscribe in iTunes

Download the Script

Here you have access to the script that I use to record each episode. This is not a complete word-for-word transcript, though it does provide you with a detailed account of what I do to produce every episode of this podcast. Download the script.

Resources Mentioned in the Show

Focus@Will [Productivity music based on neuroscience]
Free Live Training on Public Speaking [Sign up for this free webinar hosted by Grant Baldwin and Jeff Sanders]
How to Get Into the Career You Want: An Interview with Grant Baldwin, Podcast [episode #101]
Equilibrium Zero: Cut the Clutter in Every Area of Life. Podcast [episode #40]
How to Go Paperless and Revolutionize Your Productivity [This is a no-brainer]
Postbox [My email manager — works on Mac and PC]
Nozbe [My dedicated task manager]
7 Must-Have Notebooks in Evernote [Yeah, you’re gonna want these]
3 Productivity Apps I Cannot Live Without [Yep, these too]

When everything is in one place,

clarity and productivity are inevitable.

– JEFF SANDERS

Subscribe to the Show

To make sure you don’t miss a single episode of the podcast, subscribe with your favorite platform.

iTunes — iHeartRadio — Stitcher — Spreaker — RSS

Review the Podcast in iTunes

If you enjoyed the show, please rate and review my podcast in iTunes. I recorded a quick 2-minute video to show you exactly how it’s done. This will help tremendously in getting the word out. Thanks a bunch!

Next Week

On the podcast next week I will be interviewing Will Henshall, founder of my favorite productivity music service, Focus@Will. Will and I will be talking about how he created amazing music tracks based on neuroscience and how you can best put this system to use.

7 Reasons to Begin Your Day with a Smoothie

Smoothies have been a central element of my morning routine for over 2 years. In fact, my breakfast smoothie is one of the key reasons I have been able to keep pace and get more done as my life gets busier and the demands get tougher.

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The 5 AM Miracle Podcast

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In the summer of 2013 my trusty Cuisinart Duet PowerBlend died on me and I was thrilled! I wasn’t thrilled because I disliked this blender — I was thrilled because I finally had an excuse to get a Vitamix!

I bought a Vitamix 5200 and immediately began making amazing smoothies every morning for breakfast and my whole world changed.

Ok, that sounds dramatic, but honestly, chugging a 64-ounce fruit smoothie from a Vitamix blender may be the absolute greatest way to begin your day.

7 Reasons to Drink a Morning Smoothie

I do realize that there are many options when it comes to your morning meal, but I’m a bit biased towards smoothies. Here’s why.

1. Packed with Nutrients

I don’t know any better way to fill your body with Mother Nature’s best than through a well-blended smoothie. Among all of the fruits and veggies available to you in the produce section of any grocery story, farmer’s market, or fruit stand, you can pick just about anything and blend it to your heart’s content.

Since I began drinking a smoothie for breakfast I have not been to the doctor for any illness. I have avoided common colds, the flu, and sinus infections — all of which I used to get on an annual basis. This amazing reality gives me even more confidence to continue consuming the best blended food on the planet.

2. Tastes Fantastic

Yes, you can easily make yourself super tasty smoothies and you SHOULD! The more you focus on taste the more likely you are to continue this amazing healthy habit.

I have talked quite a bit about green smoothies in the past, and most people are not convinced they want a salad for breakfast. The good news is that you don’t have to go the distance and blend kale and chia seeds because fruit works just as well.

In fact, I would recommend you focus on nothing but tasty fruit until you have solidified your new morning breakfast routine. You can always get creative and add in leafy greens later.

3. Tons of Energy

If you know me, you know energy is the most effective weapon in my productivity arsenal. Fruit smoothies and green smoothies alike both provide incredible energy through natural sugars that your body can put to use right away.

In combination with my morning liter of water and a double espresso, my morning smoothie rounds out a triple threat of energy, nutrition, and hydration.

4. Pairs Well with Exercise

Working out early in the day can have huge benefits, but it can be tough to work in a breakfast that won’t upset your stomach or make your workout feel sluggish. Smoothies are a perfect pair with running, strength training, or yoga.

I have found it best to drink a small amount of your smoothie, bust through a quick and intense workout, and then finish off the smoothie during your recovery period. In this way you won’t feel pressured to drink all 64-ounces (2 liters) of your smoothie in one sitting.

5. Easy to Make & Customize

When it comes to cooking or preparing food, I am super lazy. Mostly, I find that spending more time in the kitchen than I need to is extraordinarily frustrating when all I want to do is get back to my tasks for the day.

In less than 10 minutes you can blend together a large tasty smoothie and get back to your life without having to cleanup a huge mess later. Don’t forget that you can blend just about any ingredients you want, which makes smoothies one of the most customizable meals in existence.

 

The more you focus on taste the more likely you are to continue this amazing healthy habit.

 

– JEFF SANDERS

 

6. Easy to Transport

On many mornings I make 1-2 blenders worth of smoothies, drink one for breakfast, and take the other to the office in a thermos or two that I have been storing in my freezer. With this strategy I can make a large amount of healthy food and keep it cold for later without a huge hassle.

If you pair a smoothie in a thermos with a bag full of fresh produce, you can reinvent your daily lunch box in a hurry.

7. Easy to Share

Don’t forget about your co-workers, friends, and family! One of the best parts of making a healthy breakfast and transporting it to the office is sharing your concoction with everyone around you who is now super jealous of your healthy lifestyle.

It’s true that most people will just think you’re a health nut, but you and I will know that it’s worth it!

Get to the Farmer’s Market Today!

Now it’s time to get this party started! Get out your task manager or calendar and schedule your next trip to the grocery story. Plan to buy a large quantity of fresh fruit that you already love.

You don’t have to take any risks on this first trip. Just keep it simple and buy 2-3 ingredients that you love and think would blend well together.

Then, tomorrow morning can begin your day with a new, healthier, and super tasty breakfast!

Next Week

On the blog next week I will be discussing 7 reasons to begin a daily meditation practice.

How to Influence Anyone with David Hooper [Podcast #119]

Why does Taylor Swift make more money than you? This week’s episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast features an interview with David Hooper and we discuss how you can expand your reach, deepen your impact, and influence just about anyone.

Photo Credit: Jeff Sanders

The 5 AM Miracle Podcast: Episode #119

Subscribe in iTunes

Download the Script

Here you have access to the script that I use to record each episode. This is not a complete word-for-word transcript, though it does provide you with a detailed account of what I do to produce every episode of this podcast. Download the script.

Resources Mentioned in the Show

Focus@Will [productivity music based on neuroscience]
RED: The Podcast for Influencers [hosted by David Hooper]
23 Hours [David’s blog]
@DavidHooper [on Twitter]
RED: The Marketing Podcast for Influencers [on Facebook]
Six-Figure Musician [book by David Hooper]
Eat That Frog! [book by Brian Tracy]
Lead the Field (Audio Program) [by Earl Nightingale]
The Sales Evangelist [Donald Kelly]

Why is Taylor Swift making so much more

money than other singer/songwriters?

It’s because she has built up that

trust, influence, and authority.

– DAVID HOOPER

Subscribe to the Show

To make sure you don’t miss a single episode of the podcast, subscribe with your favorite platform.

iTunes — iHeartRadio — Stitcher — Spreaker — RSS

Review the Podcast in iTunes

If you enjoyed the show, please rate and review my podcast in iTunes. I recorded a quick 2-minute video to show you exactly how it’s done. This will help tremendously in getting the word out. Thanks a bunch!

Next Week

On the podcast next week I will be discussing how to reign in your paperwork, notes, and ideas with one central system.

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7 Reasons to Run the Trails Before Breakfast

Ihave been an avid trail runner for the last 7 years and without a doubt it remains my all-time favorite athletic activity. I wasn’t born a runner, but the trails have a way of transforming even the most unlikely athletes.

Photo Credit: lorenkerns via Compfight cc

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Surprisingly to me, last month the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) declared trail running an official sport. Validating an outdoor activity like trail running isn’t life changing to most people, but it does mean something.

There is a growing crowd of fanatics who love nothing more than to spend as much quality time as they can in nature, pouring their heart and souls into the dirt. From my experience, walking, hiking, running, or even just standing on a trail can become a powerful habit, one that is sure to help you dominate your day.

7 Reasons to Begin Your Day Running the Trails

You have many choices when it comes to dominating your day before breakfast, but I honestly believe trail running may top the list. Here’s why.

1. Fresh Air

As much as I love the gym, or watching pilates videos in my living room, there is nothing better than being outside. The simple act of breathing fresh air can be a phenomenal wake-up call, especially if you are panting and gasping for oxygen over the next hill.

2. Energy

I end every trail run smiling and bouncing to my car like a little kid. No joke. I come home and immediately annoy my wife Tessa because she can’t stand how perky I am. If you want to feel better in a short time span, just start running.

3. Movement & Agility

Let’s get real, trail running is MUCH HARDER than road running. In fact, I would argue that 5 trail miles is equivalent to 7-10 road miles, depending on weather, altitude, and technical difficulty of the trail. While you’re tearing up and down the hills, you are moving your body in bizarre and aggressive ways, which makes for a killer workout.

If you want to learn more about trail running, my good friend Doug Hay has a phenomenal blog called Rock Creek Runner that is devoted to his ultramarathon and trail running adventures.

4. Time Alone

It’s a rare day when a trail is crowded here in Nashville. Most days I can find miles of trails all to myself, which is undeniably peaceful and serene. Being outdoors is great, but being outdoors alone is somehow even better.

5. Quickness

It doesn’t take too long to get a great workout on the trails. Most of my trail runs take only 20-30 minutes, and it’s rare if I run more than 90. If you want a high-intensity workout, trail running can easily become a staple in your weekly burst-training routine.

6. Preparation

It’s hard to run a trail on impulse. It takes some time to prepare your clothing, supplies, and food, even if you’ve been running the trails for years. The good news here is that since you have to be intentional with your preparation around running, this only helps you plan the rest of your day even more effectively.

7. All-Encompassing

Many trail runners don’t exercise any other way. It certainly helps to mix things up, but you really don’t have to do much else. Personally, I’m a big fan of variety and I get bored pretty easily. But, trail running is such a unique sport that you really can make it the core of your exercise routine and then sprinkle in a few cross-training days less often than you might think.

 

I wasn’t born a runner,

but the trails have a way of transforming

even the most unlikely athletes.

 

– JEFF SANDERS

 

Schedule Your Next Trail Run

Get out your calendar right now and schedule your next trail run. Yeah, really, right now.

In order to get the most out of the trails you have to take it seriously enough to put it on your calendar. Then, you will be on your way to experiencing all of the wonderful benefits I just mentioned.

See you on the trails!

Next Week

On the blog next week I will be sharing 7 reasons to make a big green smoothie for breakfast.