Building Productive Habits

Most careers stall for 1 reason: People stop learning. They wait for the company to invest in them. Or for their manager to set up training. High performers, on the other hand, don't wait. They treat learning as part of the job - Even when the workday ends. Not endless study, Just small, repeatable habits - that compound. Here are 11 that make lifelong learning automatic: 1. Keep a "Questions" Note on Your Phone ↳Anytime you wonder about something, jot it down. Research one nightly 2. Replace the Doomscroll ↳Replace 30 minutes of dead scroll time with a course or podcast 3. Teach What You Learn ↳Write a short post, Loom, or explain it to a peer 4. Reverse Engineer Great Work ↳Take an article, pitch, or deck you admire and break down why it works 5. Shadow Someone 2 Steps Ahead ↳Don't ask for mentorship - just observe 6. Then, DO Ask for Mentorship ↳Say: "I admire how well you do X - would you mind coaching me on that?" 7. Run Tiny Experiments ↳Pick one skill and test it live this week 8. Force Repetitions by Tracking ↳For writing, word count. For sales, calls made. Progress is fuel 9. Do "Learning Sprints" ↳One focused topic for 30 days, then switch 10. Revisit Old Material ↳The second read often hits deeper than the first 11. End Your Day with Reflection ↳One line: "What did I learn today?" The compounding effect is real. Small reps + every day = Mastery. Agree? --- ♻️ Share this to inspire other life-long learners. And follow me George Stern for more personal growth content.

Want to transform your communication skills? Start with this self-awareness exercise. Record yourself speaking for 5 minutes on any topic. Leave it for a day (this removes the initial self-criticism). Then review it in three stages: Stage 1: Watch on mute Focus purely on body language. What are your hands doing? How do your facial expressions support your message? Notice your posture and movement patterns. Stage 2: Listen without watching Turn the phone around and just listen. Pay attention to vocal qualities: your pace, volume, tone variations, and energy levels. What do you like? What needs work? Stage 3: Get it transcribed This reveals your communication patterns in black and white. You'll spot repetition, circular reasoning, filler words, and structural issues you never noticed before. One session gives you 5-10 concrete improvement areas. That's your roadmap to becoming a more effective communicator. What's one speaking habit you've noticed in yourself?

Great communicators don’t “wing it”. They run tiny habits that compound. Here are the 7 most important ones (I practice these with my CEO coaching clients all the time.) 1/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ↳ Character = How do I want to show up? ↳ Context = Where’s the other person coming from?  ↳ Content = What do I want to say? 2/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐌𝐖 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝  ↳ Body: They use sighing, breathing, moving ↳ Mind: They reframe nervousness as excitement  ↳ Words: They clarify their message 3/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 1-𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧  ↳ Vision: they explain the goal and big picture  ↳ Commitment: they get others to commit to the goal  ↳ Execution: they leave the details to them 4/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤  ↳ Goal - Problem - Solution (GPS) ↳ What - So What - Now What  ↳ Problem - Solution - Benefit 5/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 ↳ Compression: they make it short  ↳ Contrast: they show how it’s different   ↳ Cadence: they make it sound right  6/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 1-𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤  ↳ Celebrations: What went well?  ↳ Challenges: Where do we need to improve?  ↳ Commitment: Who does what by when? 7/ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 - 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫  ↳ One simple idea: “Set clear priorities for Q2” ↳ Then elevate it: “Align and inspire the team” ↳ They keep it tight: “3 priorities. Not 10.” ❓ What have I missed? - - - - ♻️ Repost to help your network and follow Oliver Aust for more strategies on leadership communication. ♟️ Want to become a top 1% communicator? Reach out here: https://lnkd.in/dzKK5kBG

Stop copying celebrity morning routines — build your own system based on science and personal needs for maximum energy and focus. Research consistently shows that personalized morning routines lead to significant benefits: ↳ Higher sustained productivity throughout the day ↳ Lower stress levels and anxiety ↳ Improved problem-solving capabilities ↳ Enhanced creative thinking These findings demonstrate why thoughtful morning design matters. To develop your own high-impact routine, focus on five essential components that can be customized to your preferences. 🔹 Follow this framework to create a morning routine that fits your specific needs: ✅ Design your planning approach: Experiment with different planning methods that match your thinking style. Format: "[Time period] of [specific planning activity] focusing on [your priority areas]." Test both digital and analog systems to find what creates the most clarity for you. ✅ Craft your physiological activation: Choose body-awakening techniques that energize you personally. Format: "[Duration] of [specific activation technique] at [specific intensity level]." Options include cold exposure, light exercise, breathing practices, or gentle stretching based on your preferences. ✅ Develop your information strategy: Determine what inputs best prepare your mind for the day. Format: "[Type of content] for [specific duration] focused on [specific benefit]." This could mean learning, inspiration, or complete information fasting depending on your cognitive needs. ✅ Create your movement practice: Design movement that fits your space, time constraints and energy needs. Format: "[Duration] of [specific movement] at [specific intensity]." The key is consistency over intensity - even 5 minutes produces significant benefits. ✅ Formulate your cognitive priming: Select techniques that prepare your mind for your specific work challenges. Format: "[Specific technique] focused on [specific mental state]." This could involve question-framing, visualization, affirmations or meditation tailored to your goals. The most effective morning routines aren't rigid prescriptions but flexible frameworks that evolve with your needs and circumstances. That's how you create a sustainable morning practice—by designing something uniquely YOURS that addresses YOUR specific requirements rather than following someone else's formula. Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Joshua Miller for more tips on coaching, leadership, career + mindset. Coaching can help; let's chat. ☎ Book Your Coaching Discovery Call Today  ↳ https://lnkd.in/eKi5cCce #habits #executivecoaching #coachingtips #leadership

What truly separates high achievers from the rest? It’s not talent. Not luck. Not even intelligence. It’s self-control and discipline; the invisible forces behind success. Think about it: You promised yourself you’d wake up early… but hit snooze. You planned to eat clean… but gave in to late-night cravings. You made a to-do list… but scrolled endlessly instead. We’ve all been there. The gap between knowing and doing is where careers, confidence, and growth often get stuck. The stronger your self-control, the more unstoppable your progress becomes. If this resonates with you, pause for a second and reflect: Where in your life do you want stronger discipline right now—career, health, or confidence? Follow these daily practices to build self-control & willpower in your success journey. 1. Start small, stay consistent: Choose one non-negotiable habit (like reading 10 mins or walking daily). 2. Plan tomorrow today: Write 3 priorities before you end your day—reduces decision fatigue. 3. Mindful pauses: 2 minutes of deep breathing when tempted to give up or procrastinate. 4. Create friction: Remove distractions (keep phone away, block sites) so willpower isn’t constantly tested. 5. Fuel your body: Sleep, hydration, and nutrition directly affect self-control. Drop a comment with one small habit you’ll commit to this week. And if you’d like personalized guidance on building authentic confidence & discipline, DM me on LinkedIn. I’d love to support your journey. #SelfControl #Discipline #DailyPractices #CareerGrowth

9 proven strategies for learning that I advise my students so they learn faster and remember more People who know how to learn achieve... Deeper understanding of complex topics Balance between work and personal life A competitive edge in their careers Learning is a skill. And like any skill, you can improve it with the right techniques. Here are my 9 science-backed tips to transform the way you learn: 1. Plan your study sessions 🗓️ ↳ Break tasks into smaller, focused chunks with clear goals. ↳ Dedicated, distraction-free time beats cramming every time. 2. Active recall 💡 ↳ Quiz yourself before you learn to identify gaps and spark curiosity. ↳ Then, test yourself after studying to strengthen memory and understanding. 3. Spaced repetition 📅 ↳ Review material at intervals over days or weeks. ↳ This "forget-to-learn" approach helps information stick long-term. 4. Eliminate passive learning 🚫 ↳ Highlighting and rereading feel productive, but don't work. ↳ Instead, summarize key points in your own words or test yourself. 5. Prioritize deep work 💻 🍅 ↳ Focus on one high-impact learning task at a time. ↳ Use tools like the Pomodoro technique to stay in flow. 6. Create visual aids 🖼️ ↳ Turn concepts into diagrams, mind maps, or charts. ↳ Visualizing information helps you understand and remember it more effectively. 7. Teach what you learn 🎓 ↳ Explaining a concept to someone else highlights gaps in your understanding. ↳ Use the Feynman Technique to simplify complex topics. 8. Use tools to track your progress 📊 ↳ Create a system to measure your learning, like a checklist or habit tracker. ↳ Seeing progress motivates you and ensures you stay consistent. 9. Sleep, healthy diet, and exercise matter 💤🏃♂️ ↳ Sleep, a healthy diet (cut sugar), and exercise boost focus and cognitive function. ↳ Make them part of your daily learning routine (have apples, bananas, and nuts on your desk instead of chocolate and chips) Learning isn't about studying harder; it's about studying smarter. Pick tips that work for you and learn something today. P.S. What is your favorite learning tip? Let me know in the comments ⬇️ ♻️ Repost this if you found it helpful. P.S.2 Yes, I actually use a Pomodoro timer 🤓

I always believed my career Learning Journey through application of 'Learn by Doing' to become a Life Long Learner!!!! How can one apply the principle of "learning by doing" to your daily routine. Learning by doing also known as experiential learning-means actively engaging with new skills or knowledge through direct experience, rather than just reading or listening. To weave this principle: 1. Turn Routine Tasks into Learning Opportunities Approach daily chores (like cooking, budgeting, or organizing) as experiments. Try new recipes, use different organizational methods, or experiment with new ideas. Reflect on what works and what doesn’t, and adjust your approach accordingly. 2. Practice Skills Actively: If you’re in the process of learning a language, speak it daily-even if you make mistakes. For professional skills, work on small projects or simulations related to your field. Break complex tasks into simpler components, practicing each part before combining them. 3. Reflect and Iterate: After completing a task, take a moment to reflect: What went well? What could be improved? This reflection is key to deepening your understanding and making learning stick. 4. Connect Learning to Real Life: Apply what you read or watch immediately. If you learn a new productivity tip, implement it during your workday and observe the results. Create small challenges for yourself to reinforce new information. 5. Embrace Mistakes as Part of the Process: Don’t shy away from failure. Each mistake is a valuable learning opportunity. Adjust your approach based on feedback and outcomes. 6. Engage All Your Senses: Whenever possible, involve multiple senses in your learning. 7. Collaborate, Share Your Learnings and Teach Others: Discuss what you’re learning with friends or colleagues, or try explaining a new concept to someone else. Teaching is a powerful way to solidify your own understanding. 8. Make Learning Fun and Interactive: Turn learning into games or puzzles. 9. Start Small and Build Gradually: Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Begin with small, manageable tasks and build up as you gain confidence and skill. #selfbelief #learningisfun #learningthroughgamification #funlearning #embracefailure #selfreflection

The way you manage your business starts with how you manage yourself. I learned this while scaling HomeServe to £4.1B. In the early years, I thought the solution to every problem was more hours at my desk. But I was making worse decisions, not better ones. That's when I realised: if I couldn't manage my own energy and focus, I had no business managing a company. So I started treating leadership like I treated my running training: With structure, discipline, and a commitment to getting better every day. Over 40 years, I've built 10 habits that help me lead better, think more clearly, and stay sharp. Here are the 10 habits that make me a better CEO: (Save this list and try them out for yourself) 1️⃣ Wake up early ↳ I'm up at 6:15am. I go to the gym before a healthy breakfast of porridge and vegetable juice. 2️⃣ Prep for the day ↳ I do pre-reading for all meetings and keep most to 30 minutes. 3️⃣ Cut caffeine after midday ↳ Better sleep means better decisions. I have three Pret black Americanos before noon to stay focused. 4️⃣ Write things down ↳ I use a small iPad and Goodnotes to prep for and record meetings. 5️⃣ Stick to one-to-ones ↳ I've never cancelled a direct report meeting in 30 years, and for good reason. 6️⃣ Block out thinking and research time ↳ If it's not protected in the diary, it gets eaten by everyone else's priorities. 7️⃣ Reflect weekly ↳ Every Sunday afternoon, I review wins, misses, and prep for the week ahead. 8️⃣ Set tomorrow's priorities today ↳ I end each day by writing down my top 3 for tomorrow on my iPad. 9️⃣ Keep learning ↳ Once a month, I check progress against my annual goals and reset priorities. 🔟 Weekend training ↳ A long run in prep for my next half-marathon, plus a mystery shop store visit. These aren't complicated. But they do work. Working harder or longer hours isn't all there is to being a CEO. You have to show up for yourself before you can show up for others. Share your most productive healthy habits in the comments below.  Maybe I'll add it to my list. 

"Just work harder" they said... I've heard it a thousand times. That success means: • Sleeping under your desk • Sacrificing everything • 80-hour weeks And it's completely wrong. Here's what actually kills founder performance: - Relationship stress doubles burnout rates - Poor nutrition impacts focus and creativity - Sleep deprivation cuts decision quality by 40% - Skipping exercise reduces cognitive function by 20% But when founders prioritize wellbeing? They achieve: → Higher emotional intelligence → Stronger team leadership → Clearer decision making → Better strategic thinking I've seen it repeatedly: 1. Exercise builds resilience 2. Rest sharpens your vision 3. Good nutrition fuels innovation 4. Strong relationships sustain you The real secret to founder success? Building a life that energizes you, not depletes you. What I know for sure: Your company can only grow as much as you can sustain. Stop glorifying burnout. Start prioritizing wellbeing. The best founders aren't the ones working 24/7. They're the ones working right.

We know we need to be lifelong learners, but first, most of us need to know how to learn how to learn. I spent the past hour using ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude to do deep research on this topic that I've been figuring out for over 25 years. The deep research reports are fantastic and fascinating, but are too long to share here. So, here's the TLDR, which Claude helped me to summarise further: 1️⃣ Test yourself, don't reread. Close the book. Try to recall the main idea, solve the problem, or explain the concept aloud before you check. The act of pulling information out of your head is what strengthens it. This technique, called active recall, is the most consistently powerful method in cognitive science. After a meeting, podcast, or article, take 60 seconds to write down what you remember. Then check. (Ian: Most importantly, especially when learning a new skill like using Gen AI, apply your learning to real work problems. Do not leave it in the realm of theory.) 2️⃣ Spread it out. One hour a day for five days beats five hours in one night. The brain consolidates memory during the gaps - especially during sleep. Cramming works for tomorrow's test and nothing else. Revisit a topic after one day, then three, then a week. (Ian: I spend the first two hours of each day learning new things.) 3️⃣ Mix topics. If you're learning prompt engineering, financial modeling, and negotiation, rotate through all three this week, don't block them month by month. Mixing forces your brain to identify which tool fits which problem, which is what real life actually demands. (Ian: Now you know why I write about so many different topics in the same week. Mainly because I get bored doing the same thing.) 4️⃣ Explain it like you're teaching a 12-year-old. Pick a concept. Write or say an explanation in plain language, no jargon. The places you stumble are your real gaps — go fix them, then try again. This is the Feynman Technique. It works because teaching forces retrieval and exposes blind spots that rereading hides. (Ian: I may look like the expert while I'm teaching, but often, I'm learning from my students too.) 5️⃣ Sleep on it. Sleep is when your brain moves the day's learning into long-term storage. Skip sleep before or after a hard learning day and you've done the work without the encoding. A 90-minute nap is also great. Walks help too — they engage the brain's "diffuse mode," where unexpected connections form. (Ian: I figured this out as a teenager. Every time I study hard, I will feel sleepy and just go take a nap. Make it a norm to sleep at your work desk if you really put in the effort.) Also try this: After learning something, spend 60 seconds writing down what you remember. Each Friday, take 15 minutes to answer three questions: What did I learn this week? Where was I wrong? What will I try differently next week? Pick one skill you actually need (eg. using AI tools at work) and spend 25 focused minutes on it three times a week. Test yourself on it!