Quality is not an act, it is a habit. – Aristotle
Like a bear coming out of hibernation, spring has been full of physical challenges. I have been challenged on two fronts, so I thought I’d share with you what’s going on and the leadership lessons I am learning.
Not long ago, I dusted off my golf bag and headed to a local golf course and their driving range. As a lifelong golf fan, I’ve wanted to return to the links and enjoy the game I had grown so fond of over the years. Not wanting to embarrass myself before playing again, I took the clubs to the range to see if any form was still left. Thankfully, I did not have my expectations set too high. I had stayed away from the game for too long. It showed, and it was humbling.
The second challenge comes courtesy of my daughter: She challenged me to join her on a new regimen on an app called 75 Hard. Those familiar with the app probably smile because you know what it’s all about. The daily regimen with 75 Hard includes one 45-minute workout and one 45-minute outdoor workout, taking a progress picture every day, reading 10 pages, drinking one gallon of water, following a diet, and not cheating on meals or alcohol.
So far, I am sticking to it. There are days when it’s hard, and it takes some grit and determination to check the boxes daily, because if you don’t, you start back at day one and begin all over again.
Getting back into the swing of things with these physical challenges has been a challenge that I welcome. While I’m not the spring chicken anymore, staying active has always been a lifestyle. But getting back into the routine can be hard once you get out of it.
John Maxwell says, “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” Not only is he right in his observation, but it is simply a prescription for your desired accomplishments.
I don’t want to oversimplify what it means to get back into the swing of things and establish a daily regimen that works well for you. But in many respects, change begins with the basics you build upon. Here are a couple of observations from Maxwell’s quote to work with.
Change something
Your life will never change until you change something daily. With that being said, inventory the things in your life that are working, what you can improve, and what you need to discard. This is an essential first step toward making the changes that will benefit you the most.
When my daughter challenged me to join her on 75 Hard, it was not a hard decision. In terms of physical activity, I was not in a good place. I was sitting too much, not walking enough, and her challenge was the spark I needed.
In The 5 AM Club, Robin S. Sharma writes, “ The smallest of implementations is always worth more than the grandest of intentions.” And this is what you have to implement – small changes daily that will help improve your leadership. Have you identified what they are? Do you know what your next steps are? Are you ready to change something today?
Additional Resource: Check These Boxes For Effective Change
Your daily routine
I have always been an early riser. My daily routine begins at 5 a.m. It starts with reading and meditation, followed by exercise, and the beginning of my daily water intake. This routine helps me be more focused and begin my day more clearly.
Your daily routine is critical to your success. As a leader, you can’t leave it to chance and good intentions. Your daily routine matters because if you don’t own the day, the day will own you. Click To Tweet
Gretchen Rubin said, “What I do everyday matters more than what I do once in a while.” How are your daily routines serving you?
In closing, reflect on what changes you must make, what daily routines you must establish, who can hold you accountable, and when you plan to start. Good intentions are not enough.
Additional Resource: The Priority of Time
©2025 Doug Dickerson
