Almost a year ago, after reading The Miracle Morning, I was inspired to make several changes in my life. I began waking up earlier, gradually shifting from 8:30 – on a good day – to 6:45 a.m. I started training for a 50KM run over six months, developed a reading and journaling habit that improved my thinking and problem-solving, adopted a more positive mindset, and learned to listen more and be genuinely curious about others.

The Impact of Small Decisions

Because this book sparked so much positive change, I decided to summarize it for quick inspiration without needing to reread the entire thing. During this process, I rediscovered a chapter on the “Causes of Mediocrity,” where Hal Elrod identifies seven reasons people avoid personal development. One concept stood out: “isolating incidents.” Elrod explains that we often believe each choice is isolated, affecting only the moment. However, this mindset can lead to slipping on our good habits.

Recently, I noticed myself dwindling in my running practice, occasionally skipping training sessions. This “cause of mediocrity” struck a chord with me, making Elrod’s point about how small, seemingly isolated decisions shape our identity even more powerful. I realized that by skipping workouts, I wasn’t just missing one session—I was becoming someone who permits themselves to skip workouts.

Personal Development Through Daily Decisions

Reflecting on “isolating incidents” I realized the importance of daily decisions. Each choice contributes to our personal growth or mediocrity. Be mindful of when you are unnecessarily skipping your good habits, focus on your long-term goals and avoid this trap of mediocrity. I encourage you to examine your choices and consider how they shape your identity.

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Banner Photo By: Kike Vega