549: The Shortcut to Self-Improvement

Last week, we kicked off our 4-part “Your Miracle Year 2025” series with Episode #1: Reflecting Strategically on Your 2024.  Today, we’re focusing on your next crucial step: Connecting Your Vision to Your Values for 2025.  For most of us, setting new goals creates optimism and excitement—in the beginning. But as the days or weeks go by, that excitement often starts to fade. Life happens, priorities shift, and the goals feel less urgent and are set aside. So, how do we keep the fire burning and stay on track?  Today, I’ll share the strategy that’s been a game-changer for me for over 20 years in every area of life by elevating my goals from nice-to-haves to musts. And it all starts with identifying your foundational values and then clarifying a vision for your future that aligns with your values.  I’ll walk you through the exact process of creating a vision that is deeply meaningful to you, one that feels so real and exciting you can’t help but take action. Then, I’ll break down how you can turn that vision into achievable goals designed to help you stay motivated.  These steps will help you wake up each day ready to crush your goals with confidence and focus on bigger and better things waiting for you in 2025. KEY TAKEAWAYS If it’s not on your schedule, it’s not getting done A vision without action is only a dream Accountability is the secret weapon that helps you stay on track The purpose of a goal is not to reach the goal, it’s to give you direction and purpose  you’re clear on what you want, momentum naturally follows Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/565 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2024 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

As each year comes to a close, many people will take some time to look back and reflect. And for a lot of us, we end up feeling that we didn’t accomplish as much as we wanted. That’s how every year would end for me, looking back with a glass half empty with all the missed goals, where I fell short, or where life got in the way. Sound familiar?  Today’s episode kicks off a special four-part Miracle Year Series, in which I share my strategies and tools for reflecting on 2024 and creating a vision for 2025. This will all lead up to the Miracle Year Live Event on January 8th, when we’ll bring everything together. Today, I’ll walk you through four simple steps to help you recognize your progress this year and celebrate your wins, no matter how small they seem. Because when you take the time to reflect, you gain clarity about what’s working, what you’ve learned, and what you’re capable of. And that clarity is the foundation for creating an incredible 2025.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Moving forward starts with understanding where you’ve been Progress isn’t linear, ups and downs are to be expected Celebrate every small victory because they matter Every experience, good or bad, is an asset if you choose to learn from it Falling short of a goal isn’t failure. It’s feedback. Gratitude reveals the abundance you already have Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/564 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2024 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

In a world where we feel pressure to do more, be more, work harder, and have it all – it’s no wonder so many of us are tired of trying to hustle our way into the perfect life. But what if the secret to finally achieving freedom, financial success, and an overall life of abundance was right here, hidden in plain sight? That’s what we’re discussing with today’s guest, the incredibly inspiring Cathy Heller. Cathy is a teacher, author, and host of the Abundant Ever After podcast, which has over 50 million downloads.  In today’s episode, based on her newest book, Abundant Ever After: Tools for Creating a Life of Prosperity and Ease, Cathy reveals that abundance is not something to be chased—it’s something to be accessed from within. She breaks down how to tap into gratitude and abundance, even when life is hard.  You’ll learn simple, practical tools to shift your mindset and rewire those sneaky scarcity beliefs that hold you back. In a world filled with constant noise, pressure, and comparison, Heller reminds us that life’s richness goes far beyond material possessions and that our deepest desires—love, joy, peace—are always (and already) within reach. KEY TAKEAWAYS Abundance isn’t something you work for, it’s something you tap into The first step to waking up is realizing how often we’re running on autopilot Get out of your head and into your body - that’s where clarity begins We don’t see the world as it is. We see the world as we are Your thoughts shape your life, so choose them as carefully as your actions Want more abundance? Start by giving it, what you put out is what you get back Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/563 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2024 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

I'm sure you’ve probably heard the phrase, "It's not how you start; it's how you finish that counts." In today's episode, I'll be inviting you to make December the best month of your life and telling you WHY and HOW to do it. As the holiday season approaches, many people create resolutions and personal goals for the new year. What I'd like you to consider is that how you finish the year will impact how you start off in the new year. One reason why most New Year's resolutions fail is because of the unproductive habits that we create (or fail to create) in December. Whether you have financial or health goals, today’s show will help keep you on track to start the new year with momentum. If you challenge yourself to make December your best month ever, you'll be able to pursue and achieve every meaningful goal that you set for yourself with confidence. KEY TAKEAWAYS Your achievements matter, but so do the moments with the people you care about You can’t control every result, but you can control the habits and processes that lead to success Small wins now build big momentum later The real win isn’t hitting the goal - it’s becoming the kind of person who achieves  Goals are great but never forget WHY you want to accomplish them Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/562 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2024 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

Last week, I shared a quote from Mark Groves on Instagram about reconciling our differences, especially in the context of voting and politics. Unsurprisingly, the responses varied—some resonated deeply, while others disagreed.  And that's okay because it brought to light a truth I've been reflecting on all week: Love and understanding aren't conditional. They're not reserved for those who agree with us or share our worldview. Every single person is worthy of compassion, regardless of their background or beliefs. In today's episode, you'll walk away with a simple question that will transform how you approach your relationships with friends, family members, or anyone with different views and opinions.  This simple but powerful mindset shift will help you understand where they're coming from and empower you to show up with empathy, love, and understanding, even in the most challenging interactions. In a world that often feels very divided, this can help us create a ripple effect of kindness and understanding when it's needed most. KEY TAKEAWAYS Seeing the world through unconditional love changes everything Everyone’s fighting their own battles, even if you can’t see them When someone’s being harsh, that’s when they need kindness the most People aren’t inherently good or bad - it all comes down to their choices Love won’t fix everything, but it works wonders for the struggles inside you Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/561 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2024 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you may have seen the post I made on the morning of the US Election last week, long before the results were known. That post was about finding a positive way to move forward, no matter who won.  Not surprisingly, it generated many comments and reactions, some positive and some negative, which is to be expected with any presidential election—especially this one. Now that the election is over, and whether you are celebrating or mourning the results, I want to offer an empowering perspective on how we can accept reality exactly as it is, take personal responsibility for our lives, and move forward effectively.  The only way I know how is by accepting reality exactly as it is and focusing on the things that are within our control. What other choice do you have? While politicians create policies, they don’t control your growth, your relationships, or your mindset. Only you have that power.  So, I invite you to take a deep breath… and listen to this episode with an open heart and an open mind. I love you so much, and I sincerely hope today’s episode leaves you feeling at peace with the things you cannot change and empowered to focus your energy on the things that you can control.  KEY TAKEAWAYS We all have more in common than we think Focusing on things outside of our control prevents us from moving forward The most important choice we make is how we show up each day Taking full ownership of your life is the first step to real change. Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/560 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2024 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

Last week, I shared the steps for creating an inner reality that’s in sync with who you want to be. This week, we’re taking it one step further and exploring how to build the life you truly want to live by understanding the connection between your inner beliefs and your ability to create your external reality. I will walk you through the practical strategies that helped me escape from feeling unfocused, undisciplined, and unsuccessful to building a life I’m proud of. These are simple strategies you can start applying today in any area where you want to see change, whether it’s relationships, finances, or your health. You’ll learn that creating a life you love doesn’t rely on perfect timing or bursts of motivation. It’s about consistently taking small steps each day that might seem insignificant but will gradually transform the world around you.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Get used to being uncomfortable, that’s where growth happens To have goals that matter, you need a clear picture of where you’re headed Every result you want comes from following a specific process Don’t get caught up in daily wins or losses. Trust the process What you believe internally shapes what you see externally Surround yourself with people and places that inspire and motivate you Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/559 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2024 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

In today’s episode, I’m doing something that I rarely do. This is a throwback to episode# 324, which was all about creating your own reality. The big reason is that this episode will be a perfect setup for next week’s episode, which will focus on creating your own external reality. So stay tuned for that. But first, let’s dive into today’s episode. How would you describe your current reality? Are you primarily experiencing states of love, joy, bliss, and enthusiasm? Or do you find yourself enduring feelings of stress, anxiety, fear, and general negativity – more often than you’d like?  If you’re feeling the latter more than the former, there is no better time than now to remember that your reality is determined by what you focus on—habitually and over an extended period of time—and you have the power within you to create a reality that both feels great and enables you to transform any area of your life.  If you’re feeling anything less than optimum, right now, I want to extend a challenge to you. In today’s episode, I talk about how I’ve transformed my Scribing practice to gain more clarity, solve my problems, and ultimately create the reality I want to live in – and how you can do the same.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The first lesson I learned about personal growth at the age of 19 - and what made me realize how negative my reality had become. How thinking gradually affects us, why it takes us so long to notice, and the exercise I want you to do to clearly understand your current reality. The difference between journaling by hand vs. using a smartphone or computer – and why one may be more effective than the other. . How to envision your new, positive, upgraded reality. Why you should start free writing every day - and why all the wisdom you need is already within you.  Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/558 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2024 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

We all want to feel appreciated, and one of the most powerful ways to show love and gratitude to someone is through the art of gift-giving. Especially when the gift is both incredibly thoughtful and unexpected, which is something I learned from one of the best to ever do it. Today’s episode is a tribute to one of my dearest friends, John Ruhlin, who tragically passed away recently. John was the author of Giftology, a book that has completely transformed how I think about leveraging the power of thoughtful gift-giving to optimize my personal and professional relationships.  John was literally one of the best gift-givers in the world and a great friend to everyone in his orbit. For 25 years, I had the privilege of learning countless things from him. Today, I’m sharing 5 key lessons he taught me on how to build better relationships through the art of radical generosity. When giving someone a gift is done right, it can strengthen the bonds with the people you love and even transform your professional and personal relationships. John made it an art form, and I’m excited to pass on his wisdom to you.  If you’d like to support John’s legacy further, you can get a 70% discount for his Referral Partner Transformation course. All proceeds will go directly to John’s wife, Lindsey, and their four beautiful daughters. KEY TAKEAWAYS Go beyond the usual and create genuine “Wow” moments with your gifts Go all in when it comes to appreciating others Make the gift about them, not you How to make sure your gift hits the mark and with their loved ones too You don’t need to spend a fortune to get the perfect gift  Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/557 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2024 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

Have you ever had times in your life where you feel like you’re taking two steps forward and one step back? Or maybe even three or four steps back? Most people do. But it’s important to remember that personal growth isn’t always a straight line of progress. And nobody is perfect every single day. In today’s episode, I’m sharing two journaling exercises to help you reclaim who you truly are. I’ll encourage you to grab your journal and reflect on a time when you were at your absolute best. Think of everything you’ve overcome and accomplished in your life, and prepare to write a letter to yourself in the 3rd person. This exercise only works if you’re prepared to be brutally honest with yourself. That means being real about how you’re feeling right now and how you feel about the people around you. These two steps aren’t just about identifying where you need to grow emotionally, physically, or spiritually. They’re also about recognizing and appreciating how far you’ve already come so you can move forward with renewed energy and bring the people in your life along for the ride. KEY TAKEAWAYS Acknowledge your challenges instead of running away from them  You can’t solve a problem if you don’t recognize there is one Transform your life by transforming yourself Nobody is perfect every day, and that’s completely OK Sharing your insecurities takes courage and encourages others to do the same  Get The Full Show Notes To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/556 Subscribe, Rate & Review I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world. To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes. Connect with Hal Elrod Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Copyright © 2024 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC