Developing a good process and solid work ethic can come from everything you do, not just the one thing you’re trying to accomplish.

For example, you make the bed but wouldn’t tuck the sheets all the way in. Or you clean the house but not pull the lounge out and vacuum under. Or you complete a task to 80% of your ability and then stop when you thought it was good enough.

By cutting corners on the small things and not doing them to the best of your ability, over time you develop a habit of laziness and mediocrity.

It may seem like you’re just skimping on the unimportant stuff, or saving energy for your big tasks, but repetition makes a habit.

Eventually, you get yourself used to the idea that doing most of something is ok, and one day that mentality can cross over into the things you do care about. You’ll wonder why success eludes you, but the answer is in your process. If you do one thing lazily, you’ll do everything lazily.

Of course, there’s a difference between not cutting corners and perfectionism. Trying to make everything perfect will burn you out fast. Just give what you really know you can and avoid the easy way out, even for the little things. You’ll be much stronger for it.

ACTION STEPS: 
In training, here are a few areas to start taking notice of your habits:

1. Warm Ups – Do you simply go through the process without thought, or do you actively engage each individual muscle?

2. The Basics – Do you do them at 80% just because it’s easy and you already know it, or do you still give 110%?

3. New Skills – When trying something new and you’re having difficulty getting it, do you give up. Or do you persist and keep trying?