The InStrive Starter Kit
The InStrive Starter Kit includes an overview of the InStrive philosophy and InStrive Check In, the quickest and easiest way to become InStrive.
The InStrive Philosophy
"How do I become the best me?"
I am not sure if you have asked yourself this question before, but I certainly have. The InStrive philosophy is intended to serve as a structure for you to instill a habit of actively striving to become your best self.
The InStrive philosophy is rooted in building a lifestyle comprised of the following five fundamental principles that make up the InStrive framework:
🦅 Self Discovery
"We look to the outward world for answers far too often. We must look within." - Steven Kampmann, Creator of The Dreams Course
Description
In many ways, self discovery is the ultimate goal of not only this lifestyle and philosophy but life itself. You can not fully be there for others until you are there for yourself. Self care is not selfish.
Taking time to reflect and discover what brings your life meaning, what gives you a sense of purpose and joy, and what you are striving for is vital to living a full life. You know yourself best, but you must make time to invest in yourself and document your life and growth. Obviously, life happens and no one can fully control their life entirely, but you must take time to pause, look within, and discovery your self.
⏳ Intentional Living
"Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” - Lao Tzu
Description
Too often, we get caught up in everyday life and before you know it weeks, months, and years pass us by. The aim of this principle is to turn reflection into action. Strive to be the author of your own life by taking control over how you spend your time and add intention to your day wherever and whenever possible.
Whether it's a morning or nighttime routine, a workout regiment, reading on the subway, getting outside every day for a walk, or calling home more often, there are countless ways to be intentional. Use what you learn from your Self Discovery to determine what intentionality means to you, and turn those findings into action.
❤️ Tip: It is important to know that Intentional Living does not mean you always have to be focused on getting things done. There is intention in a walk to clear your mind, unplugging, meditation, or sleep.
🧠 Mastering Your Mind
“Any metric that seizes your attention but doesn't contribute to your health, well-being, or career is ultimately a distraction.” - Rod Friedman, author of Decoding Greatness
Description
We are too often influenced and affected by the world around us. The essence of this principle is to regain control of your own thoughts through awareness of your attention, your outlook through positive reframing, and your mind and mood through gratitude.
We must make sure our brains are serving our bodies and keep the ego from getting in the way. There are many distractions in this ego driven world, and it takes work to remain focused on what matters most among the noise, temptations, and distractions.
🧰 Lifelong Learning
“The most successful people are lifelong learners; they constantly ask questions and never cease to explore the wonder-filled world around them. Regardless of where you are in life—whether you are fifteen or a hundred and fifteen, whether you are going through a rough patch or are thriving—create an education program for yourself.” - Tal Ben Shahar, author of Happier
Description
The act of continually learning keeps us from becoming stagnant. Never stop learning. Strive to be both a student and teacher - constantly learning when and how to balance each role. Though science shows that it is easier to learn when we are younger, it is never too late to learn something new.
Learning can also overcome fear. What we do not know can be scary or intimidating, but instead of acting on that fear, learn more about whatever it may be that you do not yet fully understand and it will become less scary. In this case especially, learning is doing. As Jim Kwik always says, “knowledge isn’t power, it’s potential power.” Empowerment is the combination of awareness + action.
🧩 Seeking Connections
"I argue that the most powerful thing you can do to add healthy years is to curate your immediate social network. In general, you want friends with whom you can have a meaningful conversation. You can call them on a bad day and they will care. Your group of friends are better than any drug or anti-aging supplement, and will do more for you than just about anything." - Dan Buettner, author of Blue Zones
Description
In an ever lonelier, virtual world, it is absolutely paramount to seek connections. Whether it's a connection with friends, family, neighbors, classmates, or coworkers, social connections are at the core of successful, healthy humans. The deeper the connections, the higher potential for pure magic; however, connections can be both strong and weak - and that is ok. For example, a large network of people you know little about vs a small group of super close, family esque ties each add their own benefits. Learning the type of social being you are is incredibly powerful knowledge. With all else InStrive, it is about balance.
Furthermore, these connections could be spiritual, with nature, or even ideas. Everything is connected, and we often learn things in one aspect of life that can be applicable, creative, or enlightening in others.
The InStrive Check In
Start Striving Today!
If not now, when? - Hillel the Elder
As a first step, grab a notebook or stickie note and simply check in with yourself. An InStrive Check In is comprised of answering questions associated with each of the five principles based on your current life and goals. It can be completed in as short as 15 minutes. The questions below are samples to kick start your first check in - feel free to ask yourself additional questions that align with each principle. There is no such thing as an incorrect answer, all you have to do is answer the questions authentically and honestly. To begin the check in, ask yourself...
🤔 What am I striving for?
It is so easy to be paralyzed at such a big question, but remember that we are all on a lifelong journey of becoming the person we are meant to be so try to stay away from overthinking it - simply answer with whatever comes to mind. Focus on what you are striving for this month, this week, or today.
💡 SMART goals focused on Small Simple Steps building Atomic Habits are highly recommended.
Once you determine what you are currently striving for, complete an InStrive Check In by answering the questions below:
Self Discovery
❓ How will you define and measure success? Make sure it is measurable!
❓ What made you choose this goal? Remember your why.
Intentional Living
❓ Taking my answers from the Self Discovery questions above, what can I integrate into or eliminate from my daily life to turn these reflections into action?
❓ What SMART goal, Small Simple Step, or Atomic Habit am I setting?
Mastering Your Mind
❓ What is distracting me most? What can I do to avoid this distraction?
❓ What are some affirmations or quotes that I can use to help guide me or keep me focused?
Lifelong Learning
❓ Is there anything I want to learn more about? Am I making space in my life to learn this?
❓ What would help equip me with the skills or knowledge needed to reach my goal?
Seeking Connections
❓ Who is someone I would want to connect with more?
❓ Am I making meaningful connections in my life?
🤗 Tip: Having this check in with a close friend, mentor, or confidant is highly recommended. I have found that this can lead to some of the best conversations and deep connections. Plus, striving together builds in accountability.
... so you have your stickie note, now what?
1️⃣ After writing down answers to the questions above, ask yourself how you can create the simplest, actionable steps to start to integrate these reflections into action in your daily life.
2️⃣ Choose a day that you will check in with yourself every month. This is also when you will evaluate how you've done with the action items from your previous Check In.
Did you accomplish what you were striving for?
What weren’t you able to accomplish or integrate into your life yet?
How could you iterate and improve your approach?
Over time, you will begin to see trends and collect enough data to perform deeper analysis, adjust, and iterate.
Congratulations! 🎉
By completing this Check In, you are now InStrive: actively striving to become your best self.
💡 Remember: Give yourself grace and be patient. This is a lifelong journey so do not be discouraged.
"Little by little, a little becomes a lot." - Jim Kwik, author of Limitless