Start With a Win: The Octagon of Life

Learn how to face adversity and achieve success by adopting the mindset of a UFC fighter, embodying the 'Start with a Win' philosophy. Tony Giordano shares his five-round framework for overcoming challenges in business and life, emphasizing the importance of welcoming setbacks, maintaining a positive mindset, and holding yourself accountable. Throughout the program, we integrate key behavioral principles such as implementation intentions and social proof.

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Program Modules

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Embrace Setbacks as Stepping Stones: Implementation Intentions

Understand why setbacks are inevitable and crucial for growth, reframing failure as a learning opportunity. We'll use implementation intentions to prepare for future setbacks and ensure proactive responses. This module connects back to the 'Start with a Win' theme by setting a foundation for resilience. 'If X happens, then I will do Y'.

Reflect on Past Setbacks and Form Implementation Intentions

Weekly

Identify a past setback and analyze what you learned from it. Write down three key takeaways. Then, create 'if-then' plans to address similar challenges in the future. For example, 'If I face a similar setback, I will immediately review my past lessons and reach out to my support network'.

“There's no such thing as having a life or a business without setbacks.”

reflection
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The Five Rounds to Overcoming Adversity

Apply Tony Giordano's five-round UFC fighter framework to navigate challenges: Size Up, Mindset, Accountability, Heart, and Finish. This module provides explicit scaffolding to guide you through each round, ensuring a clear connection to the overarching 'Start with a Win' theme.

Round 1: Size Up Your Opponent (Challenge)

Weekly

Identify a current challenge and thoroughly research its potential impact. Understand the risks and opportunities. This is your chance to 'Start with a Win' by gaining clarity and knowledge.

“Round one is size up how we're tested.”

reflection

Round 2: Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Weekly

Develop a positive mindset towards the challenge. Visualize yourself overcoming it successfully. Write down affirmations that reinforce your ability to 'Start with a Win'.

“Now I have to have the positive mindset on how I'm going to respond to the adversity.”

reflection

Round 3: Hold Yourself Accountable

Weekly

Set clear goals and hold yourself accountable for taking the necessary steps to achieve them. Track your progress, leveraging the 'Start with a Win' concept by breaking down your goals into smaller, achievable steps.

“How we learn the mistakes we make, we're holding ourselves accountable to achieve our goals.”

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Round 4: Find the Heart to Overcome

Weekly

Develop the resilience and perseverance needed to overcome obstacles. Focus on your 'why' and stay motivated. Connect your personal motivations to the 'Start with a Win' philosophy, reminding yourself of the positive impact of your efforts.

“We have to make sure we have the heart for it to overcome our adversity.”

reflection

Round 5: Finish Strong and Win - Reflect

Weekly

Take decisive action to achieve your goal and celebrate your success. **Critically, reflect on the process and learn from it**, reinforcing the 'Start with a Win' concept for future challenges.

“Finally how we finish is how we win.”

reflection
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Surround Yourself with Success: Social Proof & Balanced Perspective

Recognize the impact of your social circle and prioritize relationships with people who inspire and support your growth (Social Proof). However, also consider potential downsides of only seeking out successful individuals, such as skewed perspectives or increased pressure. Aim to connect with a diverse group of people. This module allows you to 'Start with a Win' by strategically building your support system.

Identify & Connect with Your Support Network (and Mentors)

Weekly

List the people in your life who consistently offer encouragement and support. Make an effort to connect with them regularly. Also identify potential mentors or people whose insights you trust, even if their life experiences are different from yours. Reach out to at least one person on your list this week to reaffirm your shared vision of success. Staggered Reinforcement: Schedule a call with one mentor or support person every 2 weeks.

“I'm going to surround myself by people who have succeeded who will help propel me to all the different things I want.”

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Start Each Day With a Win: Habit Stacking

Implement simple daily habits that set a positive tone for the day, such as making your bed and focusing on affirmations. We'll use habit stacking to integrate these activities into your existing routine. For example, 'After I brush my teeth, I will make my bed and recite my affirmations'.

Make Your Bed (and Habit Stacking)

Daily

Make your bed immediately after getting up. This simple task creates a sense of accomplishment and sets the tone for a productive day. Implement habit stacking by linking this action to an existing daily routine, such as brushing your teeth. Loss Aversion/Endowment Effect: Make your bed AND create a new reward such as a healthy breakfast or a reading your favorite book. If you don't do it, you are missing out on a great experience.

“Start every day by just making your bed.”

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Affirmations

Daily

Recite positive affirmations each morning to cultivate a confident and optimistic mindset. Use habit stacking to reinforce this action by linking it to an existing habit. Staggered Reinforcement: Affirmations should be repeated every morning as you start the day. In addition to points for reciting, earn double points for taking an image of your best 'power pose'.

“And then affirmations and feeling positive.”

reflection

Weekly Reflection

Weekly

At the end of the week, reflect on your daily habits. How did these habits improve your day? What improvements would you like to make?

reflection