Minute With Mallon: The 30-Second Habit That Changes Everything

Something I Taught:

Today I was working with a client and by the end of our session we had identified three specific goals for the quarter. I showed him a sheet I’d be sending and asked him to frame it and keep it on his desk. His daily assignment? Spend 30 seconds each morning reading those three goals out loud to himself—every day, without fail!

Then I told him that this was just like a heat seeking missile. 🚀 My client is a very busy person and every single day he has countless things coming his way they can easily distract him.

Reading your goals daily and out loud (if possible) is one of the most powerful habits for staying focused, motivated, and aligned. Here are six compelling reasons why this is important for you to do:

🔹 1. It keeps your goals top of mind.

Reading them daily keeps your most important priorities from getting buried under distractions and busy work.

🔹 2. It programs your mindset.

Speaking your goals out loud engages your reticular activating system— the brain’s filter for what to notice and act on— helping you stay alert to opportunities and progress.

🔹 3. It reinforces belief and ownership.

When you say something out loud, it moves from idea to intention. You don’t just think it— you start to own it.

🔹 4. It builds daily alignment.

Reading your goals each morning (or night) helps you make better decisions throughout the day— what to say yes to, what to say no to, and where to focus your energy.

🔹 5. It builds momentum.

Daily repetition helps you track progress more intuitively and course-correct quickly if you’re drifting.

🔹 6. It creates clarity during chaos.

In stressful or busy seasons, your goals can serve as an anchor. Reading them aloud is like hitting “reset” on your focus and direction.

So here’s the challenge: For the next 30 days, read your goals out loud every morning. Put them where you’ll see them. Speak them with confidence.

You’ll be amazed at how fast clarity turns into action.

Something to Ponder:

"The fastest way to lose your peace of mind is to give someone a piece of yours."

Jefferson Fisher

Something I Learned: 

Want to learn how to say "No" the right way? In his book, "The Next Conversation," Jefferson Fisher talks about the correct order of saying no.

Jefferson says this:
“There’s a better way. To start building your confidence through saying no to simple invitations and social offers, try these three steps:

Step 1: Say no. ‘I can’t.’ ‘I won’t be able to.’ ‘I need to say no / I need to take a pass.’ ‘I made a promise to myself that…’

Step 2: Show gratitude. ‘Thank you for inviting me / including me / thinking of me.’ ‘That’s so kind of you / that means a lot.’ ‘I appreciate you asking me.’ ‘I’m flattered / honored.’

Step 3: Show kindness. ‘Sounds like a wonderful time!’ ‘Hope it goes well! / I know it will be great!’ ‘I’ve heard good things about…’ ‘Hope you’re doing well!’ 

This sequence works for several reasons.

First, you begin with the no because it’s direct, and direct is kind.

Second, you layer the no with gratitude, which acknowledges the value of the gesture and also reciprocates thoughtfulness. By saying no and then using gratitude, you remove the need to use but in your response.

Lastly, ending with a statement of kindness finishes the response on a more pleasant note.”

Great advice there from Jefferson!  I highly recommend the book and hope this helps you too!

Something I Saw:

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Hope you have an incredible week! 

Robert