Do You Live By The Acronym CANI?

Have you ever noticed how few people improve their lives? I don’t mean simple natural and even accidental tweaks.

I’m talking about noticeable, tangible improvements.

When I first heard this acronym, I was young and really didn’t understand not only what it really meant but how important it would mean the rest of my life.

I was listening to a cassette series (yeah, I just dropped the word cassette) by Tony Robbins and I absolutely loved it.

I was in my twenties, ambitious, and hungry to learn. The only problem is life hadn’t really challenged me yet and my responsibilities were limited.

But as I got married, had children, changed jobs and basically grew up, I found this acronym became much more of a challenge.

So, you ask, what is the acronym?

CANI = constant and never-ending improvement

You choose the category. And it may be a different area each day. But it’s four letters you choose not to live without once you truly own the acronym.

Here are 3 Key Observations About CANI:

 

1. Improvement Doesn’t Happen By Accident

So little happens on accident especially anything that deals with growth.

It’s not something that you can do when you “have time.” When has anyone ever “had time?”

Don’t believe me?

Have you read, worked, or learned a new skill every time you had time?

Time is relative and always fills itself with ease. It takes the path of least resistance.

So, if the strategy is “I’ll improve when I have time (aka: on accident), good luck with that. It’s in word only not in true application you will improve.

We just need to accept that improvement is just not going to happen all by itself.

2. Improvement Isn’t a One Time Occasion

This may be the case for some people. They learn something because they have to and they’re good. They had their fill.

Take a new job or role for example. The learning curve is high but eventually you figure it out and it’s easy to go on auto-pilot.

But for those committed to “constant and never-ending” improvement, it’s a daily process.

This is just too much work for most people. And hence why most people just stay the same. They log another day off their life with the only gain is their weight.

I’ve not only accepted but embraced that improvement is a consistent process in my life. I desire it and look forward to it.

I can sense when my learning has diminished. It’s like being parched and longing for water. I will sneak even 10 minutes to read something to grow and challenge my mind in some way.

Improvement once in awhile is obviously better than nothing. But it’s like having a healthy salad “once in awhile.” There’s benefit but not what it could be with consistency.

3. Improvement Does Require a Plan

 If you’re truly serious about CANI, it’s going to require a plan. Remember, it doesn’t happen on accident and it’s not a one time occasion.

Let me give you an example. Every day for my early morning rhythm, I journal, read my Bible then spend 30 minutes reading a book. My reading time is vital to my day getting off to a great start.

I also schedule 30 minutes within my day for a learning block. It usually consists of going through an online course or simply reading to develop my potential.

Often I’ll listen to an audiobook while I run or bike for 30 minutes. This is a GREAT way to improve both the body and the mind.

But none of these examples happen on accident nor a one time occasion. They’re part of a growth plan to improve on a daily basis.

They’re intentionally entered into my schedule every single day to make them a constant and never-ending part of my life. CANI in daily practice.

So, do you have a growth plan? If I were to ask you to spell out in detail how you will improve this week, how would you respond?

I encourage you to really think through a growth plan which is a system to implement CANI. You would be surprised of the value of using Think Space to create a growth plan.

Closing Challenge…

Most people would say they’re learners and they improve themselves most of the time. But is it really true?

If I were to look at their schedule over a one month period of time, what would I find? Would I see a pattern of intentional growth or a spot here and there?

Motivated, busy professionals must fully commit to a life of “constant and never-ending improvement” to reach their potential. There is no other way.

So, do you really live CANI? Do you want to?

If so, accept that it won’t happen by accident, it’s constant, and requires a plan.

How much better and richer your life will be as a result of living a life of constant and never-ending improvement!

Closing Questions…

What if you lived your life asking “how can I improve my life today?

What if you ended your day by evaluating “how did I improve today?