Preparation is everything. Noah did not start building the ark when it was raining.
~Warren Buffett
Commonly espoused amongst the self-development industry are the importance of written goals. By transitioning a concept or idea in your mind to something physical…ink on paper or text on a computer screen, you have tapped into one of the legacy building secrets. This step represents a forward step in the pursuit of your idea.
Have you already experienced the power of written goals? Think back to one of your most productive life experiences or projects. Chances are you were operating within the framework of a written plan.
For me, I know this holds true. Early in my career, I became a big fan of Steven Covey system of products. And, I highly recommend his books & other products to anyone who has not found them already.
Covey teaches a systematic (& brilliant) method of identifying & leveraging the most important roles you play in life. He teaches to begin with the end in mind, and make concrete plans to pursue your objectives. Covey taught me to self-reflect on a weekly basis on my progress and schedule the most important things FIRST on my calendar. Otherwise, life has the means to fill your time quickly with distractions.
Of course you have heard a friend or co-worker (or even YOURSELF) say the following: “I really wanted to get to project ABC…but there just wasn’t enough time!”
Or, "I've always wanted to take the family on vacation to XYZ...oh well, maybe some day when the time is right."
Make no mistake. The so-called lack of time represents a CHOICE not to pursue project ABC or vacation XYZ. Not a conscience decision most likely, but one where the subconscious did not place a high priority on the effort.
In this case, because of a lack of Brain Train……the unconscious mind took over. The lack of Brain Train combined with a lacking Will to Win….and the effort to “plan” is little more than a superficial excuse to appear to be focused. If not to fool others…to fool yourself.
Your unconscious brain might fight these charges…Leave me alone! This is comfortable.
Building up your will to win and gaining control of your brain IS the critical starting point. Then, taking the initiative to plan your effort becomes a genuine necessity.
I recommend identifying a mix of short & long-term goals. You’ll certainly want a long-term legacy theme. And, in addition, it would be wise to charter yourself with a mix of 5-10 year goals along with annual goals to accomplish.
Like many people, I simply choose the New Year timeframe to self-evaluate the prior year and sketch out the new year’s goals. For years that I have gone through this process…my accomplishments greatly outweigh the years I did not.
By a landslide.
But don’t make the mistake I have made some years…in filing away that written steering document. Keep it handy. Memorize it. In fact, you’ll want to make the practice of reminding yourself of your goals each and every day. Whether its repeating a mantra to yourself after brushing your teeth. Or, displaying pictures depicting your goals on the bathroom mirror….do SOMETHING to keep your vision, goals, and plans integrated into your daily routine. Run to BestArt.comand pick up an inspirational piece of artwork that connects with your legacy & will you a daily power-boost.
Now that you have a reminder system to reinforce your plans...let's revisit the most critical step...
Execute.
Every day, plan something that enables forward progress to your plans. Don't mind looking for progress...you won't perceive much gain. But it's there.
On those days (and they will come) when the waves of life are crashing against your ships hull and you're feeling the crush of LIFE bashing your spirit...fight back. No matter how small the something is...get something done. Read through your plans. Say a 30 second prayer to ask for help. Take a moment to plan a better day tomorrow.
Convert some element of your vision into a physical counterpart...like a task list. Or self-reflect on what went wrong with your day? Why is it your time escaped? Who is responsible for taking your time? What can you do differently to recapture your time?
I often think of life as an hourglass. The sand on top is the future and each speck represents a moment. The sand below, the past. The present is that pinch point in the middle of the hourglass. Everyone only has the capacity to handle one piece of sand at a time.
So did you ever wonder how the most successful people you know seem to do it? Where do they get so much time?
It's terribly simple really...
They focus on the NOW.
Right this very second, you are CHOOSING or NOT choosing what to do with your life...in this moment.
Many people live in the past...complaining about how things have changed and/or how great it "used to be". Trapped in the bottom of the hourglass and wasting away their real life which is taking place in the middle.
Others are trapped up above. If they're pessimists...they are anxious about the future. There's too much to do! I can never get to it all. If optimists...they may fall into the trap of dreaming too long. Dreaming is great to identify your long-term plans...but many fall prey to the idea that they just need to keep looking for that one really good piece of sand. Some day I'll get lucky and find it up there!
Meanwhile...without focus on the present, key pieces of sand stop falling through, or those that do have untapped potential.
The secret to life is that you must process the moments as they come to you. THIS is the only way to get to that really special piece of sand hidden somewhere way up above. In the corporate world, it's termed "analysis paralysis" and it's costing companies billions of dollars in revenue...while they're busy wishing& dreaming for millions.
Don't make the same mistake.
Leverage dreams to lift your spirits and solidify your goals and plans. AND THEN, shift gears into executing your plans.
DO THIS...and plan time to renew your efforts, and your legacy is assured.
system of products. And, I highly recommend his books & other products to anyone who has not found them already.