Life works best when our environment supports us. We all know exactly what this looks and feels like. Some days we flow, we get stuff done, it feels good! We're at our best. Our energy is high, we're cheerful, confident and productive. If only every day could be like that!
The basic concept is simple: we do best when our environment supports us in achieving our most important tasks. When we are stumbling or fumbling, when we can't find our tools, are interrupted or distracted, our productivity goes down and we get frustrated. Every plant and animal on earth knows this!
Plant a rose bush in rich soil, place it in the sun, add some water and warmth (an ideal eco-system) and it flourishes. In that environment it doesn't struggle, it's not deformed or stressed. It quickly becomes the beautiful, fragrant flower it was meant to be. Move it a few feet into the shade, however, or give it slightly too much or too little water, or add a few bugs and unfortunate things happen.
So it is with us. Here's one of my favorite examples. You are at a beautiful resort. You had a fantastic dinner and enjoyed watching the sunset over some local mountains. Perhaps you enjoyed some wine or nice music and now it's time for bed. You crawl into a luxurious king-size bed, turn off the lights...and hear a mosquito buzzing around your head. How well are you going to sleep with that mosquito in the room? You're in an expensive, luxurious room, everything is wonderful until one tiny bug spoils it.
It's that way in every aspect of our lives.
What happens to your productivity if you consistently sleep on a mattress that's too firm, too soft, or old and lumpy? What happens to your momentum (and your mood) when you find a stain on your best shirt in the morning? Think of the time and energy wasted when you can't find a file you need, or the distraction when you can't find your glasses before an important meeting.
These are the "little things" that make all the difference in our lives. The rule is that as we go up the ladder of success, the offices not only get larger, they are more organized! The offices of highly successful people tend to be extremely productive. Here's a question: Did the people in those offices acquire habits of precision after they got there, or did they get those offices because they had the precision and focus to earn that corner office? I think the answer is obvious. And research confirms it. Highly productive people pay attention to their personal eco-systems!
The President does. Oprah does. Trump does. And so should you.
Success requires precision. It requires the ability to work in an environment that supports and encourages your best efforts. You want systems that get you up early, full of energy and ambition, so you hit the floor ready and productive. You want systems that support you all day long, not just until the phone rings, or someone interrupts or you can't find a file you need. The ideal is to remain focused, effective and productive until you are done or decide to do something different.
Consider the "little things" of your world. Is your closet clean, neat and organized? Is your car reliable, safe and comfortable? Are your bills paid on time? Is your checkbook balanced? Consider your health and fitness--does your body support you in every way it could? At work, do you have the tools, skills and education to be an expert? Is your computer reliable? How about personal boundaries and agreements with the people in your life? Do they know and respect your priorities, your work space and your private time? Is your world filled with things that inspire you, make you smile and lift your spirit?
These are the little things that make huge differences in our lives. Some people go through life frustrated, confused, over-whelmed, feeling like they are running through quicksand. Others design a lifestyle, systems and daily routines that "make it easier to succeed than to fail." They are the folks we meet at the top. I hope to see you there!
Quotes of the Week
"It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things."-- Elinor Smith
"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do
something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." -- Helen Keller"
"If you really want something you can figure out how to make it happen." -- Cher
"A year from now you may wish you had started today." -- Karen Lamb
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