HOW TO THRIVE IN CHAOTIC WORLD

I've noticed an interesting paradox: The most effective,
most successful people I've worked with seem to have two
things in common. They seem comfortable, challenged, even
exhilarated by chaos, and yet they maintain balance and
tranquility in their lives. It's a amazing set of skills!
The most effective people seem to thrive in a world of chaos
and constant change. They understand life is not actually
"chaotic," that the laws of cause-and-effect still apply,
but they live as if turmoil and confusion are normal! They
know that results are based on intelligent action and
focused effort, while they develop superb skills to "play
and win" in a chaotic, often contradictory world.
They are unusually comfortable with ambiguity. They know
they will never have enough information. They know the rules
are often out of date before they are even published, and
yet they thrive.
In the midst of chaos, they go quietly about their business.
When others are losing control, they remain calm. When
others panic, they have a cup of tea and contemplate their
next strategic move. They often move quickly, but always
with a sense of confidence, power and grace. How can
this be?
In this regard, I'm intrigued by the TV show, "Desperate
Housewives." Millions of people identify with the chaos and
confusion of the over-worked mother with hyper-active kids
or the dizzy divorcee.
Obviously the show is designed for drama and ratings, but
what deeply troubles me is the level of wealth, beauty and
"success" the characters seem to enjoy. People with
confused, chaotic lives rarely live that well! The WINNERS
in life do not live with over-whelm and dysfunction. They
have to get things done!
Several things are necessary to thrive in the midst of
chaos:
1. Exceptional boundaries. This is where the "desperate"
housewives go astray because they seem to have no boundaries
at all. Winners close their doors and ignore disruptions.
They turn off the phone and claim their space. They know
where they are going and tolerate few distractions.
2. Exceptional vision. Winners know their priorities and
their desired outcomes. They know what they want and they
can see, taste, smell and almost touch their results in
advance. They have goals and tasks rather than mere hopes or
wishes.
3. Exceptional self-direction. Winners are in charge of
their lives and chaos around them is just that -- other
people's chaos swirling around them, while they maintain an
inner calm. They are not lost or confused about their
values, their priorities, their direction or their most
important daily tasks.
4. Exceptional optimism. They see chaos as opportunity.
Chaos "stirs the pot" and opens doors. Rather than annoying
or frustrating them, they love it! On a wild and windy day,
a rainbow may appear at any moment and they are eager to
welcome it.
5. Exceptional Reserves. They take care of themselves. They
eat well, rest often, save and invest wisely and when
opportunity knocks, they are waiting to answer the door.
They operate from strength and stability, while a chaotic
world wreaks havoc on the competition.
6. Exceptional response-ability. Rather than reacting from
stress, anger, fear or anxiety, they see a magnificent,
ever-changing world and respond quickly to once-in-a-
lifetime opportunities. "Desperate" people react; winners
respond.
John Lennon observed that "life is what happens while you
were making other plans." Life will not wait until we are
ready or until we catch our breath. Winners learn to thrive
on chaos. They see and seize opportunities, and love the
wild ride. They recognize the risks and enjoy the drama,
while operating from a place of inner calm. In a world
swirling with change and chaos, winners keep their balance,
take care of themselves and focus on their goals.

Quotes of the Week
"If you are clear about what you want, the world responds
with clarity." -- Loretta Staples
"Fear is nothing except a drain of energy and not a power
unto itself. Trust in yourself, for therein lies the true
power." -- Lori Hard
"Enthusiasm finds the opportunities, and energy makes the
most of them." -- Henry Hoskins"
"I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it."
-- Jonathan Winters