We have all heard that "we
become what we think about
most", and that in the long run, we usually do get what we
expect in life.
We know that these familiar sayings are true and that they
make a powerful difference in achieving our goals. We know
that when a child focuses on a new toy, talks about it all
the time, shows their parents pictures of it, points it out
at the store and writes a letter to Santa Claus about it,
the chances that they will eventually get the toy expand
dramatically. Every kid knows this.
So why don't adults follow the same principles?
Consider that last month, IMPACT readers spend hours
planning and organizing their holiday. We
will be on the phone with relatives. We'll debate the menu
and decide who brings the deserts and who will slice the
turkey. We'll shop and clean house, we'll make travel
arrangements and coordinate schedules so dinner won't
interrupt a critical football game. Holiday is
important, and we plan accordingly.
Then, right after holidays, we'll do it all over again
for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and New Year's. We'll
debate whether to fly or drive to the Grandparents, we'll
budget for gifts and plan parties. In a few short weeks,
readers had invested close to a million
hours planning holidays that arrive every year, on schedule
and without surprise.
In comparison, how many hours do you spend designing the
life you really want?
We all know that successful people set goals, develop
plans, then follow their plans to success. We know this.
No one thinks Olympic athletes win medals by accident. No
one believes politicians get nominated and elected by
coincidence, and no one believes Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey
or Steven Spielberg got where they are by "luck". We know
better than that!
This week, take time to consider where you're going in
life. Over the week, take some time off, find a
library, beach, coffee shop or kitchen table and do the
hard work of deciding what you really want this year.
Here are some specifics:
1. Get a year at a large 2019 calendar. Make sure it's
big enough to write on. You'll need it to set priorities
and make realistic plans.
2. Get a notebook. Any schoolbook will do, but use paper
and pen, jot notes and think on paper.
3. List at least 100 things you want to do, see, have,
achieve or become in the new year. List it ALL - from
saving money to losing weight to starting a business and
planning your vacations. Write it all down.
4. Ask the important people in your life to review the
list and help you sort it out.
5. Pick your top 10 priorities and create a written plan
to achieve them. Schedule dates and budget time and money.
Put them on the calendar and make them happen.
Your life is at least as important as a holiday party, so
put time and effort into designing the life you really
want. Your life is work of art, it's the thing you get to
develop with all your heart and soul and talent and skill,
so do it right. Put some thought into it. Develop a
written plan, then work your plan. Make 2019 your best
year ever!
most", and that in the long run, we usually do get what we
expect in life.
We know that these familiar sayings are true and that they
make a powerful difference in achieving our goals. We know
that when a child focuses on a new toy, talks about it all
the time, shows their parents pictures of it, points it out
at the store and writes a letter to Santa Claus about it,
the chances that they will eventually get the toy expand
dramatically. Every kid knows this.
So why don't adults follow the same principles?
Consider that last month, IMPACT readers spend hours
planning and organizing their holiday. We
will be on the phone with relatives. We'll debate the menu
and decide who brings the deserts and who will slice the
turkey. We'll shop and clean house, we'll make travel
arrangements and coordinate schedules so dinner won't
interrupt a critical football game. Holiday is
important, and we plan accordingly.
Then, right after holidays, we'll do it all over again
for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and New Year's. We'll
debate whether to fly or drive to the Grandparents, we'll
budget for gifts and plan parties. In a few short weeks,
readers had invested close to a million
hours planning holidays that arrive every year, on schedule
and without surprise.
In comparison, how many hours do you spend designing the
life you really want?
We all know that successful people set goals, develop
plans, then follow their plans to success. We know this.
No one thinks Olympic athletes win medals by accident. No
one believes politicians get nominated and elected by
coincidence, and no one believes Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey
or Steven Spielberg got where they are by "luck". We know
better than that!
This week, take time to consider where you're going in
life. Over the week, take some time off, find a
library, beach, coffee shop or kitchen table and do the
hard work of deciding what you really want this year.
Here are some specifics:
1. Get a year at a large 2019 calendar. Make sure it's
big enough to write on. You'll need it to set priorities
and make realistic plans.
2. Get a notebook. Any schoolbook will do, but use paper
and pen, jot notes and think on paper.
3. List at least 100 things you want to do, see, have,
achieve or become in the new year. List it ALL - from
saving money to losing weight to starting a business and
planning your vacations. Write it all down.
4. Ask the important people in your life to review the
list and help you sort it out.
5. Pick your top 10 priorities and create a written plan
to achieve them. Schedule dates and budget time and money.
Put them on the calendar and make them happen.
Your life is at least as important as a holiday party, so
put time and effort into designing the life you really
want. Your life is work of art, it's the thing you get to
develop with all your heart and soul and talent and skill,
so do it right. Put some thought into it. Develop a
written plan, then work your plan. Make 2019 your best
year ever!
No comments:
Post a Comment