1. Define your future. Describe the life you'd like to
live. The future you see defines the person you'll need to be. Identify the
traits and qualities you'd like to acquire. Think bigger than yourself. An
acorn that only thinks as an acorn will never become a mighty oak. Stretch
yourself. You are undoubtedly capable of more than you ever dreamed is possible
for you.
2. Become the person who would achieve your goals. As you
develop the skills, knowledge, relationships and demeanor of the “future you,”
your goals will be the natural by-product of your growth. Spend an extra hour
each day in the study of your chosen field.
3. Give more than you must. Nothing advances until somebody
does more than they are paid to do. Always deliver more value than others
expect. Don't require others to acknowledge your generosity. Give with
"class."
4. Make time for what you love. If you don't live fully, you
deny the world your potential contributions. Your "play" sometimes
contributes as much as your "work." What you love reveals the value
you bring to the world.
5. Refine
your Inner Circle. We define ourselves through our key relationships.
Explore the mix and depth of those with whom you spend most of your time.
Release those who limit you and connect with those who can help you live more
fully.
6. Resolve your unfinished business. Either deal with it or discard
it. Say your apologies, face your fears, pay your debts, express your gratitude
and get on with living. Don't let yesterday drain value from today and
tomorrow. Break out of the limited world of your past and start to grow.
7. Rethink existing habits and routines. Describe your
typical day and then reconsider every aspect of it. Change or expand the places
you go, people you see, things you do, and the time you devote to each. Try new
things. Learn a new language, go someplace different, do some things you'd
typically pass by. Find out what your possibilities really are.
8. Lighten up. Stop stressing over things that only matter to you
emotionally. When life isn't fair to you, get over it quickly. Take your
misfortunes as "course corrections" rather than
"catastrophes." Let go so you can grow.
9. Tighten up. Sloppiness in life allows more variables to creep in
and spoil your plans. Stay on target, increase your self-discipline, master the
art of self-motivation. Sometimes details matter a lot.
10. Profile yourself. Keep a journal of your goals,
concerns, fears, and dreams. Review it at least once a year. Look for patterns
that reveal your core values, natural velocity, natural intelligences and recurring
situations. Realize how life ebbs and flows for you. Notice the natural cycles
of life. Know yourself.
11. Invest in yourself. Set aside a portion of each
year's income to acquire new tools and teachers to increase your potential.
Refine your systems, get expert coaching, attend special conferences, cultivate
a study group, and appoint a board of advisors. You are your only true asset.
Send part of today ahead to the person you'll be in the future.
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Jim Cathcart is an active motivational speaker and prolific author plus an executive
coach to numerous high achievers.
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