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April 30, 2007
The Entrepreneurial Spirit by Tom Peters
Fred Karl, designer of the Viking range and owner of that company said, "I was a weird kid-I began designing towns when I was 12." We all know that "weird" can be good, if we don't judge others through our lens ... Being weird increases creativity if we allow it to flourish. Fred Karl, founder of Viking Range, let his weirdness flourish abundantly.
Karl's headquarters for Viking is located in his home town of Greenwood, Mississippi. Karl has restored old buildings to house his operations, so not only does his product, the Viking range, generate income for the small Mississippi town, Karl is revitalizing the town through his restoration work. He remembered a bustling place in the '60s that had "gone way downhill" by the time he returned there after a tour of duty in Vietnam. The little town of Greenwood, previously sustained by the cotton industry, wasn't ever going to be the same. But Fred Karl saw the possibilities and brought all his talents to bear to create a new Greenwood.
Fred Karl designed the first Viking range for his wife and hoped that he would sell 1,000 a year; now he sells that many in a week. Just like most startups today, he had little money. Fred Karl bartered his building design skills to obtain office space to work in. The local people called the new range Fred was designing his "Stove Project." What kept his spirit going was the encouragement from the town-support he knew he wouldn't get if he moved to a big city. That little "Stove Project" eventually became the big business of Viking Range.
Feeling a little weird lately? Take time to see where your passion and entrepreneurial spirit is calling you. Even in corporate America, the entrepreneurial spirit must remain alive. That spirit can solve the toughest of corporate problems, if only we let it.
Reproduced with permission from the Your Achievement Ezine
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April 29, 2007
Locking in Your Legacy by Chris Widener (Excerpted from Month 12, Week One of the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan)
Today I want to talk with you about locking in your legacy. If you are going to leave a legacy that impacts people, there is something that you are going to have to come to grips with:
You are going to die.
What? What kind of motivational tool is that, Chris? Real inspiring!
Actually, it is. Our mortality may perhaps be the ultimate inspiration and motivation! If we lived on this earth eternally, we could be procrastinators extraordinaire! We would never have to get anything done because there would always be tomorrow. But alas, we pass on and all we leave are the memories and the lives of others we affected while we were here. Sounds gloomy? In actuality, it is exciting! You see, this gives us purpose - and a deadline (pun intended).
We can choose how we will live on in the hearts and memories of others. We do this by purposing to live NOW in a way that makes change happen not only within us but also those around us.
What kind of legacy will you leave? How will your family and friends remember you? How will you leave your descendants in the following areas? Give some thought to them and make some changes. In doing so, you will begin to lock in your legacy.
Below are some areas that Jim and I are going to cover in detail in the final three weeks. These topics are extremely important - maybe all-important. My intention in the following is to cause you to think - really think - about how you can leave a legacy, and to whet your appetite for the how-to's coming in the next few weeks.
Emotionally:
Have you ever stepped back and asked yourself how you treat other people and how that affects them emotionally? I have four children. I am acutely aware that they are being shaped emotionally by how I treat them and teach them how to deal with the world. I am especially aware of this from my own background. I can directly trace my emotional shortcomings to the emotional coolness I felt from my own family. Are you raising emotionally healthy kids who are both independent as well as interdependent? Are you helping your spouse to grow emotionally? Give this some serious thought.
Spiritually:
In my mind, the "God" question is the most important. You know, I often hear people say that they are just going to let their kids "figure it out on their own." These same people will show them how to shoot a basketball, trade stocks, and build a tree house, all simply temporal issues, but then leave the answers to the most important question up in the air! Now I am not advocating cramming anything down their throats, just taking the time to help them find their way. Are you helping and encouraging those around you to find their spiritual life? Are you living an authentic spiritual life that will be your legacy? Give some serious thought to this.
Physically:
Now I know what you are thinking: I can't change my genes. We got what we got and we have to live with it. To a certain extent this is true. I am 5'11 for the rest of my life. I will never be 6 foot, and neither will my kids. What I am talking about though, is to be examples of taking our physical health seriously. The statistics prove that whatever bad habits you have, your kids are likely to do them as well. Why? Because you are their example. This is why I work to stay physically fit. I work out. I lift weights. I eat right (most of the time - I am a sucker for Breyer's Vanilla Bean Ice Cream). I don't smoke. I want to leave a legacy of good health for my kids. True, they can still go astray, but I will do my best to give them a good example to follow. Give this some serious thought.
Financially:
There are two primary ways you can leave a financial legacy. First, teach your loved ones about how to handle money (some of you may need to learn yourself first). There are just so many good books on the subject that there is no reason for not knowing how to handle money. "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" is a good book to start with, or perhaps "The Millionaire Next Door." These will teach you the basics. Secondly, you can leave an inheritance. Now let me be clear on this. This does not have to be after you die. In fact, the more you have, the more I believe you ought to give away while you are alive. Let's face it, the older you get, the less need you have for money once the basics are taken care of. It always cracks me up that by the time you can afford a big house, your kids are gone and you don't need one! Turn the money over early so you can watch the joy of your loved ones spending, investing and giving it! This is of course predicated upon the assumption that you have first taught them how to handle it. If you have, then you should give it away while you're alive so you can enjoy seeing your legacy in action! Give your financial inheritance some serious thought.
Relationally:
What kind of legacy will you leave in regard to how you interact relationally with people you know? When people look at how you interact with others, will they be better off if they develop the same relational habits? Will your legacy be one of love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and forgiveness? Give the idea of influencing others relationally some serious thought.
Intellectually:
I don't know about you, but I want to challenge people to deeper intellectual thought. In a day and age of "People Magazine" mentalities, we need people who will challenge us to think deeper. Are you doing anything that will challenge your sphere of influence to intellectual gains? Will those left after you are gone say that you made them think in ways they hadn't before? That you challenged them to be smarter? Give this issue some serious thought.
Functionally:
Functionally? Yep. It's a catchall word. It is how you function. How will those you influence actually function? This is to a great degree how you function. Are you well rounded? Are you balanced? Do you keep the main things the main things? Is your life functioning well? Make it your goal to live a balanced, functional life so you can leave a legacy of such. Give your life function some serious thought.
I ended each paragraph with a challenge to think seriously about each. These aren't issues we will solve immediately. They take a lifetime to build and they will ebb and flow. But as you diligently pursue staying on top of them, you will be locking in that legacy you desire to leave behind!
Have a great week!
Chris Widener
Reproduced with permission from the Chris Widener Ezine
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April 21, 2007
Nitty-Gritty Reasons by Jim Rohn
Wouldn't it be wonderful to be motivated to achievement by such a lofty goal as benevolence? I must confess, however, that in the early years of my struggle to succeed, my motivation was a lot more down-to-earth. My reason for succeeding was more basic. In fact, it fell into the category of what I like to call "nitty-gritty reasons." A nitty-gritty reason is the kind that any one of us can have -- at any time, on any day -- and it can cause our lives to change. Let me tell you what happened to me.
Shortly before I met Mr. Shoaff, I was lounging at home one day when I heard a knock at the door. It was a timid, hesitant knock. When I opened the door I looked down to see a pair of big brown eyes staring up at me. There stood a frail little girl of about ten. She told me, with all the courage and determination her little heart could muster, that she was selling Girl Scout cookies. It was a masterful presentation -- several flavors, a special deal, and only two dollars per box. How could anyone refuse? Finally, with a big smile and ever-so politely, she asked me to buy. And I wanted to. Oh, how I wanted to!
Except for one thing. I didn't have two dollars! Boy, was I embarrassed! Here I was -- a father, had been to college, was gainfully employed -- and yet I didn't have two dollars to my name.
Naturally I couldn't tell this to the little girl with the big brown eyes. So I did the next best thing. I lied to her. I said, "Thanks, but I've already bought Girl Scout cookies this year. And I've still got plenty stacked in the house."
Now that simply wasn't true. But it was the only thing I could think of to get me off the hook. And it did. he little girl said, "That's okay, sir. Thank you very much." And with that she turned around and went on her way.
I stared after her for what seemed like a very long time. Finally, I closed the door behind me and, leaning my back to it, cried out, "I don't want to live like this anymore. I've had it with being broke, and I've had it with lying. I'll never be embarrassed again by not having any money in my pocket." That day I promised myself to earn enough to always have several hundred dollars in my pocket at all times.
This is what I mean by a nitty-gritty reason. It may not win me any prize for greatness, but it was enough to have a permanent effect on the rest of my life.
My Girl-Scout-cookie story does have a happy ending. Several years later, as I was walking out of my bank where I had just made a hefty deposit and was crossing the street to get into my car, I saw two little girls who were selling candy for some girls' organization. One of them approached me, saying, "Mister, would you like to buy some candy?"
"I probably would," I said playfully. "What kind of candy do you have?" "It's almond roca." "Almond roca. That's my favorite. How much is it?" "It's only two dollars." Two dollars. It couldn't be! I was excited. "How many boxes of candy have you got?" "I've got five."
Looking at her friend, I said, "And how many boxes do you have left?"
"I've got four." "That's nine. Okay, I'll take them all."
At this, both girls' mouths fell open as they exclaimed in unison, "Really?"
"Sure," I said. "I've got some friends that I'll pass some around to."
Excitedly, they scurried to stack all the boxes together. I reached into my pocket and gave them eighteen dollars. As I was about to leave, the boxes tucked under my arm, one of the girls looked up and said, "Mister, you're really something!" How about that! Can you imagine spending only eighteen dollars and having someone look you in the face and say, "You're really something!"
Now you know why I always carry a few hundred dollars on me. I'm not about to miss chances like that ever again.
And to think it all resulted from my own embarrassment, that when properly channeled, acted as a powerful motivator to help me achieve.
How about you? What nitty-gritty reasons do you have waiting to challenging and provoke you into change for the better? Look for them, they are there. Sometimes it can be as simple as a brown-eyed girl selling Girl Scott cookies.
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
Reproduced with permission from the Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine
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April 20, 2007
Don't Let Conflict Keep You from Success by Chris Widener
Anytime you are making ground and moving toward success, there will inevitably be the opportunity for conflict. That is just a fact of life. You put two people or more in a group and there is potential for conflict - and conflict, improperly handled, can destroy your ability to continue on and achieve your goals.
This is true in many areas of life, from the boardroom to the schoolroom. It can happen in marriage and it can happen between friends and business associates. And when conflict goes bad, success doesn't happen. The good news is that conflict can be healthy and can actually move you closer to success. Success is based on relationships and relationships offer the chance of conflict, so to get success, you must master conflict. So with that in mind, here are some ideas for handling conflict.
When you are the one who is confronting the problem with someone else:
1. Don't assume. Don't assume the worst. Don't assume that they meant what you think they did. Don't assume they know any better. Don't assume they did it on purpose. The fact is that most of the time our assumptions are incorrect and all our assumptions do is cause us to get out of a deeper hole.
2. Ask questions. Since you can't assume anything, you must begin your confrontation by finding out the facts as that person sees them. Here are some questions to ask: What was your intention in saying or doing that (Maybe they had good but misguided intentions)? What were the thoughts behind those words or actions (Maybe they actually have a well thought out position that you hadn't thought of)? Are you aware of how that might have been perceived (Maybe they just missed how that would be seen. Everybody is entitled to blow it)?
3. Tell them how you perceive things, or how you feel, rather than what they did. It is never good to start out with telling somebody, "You did this!" Instead, you can say something like, "I feel like your action may have been better if you would have..." Or, "I think that the way that came across may have been..."
4. Deal with one issue at a time. If they battle back a bit, you may be tempted to say, "Well, that isn't all! As a matter of fact, a number of us here think that you also need to work on..." If there is another issue, then deal with it at a separate time. Too many conflicts go around and around and don't end up solving the original issue. Stick to one point and see it through to understanding.
When someone is confronting you:
1. Don't take it personally. Worst-case scenario, you blew it. But that doesn't make you a bad person. So don't act like they have accused your character (unless they have, in which case you should try to get the conversation back to the facts). When we take things personally we become even more protective and we tend to become defensive and in the end escalate the conflict even more.
2. Don't counterattack. This gets back to dealing with one issue at a time. Don't try to justify or hide from the conflict the person has with you by showing him or her their problems. If they have a problem, great, talk about it later. Don't muddy the waters with debate about who is better, or as the case may be, less guilty. As hard as it may be, let the conversation run its course until it is solved.
3. Ask for some time to give it objective reflection. One way to stop conflict from escalating is simply to ask for time to consider it. Most of the time when people confront us, we had no idea it was coming. Our natural tendency is to fight out of reaction. If we go and think about it, we can be objective and approach the situation objectively, or at least more so.
4. Set a time to get back with them and discuss the issue. Let the person know that you take their concern seriously and that you want to deal with it in a timely manner. Set a time, no more than three days away, to get back together. You will keep from reacting, and they may even find that they had confronted too soon themselves.
Either way:
1. Keep your eye on the big picture. Is this the hill you want to die on? Determine how important this issue really is. Most things simply aren't worth getting too upset about, or so upset that the relationship breaks down. Is a productive business relationship worth sacrificing over the fact that you partner wears too much cologne or their spouse talks loudly at parties? Of course not, but some people go to war over those things. Is your husband worth giving up on because he leaves his underwear on the floor? Now, for the sake of argument, the reverse is true: The other person could wear less cologne or pick up their underwear, because that is an easy way to make the other person happy. Ask yourself if this is really a big deal. If it is, proceed.
2. Always respect the other person as a person. No matter what they have done, they are a person of value and deserve to be treated that way. They are not summed up and defined by their mistake. They have hopes and dreams, fears and worries, strengths and weaknesses. Take some time to picture them outside the office, playing with their kids or doing something fun. This will personalize your issue and keep you from going overboard.
3. Be solution oriented. Whatever you do, don't focus on the problem. Ask yourself and the other person to approach the issue with the idea that you are both working for a solution that will be mutually beneficial. Rather than ask, "Why in the world did you do that stupid thing? What were you thinking?" Ask, "Okay, what is done is done - what can we do to fix this again?" That is much more productive. The goal is to get things going again, not continually punish the other person
Conflict doesn't have to end in a bad way. In fact, it can cause you to develop a deeper and more trusting relationship with the person you have had conflict with. So the next time you have to confront, or you are being confronted, follow the advice above and you will be much further along toward getting through your conflict in a positive way.
Have a great week!
Chris Widener
Reproduced with permission from the Chris Widener Ezine
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April 19, 2007
The 13 Absolutely Unbreakable Laws of Money by Brian Tracy
1. The Law of Abundance: We live in an abundant universe in which there is sufficient money for all who really want it and are willing obey the laws governing its acquisition.
2. The Law of Exchange: Money is the medium through which people exchange their labor in the production of goods and services for the goods and services of others.
3. The Law of Capital: Your most valuable asset, in terms of cash flow, is your physical and mental capital, your earning ability.
4. The Law of Time Perspective: The most successful people in any society are those who take the longest time period into consideration when making their day-to-day decisions.
5. The Law of Saving: Financial freedom comes to the person who saves ten percent or more of his income throughout his lifetime.
6. The Law of Conservation: Its not how much you make, but how much you keep, that determines your financial future,
7. Parkinson's Law: Expenses always rise to meet income.
8. The Law of Three: There are three legs to the stool of financial freedom: savings, insurance and investment.
9. The Law of Investing: Investigate before you invest.
10. The Law of Compound Interest: You become financially independent by investing your money carefully and allowing it to grow at compound interest.
11. The Law of Accumulation: Every great financial achievement is an accumulation of hundreds of small efforts and sacrifices that no one ever sees or appreciates.
12. The Law of Attraction: The more money you save and accumulate, the more money you attract into your life.
13. The Law of Accelerating Acceleration: The faster you move toward financial freedom, the faster it moves toward you.
Reproduced with permission from the Ron White Ezine
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April 18, 2007
Empty Boxes And Orders by Ron White
There are two types of sales professionals. The first type is called the 'It Is Not My Fault Salesperson' and will routinely bring back excuses on why they didn't make the sale to the prospect. The second type is the 'Empty Boxes and Orders Salesperson'. This sales professional is given that name because that is routinely what they bring back empty boxes that used to hold product and back orders for more product.
If you are in sales you must decide which group you will fall into. Now, does this mean that if you are an 'Empty Boxes and Orders Salesperson' that you will one hundred percent of the time bring back empty boxes and orders? Of course not, every now and then you will bring back boxes of product and no orders. However, because you are not the 'It is Not My Fault Salesperson' you refuse to allow yourself to make excuses or blame the situation or prospect for the lack of sales. Instead, you pose the question What could I have done differently to earn their business? What could I have said that I didn't say that might have caused them to move to action?
When you shift the responsibility for making the sale from the prospect to yourself you are shifting your mindset from a victim of sales to a creator of sales. Victims of the sales environment have skinny kids. Creators of a positive sales environment take their kids on exotic vacations.
I recently had a speaking engagement and I sold every single person in the room and sold out of every single product I brought. When I got back to the office I shared with my business partner that I thought I could have done a few things differently to get more sales the next time. He looked at me and smiled and said, 'Ron how could you have done any better? You sold everything that you brought with you and you sold every person in the room!' I kind of smiled and said, 'Yeah, I guess you are right.'
But you know what? That is just my attitude, after every sales presentation that I give I always ask the question, 'How could I have sold more? How could I have made more money?' In other words, what can I do to get better. The 'It Is Not My Fault Salesperson' refuses to ask those probing questions of themselves because in doing so they are admitting that they alone are responsible for the outcome of their income.
Take responsibility for your sales numbers and result and I can't wait until you are brining back empty boxes and orders more often than not!
Ron White
Reproduced with permission from the Ron White Ezine
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April 17, 2007
Good Thoughts Bear Good Fruit by Vic Johnson
"Every thought-seed sown or allowed to fall into the mind, and to take root there, produces its own, blossoming sooner or later into act, and bearing its own fruitage of opportunity and circumstance. Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit." - As A Man Thinketh
My friend, Mark Shearon, once posed a very enlightening question to a telephone audience, "Are you thinking about what you're thinking about?" Read that sentence again and read it carefully. It's not a play on words.
Most people give very little thought to what occupies their thinking and ever fewer people understand that "good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts, bad fruit." Most of us understand the law of sowing and reaping in other aspects of life, but we fail to understand that this same law is just as potent when our thoughts are involved.
A June 1997 story in the Wall Street Journal said that HMOs reported that as much as 70 percent of all visits to a primary care physician are for a psychosomatic illness -- a disorder that involves both mind and body. According to Dr. David Sobel, a primary care physician and author of the highly respected Mind-Body Health Newsletter, only 16 percent of people who visit their physician for common maladies like nausea, headache and stomach upset are diagnosed with a physical, organic cause. That means that a whopping 84% are suffering from an illness that originated in 'Thought'!
These statistics tell us that the majority of people literally think their way into sickness.
If you've never trained yourself in "right thinking," I challenge you to spend today monitoring and recording your thoughts. If your understand the power of thought in your life, at the end of the day you won't be surprised at why your life is where it's at today, be it good or bad.
In 'Make Your Life Worthwhile', Emmet Fox wrote, "The more you think about lack, bad times, etc., the worse will your business be; and the more you think of prosperity, abundance and success, the more of these things will you bring into your life."
The more you think about your grievances or the injustices that you have suffered, the more such trials will you continue to receive; and the more you think of the good fortune you have had, the more good fortune will come to you.
And that's worth thinking about.
Reproduced with permission from Your Achievement E-zine
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April 16, 2007
Thoughts on Financial Freedom by Chris Widener
Hi there, Chris Widener here. Below are some questions to think about, but first a few thoughts on financial freedom and how to find it for yourself.
Financial freedom is a buzzword for our generation. It is the pursuit of literally millions of people. So what is it? Is it that elusive? Can anyone achieve it?
Let me start by saying that this is not about how to earn money, or even more money. Rather, it is about how to find financial freedom, which surprisingly, may or may not involve making more money.
The first step in finding financial freedom is to realize that financial freedom has absolutely nothing to do with how much money you have or make.
What? Exactly. Financial freedom is something that goes on inside of you.
This is why someone who makes very little can be happy and someone who makes a ton can be extremely stressed out over his or her financial situation. So the first step is to realize that financial freedom is more about our attitudes toward money than about the amount of money.
"Okay Chris, I'm with you. So what are the attitudes that provide financial freedom?" Here are a few that keep me in financial freedom.
I do not have to worry about money. I used to catch myself saying, "If I had more money, then I wouldn't have to worry about..." But do you know what? I don't have to worry anyway. I can control my income. I can control my outgo. I can make choices that can alleviate any of my worries. I also realized that things always work out. So why worry? I choose not to worry. I work hard, invest, plan for the future and I do not worry about it.
I can be happy regardless of my financial state. I know people who are worth hundreds of millions of dollars and I know people who don't have two nickels to rub together. Some are happy and some aren't. And none of the people who have a lot of money say to me, "Chris, I've become so happy since I got money." They were happy before they had money and they are happy now that they have money. Their happiness has nothing to do with the money. Billionaire David Geffen once said, "Anyone who says that money will buy them happiness has never had any money."
Money is a means to an end, not the end itself. Another way to look at it is that money is a tool to build the house, not the house itself. I would set some financial goals if I were you, but go beyond that to know what greater purpose there will be when you reach them. What will the house be used for that you build with this tool?
I am free. I am free to earn - some people think it is bad to earn more money. It isn't.
I am free to save - some people believe it is bad to save. It isn't.
I am free to give money away - some people feel they will be better off hoarding it. They won't.
I am free to spend - some people believe that they can't spend anything on themselves. They can.
We are free to make choices. That is financial freedom.
Embrace delayed gratification. Here is the principle: Buy it now and struggle later. Another principle: Delay buying it now, invest the money, and have all you want later on! And you won't even have to touch the principal! We tend to think that having it now will bring enjoyment, but unless you can do it and not cause yourself financial stress, you will actually get more from waiting!
Have more by managing better. The fact is that most of us earn enough. What would be beneficial is to set our priorities and live by a budget. As we get control, our budget will loosen up a bit and we will find ourselves enjoying it more. Money that is already there can be your answer if you put it to work for you.
You can experience financial freedom no matter how much money you have. Granted, it is great to build wealth and that should be our goal, but no matter what level you are currently at, or what level of wealth you ultimately attain, if you keep money in the proper perspective, you can be happy and free.
Questions for Reflection:
Q. Do you have an investment plan? Do you follow it? How well?
Q. Do you have a plan to invest in hard assets? Income producing assets?
Q. What ideas do you have that you can invest in?
Q. Are you investing in your company? If so, how? If you don't have one, have you considered starting one? What would it take for you to step out and do so?
This week take some time and put some thought into your Financial Freedom plan, then take the action necessary to accomplish your Freedom!
Chris Widener
Reproduced with permission from Your Achievement E-zine
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April 15, 2007
Personal Development - The Plan
Hi, Jim Rohn here and welcome to Week Two. Again, what an exciting opportunity to be able to take this next step together on our one-year journey. Last week we discussed the fact that this is indeed a journey, a process, a destination and an adventure that we are taking together. We also introduced our first pillar of success, Personal Development, and the four main components that are our focus this month:
1. The Invitation - We looked at the possibilities and I challenged you to accept the invitation to join me on this unique journey of self-development and discovery where you'll set and reach higher goals, go for your dreams, change certain unpleasant things about yourself and make a significant difference in the lives of others.
2. The Plan - This week we'll talk about the plan. All good things in life are upstream, but the natural flow of life is that downward, negative pull. To combat that downward pull, you need a plan, a map to help you reach your desired destination. We'll talk about the plan and break down the keys to creating and following a successful plan.
3. Association and Influence - We are affected by everything around us, including what we read, what we watch, who we talk with and who we spend time with. It all plays a part in how we view our world, our relationships, our opportunities but mostly ourselves. Next week we'll discuss the importance of our associations and the influence they have.
4. Learning and Education - All 12 Pillars of Success we'll be studying over the next year will involve personal development, becoming a student and learning. This is the foundation -- one of the basics or fundamentals to becoming more, to having more and to doing more, and we'll cover this key aspect in two weeks.
Bonus Point - Personal Development is about having a Celebration; creating your own unique, only-you-deserve-it-because-you-did-it, one-of-a-kind celebration!
We will cover each of these 4 points in depth this month. Last week we discussed the invitation, and now this week I congratulate you on accepting this invitation to be, do and have more in your life. The Bible says if you search you will find, and that is what you and I are in the process of doing. We have accepted the invitation to be seekers so that we can now be finders of the better things that life so openly offers to those who choose to partake in the process. This next year, let's see what we can do with the soil, seed, sunshine, rain and the miracle of possibilities to turn what we have into a life filled with the equities of treasure, family relationships, enterprise, gifts galore and everything that you want.
Now let's move on to this week's topic - The Plan.
As we all know, our results are only as good as our plan. Mr. Shoaff taught me that it's not what happens that determines the major part of our future, because what happens, happens to us all. Instead, he taught me that the key is what we do about it. If we start the process of change by developing a plan, doing something different in this next year than we did the previous year, it won't matter how small those efforts start. Start doing different things with the same set of circumstances - the ones we've always had and cannot change - and see what miracles occur. If we start the miracle process and change ourselves, then everything changes. And here's what is interesting, the difference between success and failure is so subtle. Let me explain by giving you my definitions of failure and success. Here it is: Failure is a few Errors in judgment repeated everyday. The man says, "Well I didn't walk around the block today and it didn't kill me, so it must be okay." No, no, it is that kind of error in judgment that after six years has him out of breath and panting as he walks from his car to his office. You can't make those kinds of mistakes; it will end up costing you.
Now, here is my definition of success: A few simple Disciplines practiced every day. Do you see the distinction? A few disciplines... Here's a little phrase we've all heard, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." And my question to you is, "What if that's true?" How simple and easy is that plan?
The fact is, when you look at successful people, you will almost always discover a plan behind their success. They know what they want, they work out a plan that will get them where they want to go, and they work their plan. It is the foundation for success. We as humans have the unique ability to affect change in our lives; it is through our own conscious choice when we engage in the miracle process of personal development that we are able to transform our nature and our lives.
We want this first year in our program to be a success for you - a smashing success - and we know that means you will need to have a plan, and then methodically work that plan. It is the combination of the materials and your open attitude towards learning, driven by the diligent following of a plan that is right for you, that will make this year the kind of success we know you want it to be. So let me challenge you to be no less sincere, be no less committed to the advancement of your philosophy, the set of your sail, your plan.
So, what are some good ideas on developing a plan that will work well and take you to the finish line powerfully and in style? Here are some major points to keep in mind (Chris will give you the action steps at the end):
Develop the Plan for You. Some people are very detail oriented and they will be able to follow an intricate plan closely. Others are a little more "free-wheeling" and not really "detail" people. That is okay too. In all the years of my speaking to audiences worldwide, people have asked the question, "what plan is the right plan?" And my answer, the plan that fits you. Your plan, the one you develop that is unique to you and for you. You see, each of us is unique and motivated by different factors and you've got to develop one that is right for you and fits you. Some plans will not be as intricate as others but we all must have a plan, along with goals in that plan, to move us along the program. If you are a free spirit type, don't tell yourself you are going to spend 2 hours a day with a book and tapes and journal. It probably won't happen and you will get discouraged! Whatever your personality, your strengths and your weaknesses, develop the plan around them! This is not a one-plan-fits-all proposition.
Establish Times to Spend Working on the Material. It may be every Sunday night. It may be 20 minutes each morning. It may be in the car listening to the CD's every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Whatever it is, set the times and do it. In your step-by-step plan, put down points that you can accomplish every week. They should be specific and achievable. Develop the discipline and take those steps everyday, which will move you closer to your goals and where you want to be.
Keep a Journal. Take notes. It may be on paper, it may be on a micro-recorder. Mr. Shoafff taught me not to trust my memory, but to write it down, to find one place to gather the information that affects change. And that advice has served me well all these years. Record the ideas and inspiration that will carry you from where you are to where you want to be. Take notes on the ideas that impact you most. Put down your thoughts and ideas. Brainstorm with yourself on where you are going and what you want to do. Record your dreams and ambitions. Your journals are a gathering place for all the valuable information that you will find. If you are serious about becoming wealthy, powerful, sophisticated, healthy, influential, cultured, unique, if you come across something important write it down. Two people will listen to the same material and different ideas will come to each one. Use the information you gather and record it for further reflection, for future debate and for weighing the value that it is to you.
Reflect. Create time for reflection -- a time to go back over, to study again the things you've learned and the things you've done each day. I call it "running the tapes again" so that the day locks firmly in your memory so that it serves as a tool. As you go through the material in this plan, you will want to spend time reflecting on its significance for you. Regularly set aside time - here are some good guidelines for times to reflect: At the end of the day. Take a few minutes at the end of each day and go back over the day - who'd you talk to, who'd you see, what did they say, what happened and how'd you feel, what went on. A day is the piece of the mosaic of your life. Next, take a few hours at the end of the week to reflect on the week's activities - I would suggest at least one half-hour. Also during that weekly time, take a few minutes to reflect on how this material should be applied to your life and circumstances. Take a half day at the end of the month and a weekend at the end of the year so that you've got it so that it never disappears, to ensure that the past is even more valuable and will serve your future well.
Set Goals. While we are going to cover this soon enough in upcoming weeks, let's just remember that your plan is the roadmap for how you are going to get to your goals, so you have to have them. Of all the things that changed my life for the better (and most quickly), it was learning how to set goals. Mastering this unique process can have a powerful affect on your life too. I remember shortly after I met Mr. Shoaff, he asked me if I had a list of my goals, and of course I didn't. He suggested to me that because I lacked a set of clearly defined goals that he could guess my bank balance within a few hundred dollars... and he did! Well, Mr. Shoaff immediately began helping me define my view of the future, my dreams. He taught me to set goals because it is the greatest influence on a person's future and the greatest force that will pull a person in the direction that they want to go. But the future must be planned, well designed to exert a force that pulls you towards the promise of what can be.
Act. Act on your plan. What separates the successful from the unsuccessful so many times is that the successful simply do it. They take action, they aren't necessarily smarter than others; they just work the plan. And the time to act is when the emotion is strong. Because if you don't, here's what happens - it's called the law of diminishing intent. We intend to act when the idea strikes us, when the emotion is high, but if we delay and we don't translate that into action fairly soon, the intention starts to diminish, diminish and a month from now it's cold and a year from now it can't be found. So set up the discipline when the idea is strong, clear and powerful - that's the time to work the plan. Otherwise the emotion is wasted unless you capture the emotion and put it into disciplined activities and translate it into equity. And here's what is interesting: all disciplines affect each other; everything affects everything. That's why the smallest action is important -- because the value and benefits that you receive from that one little action will inspire you to do the next one and the next one... So step out and take action on your plan because if the plan is good, then the results can be miraculous.
Like we said last week, we are at the beginning of a fantastic journey that is going to help us become all that we want to - so let's get going!
Until next week, let's do something remarkable!
Jim Rohn
Reproduced with permission from Your Achievement E-zine
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