10 Commitments

Most people are aware of the 10 Commandments from the Bible.    At a high level, the 10 Commandments provide guidelines for moral living.  A lot of the focus is on what you should not do.  Regardless of your religious beliefs, the 10 Commandments can help with sound life principles. 

However, this week's post will deal with a different set of 10 directives.  What are the 10 Commitments that you are willing to make to in order to have what you want?  The following suggestions might help you get started on your list.

1. Commit to pursuing opportunity.  Don't wait for opportunity to knock.  Place yourself in the path of opportunity so that it can't miss you. 
2. Commit to start.  Often, the emphasis is on finishing what you start.  However, there are many times where you never even start on things due to fear, time, money, etc.  You will never know how long it will take you to finish if you don't start. 
3. Commit to accountability.  When there are issues, look first for your role in causing the problem before assigning blame to others.
4. Commit to awareness.  Pay attention to what is said, shown, and done.  Also note what or who may be missing.  Being aware of your environment and what influences it allows you to make informed decisions.   
5. Commit to consistency.  Practice may not make you perfect; but it does make you prepared.  Routines are important to help you sharpen your strengths and develop your weaknesses.
6. Commit to balance.  Don't let any one area of your life take all of your time.  Family, friends, work, school, volunteerism, and relaxation are all important. 
7. Commit to authenticity.  Be who you are, not who you think you should be or who others want you to be.  You are valuable, worthy, and blessed.
8. Commit to your vision.  As you encounter setbacks and experience disappointment, remember the big picture. 
9. Commit to consideration.  Before you react or respond, consider the source, location, motive, and significance of the report.  Don't be impulsive.  Pause and consider if you even need to spend time on it.
10. Commit to respect.  Give it to others and command it for yourself.  Respect time, points of view, intentions, differences, efforts, and accomplishments.

Leave a comment and share what you will commit to this week.

 

Training Wheels

Do you remember your first bicycle?  Did it have training wheels on it?  Training wheels help a rider to maintain balance as they learn how to use a new mode of transportation.  They are temporary and should be removed at some point as skill level and confidence grows.  They enable you to increase your comfort level before you take full control of the bike.  Don't use them as an excuse as to why you are moving slowly or falling behind.

While you may no longer ride a bicycle, there are probably other figurative training wheels that can help you in life.  They may include:  relationships, health, finances, failure, and vision. 

• Relationships include family, friends, love, work, neighbors, etc.  Your relationships should help you grow. However, sometimes they can hinder you.  Know the difference between the people that are holding you back and the ones that are pushing you forward.
• Health (physical and mental) impacts everything that you want to do.  Everyone has health setbacks periodically.  Take the necessary steps to deal with and manage your health challenges.  Once things are under control, continue to pursue your goals. Don't use your health as an excuse for not doing things.
• Finances are often an obstacle to achieving your dreams.  Have you ever said "I don't have the money" or "I can't afford it" about something that will help you reach your goals?  While it is smart to budget wisely and live within your means, don't use money as an excuse for not doing things that will help you develop.  Instead of focusing on the finances you don't have, look at what you spend and what is truly a necessity and what is optional.
•  Failure often exposes your weaknesses and identifies things you can do better.  It can also introduce fear and cause you to not try again.  Use it to help you improve your approach, skills, and strategy.  Failure is the blueprint for success.  What went wrong is the foundation for what will go right. 
• Vision can limit you if you're only concerned with what you can see right now.  Be forward thinking.  Use virtual binoculars to see what's ahead of you, but out of sight.  You can be better prepared for what's coming if you get a sneak peek.  Get connected with the right people that can provide accurate forecasts concerning where you want to go.

Leave a comment and share what training wheels you will remove this week.

Think Like A ....

Did you read the best selling book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man?  Maybe you saw the hit movie based on the book, simply entitled Think Like a Man.  Both the book and movie dealt with relationships.  While that is a popular topic, all of your thoughts cannot be focused on that aspect of life.  Instead of thinking like a specific gender, use roles or products to model your thoughts after and to influence your actions.  Try to think like some of the following for your growth and development:  winner, lawyer, candle, helper, and tailor.

• Think like a winner, not a whiner.  Winners think of ways to make it happen.  They take risks and accept responsibility.  Whiners complain about having to do the work.
• Think like a lawyer, not a liar.  Lawyers know the rules and use them to their advantage.  They are able to negotiate, influence, and compromise.  Those are three key qualities for reaching your objectives.  Liars know the truth, but seek to gain power by withholding it from others.
• Think like a candle, not a canyon.  Candles provide portable light to help you take inventory of your environment.  Find ways to enlighten others and assist them with their vision.  Canyons lead you down to the bottom and represent a large void that can overwhelm you.
• Think like a helper, not a hater.  Helpers are part of the solution.  They are on your side and want you to meet your goals.  Haters cause problems.  They look for and find fault.
• Think like a tailor, not a tyrant.  Tailors are able to adjust the size and fit of things for people.  They provide a service that adds value to others.  Tyrants are not flexible.  They are concerned with their comfort and what works for them.

Leave a comment and share what you will think like this week.

Energy Drinks

How do you approach each day?  Do you wake up excited to go to work, school, or any other place on your schedule?  Or do you dread the tasks that make up your normal routine?  Is the sky your limit or have you reached your ceiling?  The answers to all of these questions often depends upon how you feel.  If you are physically or mentally tired, you might be easily distracted. Energy drinks are an option to help people remain alert and engaged.  Red Bull and 5 Hour Energy are two popular ones.  However, sometimes there are other figurative things that you can drink to help you. 
To re-energize yourself, try a drink made from decisions, requests, indicators, notes, and kudos.

Decisions - Uncertainty can cause you to delay committing to a plan of action.  When you continually change your mind about something, it may feel like you are going in circles.  That can be tiring.  Make a decision.  You won't know if it is the right one until you commit to it.  Challenge is a natural energizer. 

Requests - Ask for help, information, or a break when you need it.  Don't confuse independence with initiative.  Your drive, contribution, and credibility are not diminished when you involve others.  Assistance can strengthen your efforts.  Rest will improve your focus.

Indicators - Know the signs that point to a low energy level for you.  There are obvious things like irritability or slow movements.  However, you might have other indications that are specific to you.  Are you more forgetful?  Do you lose your appetite?  Recognize your indicators early so that you can pause and recharge.

Notes - Don't try to remember everything.  It takes too much effort.  Write down key points.  Calendars are important tools to help you manage your energy.  Energy = time, intent, and opportunities. 

Kudos -  Let others know when they do something well.  Excellence can be contagious.  Acknowledging achievement may encourage you to succeed. 

Leave a comment and share what parts of the drink help you to stay energized.

 

Waiting Room

When was the last time you were in a waiting room?  Was it the doctor's office, auto service, DMV, or some other place?  The thing that all waiting rooms have in common is that at some point you are called to leave them.  Waiting is a temporary state.  It implies that there is something else coming.  Waiting doesn't have to necessarily be a bad thing.  There are times when the word "wait" precedes positive instructions for you.  The dictionary defines wait as:

/weɪt/ Show Spelled  

1. to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens  
2. to be available or in readiness
3. to remain neglected for a time 
4. to postpone or delay something or to be postponed or delayed
5. to look forward to eagerly

You can't wait for something indefinitely.  Continuous waiting can turn into procrastination.  Wait with purpose, not frustration.  There is a methodology to successful waiting.  Try these waiting concepts:

• Wait on the connection between your intent and your impact.  When your actions begin to produce desired results, stop waiting and start moving.
• Wait for experience to replace mistakes.  That doesn't mean you won't do anything wrong.  It means that when you stop focusing on what went wrong and pay attention to what was learned, you can move forward.
• Wait with wisdom, not with worry.  Know that good things are in store for you after the waiting.  Use what you do know to balance the concern over the unknown.
• Wait inside of your intentions, not on the outside of opportunities.  If you want to do something, get in position for it.  Approach it in segments, or phases.  Don't wait for the perfect time or for everything to be ready. 
• Wait before dismissing negative feedback.  Everyone that disagrees with you is not a hater.  Constructive criticism helps you to improve and succeed.  Take time to honestly assess if what was said can help you.

  Leave a comment and share which waiting tip you will use this week.

 

Free Checking

The term "free checking" may make you think of a benefit offered by your bank.  It might mean there is no fee to maintain your account.  In some cases, you may actually be able to order checks at no charge.  It is a service that is provided to you by the financial institution.  However, there is another type of free checking that you can do for yourself.  It does not involve your money, but instead focuses on your mind.  Make a conscious effort to check the following things on a regular basis:  priorities, assumptions, momentum,   obstacles, and communication. 

• Priorities may change over time.  They need to be checked to confirm they fit your current environment and circumstance.  What was important 3 months ago may not hold the same significance today. 
• Assumptions can be helpful for planning purposes. However, they should be checked regularly to see if they still hold true.  Don't base the core of your strategy on unproven assumptions.
• Momentum can provide a temporary advantage.  Check to make sure you have it before making pivotal decisions.  If it has shifted to someone else, your options may be impacted.
• Obstacles are a normal part of life as you pursue your goals.  As you make adjustments to deal with them, check to see if they still pose a problem.  Don't waste time worrying about issues that are no longer in your way.
• Communication is a key tool to help you facilitate your success.  Check with others to validate that the format, frequency, and tone are delivering the desired message that you want to convey.  If what you say is not easy to understand, you might not be effective in what you are trying to do.

Leave a  comment and share what you will check this week.

 

 

Believe In Yourself

Do you believe in yourself?  Did you automatically answer yes?  Did you take time to consider what the question means?  The key word is "believe".  Consider the people or things that you may believe in - love, family, friends, faith, political candidates, coaches, teammates, or the American dream.  Is it possible to really believe in anything else if you don't first believe in yourself?  The dictionary defines believe as:

 

 

 

1

a: to have a firm religious faith

b: to accept something as true, genuine, or real 

2

: to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something 

3

: to hold an opinion : think 

The word can also be defined by looking at what each letter can represent.

B - Break bad habits and Build productive relationships
E - Embrace change and Expect benefits
L - List your goals and Launch a strategy to reach them
I  - Invest time to develop yourself and Improve your confidence
E - Establish permanent focus and Endure temporary distractions 
V - View the big picture and Value the experience gained from setbacks
E - Emerge from failure and Evolve to meet the next opportunity

Leave a comment and share which letter you will use this week to believe in yourself.

 

Your Move

When you play board games, you may hear someone say "your move".  It is a common phrase in checkers, chess, and other games where you take turns.  It means it is your chance to react to what has just been done by another person.  That may be okay for a fun game of Scrabble or Monopoly.  However, when you are talking about reaching your goals, it is better to be proactive instead of reactive.  You want to determine your next move based on where you want to go, not on where someone else wants you to be.

1. Move obstacles with your mentality, not your might.  Your attitude and approach to a situation will often influence people to cooperate with you.
2. Move forward with intent, not indifference.  Define your objectives and how you will measure them.  Don't pursue things without a plan.  When you don't know where you are going, you may take a wrong turn.
3. Move with the connection, not with the crowd.  Focus on your finish line and what it will take to reach it.  Don't become distracted by background noise.
4. Move into place, not possibility.  Be specific about where you want to go.  Possibility is a shared destination.  Your place belongs to you.
5. Move out of doubt and into declaration.  You don't know everything, so it is normal to be uncertain about new things.  However, don't become preoccupied with the unknown.  Confirm and affirm what you do know.
6. Move away from options and toward opportunities.  Life may be a multiple choice exam, but at some point you have to select A, B, C, or D.  Make a decision, own it, and take the necessary steps to make it a good one.
7. Move beyond mistakes to mobility.  Don't dwell on what went wrong.  Learn from it and move on to your next task. 
8. Move through change to reach chance.  Life is full of unexpected changes.  Rather than complain about a shift in direction, use it to establish a new path for success.
9. Move past pressure to get to progress.  Pressure builds when there is no release for it.  Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Delegation can be a sign of wisdom.   
10. Move the test, not the target.  There may be time challenges involved with your goals.  It is okay to adjust your schedule, but remain committed to the end result.

Leave a comment and share what move you will make this week.

 

New Number

Numbers are often used to describe things.  How much, how many, and how long are just some of the questions that can be answered with numbers,  When someone says that they have a new number, it usually means they have changed their phone number.  However, there are other numbers that also change.  Some number changes, like your age, are out of your control.  You are going to get older each year.  Other numbers, like your weight and salary, can be modified through your efforts.  What is the impact of a new number for age, weight, and salary?  It depends on your mindset and thought process.

• Age is measured in years.  Each year is an opportunity to grow from experiences in the previous years and pursue new goals.  Some people think of birthdays as getting older.  While that is true, you also get wiser.  You are more aware of what and who to avoid.  It is also a good time to get excited about the next phase of your journey.  Each day is the birth of new ideas, possibilities, and victories.
• Weight is measured in pounds.  You own the number.  It does not own you.  Decide if you want to keep it or get a new one.  If you want a new number, it should have a purpose for you.  Athletes might gain weight to be more competitive in their fields.  Others may be advised to lose weight by doctors for health reasons.  Maintenance is important.  When you successfully change the number, make the necessary adjustments to keep it where you want it. 
• Salary is measured in dollars.  It can be earned, spent and saved.  Your salary is an important number, but it shouldn't define your self worth.  If you don't like it, find out what you need to do to change it.  Do you need to go to school or get additional training?  Will switching jobs or careers help you?  Do you need a new salary or do you need to manage your current one better?  

Leave a comment and share what number you want to change this year. 

 

Taste Test

You may go to work or school because it is required of you.  Most people have a daily routine that consists of normal tasks that are common.  There may not be a lot of individuality or preference involved for those things.  However, you probably do make some choices based on your personal tastes.  You might prefer a certain type of music, movie, or food.  What you like and dislike says a lot about you.  Do you want to change your image or strengthen your current brand?  Try some new things.  Do a taste test to see what fits you.  A taste test is not a pass or fail situation.  There is no right or wrong answer.     

It might surprise you to learn that there are often similarities between two things that appear to be very different.  For example, if you like blues music, you may also enjoy country and western music.  Both genres tend to tell stories of love, loss, and resilience.  The beats and tempos may differ, but the message is often the same.  Successful entertainers have recognized the power and value of collaboration.  It increases your exposure and multiplies your opportunities.

Do a self-assessment to evaluate your tastes in certain categories.  What is your taste in clothes, friends, significant others, books, and other interests?  Are your answers due to a comparison with alternative tastes or do you simply like what is familiar to you?  Consider that as you grow intellectually, professionally, and in life experience, your tastes may also change.  Again, there is no wrong or right answer. 

Leave a comment and share your tastes for these common items - Coke or Pepsi, Dunkin' Donuts or Krispy Kreme, iPhone or Android.

 

Field Trip

When you were in school, did you like to go on field trips?  Did it help you to get a different perspective on what you were learning by getting out of the classroom?  Visits to the museum, zoo, or historical locations allowed you to see and experience things that you read about in books.  As adults, you can also benefit from taking field trips.  There are places that you can go to inform, inspire, and influence your decisions regarding your next steps toward success.  The following suggestions may help you to plan an effective field trip.

1. Identify your field.  What do you want to do?  You are the only person that can answer that question.  You know what fits your interests, skills, and personality.
2. Make connections with people or organizations in your chosen field.  You can call them mentors, role models, or advisors.  The label is not as important as the relationship. 
3. Do your homework.  Know what to expect in the field and be prepared with relevant questions.  Don't expect others to know what you need. 
4. Realize that the field may look different from your expectations.  You may be at the mall, grocery store, or gas station and see something or someone that might be relevant to your field.  Be observant at all times. 
5. You probably can't cover the whole field all at once.  Break it into segments and plan your trips accordingly.  Take notes and write a report when you return from the field.  The data will help you on future trips.

Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.

Monthly Motto

It is common at the beginning of a year to make resolutions about changes that you want to make.  You may have focus and determination at the beginning, but a year is a long time.  Sometimes you can become discouraged when distractions and circumstances prevent you from working on your resolutions.  Instead of planning what you want to do for the year, consider what you can accomplish in a month.  Decide on a motto for each month.  A definition of a motto is a short expression of a guiding principle.  It doesn't have to be something big.  It can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.  You might give time or money to charity.  If you cannot think of a monthly motto, you may want to adopt one or more from the following list.

1. Better Time Management
• Don't hit the snooze button on the alarm clock.  Take advantage of every waking moment.
• Make priority lists, not "to do" lists.  You can't do everything at once.  Decide what is most important.
• Know the difference between accountability and responsibility.  Don't be afraid to delegate tasks. 
2. Reduce Clutter
• Clean out your closets.  Use your space effectively and efficiently.
• Shred documentation that is no longer needed.  Protect your identity.
• Leave room on your calendar for you.  Don't schedule every minute to benefit someone else.
3. Preventive Maintenance
• Body - Schedule regular medical and dental appointments.
• Auto - Get oil changes, tune-ups, tire rotations, alignments, and other services as recommended for your vehicle.
• Home - Take care of your roof, water heater, HVAC system, and other core components of your home.
4. Favorable Impressions
• Greetings - Greet people in a way that makes them glad that they saw you.  It could be a warm smile, a firm hand shake, or a sincere expression of pleasure to see them.
• Attention - Pay attention when others are speaking.  Ask follow up questions that reference something that was said. 
• Consideration - Be considerate of others.  Saying "please" and "thank you" is always appropriate. 
5. Learning and Development
• Reading - Make a reading appointment with an article or book on a topic that will help you.
• Practicing - In order to perfect something, you need to do it repeatedly.  Athletes, performers, doctors, and lawyers practice continuously.  Success requires repetition.
• Listening - There are lessons to be learned from those that succeeded, those still trying to make it, and those that failed.  Listen to what did and did not work for them.    

Leave a comment and share your motto for this month.

5 Ways To Maintain Esteem

There was a post last month that dealt with building esteem, Build Esteem.  Five steps were given to help you establish a healthy and strong self-esteem.  Once you have built the esteem, work must be done to maintain it.  The maintenance work can summarized with the word "value".  If you value your esteem, you will take the necessary steps to keep it at a high level.  Think of demonstrating value with these five words:  visibility, association, language, use, and expectation.



Visibility - When your esteem is on display, you are aware of it.  You are held accountable to it.  If you have confidence in your knowledge, raise your hand when a question is asked.  When you believe that you are good at something, do it willingly and with enthusiasm.

Association - Your esteem will be strengthened when you interact with others that feel good about themselves.  Optimism can be contagious.  You want to associate with people that have a positive outlook about life, themselves, and you.  Pessimism can also spread through contact.  If you are constantly trying to pull someone up out of sadness, eventually they are going to pull you down to their level and way of thinking.

Language - It sounds simple but the words that you use do make a difference.  When you are speaking or writing about what you want to do, make sure the following terms are used often:  "can", "will", "progress", "possible", and "opportunity".  The right language helps you keep things in perspective and have a positive outlook.

Use - Your self-esteem is like a muscle.  It needs to be used in order to stay in good shape.  You can use it by doing things that make you feel good about yourself.  For some people, that might be a spa day or other pampering event.  Others may do volunteer work to help people in order to keep their esteem at a high level.  Do what works for you.

Expectation - Have realistic expectations about what is and is not in your control.  Don't beat yourself up when things go wrong.  Have an honest conversation with yourself and others that can give you objective feedback.  Make the necessary changes and continue to grow.  Expect to be able to pursue opportunities; don't expect opportunities to pursue you.  Expect friends and family to be human; don't expect them to be perfect.  Expect your outcomes to be evaluated; don't expect your intentions to represent you.

Leave a comment and share how you will value and maintain your esteem this year.