Article 5 (Looking Backward)

December 5, 2011

More than a few years ago, about 32 years to be exact, I was learning to drive an automobile.  Throughout this process, I distinctly remember being told to check my mirrors on a regular basis.  This practice would allow me to know what was coming from behind so I could anticipate upcoming events, supposedly decreasing my reaction time.  The checks should be quick in nature and completed on a regular basis.  A “few” years later I was in the passenger seat teaching my daughter how to drive.  I began explaining the “lesson of the mirrors” to her and she asked a very simple question.  “Dad, if I am driving the car forward and I am looking backward won’t I get into an accident”.  “I think I should be looking where I want to go and not where I have been”.  I then explained the decreased reaction time theory, how the look is a quick look or glance and how, after a while, she would be completing this task without even realizing it.  This habit would become second nature or completed unconsciously.  Now, the more I explained this to my daughter, the more insightful the lesson became.  I can agree that this “quick glance” will work when driving an automobile but I completely disagree with unconsciously “looking back” on life.  I agree with consciously learning from our past mistakes and actions but I completely disagree with focusing so much on our past that it makes our present unchangeable.  We are who we want to become, not who we were in the past.  Allow me to use some examples and learning moments to explain this point in more detail.

I want to emphatically state that when someone is 40 years old, they do not “act” the same way they did in high school.  Throughout life, I have had the good fortune to observe some of the people I went to high school with.  Some of these graduates, who were honor roll students in high school, are not anywhere near “successful”.  Some people I attended high school with that would have been considered lazy, stupid, dumb, etc. are lawyers, doctors and businessmen.  If these folks were continually judged by what they did in high school, nothing in their life would ever change.  The lesson being, do not dwell on your past.  “Quickly glance” at your past but “consciously” remember that you can become, accomplish or experience anything you want in the future.  Do not let others judge you based solely on your past actions.  If I was judged on my past actions, especially from high school, I would be remembered as a tight Levi wearing, long hair, lazy person from 1980.  Really reflect on this statement.  I am certain no one would want to be treated and remembered for every action of their past.  With this in mind, do not allow “you to judge you” on every poor decision you made.  Also, do not live on every good decision you made.  Look back consciously, learn and move forward with power and action.   Act how you want others to treat you.

Let’s talk about alcoholics.  I will be the first to agree that when someone drinks too much, on a regular basis, they are in fact alcoholics.  But, when that person stops drinking alcohol, in my opinion they are no longer an alcoholic.  You see, if someone focuses on their “alcoholic” status in society, they will always be thinking about alcohol.  They will always feel like “less of a person” then they are now.  By consciously, “glancing in the mirror” learning from your past behavior and then focusing forward, you will feel strong and empowered.  Some time ago I attended a holiday party.  As you will recall from previous articles, I love to talk to and observe people.  On this particular evening, I had the opportunity to speak to a very physically fit looking person.  Although he had the outward appearance of a confident, fit man he appeared extremely subdued.  While speaking to him I found out he was a school teacher, avid runner, and a married father of two children.  Due to his demeanor, I decided to ask him what was wrong.  I cannot explain why but he went on to tell me that, years ago, he drank “way too much”.  His drinking affected him and his family.  He admitted to me he was an “alcoholic” and was afraid of falling into the same trap.  I asked him how long ago he stopped drinking. He replied “It’s been over 10 years since my last drink”.  Thinking like I think, I replied “Correct me if I am wrong but, you have not had a drop of alcohol for over 10 years and you are afraid that at this particular party you are going to drink.”  “I have to know why, after 10 years you feel like you are going to drink tonight”?  “In fact, the only way you would drink tonight is if you let yourself”.  “You are the one in control”.  Almost with a sense of frustration he looked at me saying “I know I am not going to drink, because I will not allow that but “once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic”.  Continuing to press him I said, “So, if you are not going to enjoy yourself because of your fear of repeating your past mistakes why not leave the party”?  Our conversation seemed to end there as he walked away.  You see, this gentleman was so focused on the past, which was a distant past, he could not enjoy today.  He was looking for such a long time in the rear view mirror he was about to crash the car.  He admitted he was not going to drink, he said he was in control but he was focused on his behavior of 10 years ago.  He was not acting like the person he is today, he was acting like the person of his past. 

I have made the same observations in almost every facet of behavior.  After the poor behavior is corrected or changed, the “symbol” or “status” must be changed internally or you will continue to be the person of your past in your own mind or self – identity.  For example, people who begin an exercise program, after never exercising or not exercising for a period of time must change their own self – identity or their “self – status”.  Once you begin the exercise program, you are now a person who works out.  Period.  If anyone asks you to do something which would compromise the integrity of your workout your first and only response should be, “No, I can’t do that, I have to get my workout done first”.  If you change your identity, control your moment and move toward your goals you will become the person you truly want to become.  If you allow your past to dictate your future, nothing will ever change. 

Be careful to not only change your self – identity or status, but also remember to change the way you “feel” about your past actions or experiences.  Guilt can be a wonderful tool if you use this this “feeling” at the proper time and in the proper context.  For example, if you are feeling a little too tired to complete your scheduled workout or if your mind is attempting to “talk you into” having just a sliver of cake, guilt can be a very powerful motivator.  By saying “I know if I don’t go running today I will be mad at myself for not exercising”.  Or “I promised myself I would stick to my diet this week so I know if I eat that cake I will feel like I let myself down”.  Used in these contexts, guilt or “bad feelings” can be the correct tool to use, but if you continually focus on a poor decision you made in the past, never forgive yourself for your missteps and never take your eyes off the rearview mirror I guarantee you will crash the car.  Remember no one can change the past no matter how much we dwell on it, feel bad about it, wish it never happened, pray about it…..on and on.  Quickly glance at the past, learn from it and begin to change your future.  For the only way to help the past is for you to control your future.

Quickly glance in your rearview mirror.  Look back about 10 years and remember where you once were.  Now ask yourself if where you are today is where you wanted to be or thought you would be “back then”.  Over the last ten years you drove your life to this exact spot.  Good, bad or indifferent you are here.  Now ask yourself where you want to be 10 years from today, remembering that time will not stop.  My guarantee to you is simple, if you control your moments and accept full responsibility you will be where YOU want to be. 

“Live and Train with Your Goal in Mind”

Mike

Article 4 (How Do I Get There?)

November 28, 2011

Throughout the first three articles, the underlying theme has been personal responsibility.  We have become aware that where we are in life is exactly where we should be.  This is the exact spot on the map we drove to.  Now, we have driven ourselves here or allowed others to drive us to this point, but when “all is said and done” we are at this juncture.  The good news is that all of our past actions, added up, got us to this point so if we now change our actions we can change our location.  By consciously controlling our actions we consciously control our destiny.   Simply put, the key to life is to consciously control your actions each and every moment and to accept full responsibility. 

Becoming an actionary person is rather simple.  Actively and consciously decide to spend your time working toward your goals and use all of your resources.  Sounds simple and I assure you it is simple.  Not too long ago, I decided to regain control of my life.  Immediately after making this decision, I inventoried how I spent each and every moment of my day.  If I watched two hours of television I wrote this down.  If I “went out for a few beers” I wrote it down.  If I failed to complete my exercise session I also wrote this down.  After completing this inventory, I reviewed how I “spent my moments”.  And again, just like the Exxon credit card from Article 2, I was shocked and dismayed that I was wasting a lot of “my moments” watching life pass me by.  Prior to completing this exercise, I “felt” that I had no extra time to accomplish anything.  I even felt “stressed” just getting through a normal day.  How could I possibly “go after” my dream if I didn’t have any “extra” time in the day?  Well, the good thing about life is that I dare say it is fair.  The playing field is level.  Each and every one of us has the exact same amount of time in each day.  Twenty four hours is our “allotment”.  Not one person has one second less time and not one person has one second more.  Now that is fair.  How we choose to use our allotted time is completely our decision.  We can actively pursue our dream or we can rest on the couch watching television.  We can socialize on Facebook or we can exercise.  As soon as I took control of my time my life immediately turned around.  When I felt lazy, I exercised.  When I just wanted to watch television, I worked on my business.  When my wife or my children want to talk, I stop doing what I am doing and actively engage in conversation with them.  I consciously control my moments.  Without a doubt, this is the single, most important part of this article CONTROL YOUR MOMENTS AND YOU CONTROL YOUR DESTINY!

You see, just like simple arithmetic, success is just a matter of addition.  At the end of your life, add up each and every one of your moments and you have your sum total.  This number is your number or simply put YOUR LEGACY. 

So, the process of setting a goal is just like simple math.   For example, let’s assume you want to have $100,000.00 in your savings account in ten years.  A goal that, if achieved, would give you some financial freedom.  To make this goal a reality, within the next ten years, you must save approximately $10,000.00 per year or $192.30 per week.  Now, I know that this goal could be attained in a shorter amount of time due to the effect of compound interest.  Or, you could save a little less each year and attain the same goal using interest as your resource, but by starting now you are at least beginning the drive to California.  You are working toward your goal, in the moment, and continuing your research along the way.  You can start by using a simple savings account and research mutual funds, money markets, annuities, bond funds or the stock market along the way.  By controlling your moments, focusing on your goal and using all of your resources you will attain your goal.  But by not using self – discipline, not focusing on the goal or putting off until tomorrow what you know you should do today, this goal will remain a wish.  Commit to the goal without allowing yourself to waiver.  Do not “go out to eat” spending more than you know you should saying to yourself “I will get back on track tomorrow”.  Do not fall into the “buy now and pay later” trap of the advertisers.  I guarantee that by committing to your goal, and focusing on the goal, by continuing the research “along the way”, each and every day you will feel better about yourself because of your improved self – discipline.  This is exactly where personal responsibility comes into play.  Constantly remind yourself about the self – identity syndrome from article 2.  Remember that our minds want us to “feel good” about ourselves regardless of the truth.  Do not allow your mind to say things like “I saved a lot so far, so I can spend a little on myself and make the balance up next week”.  Or, I can reward myself for doing well so far by buying………(you can fill in the blank), and I will “get back on track” next week. Stay consciously focused on the moment with regard to your overall goal.

Now, just a recommendation, put yourself first.  I say this for many reasons but the first and most important reason for this statement is that if you are not rested, in good health, and physically fit, you cannot fully take care of anyone else.  You will not be able to give anyone else 100% if you yourself do not have 100%.  If you have ever flown on a commercial airline, you have heard the safety talk.  Prior to “take off”, the airline crew shows every passenger how to properly buckle their seat belts, where each and every exit on the plane is located and then they speak about the oxygen mask.  Each passenger is instructed to put their own mask on first.  Even before helping your wife or child.  The reason behind this practice is straightforward.  If you do not have any oxygen, you will not be able to help anyone else because you will be dead.  Simple enough.  Take care of yourself physically.  To begin your drive to California, follow a few uncomplicated practices; get annual physical checkups and develop a relationship with your doctor, sleep at least seven hours per night, eat three meals per day containing protein, “good” carbohydrates, and vegetables, take a multi vitamin, exercise with weights three times per week and complete three cardiovascular training sessions per week (walking or jogging).  This is a great starting point.  Continue this practice, do your research along the way, and make the necessary adjustments to fine tune your actions to meet your goals.

You see, all truly desired, reasonable goals, when broken down are attainable.  It is our short term desires, bad habits, lack of conscious decisions, peer pressure, past experiences which make things so complicated.  When I first decided to write these articles, I wanted to get you at least moving in the right direction as early in the process as possible.  In future articles we will “fine tune” our direction.  We will also discuss past experiences, habits, our belief system, social situations, life’s “curveballs”, nutrition, cardiovascular training, resistance training, and much more. 

Most importantly I want you to start driving to California.  Do not wait for the perfect time and do not wait for the support, help or approval of anyone.  Years ago I had the opportunity to attend a motivational seminar.  The guest speaker told a joke, which on the surface seemed funny, but when thought about, in further detail, had a much deeper meaning.  One day, a flood consumed a small town.  An elderly person climbed on top of their roof in an attempt to escape the rising water.  As the water reached the top portion of her porch, a wooden log floated by.  The elderly lady thought, I know I can float on the log, but I will wait for God to save me.  The flood waters continued to rise and were now at roof level.  At this time, a police boat came by and the police officer asked the lady to get into the boat stating he would save her from the water.  The lady replied, “No I am not going to get into the boat, I am going to wait for God to save me for I know he will”.  The water continued to rise forcing the lady to stand on her chimney.  A police helicopter flew overhead and dropped a rope ladder to rescue her.  “The lady yelled up to the helicopter, “No, thank you I am waiting for God to save me.  God said he would save me, I just have to have faith”.  The water continued to rise and eventually, the lady drowned to death.  When she arrived in heaven she asked God, “Why didn’t you save me.  I had faith and waited for you to help me”?  God replied, “I sent you a log, a boat and a helicopter.  What else could I have done”?  You see, the moral of the story is; do not wait for the perfect time to change.  Do not wait for the perfect time to “go after” your dream.  Do not wait for approval from others.  Do not wait for others to deliver on their promises.  Seize every resource and opportunity you have.  For when you become conscious of your moments, actions and resources you will see the log, the boat and the helicopter as opportunities and  when you are just “going with the flow” and not paying attention they will be just logs, boats and helicopters.

Keep your mind focused on your goals.  When you feel yourself starting to “go with the flow” refocus on your goals in the moment.  Constantly ask yourself “Is what I am currently doing bringing me closer to my goal or further away”?  Answer yourself honestly.  Let’s face it, everyone knows when they are over eating, over spending, not putting forth a true effort in a relationship, or not working or giving 100%.  You also know when you are taking care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.  By concentrating on the moment and making this moment move toward what you want in life, your dreams will become your reality.  But by waiting for a tomorrow, which may not come, or by thinking there are “do overs” in life, you are destined to stay where you are.  Act with purpose, because if you CONTROL YOUR MOMENTS, YOU CONTROL YOUR DESTINY!

“Live and Train with Your Goal in Mind”

Mike

Article 2 (Where am I?)

November 14, 2011

Funny thing about life, one day you wake up and realize you are not anywhere near where you thought you were.  In Article 1, “How did this Happen,” you began asking yourself questions,  ”What have I become? Why am I not in control of my life?”  As we ask ourselves these probing questions, we can do one of two things.  We can act to make a serious change or we can continue to give ourselves fake answers, which serve no purpose other than to blame others for our problems and misfortunes. 

One of the most noted and recognizable entity everyone in society enjoys blaming their misfortune on is their parents. I have heard, read, and even viewed on television the standard joke about the patient who is telling the psychologist, “I would not be the way I am, had it not been for the way my mother raised me.”  Now, here is a 50-year-old man, who has since raised children of his own, still blaming his misfortune on his mother and the things she did to him when he was six years old.  The problem with this scene is that it is not fictitious at all.  It is a real, bona fide, everyday occurrence.

One of my favorite pastimes is observing people and asking them questions.  I continue to do this in spite of the sometimes, not-so-kind side effects.  Recently, at a business seminar, I was speaking to a number of colleagues and friends.  The conversation turned toward finance and the stock market.  At the time, the stock market had dropped a number of points and the future of the market looked bleak.  One of the people involved in the conversation began complaining about the economy.  He went on to say things such as “This is why most people cannot get ahead.  Every time we start to see the economy improve, something bad always happens.”  He continued, “I have to pay my mortgage and all my credit cards on time, but the banks can take money from the federal government and not pay it back. Don’t people realize that the money given to the banks was the taxpayer’s money in the first place?”  I have always been interested in the stock market and have even invested a little in the past.  This being so, I asked my new friend, what he had been investing his money in and how long he has been “in the market.”  To my surprise, he admitted he had invested nothing in the stock market.  He even went on to say he had no savings account as he was living paycheck to paycheck.  At the risk of receiving a bad side effect, I pressed on.  I asked, “If you have no money in the market, and do not have a savings account, how can you blame the downturn of the market on your lack of savings?”  Although there was no bad side effect, the conversation ended as my new friend walked away. 

I have taken the time to write about the above two encounters, to attempt to bring to light a very important point in any self-improvement action.  You must first accept and admit full responsibility for the position you find yourself in.  You cannot blame anyone else.  Where you are is where you drove yourself to.  No one else was behind the wheel.  Each and every one of your actions put you where you are today. 

It is of the utmost importance that you begin to realize who you really are.  By that I mean that your self – identity equals the person you are and the actions you take.  The human mind is a very powerful tool.  Each and every person has an identity in which they own or wish they own.  Our minds are constantly taking in information, processing this information and storing this information for future use.  Throughout this process, we each form an identity of who we are or who we think we are.  Let me use a few examples to attempt to explain this point in further detail.  Imagine a child who is being raised in a loving, warm home.  This child begins to bring home test grades from school.  His or her parents praise the child for any effort toward their school work.  The child continues to bring home grades that range from C to D.  Passing, but not to the degree the child is capable of.  This type of behavior and the praise from the parents continues through high school.  When the child graduates, he or she is not accepted into any college.  The reason for the denial is that the child’s grades are just average.  Certainly these grades are not at the level of college course work.  Now, the child cannot understand or accept this denial.  “I was always told, and wanted to believe, I was doing good work.” The reason for this misconception was the continuous praise for average work performance.  The child’s mind wanted to and did believe that he or she was great, but in reality this was not the case.  This is an example of someone performing average or below average and their self – identity being at a higher level.

An opposite example of this self -identity syndrome would be a person who has low self-worth.  These are the types of people, who from the outside appear to be truly successful.  They have the nice car, nice house, appear to have a good relationship with their spouse, are successful in their work, etc. but, they are depressed.  They do not enjoy their life.  They are in therapy, taking some sort of antidepressant, just waiting for the end.  They do not have proper self-identity.  They feel like they are less than they are.  They do not have self-confidence. 

I raise these concerns about self-identity as the beginning point of any true self-improvement plan.  To begin to change your life and to change the way you think for the better, you must do three things.  First and foremost, you must determine exactly where you are and what you want to change.  Imagine, for a moment, you get into a car.  You want to drive to California.  Without knowing where you are, in which direction do you drive your automobile?  Would you drive North, South, East or West.  If you were currently in New York, you would know that you would have to at least begin to drive west.  If you were in Texas you would have to begin to drive in a North, West direction.  As you are driving, you would become more specific with regard to the routes you would take, the roads you would travel, and even the times you would drive.  By continuing to research the routes, times and roads you could make the drive shorter, easier and even safer.  But, by at least starting the drive and continuing to go in the general direction you want, you would continue getting closer to your goal of driving to California.  You see, you must first determine where you are to know which way to go.  We will go on to completing a “personal inventory” later in the article.  This “inventory” will allow you to determine exactly where you are so you know which way to go.

Second, you must also take action.  People research, question, and contemplate their dreams way too much.  For example, I had what I “thought” was a goal to open a fitness center.  The facility I wanted to own, would concentrate on actually helping people achieve their health and fitness goals.  Personal training would be free.  Not the type of personal trainer who follows the member through the workout.  My personal trainers would educate the client base so they would learn how to exercise, what to eat, how hard to push themselves and how much rest they needed to properly attain their goals.  The facility would offer free nutrition classes, relaxation classes, and motivational seminars.  The clients, because of their success would refer their family and friends to the facility and my business would grow.  I would become a huge success doing what I loved.  After years of research, I would continue to fall off to sleep dreaming of this goal.  I would awaken the next day feeling rested and excited.  Today would be the day I would begin chasing my goal.  My mind was completely focused with my “juices flowing”.  I am intelligent enough, have the experience to operate a fitness facility, and am fortunate enough to know the “right people” in order to obtain a business loan.  My dream can actually become a reality.  As the day goes on, I get busy at work.  When I come home, there are other “household chores” to take care of.  By the time I complete my chores it is much later than I originally anticipated.  I am actually a little tired.  It is at this point my mind begins telling me, “Mike, get a shower and go bed.  You are too tired to do a good job now anyway.  Just get some sleep and tomorrow you can begin your journey”.  So, I listen to my mind and get some sleep.  It is at this exact point where I should have at least started moving in the right direction.  It would have taken me a little longer, it may have been a little more difficult, but at least I would have been moving toward my goal and desire and not staying stagnant. I should have at least started driving toward California.

Third, you must KNOW where you are and not THINK you know where you are.  We must begin to work on identifying the exact problem or situation we want to correct or change.  Here we have to be brutally honest with ourselves.  This type of honesty should not be shared with others.  By talking about your personal inventory with other people, you will have a tendency to downplay your issue or rationalize it by saying things such as “This cannot be so bad, everyone has to work 40 hours per week in a job they do not like.  Who am I to complain?”  Or, “I know I am a little overweight, but it is just a little.  All of my friends are heavy, so it must be okay.”   You must also write your inventory in your own personal logbook or diary.  It is proven that by writing and recording people tend to be more honest and open.   Keeping a record or log will allow you to review what you have recorded so when your life begins change, you can always remember where you once were.  Finally, writing and keeping a log will allow you to record facts, figures, emotions, and calories exactly.  As a personal fitness trainer, clients wishing to lose weight always approach me.   During the initial session, I attempt to find out how much the new client now exercises, what type of exercises and training they currently do, and how much they currently eat.  Without hesitation, new clients immediately begin telling me how much time a week they exercise, how many calories they consume, and the types of exercise routines they complete.  I am usually amazed they can relay this to me without reading their responses from a logbook.  Their responses are recorded and I hand them a tablet.  Each client is asked to record everything they consume over the next week in this tablet.  I instruct them to write down their food choice when it is eaten and not at some later point in the day.  Invariably, when I review the logbook the following week, the client is eating much more than they admitted the week before.  Their usual response is, “Well, I had no idea, no wonder I am overweight!”  You see, as explained earlier, the mind is a powerful tool.  In the case of overweight people, they have a tendency to downplay their weight problem to make their self-identity fit. 

Another example of the powerful mind syndrome happened to me this past year.  With the increase in automobile fuel prices, I wanted to determine how much I was paying for gasoline.  My family has two automobiles which are used for work and pleasure.  I assumed I was spending approximately $400.00 per month at the gas pumps.  I estimated approximately $100.00 per week.  To begin this experiment, I applied for and received an Exxon credit card and used only the Exxon charge card to purchase fuel.  At the end of the month, I received the Exxon bill in the mail.  Feeling confident I opened the bill.  To my shock and dismay, I owed Exxon over $900.00 for my purchases throughout the previous month.  I immediately assumed Exxon was wrong, but after reviewing the bill I realized I was the one that was wrong.  Each and every charge was correct.  You see, our minds want us to be happy, even if it means forgetting reality.  Our minds want us to live up to our self-image.  This is why I encourage anyone who wants to improve anything in his or her life to use a logbook.  What you write is real, what you think may not be real.

So, let’s begin to find out where you are.  Get your logbook ready.  I will start asking probing questions and you will write your true feelings and numbers in the logbook.  Remember, write your true answers in the book and at the end we will begin the work of changing what you want to change and learning how to being happy with the things you don’t want to change.  As you reflect on the questions I ask, take your time and really think through the question.  As you reflect, admit to yourself what the real root of the problem is.  For example, if the question relates to the financial state you are currently in, admit you are not happy or secure.  Do not worry about the corrective action you must take to rectify the problem, just admit to yourself that this particular situation, relationship, way of life etc. is a problem.  Also, the questions listed are not all inclusive, feel free to add to your list and if you are happy or content in a particular area, write that down as well.

When I open my eyes, the first thing in the morning, am I happy to begin a new day?  Am I looking forward to the challenges this new day will bring me?  Do I feel rested and have enough energy to attack this day with the enthusiasm required to be successful?  Am I happy with my current body weight and do I feel physically fit and healthy?  Am I happy in my current relationship?  Do I have, what I deem, is enough money to live on?  Do I feel financially secure?  Am I happy with my appearance?  Am I in control of my life or are or are others controlling what I do each day?  Do I like my job?  Do I feel I can do more with my life but I do not know how?  Do I have, what I feel is a solid plan to move closer to what I want in life or am I just getting by?  Do I even know what it is I want?  Am I at peace with myself?  This list is not all inclusive.  Continue to think about what you are not happy or content with in your life.  Take as long as necessary.  Remember, you must find out where you are to begin to drive to where you want to be. 

The objective of this article is not to have you go out and do anything drastic.  It is also not written to have you walking around feeling sad and depressed.  Remember this is your starting point.  We are just finding out where you are.  Now, on the bright side, I want to tell you with absolute certainty, you can transform your life in a much shorter period of time than you think possible.  What now seems like a far way off, or some indefinite time in the future, is in all reality, right around the corner.  I personally, have seen numerous people transform their lives in very short periods of time.  When you begin to transform your life, when you take control of your life, when you accept responsibility for all things that happen in your life, each and every day becomes clearer, more distinct and more enjoyable. 

The goal of this article, “Where am I?” was to have you figure out, realize and admit to yourself where you are in your life.  With that said, it was also written for you to acknowledge how you feel about your life.  Are you happy and enthused, living a life with passion?  Are you just getting by, wondering how it got to this point?  If you have actually taken the time and energy to record your answers and feelings in the log-book, I applaud you.  If you just read the article, please consider completing the exercise.   I personally complete this exercise on a regular, ongoing basis. This continued practice helps me maintain my focus on life, helps me identify where I may be faltering, and it also assists me in dealing with the changes and unforeseen circumstances life throws my way.

In conclusion, I again would like to remind you to reflect on the fact that you have only ONE LIFE.  There are no do-over’s, take-backs, or guarantees of tomorrow.  We only have one life and it is completely up to us how we want to live it.  Do not waste a moment of this life watching it pass you by.  Become involved and engaged!  In the next article, we will begin the process of goal setting, moving TOWARD your goals and dreams, and the enjoyment of this process.

Until next week.

“Live and Train with Your Goal in Mind”

Mike

Think of your personal development simply as a daily workout. In fact, it’s much easier than any sort of physical routine. You don’t have to change into workout clothes, drag yourself to the gym, or be forced by your significant other into a shower. You can work on your personal development when it’s easiest for you-the most important thing is to have your personal development “workout” written down and to setup a series of reminders to trigger the mental response to go into “workout” mode.

Follow these 5 steps and you’re on your way to daily practice (what I call my “Daily Mantra”):

1. Type out your personal life goals on a 4×6 sized card. If you’ve been at this personal development idea for a while, you have 5 to 10 goals and a personal mission statement. What if your goals are still in your head? Goals are just dreams until they are on paper. They create contract with yourself that you can’t default on or change the terms.
2. Printout several copies of this card.
3. Place these cards in places that will provide a visual cue when you come across them. It’s important NOT to put them where you’ll see them all the time. Just like a painting in your house, it will become part of the scenery. You need to be able to stumble upon them regularly, like a new discovery. I put one in my wallet that occasionally gets stuck on a dollar bill as I pull cash out. This randomness forces my mind to react.
4. Now, the hardest part of this process is to train yourself to take five minutes to reflect on these goals when you come across them. This may mean that you’re at the checkout counter of your grocery store, but this is the best time to review them because you can immediately start to put your thoughts into actions.
5. Lastly, you’ll need to find 30 minutes during the week to take a longer look at your goals and see how to apply them to upcoming major decisions. I find that Sunday evenings while I’m thinking of the week ahead works out best.

These random reminders are by far the most effective way to remember your goals and to start applying them to your life on a routine basis. How often do we really think about our goals when we’re wrapped up with work or family? Yet, this is when it’s most important to actualize our goals and thus achieve them that much quicker.