Most of us believe we are smart and hardworking, which makes this a great list to reflect upon. Click Addicted 2 Success to gain insight into why success may elude us.
Month: April 2016
5 Steps to Accomplishing Your Goals (You’re on Track Part 2)
Success is a process, not an event. Here are 5 steps to help us achieve success:
- Make a commitment to yourself. It has to become a part of you. You can:
- Write your goal down.
- Make a poster or screensaver of the goal.
- Set a daily reminder on your phone of your goal.
- A support system of like-minded, POSITIVE people (see Iron Sharpens Iron).
- Focus on behaviors that support your goal, not the actual goal itself. Behaviors that support the goal will lead to fulfilling the goal.
- Be flexible. The timing and tools you have may not be ideal, but they are usually enough to get you moving in the right direction.
- Be resilient. Distractions and disappointments will come. Take time to reflect upon them, but do not dwell on them. Get back on track!
R.I.P. Prince. My Top 10
One of the most influential musical artist of my time, Prince, past away today at the age of 57. I think anyone who came of age in the 1980’s was a fan of Prince. Everyone has their favorites; here is my Top 10.
- 1999
- I Wanna Be Your Lover
- D.M.S.R.
- Sign O’ the Times
- Let’s Go Crazy
- Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?
- Kiss
- When Doves Cry
- Purple Rain
- Little Red Corvette
Follow the Leader- 7 Qualities of Effective Leaders
What qualities make great leaders? This is an important question, especially in this election year, since we will be electing a new president for our country. Leaders are faced with significant challenges, temptations, and responsibilities at any level. Here are a few qualities I have observed and appreciate of effective leaders:
- Ability to listen and value input, regardless of person or position. Great insights can come from all directions.
- Provides reachable goals and a vision that incorporates the concerns of all.
- Prioritizing– understanding what needs attention and what actions will yield the greatest positive impact. Everything doesn’t need the same time and energy.
- Being pragmatic. A leader must do what is practical, sometimes deviating from the ideal, in doing what is needed.
- Does not overreact or make impulsive decisions. Great leaders have an intuitive ability to “wait it out.”
- Positioning people to take advantage of their strengths, like a good coach.
- Builds leadership capacity. Great leaders aren’t insecure about empowering those they lead.
Leaders at any and all levels should embody these qualities. If the person you support doesn’t embody these qualities, then you should reconsider. Choosing a leader, whether it is in your local community or the president of the U.S., should not be taken lightly.
Iron Sharpens Iron
Proverbs 27:17 of the Bible states “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Whether you are a believer or not, one cannot deny the power, meaning, and truth behind this verse. An iron blade is best shaped and sharpened with another tool made of iron; most substances do not have the strength or durability to modify iron. In applying this principle to our lives, it is important for us to surround ourselves with people who are likeminded. The iron in our lives can be those have similar goals and can provide genuine encouragement and support with honesty. If we expect to reach our potential, we must surround ourselves with others who are striving to meet their potential. Those people will relate to what we are going through and are likely to provide needed advice and encouragement. We typically seek to be successful in a number of areas which are interrelated: relationships, financial security, spiritual growth, and work, to name a few. Striving for success in these areas is a complicated and difficult process with many potholes, stops, and detours along the way. No one achieves great success without the support of others. The concept of “iron sharpens iron” is key in the success process!
