Issue # 59
To Your Success
November 2009
|
|
|
|
Issue # 59 |
To Your Success |
November 2009 |
“He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty.” ----- Lao-tzu IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS Hello,
Although I’ve written on this topic before I’m compelled to address it again, mostly because I need reminding myself. Over the years it’s become increasingly obvious to me that looking after the little things, consistently, is a necessary ingredient for long term success in ANY area of life. Interestingly, I’ve observed that although some of us do a very good job of paying attention to the little things in some areas, few pay nearly enough attention to them in EVERY life area, me included. I’m certainly not the first person to have figured out that the seemingly small and inconsequential things we do or do not do can hugely affect our outcomes, often meaning the difference between success and failure, excellence and mediocrity. I suspect most of us understand and agree with this truth, at least as it pertains to certain subjects. For example, we all likely agree on the importance of paying close attention to details when it comes to laser eye surgery and space travel ... it’s pretty much a given because we know that not doing so could result in disastrous consequences. We’ve also seen how in the world of sports in recent years almost fanatical attention to detail in regards to diet, training practices, sleep patterns, and sports psychology has raised performance standards to unprecedented levels. We get that, we understand that that’s what it takes to excel in those activities. Yet when it comes to some of the most important areas of our own lives we don’t get it. We slack off, neglect, disregard, ignore, and even pretend it doesn’t matter. Then, when we experience outcomes we’re not happy with, we whine and complain about how how unfair life is. Go figure. Think about it. We all want to enjoy mental and physical health and vitality, yet do we act like we do? Do we deliberately manage our personal environment of influence by choosing only positive and uplifting reading, listening and viewing materials? The daily news and most TV shows hardly fit this category. Do we eat ‘good for us foods’ and avoid those that aren’t? Do we supplement our diet with things our bodies need or could benefit from? Do we exercise regularly and consciously minimize stress producing conditions? Most of us want to enjoy healthy relationships but are we truly present when with others? Do we listen with complete attention and an intention to understand, or are we pre-occupied, judgmental and opinionated? Are we considerate of the likes and dislikes of others and how what we say and do might affect them? Many of us want to enjoy a successful business or career but are we actually doing everything possible to ensure that, or just what is comfortable? Are we constantly developing and upgrading our knowledge and skills, or do we justify our complacency? Do we seek out mentoring and coaching from others we might learn from, or do we let our ego convince us we’re beyond that? Are we open to benefiting from criticism even though at times it may not have constructive intent, or do we become defensive and miss the opportunity? Many of us want to feel we’re making a positive difference in our world, making some kind of meaningful contribution, but is that who we are being? Are we living that on a daily basis, or only when convenient? Most of us want to be at peace with ourselves and who we are, but are we consciously living in integrity so as to ensure that? It used to be that I was sloppy with the little things in many areas of my life, I thought they didn’t matter all that much. But I found that they did. Far too often, with the passing of time, I learned the hard way how important they actually were and experienced the consequences of their neglect. Today, I’m much better. Much, much better actually. BUT, especially in some areas, embarrassingly far from where I’m capable of being. So, beginning today, I am revisiting the subject and personally recommitting to the little things in each important life area. Some will obviously require more conscious attention and discipline than others, yet with focus and practice I can and will improve. If you’ve read this far Dilpreet I suspect you’ve already done some cursory self-analysis along the way and it may be that you have nothing at all to improve upon in relation to this subject, or you might. Only you know. If you do however, now is as good a time as any to begin.
To your success, “You don't have to change that much for it to make a great deal of difference. A few simple disciplines can have a major impact on how your life works out in the next 90 days, let alone in the next 12 months or the next 3 years.” ----- Jim Rohn
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE FOR YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE?
You can as long as you include the following complete statement: SHARE WITH FRIENDS!...
WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK! ... Our intent for
this F*R*E*E newsletter is that it be brief, informal and include articles, tips or suggestions to help you achieve the life success you desire ...
and for each one to be of real value to you. Also included may be dates, times and locations of upcoming public venue programs. |