Tuesday, December 27, 2011

You need more than a map

Recently I have been reading a lot about how we need a map to get where we want to go. While I agree whole-heartedly that this is a key to success, it is not all that we need to have. Far too often we try to control everything in our life, to the point we forget that maybe the path we are on, is meant to be. If we stay on it we may just learn more than we ever thought we could.

What I suggest is an internal compass. Plan your map, but prepare to get lost. Plan what you want to do with your life, but we all know their will be detours, some that are not even on the map. This is why your internal compass is so valuable. You are far too important and unique to just sway with the wind.

Want to make your compass. While I am no expert I have been going through this same thing myself. I have had the greatest opportunity to be with amazing people who continue to invest in me, even when I do not deserve it. While most people think the key to a compass is, the compass, I have to disagree. The guide of the compass is the most important part. What will not be your magnetic pull, better yet what will be.

Your true north, one major key to developing your true north is look at who you want to be. What are characteristics that you want to be known for, in marketing we call this a brand. What is your personal brand and how will you live it? It does not have to be extensive, in fact what are 3-5 characteristics that you want etched on your headstone when you die. Go out and have the drive to live those on a daily basis.

Who will be your pull? We have the amazing opportunity in our life to choose who we want to be in our life. These people truly help us determine our success. Invest in the people that care and let them pull you in the right direction. The coin has two sides, make sure you are giving back just as much if not more to those, who drive you to be a better version of yourself.

In no way am I trying to dissuade anyone from developing their own life. In fact I would like to suggest the exact opposite, much like the right and left brain, your compass and your map work best when leveraged together. With both of these you are sure to go anywhere.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

How will you play the hand?

What do you want to do with your life? Who do you want to be and how do you want to live? At the end of the day, it all comes down to question, how you will act. Will you treat others kind, even when they do not deserve it? Will you grow from criticism or will you let it weigh you down? Who will you spend your time with and why? As you breathe your final breath, will it be towards accomplishing dreams or killing a dream? We all have a choice on how we react; rarely do we have a choice about the situation we are put in.

Not everyone you meet will be kind. This does not mean to be unkind to them, be kind, and treat them with respect. Do not live your life to teach other people a lesson, live your life to inspire other people to be better. Inspire them with the talents and kindness you have to offer. Kindness is one of the greatest gifts you can give to a person you never know, how it will change their day.

Today I had my review, to say the least it was not what I was expecting but it was what I needed. My managers were able to show me where I needed to improve and give me strategies for success, a tool we all need. I had two choices when I heard the news, I could let it defeat me or I could power me to be a better person. At first all I wanted to do was go in a corner and be away. After some thought, I realized what A great opportunity this was for me. I made the conscious choice for this to help me.

Who are you spending your time with? Are you investing in the people that bring you up and keep you down? Will the ones in your life help you reach you dreams or help you run from your fears? The time that you have is precious; you cannot hit rewind in your life. Will you have regret? Yes everyone does, does it mean you have failed not at all, it is an incredible opportunity to learn.

In every situation we have a choice. To many people think that you gain power, recognition and fame by who you know, for some this is true, however for most it is about the choices they made. Even if they get to the top riding the back of another, they cannot stay there unless they make the choice. Stop wasting your time judging someone else’s life, and go out and live. My guess is you will be happier than ever before, you will get where you want faster and it will be one hell of a journey.