Do you find yourself giving away your time, attention and energy to other people with no sense of peace or progress? Is your agenda truly your agenda, or somebody else’s? Here are three new ways to think about how to prioritize your day:
1. Stop Prioritizing Easy
While a lot of people think knocking off the easy tasks on their to-do list will create momentum, it actually stops them from doing what counts. If you find your day filled with busy work instead of your life’s work, then take note: just because there is something easy to do does not mean it should be done. The activities in your day should add to your vitality, enjoyment and the contributions you want to make in the world. Ask yourself, “What three things must happen today that will move me forward toward my dreams?” Stop prioritizing easy; start prioritizing progress. By taking on something hard every day, you gain more confidence, momentum and meaning.
In a world where few people take the time to show care and appreciation, greatness is achieved by acts of generosity. When you are generous with your time, attention, love, and spirit, you stand out, serve your purpose, and define yourself as extraordinary.
Think about this: Who in your life deserves appreciation, recognition or love right now? Go be generous with them. Pick up the phone and call them. Tell them how extraordinary they are and ask if they need anything. Or write them a generous note full of appreciation and praise. Be one of the few inspired souls who live to cheer others on. You can help the world believe in themselves and other people once more.
Six strategies for making a better first impression:
1. Stop Acting And Be Your Best Self
“Be yourself” is the best all-time phrase in personal development. However, you can plus that by being your best self. During your next networking or social situation, just show up with the intention of being fully authentic and alive. Have faith that showing the world who you are will always result in good things, because indeed it does.
2. Don’t Network If You Don’t Want To Do
Everyone thinks you have to extraverted to succeed, but it’s not true. If you like being introverted and you don’t want to join the party and go out and network, then don’t feel you have to. You can compensate by arranging smaller gatherings or lunches. However, if you feel your growth or greatness require you to get a little uncomfortable and go out and meet lots of people, then do it. Learning to become comfortable in uncomfortable situations is part of life mastery.
Anxiety is a sign to pay attention and bring your A-game. You can turn it into drama, a false cataclysmic feeling, or you can use it as a performance enhancement tool. Here’s the three primary sources of anxiety and what to do about it:
1. Fear of Loss
Too often we worry that we could lose respect or love if we fail at something. But most often these are unfounded concerns or faulty assumptions driven by a fearful, tired or undirected mind. The next time you feel anxiety, take a few deep breathes and ask, “Can I use this energy to prepare to gain something versus sit here and fear losing something? What action could I take to ready myself and minimize the chances things won’t go well?” Then brainstorm actions you can take to move forward. Sometimes the easiest way to wipe out anxiety is to get a little momentum.
Sometimes your dreams for living a great life and having more personal freedom can seem so far away. Yet, no matter where you are on the path, never let your small beginnings make you small-minded. When people express that your ambitions are impossible, keep going. When your dreams don’t come true instantaneously, remember it is through struggle, effort and desire that you get from here to there.
Following your dreams isn’t foolish; what’s foolish is not believing in your dreams and following other peoples’ path instead of your own. You become who you want to become by enacting habits that move you forward every day. The choices and practices you make in life are the building blocks that build a better reality.
I’ve spent my entire career helping high performers set up better strategies and habits to keep them energized, engaged and achieving their best. And the biggest secret I’ve learned in almost 20 years in this field is what I call “trigger moments.”
In essence, trigger moments are cues that remind you to activate your intentions or habits.
It’s one thing to have the intention to be more kind, patient and loving with people; it’s quite another to set a reminder on your phone that triggers you into being that kind of person. It’s one thing to want to eat healthier but another to setup a mental trigger that says, “Every time I drop off my kids at school, I immediately go to the gym or drive to the grocery store and buy fresh produce.” A trigger is a “when this thing happens, then I do or think that.”
We all want to be our best, but not just during short-bursts or when we need to be at our “peak.” We want to live and maintain our full potential, to reach and sustain what is called “high performance.” I often say, “the definition of high performance is succeeding above and beyond standard norms over the long-term.”
1. Clarity
High Performers have uncommon clarity about three things: (a) who they are, (b) what they desire and, (c) how they intend to perform and interact with other people. By knowing these things, they can stay true to themselves, in their zone, and highly intentional. Without clarity, there is no way you can reach high performance. With clarity you are focused and limitless.
When uncertain or afraid, how do we free ourselves from delay, make good decisions, and take decisive action? Three strategies…
1. Make Decisions Sooner
It’s easier to make decisions earlier than later. For example, if you hate your job, make a decision to leave sooner. Yes, be judicious and collect information, but don’t get into analysis paralysis or become scared of change. Set a date and prepare. Making bold decisions for yourself is the secret to moving your life forward. Ask, “What’s decision have I been putting off in my personal life? What decision have I been waiting to make at work? What decision do I need to make in my relationships?” Avoidance may be the best short-term strategy to avoid pain and conflict, but it is also the best long-term strategy to ensure suffering. Stop putting it off, make that decision and stick to it.
