Archive For The “goals” Category
I’m constantly amazed at the places that potential learning opportunities pop-up. I often drive down a country road near a Civil War battlefield. I usually find the rural scenery relatively relaxing.
One day, I happened to notice something that I had somehow missed on all my previous trips by the fields along the road. Right in the middle of one of the fields stood a tree. It was only about 25 or 30 feet tall, but I was nevertheless taken somewhat aback that a tree had somehow managed to grow right in the middle of the field.
When I took a closer look, I saw the secret to the tree’s survival. It had sprouted in the edge of a ditch, out of reach from plows, tractors and other equipment that would have ended it’s life if it was anywhere else.
It reminded me that there are times in life when we have to find a spot away from harmful distractions that keep us from growing and accomplishing our goals. If we’re where we supposed to be, we should develop an attitude of persistence while avoiding the people and things that would hold us back.
While the tree is not very big, I can tell that it has been around for at least 10 years of so. It grew nearly sideways early in it’s life but later headed skyward as it was meant to do.
Sometimes, we have to take a different route than originally planned, but if we keep trying, we’ll find a way to where we need to be. In time, our patience will be rewarded.
I’m not sure what kind of tree it is, but I know that it has made it through thunderstorms, drought and snow showers. It wouldn’t stand out in a forest, but it certainly stands out in the middle of the field.
If we find our mission in life, we’ll have the strength to carry it out. Power comes to those who know where they’re going.
Next time you feel a little pressure, remember that persistence, patience and power can help you grow despite your circumstances.
As 2010 gets started, I thought I’d pass on a goal setting tip I got from Chris Brogan‘s newsletter a few months ago (you can sign up for the newsletter here).
Brogan passed on an idea he got from Bre Pettis, an innovator and designer. You write down your “most audacious goal” on a big, white sheet of paper. Then you go backwards with ways that you can accomplish it.
Those ways become your goals. Brogan calls them “lighthouses” that will keep you on course. Think about potential obstacles between you and them. Then find a way around them.
photo credit: Indy Kethdy
This seems like a simple, but effective, method to reach your highest goals.
On a related note, Brogan’s newsletter also contained some interesting personal information about his blogging experience. He said he didn’t have 100 readers until he’d been writing for eight years. It took him 10 years to develop what he called “business value” for what he was doing.
Today, he’s one of the top bloggers on the web.
All that is evidence that you shouldn’t give up on your goals. Two of most successful network marketers I know didn’t start making serious income until they’d been in the profession for more than 12 years.
Imagine if they’d given up about seven, or nine, or even 11 years.
Set your goals.
Make your plan.
Stick with it.
Steve DeVane
(NOTE — This free e-book helped me get my business on track.)
The other day, I was reading a story about NASCAR driver Kyle Busch. He’s not my favorite, but I admire his will to win.
In the story, Busch talked about what motivates him.
“What I use is the car in front of me. If there’s a car in front of me, I’m going to chase him,” Busch said. “… I want to pass that guy. If I’m the leader, there’s another car in front of me, he’s going a lap down. The more guys you get a lap down, the more you don’t have to deal with at the end of the day. There’s always some motivation to go forward. There’s always somebody ahead of you that you can pass that’s going to mean something. Even if you are the leader.”
I thought that was a pretty good motivational strategy for anyone in business. It’s good to set goals. I’m a big believer in the importance of having lofty aspirations.
Sometimes, however, those high expectations aren’t enough. If that’s all we have, making progress might seem like we’re not accomplishing anything.
So, in addition to high, long-term goals, we have to stay focused on what’s going on now. Like Busch focuses on the car in front of him, concentrate on being the best at whatever you’re doing.
I once heard a speech by an Air Force officer who had reached the rank of general. In his comments he said his goal was always to be the best officer he could be, no matter what his rank.
Likewise, we should focus on being the best business people we can be. If we do this, we’ll reach our highest goals.
Steve DeVane
I recently spent a weekend in North Myrtle Beach with my family. One morning, I went for a walk on the beach with my wife and son. We walked to the Cherry Grove pier.
The walk was pleasant even though it was a cloudy day. We made it to the pier and turned back toward the resort where we were staying.
About halfway back, it occurred to me that the walk going to the pier seemed much shorter than the return trip. It made me realize the importance of perspective.
When we were walking toward the pier, we had a fixed goal in mind. Walking back, our goal was not as visible. Moreover, we realized that we had walked a long way to the pier and now faced a long walk back.
I learned was re-reminded of a couple of good lessons for life and business.
First, always set clear goals. Write them down and celebrate when you reach them.
Second, if you don’t like the way things are looking, it will probably help if you change the way you’re looking at them.
Steve DeVane