Achieve Your Goals With a “Reciprocal Resource”

Goals SignPeople come into our lives for a reason. Sometimes we don’t immediately recognize what the purpose is. When you look at other individuals as “reciprocal resources” (you help each other), you will be amazed at how quickly you will expand your knowledge and achieve your goals.

Think of people in your life who could become a reciprocal resource – a buddy with a purpose. For instance, one of my colleagues, Susan, is my goal-setting buddy and has been since 2000. We get together for lunch or afternoon tea at the beginning of each year and then at the end of each quarter to discuss our business and personal goals, what we have accomplished the previous quarter, and what we plan to accomplish in the next quarter. Because I am accountable to Susan and not just to myself, I am more likely to achieve greater things because I am doing it for her. I don’t want to disappoint her. She keeps me accountable and focused on the future and I do the same for her.

Over the years, we have brainstormed creative solutions, honestly evaluated each other’s business models and revised our action plans. Goals that were once part of a written plan have come into fruition because we are equal partners in each other’s success.

As you aspire to that next level in your career and in life, consider approaching someone you admire, respect and trust to become a reciprocal resource. When you are accountable to someone other than yourself, you will achieve great things.

Reflective Action Enhances Your Attitude

629903_autumnWhen the walls of negativity are closing in, take the time forĀ reflective action, to activate your senses with your mind and body to enhance your well-being and become more positive. Here are three tips to get you started:

  1. Retreat! Imagine getting away from everything that is familiar to you, allowing yourself to experience something new. In the process, you get to know yourself at a much deeper level. That, in essence, is what a retreat is designed to do. Focused quiet time can change your perspective. Some retreats are self-directed; others are organized for you. When you plan a retreat, do it with an open mind and open heart. You will return home feeling rejuvenated and more focused.
  2. Be inspired by other people’s stories. From time to time, you may have “down” days – those gray days when you just don’t feel like yourself. Negative thoughts can take over, and before you know it, you feel inadequate. Reading about other people’s stories of struggle turned to celebration will inspire you. I keep a file of inspirational stories from articles that I have read about people who have overcome difficult obstacles in their lives. Two of my favorites are about the lives of Mattie Stepanek and Kyle Maynard. Seek out their stories on the internet and reflect on what is possible in your life.
  3. Bring beauty into your life every day. Beauty almost defies description because its definition is so subjective. I define beauty as anything that enriches your life or that stops you and beckons you to take the time to absorb, embrace, or admire it. Adding beauty to your life can be admiring a beautiful morning, listening to relaxing music, or examining the intricate weaving of a dew-covered spider’s web. Don’t turn your back on beauty. It is all around you. Take the time to invite it into your life.

Reflective actions like these will give you a fresh perspective on what exists and what is possible in your life.

Discipline Leads to Mastery

A-CatherineDiscipline doesn’t get the kudos it deserves. It’s often overlooked as part of a success plan. Yet, without discipline, you cannot make the shift from ordinary to extraordinary.

On Saturday night, I saw discipline in action and studied it in awe. Mark and I attended the Cleveland Heights Pavilion Skating Club’s “Skate Into Spring” ice performance. What brought us there was our friend – artist and skater- Catherine Butler (shown in her goddess costume, above). While I thoroughly enjoyed all of the performances, I also came away with a greater appreciation for discipline. Here’s what I learned:

Discipline makes you stronger. When you practice what you love, it shows. Are you better as a solo performer, a pair or an ensemble? Some skaters preferred ice dancing to ice skating. Whatever it is, when you play to your strengths, you will excel.

Discipline builds confidence. I was impressed with the grace and maturity of a young pairs skating couple who looked to be about eight years old. Heads held high, smiling, posture erect, they demonstrated confidence. The young boy held his partner with such confidence that I could envision this couple ten years into the future, winning many competitions.

Mastery is discipline in action. One year of experience looks much different than 5 or 10 years of experience. New skaters were still finding their confidence and using simpler moves. Advanced skaters jumped higher, spun faster and held poses longer. They glided across the ice effortlessly. The habit of discipline paved the way toward mastery.

Clearly, discipline delivers results. What kind of discipline will get you to where you need to be?

Conquer Procrastination by Moving Thought to Action

Businessman Wearing CapeYour day is filled with hundreds of thoughts. Sometimes those thoughts remain just thoughts with no action. “I want to get promoted.” “I want to read more.” “I need to get more involved in my community.” If you find yourself repeating those same phrases over and over without action, then listen more carefully to your language. If you say “I want to…” “I need to…” “I would like to…” what I call “no-intention mentions” then it is time to do something about those thoughts.

Change your language to “I am…” and make it happen! Those thoughts will develop into action. “I am going after that promotion.” “I am reading every day.” “I am involved in my community.” On a broader scale, if you say something like, “My plan to end world hunger is bringing sustainability to the most remote regions of the world,” then you are taking responsibility for your actions, whether your action provides financial or physical assistance.

When thoughts remain just thoughts with no action, you can think those thoughts for days, months, years, or a lifetime. Nothing ever happens. They remain thoughts and nothing more. A thought is the “what” – what you want to happen. Action is the “how” – how you make it happen. The choice is yours. You can choose to take action. Don’t just think about it. Do it!