by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 23, 2009 | Communication, Empowerment, Leadership, Success
Well, it's Friday & we've come to the end of this series. So far you've learned:
1. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH
2. WRITE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
3. RESEARCH WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE
4. CREATED SHORT & LONG-TERM GOALS
5. MAKE YOUR GOALS MEASURABLE
6. CREATE A TIME-LINE FOR ACTION
7. MAKE AN ACTION BOOK
8. MAKE SURE YOUR PLAN IS REALISTIC
TODAY:
9. REVISE YOUR PLAN AS NECESSARY
It is important to revisit your goals in light of shifting priorities and realities. For example: Your goal is to pay off a credit card. Your plan includes increasing your income and paying $300 per month to creditors. During the time that you set these goals, you were working overtime and had extra cash to put toward debt. However, after company cutbacks, overtime was removed from your budget and you became unable to make the payments. At this point you should revisit your goals and assess if your reality fits your original plan. This ensures you are always in line with your plan.
10. GET HELP ENACTING YOUR PLAN
Most of us prefer to accomplish our goals on our own. In fact, the so-called "American way" is to try and solve our own problems and pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. For some, it’s a matter of privacy and for others a matter of pride. However, if you need help executing a section of your plan, you should immediately seek support. You will find that many people you already know have the skills to help you. It is important to remember that every successful person has enlisted the help of people in their network to achieve their goals.
It is my prayer that this week's Tips for Success has been helpful as you strive for excellence.
Enjoy your weekend!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 22, 2009 | Communication, Empowerment, Success
So, how are you doing so far?
So far you’ve learned:
- KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH
- WRITE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
- RESEARCH WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE
- CREATED SHORT & LONG-TERM GOALS
- MAKE YOUR GOALS MEASURABLE
- CREATE A TIME-LINE FOR ACTION
TODAY:
Organization is important for keeping your plans alive. A good way to accomplish this is to create an action book. Your
action book should include a page for each of your goals. On each page, list the necessary steps to reach the goal and the date by which you intend to accomplish each step in the plan. Leave room for notes so you can make changes as necessary. Give your action book a table of contents with page numbers for easy reference. Get creative with your action book by writing an inspirational message that relates to the particular goal at the top of the page.
8. MAKE SURE YOUR PLAN IS REALISTIC
Warren Buffett once said, “I don’t look to jump over 7-foot bars; I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over.” Buffett was commenting on the importance of being realistic when you make plans. Instead of resolving to earn an extra $100,000 this year; start by vowing to save an extra $1,000. Plan to buy nothing unless it is on sale by at least 30%.
Remember, that your goals would be things you are willing and able to do. Make goals that are possible to accomplish this week and build the bigger goal with each passing week.
I know, it’s hard work, but, it’s the BEST hard work you’ll ever do!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 21, 2009 | Communication, Empowerment, Success
IT’S TIME FOR A MID-WEEK CHECKUP…
So far you’ve learned:
- KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH
- WRITE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
- RESEARCH WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE
- CREATED SHORT & LONG-TERM GOALS
TODAY:
5. MAKE YOUR GOALS MEASURABLE
Loose goals such as “I want to be happy” are immeasurable and therefor frustrating because they are not specific. When creating your goals, articulate measurable ones that can be clearly reached. For example, if you want to save more money this year, write “I want to save $3,000 by Decembers 31.”
Then, make a list of the amount you plan to deposit each month. After each transaction, put a check mark next to the month and amount. As you mark off the months, be sure to add up the sum of your deposits so you can track how close you are to your goal.
6. CREATE A TIME-LINE FOR ACTION
Time-lines are a must when outlining a plan of action. Without deadlines and time frames, even the best plans tend to drag on indefinitely. Designating specific time frames is universally recommended by experts in every field. For instance, if you plan to invest (not a bad idea since prices are down), write, “I will invest $500 in Company A by May 1.” Do this for each of your goals. Next, create a “goal calendar” where you write down these dates. Hang it in a prominent place; this will keep your deadlines at the forefront of your mind.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 20, 2009 | Communication, Leadership, Success
Half the battle to success is figuring out what steps you want to take to acquire it. Sitting down with your list of aspirations can be very scary. Your first thought will likely be, "Where do I begin?"
So far you've learned:
- KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH
- WRITE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
Today:
3. RESEARCH WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE
Remember, there is no shame in copying successful behavior. I repeat, THERE IS NO SHAME IN COPYING SUCCESSFUL BEHAVIOR. In fact, it would be foolish to try to forge your own path to success when there are so many well-documented versions of the tried-and-true road to achievement.
4. ARTICULATE YOUR SHORT & LONG-TERM GOALS
To jump-start your plan, keep a list of short-term goals. These can be things you can accomplish on a daily or weekly basis that bring you closer to success. You can start by adding things you've been meaning to do but haven't gotten around to. Cross items off your list as you complete them. This will give you an immediate sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated to work towards your larger goals.
Consider what your long-term goals are. Do you want to obtain an degree? Start a business? Own a home? Write your long-term goals and put them in a visible place. Viewing the milestones you have yet to reach will remind you that you do have a plan and that it is to fulfill these goals.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 19, 2009 | Empowerment, Leadership, Success, Vision
As you continue on your path of success, creating a plan of action focuses your efforts and yields immediate results.
Though you may be tempted to feel overwhelmed by the task, keep in mind that planning starts with a good outline.
Simply detail the steps you must take to achieve your goals. Following a plan allows you to keep track of your accomplishments which helps motivation levels remain high.
It also allows you to articulate what you want to achieve and how to achieve it. The saying is true: "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail."
This week I will share two principles each day that will help you create a success plan for your life. If you will dedicate one week to both principles, in 5-6 weeks you'll be a different & successful person.
1. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH
When creating a plan of action, clearly state your goals. First, have a brainstorming session. Let the ideas flow without interruption or judgment. Be sure to write down whatever comes to mind. Next, tighten up the looser ideas. For instance, a more specific version of "I want to start my own business" would be "I want to own my own Cyber Cafe within 5 years." Making goals specific helps you to zero in on what you want to accomplish. Finally, start thinking about how to achieve them.
2. WRITE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
Crafting a plan for success involves generating an idea of who you are and what you intend to do with your life.
Writing a mission statement will help pinpoint where you should focus your efforts. Your mission statement should clearly state the things in life that are most important to you – things that motivate you to go from one step to the next. It should also reflect goals based on these values. Your mission statement should be motivational, easy to understand, and action-oriented. It should appeal to you personally and emotionally.
So, roll up your sleeves & let the work begin!
