by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 26, 2009 | Decisions, Empowerment, Leadership, Other Stuff, Success
Recent scientific studies indicate that emotions play a HUGE role in decision-making. Furthermore, decision-making is an involved process and one that is critically important to master if a person wants to be successful.
NEWS FLASH:
ALL highly successful people are good decision makers.
They find that making good decisions leads to enjoyment and self-confidence. Successful people enjoy the decision-making process itself and consider it be an excellent and challenging way to constantly resharpen their minds and skills.
This week I will share two principles each day that will help you make wiser decisions. Again, if you will dedicate one week to
both principles, in 5-6 weeks you'll be a different & successful
person.
1. MAKE DECISIONS THAT SUPPORT YOUR GOALS
When working toward your goals, you may easily get derailed when a tempting situation presents itself. Though it is difficult to refrain from doing something you want in the moment, it is important to exhibit discipline. Some examples include postponing dining out, weekend getaways, and shopping sprees when you're trying to save for a home. Continued commitment to your long-term goals is necessary if you desire to be successful.
2. PREDICT THE OUTCOME FOR ALL DECISIONS
It is impossible to know for certain how a particular decision will turn out. It is, however, possible to predict what might happen. Predicting outcomes is a valuable tool when deciding between several options. For example, if you are deciding to pursue an advanced degree, consider the outcome of your options. Law school is an expensive investment ($150,000 for 3 years) but can help increase your earning potential later in life. Determine how much time you have before making the decision. Use 90% of that time thinking & considering the outcome – THEN DECIDE!
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 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!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 14, 2009 | Communication, Empowerment, Leadership, Networking, Relationships, Success
Build Bridges – Not Walls
When you leave a job, church, organization, for whatever reason, be sure to leave on good terms; you never know when you will need to contact or utilize former employers or co-workers for recommendations or networking purposes.
If you leave with an attitude of "good riddance," others will not be inclined to maintain a relationship with you. Wishing other well, providing your personal contact information, and making every effort to stay in touch are great ways to leave lines of communication open.
