AM I THE ONLY ONE COMPLETELY FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW?
According to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, the chief proponent of the big bank bailout, flooding the banks with taxpayers’ money was supposed to get them to start lending freely again. And that, in turn, was supposed to stabilize the markets and prevent the downturn from being worse than it otherwise would be.
With 2009 destined to be a tough year for a lot of people, I thought now would be the perfect time to review Marcus Buckingham's book , The Truth About You which aims to empower you to enjoy higher satisfaction and performance in life and work.
If you are someone who still is not sure what to do with your life, then this is probably a great book for you to pick up. It includes a DVD, the book and a notepad, all of which make for a very interactive experience. If you are already in tune with your strengths and how you want to spend your life, and you are one of the 2 out of 10 people Marcus mentions that get to play to their strengths at work, then there are still some solid nuggets in the book for you as well.
The book discusses how successful people can build their dream jobs. The philosophy of the book revolves around 3 myths that hold you back from building your own dream job.
"Your strengths aren't what you're good at, and your weaknesses aren't what you're bad at."
“When it comes to the job, the 'what' always trumps the 'why' or the 'who'."
“You'll never turn your weaknesses into strengths.”
It also explains the differences in your strengths versus your weaknesses in a way that you probably have not thought about. Ensuing chapters provide 5 pieces of advice (a chapter for each) to stay on your strength path and succeed in both work and life.
In short, if you're really yearning to discover more about your strengths or weaknesses, give this book a try. Pick the book up and read it. Then give it away to a young person preparing for a new career path. And then treat yourself to a new copy.
To read the first 12 pages click “read” on the widget below:
 |
||
Disclaimer: I was given this book by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, as part of a program for book reviewers, but given no direction to follow nor compensation for this review.
IT'S TIME FOR A MID-WEEK CHECKUP…
So far you've learned:
1. MAKE DECISIONS THAT SUPPORT YOUR GOALS
2. PREDICT THE OUTCOME FOR ALL DECISIONS
TODAY:
3. NEVER MAKE AN IMPORTANT DECISION AFTER 3PM
Make meaningful decisions in the morning to early afternoon. Numerous studies have shown the mind to be most alert during the first few hours of the day. As the workday wears on, you will be tired, sluggish, and tend to rush through decisions because you are not thinking clearly. So try to avoid making important decisions after 3pm. Consider this time the end of your day. If you have the option, always ask to sleep on big decisions. This gives you time to consider all factors and make an informed decision in the morning.
4. BE STRATEGIC
Having a strategy is synonymous with developing a plan of action. A strategy serves as a guiding force when you are faced with decisions that have many factors. Therefore, developing a strategy for attacking multifaceted decisions is absolutely necessary. In fact, don’t allow yourself to make a single decision until you have a plan. First figure out how you will make your selections and then begin to make your choices based on the criteria you’ve established.
So, how are you doing?
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.
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!
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!
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?"
Unlock the power of gratitude and transform your life with our FREE gratitude journal!
This journal is designed to help you develop a daily gratitude practice scientifically proven to improve mental and physical health, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase happiness and overall well-being.
With our gratitude journal, you'll have a dedicated space to reflect on the things you're grateful for in your life. By taking just a few minutes each day to focus on the positive, you'll cultivate a more positive outlook, attract more abundance and joy into your life, and enjoy a greater sense of inner peace and contentment.
I hope you find this helpful. Let me know if you have any specific requirements or changes you'd like to make.
Just enter your details in the form below to get instant access to "Faith on The Fly: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth for Busy Professionals" eBook.