"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. . . . You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you. "
Walt(er) Elias Disney (1901-66)
American animator, showman, film producer
Throughout our lives we are often faced with Obstacles or Adversity. All too often however, we let our obstacles become our adversity or our adversity become our obstacles.
If you look back on your life, you may see this as well.
What I've found is a simple two word phrase for a person who is ready to conquer both.
That phrase is "R.E.A.L. S.M.A.R.T." It's an acronym that tells us the steps we need to take in order to achieve our objective of conquering our obstacle or adversity.
Here's why a person who is ready to conquer their adversity is R.E.A.L. S.M.A.R.T.
A "R.E.A.L." person is a person who: Realizes Everything's Always Learned
This simply means taking the time to think, understand and most of all learn what and where our obstacles are. The next part of the process is learning what we need to know in order to overcome our obstacle or adverstiy.
When you Realize Everything's Always Learned, you will also realize that this is a circular process, and one that must be repeated for each obstacle or adversity we face in our lives.
"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow." Anthony J. D'Angelo
Now although the S.M.A.R.T. principle is one that is used in business, I firmly believe that many of the principles of business can and must me applied in our lives.
So here it is:
SMART = Specific + Measurable + Achievable + Realistic + Timely
Specific: A goal needs to be exact and clearly stated. Vague and general terms are not goals. Your brain needs to focus on a specific target.
Measurable: How do you know when the goal is completed? When stating your goal you should state how you are going to measure when it is complete. If you don't know the measurement then you will never know that you have achieved it.
Achievable: Your goal must be attainable. If you have not learned what you need to know in order to attain your goal, then you must either learn it and then apply or find someone to assist you that already knows what you don't. Think about past achievements or failures in your life and apply some of the lessons that you learned.
Realistic: Being realistic is a bit tricky. What may be realistic for you may not be realistic for others. You can see this truth throughout your life. Keep your goal within boundaries that you set and upgrade how realistic it is as you get closer or achieve more.
Timely: Keep a specific time of day for working towards your goal. In addition to that, keep a timeline of when you intend on completing each portion of your goal. Keep track of each item completed and when. Tracking is an essential element in achievement.
This was taken from another article I wrote called "why taking action is not the answer". Where ever the word "goal" is mentioned, you will realize that conquering your obstacle or adversity is now your goal.
The REAL SMART principle should be applied any time an obstacle or adversity presents itself in our lives or businesses. There is more to be learned from them than any other time in our lives. With that said, I leave you this...
"Obstacles cannot crush me. Every obstacle yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind." Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Italian painter, sculptor, architect, musician, engineer, scientist
*** Rasheed Ali was once a homeless runaway on the streets of NY and is now changing the lives of thousands of people from all walks of life...Helping them reach their ultimate potential by conquering any and all obstacles through his Conquer Your Adversity Newsletter. He is also co-founder of "why taking action is not the answer" You can subscribe to his newsletter at "why taking action is not the answer" ***
The difference between success and failure is based on behavior.... Read More
In my private practice for the past 13+ years I... Read More
Our expectations get us into a lot of trouble and... Read More
I was flying home from a seminar in Atlanta yesterday... Read More
Once you've made it...throw a Success Shindig! Of course you... Read More
Most of your behavior is determined by your habits. Everything... Read More
For centuries Protestant Christians have argued that you can reach... Read More
"The mind grows by what it feeds on." J.... Read More
One the most important Self Improvement skills to develop to... Read More
Think how often you see a friend or an acquaintance... Read More
Hello,You are reading this article because you are one of... Read More
Something happens when you come to the intersection... Read More
Formula For SuccessThe winners in this life know the rules... Read More
Greatness is all around us. From Oprah to Bill Gates... Read More
I succeeded. I achieved my goal. I am successful. I... Read More
When traveling down the road it is always good to... Read More
A company entitled "Made for Success" begs the question: Just... Read More
Imagine living in the world that Helen Keller found herself... Read More
In my audio program Book Yourself Solid, The 7 Keys... Read More
Knowing when to disconnect, shut it off, unplug, or walk... Read More
Two weeks ago we took a look at the power... Read More
Everything we have in life is because of the help... Read More
Periodically re-check and refine (or redefine) your goals It's no... Read More
Being organised is a major step to success and the... Read More
We are repeatedly told that we should forget about unpleasant... Read More
Everyone wants a life that works effectively, whether that means... Read More
Adults, with eyes to see, can learn so much about... Read More
With the long-term trend of protecting employees' individual self esteem... Read More
Much has been researched, written and taught about success. One... Read More
The ten-year period which followed the stock market crash of... Read More
Of course by now we are all becoming aware of... Read More
Our lives and the circumstances we live in are largely... Read More
If failure is the roadway, then Perseverance is the vehicle... Read More
What Makes the Difference?On a warm spring afternoon, fifteen years... Read More
Success! Easy to talk about, but difficult to achieve. Or... Read More
Something For You To Consider?How To Create What You Want... Read More
One of the common elements you see in almost all... Read More
One way to become more successful in your life is... Read More
The start of a new year is a good time... Read More
The problem with writing about success is that almost everything... Read More
Many of us have lost sight of what we really... Read More
What with the millions of words printed every day about... Read More
I'll be the first to admit that everyone has his... Read More
Perfect the fine art of the end run From time... Read More
I spoke recently with the owner of a large clothing... Read More
You've been searching for self improvement or personal development. Trying... Read More
Our brain is a marvelous creation. It receive and transmit... Read More
As a child you probably learned failing is bad...Failing meant... Read More
Periodically re-check and refine (or redefine) your goals It's no... Read More
Think back to a time in your life when you... Read More
Success |