"Vision is the spectacular that inspires us to carry out the mundane." -- Chris Widener
Can achievement be broken down into steps? Well, it isn't always that clean and easy, but I do know that those who achieve great things usually go through much of the same process, with many of the items listed below as part of that process. So if you have been struggling with achievement, look through the following and internalize the thoughts presented. Then begin to apply them. You will be on the road to achieving your dream!
1. Dream it - Everything begins in the heart and mind. Every great achievement began in the mind of one person. They dared to dream, to believe that it was possible. Take some time to allow yourself to ask "What if?" Think big. Don't let negative thinking discourage you. You want to be a "dreamer." Dream of the possibilities for yourself, your family, and for others. If you had a dream that you let grow cold, re-ignite the dream! Fan the flames. Life is to short to let it go. (Also, check out my article "Dare to Dream Again," Which has been read by close to a million people in the last 4 months alone. You can see it at the website.)
2. Believe it - Yes, your dream needs to be big. It needs to be something that is seemingly beyond your capabilities. But it also must be believable. You must be able to say that if certain things take place, if others help, if you work hard enough, though it is a big dream, it can still be done. Good example: A person with no college education can dream that he will build a 50 million-dollar a year company. That is big, but believable. Bad example: That a 90 year-old woman with arthritis will someday run a marathon in under 3 hours. It is big alright, but also impossible. She should instead focus on building a 50 million-dollar a year business! And she better get a move on!
3. See it - The great achievers have a habit. They "see" things. They picture themselves walking around their CEO office in their new 25 million-dollar corporate headquarters, even while they are sitting on a folding chair in their garage "headquarters." Great free-throw shooters in the NBA picture the ball going through the basket. PGA golfers picture the ball going straight down the fairway. World-class speakers picture themselves speaking with energy and emotion. All of this grooms the mind to control the body to carry out the dream.
4. Tell it - One reason many dreams never go anywhere is because the dreamer keeps it all to himself. It is a quiet dream that only lives inside of his mind. The one who wants to achieve their dream must tell that dream to many people. One reason: As we continually say it, we begin to believe it more and more. If we are talking about it then it must be possible. Another reason: It holds us accountable. When we have told others, it spurs us on to actually do it so we don't look foolish.
5. Plan it - Every dream must take the form of a plan. The old saying that you "get what you plan for" is so true. Your dream won't just happen. You need to sit down, on a regular basis, and plan out your strategy for achieving the dream. Think through all of the details. Break the whole plan down into small, workable parts. Then set a time frame for accomplishing each task on your "dream plan."
6. Work it - Boy, wouldn't life be grand if we could quit before this one! Unfortunately the successful are usually the hardest workers. While the rest of the world is sitting on their couch watching re-runs of Gilligan's Island, achievers are working on their goal - achieving their dream. I have an equation that I work with: Your short-term tasks, multiplied by time, equal your long-term accomplishments. If you work on it each day, eventually you will achieve your dream. War and Peace was written, in longhand, page by page.
7. Enjoy it - When you have reached your goal and you are living your dream, be sure to enjoy it. In fact, enjoy the trip too. Give yourself some rewards along the way. Give yourself a huge reward when you get there. Help others enjoy it. Be gracious and generous. Use your dream to better others. Then go back to number 1. And dream a little bigger this time!
About The Author:
Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.
To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://chris-widener.inspiresyou.com/ or call 800-929-0434.
eco-friendly cleaning service Bannockburn ..Ten Tips for Staying ConnectedMany of my business clients tell... Read More
From an employee's perspective, management often conducts itself in ways... Read More
'Tis the season to give. And finding the right gift... Read More
Whether you are self employed or you work for someone... Read More
What is Choice Theory (CT)? CT is a theory of... Read More
If you've been thinking of starting a business on the... Read More
Attraction marketing is about making a customer for life not... Read More
1. Focus on the other Being known as a... Read More
Rut -- a routine procedure, situation, or way... Read More
Here are ten things that you can do to hold... Read More
It has been said you can lift the Rock... Read More
What would You do with $1,000,000With $1 Million would you:?... Read More
Many businesses lose money yearly because they don't think creatively... Read More
There are lots of benefits for some businesses to import... Read More
1. Great Things Take Time ? Three years passed between... Read More
How do you focus on your urgent e-mail and organize... Read More
Email etiquette is the key to help calm down anxious... Read More
Talking is the least important half of any conversation. Listening... Read More
If you have a business on the Internet you should... Read More
Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle SeriesNext: SalesWe've already... Read More
A lot of people are at a loss when it... Read More
1. Use subheads throughout your ad copy.Subheads are great to... Read More
Getting focused on what you want to achieve and creating... Read More
I have some good news and I have some bad... Read More
The 2004 election is over--at least in the minds of... Read More
cleaning lady near Lincolnshire ..There are lots of benefits for some businesses to import... Read More
A lot of people are at a loss when it... Read More
Imagine if you were going to address a stadium full... Read More
It has been said you can lift the Rock... Read More
1. Maintain regular working hours and stick to them.2. Get... Read More
How's your business going to keep growing with the holidays... Read More
Which one are you? An effective IT project manager, able... Read More
Either simply a looker-on or a player in the world... Read More
1. Outsource what takes you too long to doWhen you... Read More
1. You have a big goal and you want someone... Read More
Although dentistry may appear to be different than other types... Read More
Positioning Your Company for Debt Financing:There was a time in... Read More
You need sales and you wanted them yesterday. Here are... Read More
Do you run a business that seems to run you?... Read More
As a counselor, therapist or healing professional (massage therapist, physiotherapist,... Read More
Gas prices continue to go through the roof and increased... Read More
Do you want to be #1-10 on Google and other... Read More
1. Combine Emotion and LogicConsumers buy because the want to... Read More
Email etiquette is the key to help calm down anxious... Read More
In my career, I have had a total of 3... Read More
Let's put to rest the fallacy that success, in sales... Read More
Counselling non-performing team members is a tough part of any... Read More
Clarity is an absolutely essential ingredient for you to achieve... Read More
Studies have proven that there is one reason why people... Read More
Leadership, leadership development and leadership training are "Hot" issues in... Read More
Top Quick Tips |