As far as our lives are concerned, we are either making progress or falling behind. There is no standing still; no treading water. It is important to ask ourselves: “Which curve am I on?”
Another question: Do you know of anyone who disdainfully goes to their job on a daily basis because they “have to”; seemingly trapped in a rut until retirement or the day they die (whichever comes first)? This is a reality for many. Too many.
“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
There is a better way! And, many have taken that way.
Obviously, it is necessary to earn a living to pay for the important things in life. But, our work need not be drudgery. If we feel our work is drudgery we have choices. We can change our attitude (the way we think about our work), change our employer or both! If we don’t choose one of these options then just maybe we are one of those individuals who are not happy unless we are unhappy. Or, we have succumbed to inertia (a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged).
The world owes us NOTHING! If we want something we have to work (go above and beyond) for it!
To make progress (towards changing our attitude and/or our employment) we can do so by simply investing our extra time in learning and personal growth. We all have more time than we care to admit. Just tally the number of hours the one-eyed monster brightens our living room each week. Ouch, I know…
The first step in making progress is deciding:
- What do I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to be doing (for a living, recreation, travel, with my family)?
- Where do I want to be in 3-5 years (position, title, self-employment, geographic location, income level)?
- What will I need to do to get there (education, training, engage a mentor, investor(s), bust my hump for sure)?
The reality is that we can do, be, have virtually ANYTHING we set our minds to; and then act on — UNTIL. Until we have achieved the object of our desire.
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t – you’re right.” ~ Henry Ford
This is all about goal setting. We simply need to write down our goals, review them each night before bed and upon rising each morning. Keep them in our face. Post pictures of what we are working towards. My family always knows “what’s next” for us by the pictures on our fridge 🙂
If you’d like more complete training on goal setting, check out the following program. I attended this seminar 20+ years ago. It was absolutely fantastic!
My son Ian recently sent me the following quote:
“The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.” ~ Paul Valery
How true!
Be Brave Not Safe 