3 Principles To Move You Toward Your Goals

Wonderfully amazing things can happen to us when we follow three principles. In essence, these are very simple principles, yet putting them into practice can be easier said than done. But once you’ve deliberately applied them for a few weeks, you will find yourself less stressed, and many with whom I’ve shared them report increased energy levels and more enthusiasm for their work. In this age of full disclosure, I must admit that there are times when, for whatever reason I fail to use these principles with the result being that I begin to feel overwhelmed, tense and drained.

First, Guard Your Attitude. As we all know, the way we think about things provides the points of reference we use to interpret everything that happens around us. I believe in having a realistic positive attitude. Now, that may sound like an oxymoron, but there are two types of positive attitude. One type has given the concept a bad name because it often refuses to acknowledge problems or difficulties, we often referred to it as a Pollyanna attitude.” The other type, what I describe as a realistic positive attitude, takes the approach to difficulties and problems that there is a solution or opportunity for each of them.

Second, Regularly Use Your Creativity. One of the first rules of writing, whether it be this column, an article, novel or anything else is that you need to write everyday. Many experienced writers go so far as to write at the same time everyday. The professional writers will admit that many times what they write isn’t that great, but they know they must use their imagination regularly in order to keep it sharp. Even when what they write isn’t that great, they have exercised their imagination and following the first principle laid out above, know they can return to the manuscript and fix it later.

But, you protest, you aren’t a writer and therefore don’t need to be creative. This is perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions I hear from people. Regardless of what you do, you need to apply the power of imagination. If you are trying to solve a complex problem, close an important deal or motivate an unproductive team member you must be able to mentally project the various outcomes, sort between them and then implement the best case scenario you settled on. In short, you are using your creativity or your imagination. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run free, as author Jack London remarked about using ones imagination, “You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” And as Emily Dickinson reminds us, The Possible's slow fuse is lit By the imagination.”

Third, Protect Your Time. In my business, there is a maxim that reminds us to always “work closest to the money.” On paper, this may sound materialistic, however it is simply a reminder that there is only so much time in the day and we shouldn’t waste it on inconsequential activities. Certainly, we have to do things like check our email, chat with coworkers, take phone calls or read our industry’s publications. But we don’t have to do these things before we handle those things that are “closest to the money.” For me, working closest to the money means making calls to clients, prospective clients and taking the steps needed to move projects forward. For you, it could be some other activity. Working closest to the money means different things to different people, but ultimately it means doing the primary thing that we are getting paid to do.
Have a great and profitable week!
Robert Hidde
bob@confidentliving.com
roberthidde.com