Steps to Success

I am a big fan of Hyrum Smith the founder of Franklin Quest, now Franklin Covey.  I have had the opportunity to meet Hyrum on several occasions and hear him speak, he does a great job.  My most recent encounter with Hyrum was at the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ABSDC) annual meeting back in Chicago.  I got an opportunity to speak to him when I bumped into him coming out of the elevator and then to hear his conference keynote later that evening. 

Hyrum has written several books around the concept of life and time management including the 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management.  I wanted to bullet point a few concepts that Hyrum discussed in Chicago:

• Determine "What Matters Most to You" then bring the events in your life into line with these governing values. 
• The only difference between today and 100 years ago is that we do things faster now.  Technology has given us the ability to do more things so today it is even more critical that you know what is most important to you.  Don't let the huge flow of information and activities overwhelm you.  Control the events in your life by knowing what is most important and acting on that.
• Practice the "Abundance Mentality" not the "Scarcity Mentality" ~  With an abundance mentality you strive to create a win/win situation with those you deal with.  Someone doesn't have to fail so you can succeed.  I use this in partnerships all the time.  We strive to make sure our partners succeed and this will allow us to be successful.
• Give Back ~ "Cast your bread on the water and it comes back 10 fold."  Give back, pay forward...Make a difference!
• Show true character ~ This is the ability to carry out a decision after the emotion of that decision has past.  As a runner I have to practice this all the time...When I lay down to go to sleep I am always excited to run the next day...The key is to get out and run the next day when I'm tired and it is windy and cold outside.  In business this is an important concept.  There are a lot of big picture people that come up with great ideas but fail to act and make those ideas a reality.  It is your actions in the moment of truth that will make you successful.
• "Pain is inevitable but misery is optional" ~ Into every life some rain will fall.  Everyone will face challenges but you have the choice to control how you react to those challenges...You are in control.  You determine your actions.

Live out of your imagination not your memory.  Memory is what once was.  Imagination is Potential...It is what CAN be!

Comments

[Mark Henson]

Live out of your imagination. That's probably the single best piece of advice I have ever heard. Your imagination is always bigger and better than reality. Live in your imagination, then bring your imagination to life! Playing small serves no one!