Have you noticed that with some things in life we need reminders to keep certain values in focus? It can be so easy to get overwhelmed by what is going on around us and lose sight of that core compass guiding us to the right place at the right time. I surround myself with quick references that I know will keep my mental tracking in the right place. And as Earl Nightingale said so brilliantly, “We become what we think about.” So it bears repeating some things that we need to think about as part of that evolving process.
I have found that a good way to stay centered is to have a clear manifesto. After all, a better you is going to produce a better business. Managing your thoughts, manages your actions. And managing your actions, drivers better results in every aspect of your life. Including your professional endeavors. From time to time, I like to share mine here not only as a way to perhaps inspire my readers to craft their own, but to also reaffirm in my own voice, my own philosophical platform. As you read through each statement, think about what would best express your beliefs in that particular area. Then remember the power of taking the action of committing it to paper. Write it down. Then read it regularly. You’ll find that as you evolve, your manifesto will evolve with you until it crafts into a full and powerful statement of you.
- My vision for the future is my decision touchstone. I recognize that what I do today is forming my tomorrow. I do not think about what might have been. I act on what will be.
- Creating value for others is always my objective. To do that, I need to understand and focus on what they need me to bring vs. what I want to bring.
- A curious nature is my most valuable resource. My most powerful tool is the right question.
- I invest time as a resource. I do not try to manage time. I set priorities and they determine how the time is spent.
- I do not think in terms of failure. I think in terms of effort.
- A change of scenery is often the absolute best way to achieve a change of perspective.
- The only rules that apply are those that I have accepted. By accepting (or not accepting) any guidelines, I am also accepting responsibility for my choices.
- Fear is not a bad thing. Fear is a healthy thing. Because it means I respect what I am undertaking.
- Fun is a good thing. I aspire always to have more fun.
- My surroundings reflect my values and appreciation for beauty.
