22 Years
Twenty-two years ago, I started
on a path to build several businesses. The process began for one simple reason,
I was not a great employee. I feel my intentions were good, but often
misguided, and I felt that I knew how to do things better, my way. Sometimes I
was right, often I was wrong, but it made me a challenging person to manage. So,
I was forced to start something on my own.
I have made countless mistakes
along the way, mostly guided by ego and pride, I often refused to listen to
anyone and followed the wrong path. I still don’t pretend to have it all
figured out, but I do have some insight that I have gained by starting my
businesses as well as helping hundreds of others start theirs:
1. Fail
And Learn: Face it, you are going to fail. Mistakes are inevitable and
losses are part of building success. Just remember that if you fail, learn from
it. Take a critical look at what you could have done differently, and then here
is the key, do something different!
2. Try
New Things: Often, we are reluctant to try something new. There are many
reasons; It didn’t work before, It didn’t work for others, We don’t understand
it, It seems too hard. All reasonable responses to change. If you think change
is hard, try standing still. Dare to try something new. In a world of ever changing
technology, don’t be afraid to try something new that may help you in your
daily activities.
3. Always
Be Learning. You can learn from so many places, information is literally in
the palm of our hands, but you must do a deeper dive than the first google
search. You can learn from so many people outside of your industry. You can learn
from your peers as well; they are working alongside you in your industry and I
guarantee they have something to share.
4. Help
Others Succeed: We should always look for opportunities to help others find
success. This includes the people we work for, the people we work with, our
customers, and even people in our industry that may feel like competitors.
Helping people in your industry may improve your competition, but it also
improves your industry.
5. Work
Hard: I know people will say work smarter not harder, and although I agree
with that sentiment to some degree, hard work is still a key element to success.
It’s the extra effort, the extra hours, it’s one more call, one more swing. You
can do hard things!
6. Be
Kind: Being kind is a great way to improve your life and the lives of those
around you. Practice kindness daily through simple acts such as holding doors
open, greeting others warmly, and expressing gratitude. It’s these small acts
of kindness that make this world a better place.
7. Slow
Down: We are always in a rush. It is one of the things I am known for,
hurrying about, I am trying to be better at just enjoying the moment. Its challenging,
but every time I do it is worth the effort. It is important to slow down, to
pay attention, to be in the moment, we miss so much when we rush around.
8. Give
Thanks: Be appreciative and show it. A simple text, email, or even better a
handwritten note is the best way to show your appreciation. If you feel it, say
it. Stop waiting for the perfect moment to say thank you!
9. It’s
the little things: If you can’t do the little things well, how can you
expect to do the big things well. Focus on improving the small tasks, repetition
is key. Once you do them well you can then improve on the speed at which you do
them. The details matter.
10. Get
Organized: It is hard to find success in disarray. I have read studies
about how cluttered desks and messiness is often a sign of intelligence. I
imagine those studies are done by messy unorganized people trying to justify
their chaos. Having a clear workspace allows you to focus on one thing at a
time and do that task well. I am a horrible multitasker and at times I know it
actually slows me down rather than increases my efficiency.
11.
Be
Healthy: Take time for you. Meditate. Pray. Eat well and exercise. Anyone
who knows me knows I love to eat and it’s not always healthy food. Yet, I do choose
healthier options to help balance my more exciting food adventures. Also, I
have never stopped exercising, mostly to support my desire to eat, but also for
the long term physical and mental health benefits that come from having an exercise
regime. It’s never too late to get healthier.
12. Read:
I am a voracious reader, and I typically try to read 2 to 3 books at any given
time. I read for pleasure, I read for education, and I read for personal
development. If you are ever looking for a book just let me know. Just read!
13. Connect:
Connect with people, not to see how you can benefit from them, rather how you
may be a benefit to them, or maybe each other. Connecting with people takes
intention, you need to communicate, check in, share a book you’ve read, or
something you learned. Dig deeper to create meaningful connections.
14. Build
Habits: I say this often, bad habits are created over time and without our
consent. It takes a conscious effort and discipline to create good habits as
well as erase the bad ones. Don’t use the excuse that it is hard to avoid
building a habit that will improve your life.
15. Be
Intentional: It’s simple, do what you say you are going to do. Simple
right? Yet, we live our lives with the best intentions and still fail to
execute. Building the life you desire will require you to be intentional. Be
intentional with you life, your personal connection, your professional efforts,
in all things.
16. Have
a Plan: Yes, build a plan, a daily plan, weekly plan, yearly plan, even 5
to 10 year plan. I realize your plans will change, but having a plan helps you
measure your improvements and help you build a clear path to a future success.
17. Adjust
the Plan: Don’t be afraid to change your plan if it’s not working. You must
be careful to give yourself enough time for your plan to work. Don’t just change
your plan because it becomes hard.
18. Travel:
It is so important to step away from your work and take a vacation. It is hard,
scary, and often seemingly impossible to get away. But it is important for your
personal relationships, mental health, and the clarity that comes from a break from
the daily grind. And going to different towns, states and countries allows you
to experience life from different perspectives which helps both personal and professional
growth.
19. Small
Changes: Making small adjustments in your life can create momentum that
allows for big advancements. Small changes are also more likely to stay with
you. Trying to rearrange how you do all your tasks is possible but often leads
to disaster. Minor adjustments, small things you can learn to incorporate into
your daily routine can be very successful and lead to other small changes.
20. Celebrate:
It is important to take a moment to celebrate the achievements as you go along
this journey. Celebrate the big and the small. Celebrate alone and with friends
and family, especially the ones that truly support you. Celebrate!
21. Eat:
A meeting without food should be an email! I say this often and I truly mean it.
Not just
because I love food, but because food connects people. Sharing a meal
is a great way to connect with people in a meaningful way. It’s a great way to
get to know someone. It is a common tie that crosses all bridges as we all can
relate through with food in one way or another. People relax and conversations
become more comfortable when food is involved, which can improve the overall
conversation and outcome of your meetings.
22. Pray:
I will close with this, after 22 years of trying to build something, I have
learned that if you lack a foundation of faith, you will always feel unfulfilled,
no matter how high you climb in your respective field. We are called to serve,
based in faith, without pride, without judgment, to the betterment of all around
us. This is the most important lesson of all. I failed to learn it early on,
but now I try to walk this way every day.
My challenge to you, pick 2 or 3 of things, or even 22
of these things and start using them to create a better you! I fully believe you
can do this! So, today I pray that as you read this you have a productive and fulfilling
life, that you find your calling, that you support others, that you encourage
all around you, that you continue to grow professionally personally, and spiritually,
and most importantly that you pray!
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