Soon I will be 34 years old and I know that these are the most important days of my life. I am a husband and father and so the search for significance is easy. The opportunity for impact is built in--naturally. The pursuit of success in these roles is the most difficult challenge facing me.
How does a person my age handle such a realization? Ah, you ask which one, the most important days idea or the pursuit of success thing? My response--both! These concepts are intertwined. I want the rest of my days to be full of success.
Sine greatness always requires sacrifice, what are the things that must go in order for my most important days to produce the most important outcomes? I believe a list is in order.
Ignoring Myself
Yes, I am the most important person in my pursuit of greatness. Don't think of this statement as an arrogant, self-absorbed commentary on the depravity of man. I must throw off this kind of false humility that suggests human capital should extend exclusively upon others. I realize more than ever that I need to invest in myself. Not just for my benefit but for the benefit of others. I want to be the best I can be so that I have something of worth to give to those I love most. Please hear me clearly. I do not want to be an achievement monger or a shallow, isolated me worshipper. With something bigger than myself in mind, I simply want to prepare and be trained in bringing out the best of who I was created to be.
Temporary Pleasure
If I had a dollar for every decision I have made that meant immediate gratification then financial independence would be mine. Because I made so many such decisions, the money I could have is elsewhere because I had to have something right now. How stupid! Of course, consumerism is not the only example. Decisions regarding relationships and even eating choices can also fall under the "I need this right now" category. Doing everything on purpose sets up success. The biggest and most important question to ask is "Why?" Being able to answer honestly is identifying purpose. Purpose eliminates distractions and keeps the flames of focus burning. This is foundational, without purpose, nothing else matters.
Expectations Set By Others
I used to care a lot about what other people thought. I still care a little; at least enough to make a judgment on whether I should stick close to that person or put up a friendly barrier. I want to be sure that I run with those who are supportive and encouraging. It is much easier to keep pressing on when you have fans. For those who just want to be sure that I know their opinion and their disapproval, I am learning not to take it personally or let them hold me back. Sure, a little constructive criticism is helpful at times, but when the words are consistently negative and said in a spirit of defeat, then the best course of action is to keep a distance. Success is like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. Since I determine what success is, setting goals is an activity of utmost importance. My expectations, that is, what I know to be most important become clear when goals are established.
Unplanned Time
I believe one of the biggest barriers to success and ultimately a joyful life is wasted time. Time is my most valuable resource. Planning, although time consuming, is time well spent. Creating an action plan toward the accomplishment of goals is a compass always pointing in the right direction. When there is uncertainty on what to do then there is bound to be worthless (less worth) activities that creep in and steal energy away from potential accomplishment. The mathematical odds suggests that if you plan for success you'll be more likely to get there than if you made no plan at all. There is no two ways around it; the numbers don't lie.
Here is the plan. Now the doing part which means identifying the trash and throwing it out.
