Ever wondered why some people just seem to have it all together, and the
rest of us are running around trying to keep it all together? Success is
not an accident - success is a good habit. These 7 smart habits can work
wonders in your life too.
Habit #1. Get prepared
Make like a boy scout, and get prepared. Choose one thing that tends to
jump out at you unexpectedly, and make a plan to prepare for it. Once
that's in place, choose another one. Prepare for the unexpected trip to
the dentist, prepare for the lost keys, prepare for the dog eating your
eyeglasses, prepare this year for tax time next year, prepare for next
Christmas' bills, prepare for getting more education and a better job,
prepare for starting your own business, prepare for writing and selling
your novel, prepare for Mr./Ms Right.
Habit #2. Develop Routines
You already have routines, but are they helping you or hurting you?
Staying up late and dragging around all the next day is a routine that's
contaminating not only your physical health but your mental and emotional
health as well. Having a routine to work on clutter control 15 minutes a
day contributes to your desire for a clean uncluttered life (you'll be
amazed at what you can do in 15 minutes!). Take a close look at your
routines and see where they need some adjusting. For example, if you find
yourself paying late fees because you just didn't "get around to" paying
the bills, it's time for a new routine.
Habit #3. Just say No
Say No to chocolate if you're trying to lose weight. Say No to mindless TV
if you want to get a degree or start your own business. Say No to doing
other people's work. When you can't say No to people and things, you end
up feeling frustrated and resentful. When you say YES to what's important
to you, then you feel fulfilled and energetic and in control. And that's
what you're looking for, isn't it?
Habit #4. Stop striving for perfection
That's just an excuse to procrastinate, and you know it. Filing your
personal papers doesn't have to be in color coded, typed folders. A simple
system that you understand and can actually use is what's important.
Strive for progress, not perfection.
Habit #5. Clean up your mind diet
It's a fact that whatever you spend your time focusing on is what you'll
have lots of in your life. Dwelling on the problem doesn't take you closer
to the solution. If you eat candy all day, you'll be sick. If you put junk
into your mind all day, you'll be sick. If you want to be happier, feed
your mind a happier diet.
Habit #6. Practice small steps
Make your life easier by learning to break all goals down into small
steps. The idea is that you are moving forward, slowly and steadily. Use
the analogy of a skyscraper. It was built brick by brick, one at a time.
So are your goals. Concentrate on what you *can* do, like 10 minutes of
walking each day, or cleaning out one room per month. You'll be surprised
at how fast the bricks add up to a building.
Habit #7. Consistency
Perhaps the most important of all the habits is to be consistent in
whatever you do. Being consistent is what makes or breaks great people and
great lives. Anyone who is organized works on it consistently, not
"whenever". Anyone who is in good physical shape, works on it
consistently, not hit-or-miss. It's more about making a new habit, than it
is the intensity of it at the beginning. Once the habit is instilled, it
will be much easier to raise the intensity.
ABCs for High Achievers
A im for what you want by focusing clearly
on priorities.
B elieve in yourself and your goals, and then begin to strive for them.
C ount your blessings, create opportunities, and commit to faith-driven
action.
D ream big dreams, design a plan, and dedicate yourself to excellence.
E nergize yourself with positive thoughts, and expect daily miracles and
victories.
F ollow through with faith-driven action, and forgive mistakes of the
past.
G ive time, energy and extra effort, and give thanks for all that you
have and will receive.
H old on to your dreams with desire and faith through the long winters
of life.
I magine yourself as successful, and release thoughts of fear that would
limit you.
J ourney out of your comfort zone to acquire new knowledge and greater
rewards.
K eep moving forward little by little, gaining new wisdom and courage
each day.
I mplement strategies that work, and toss those that don't work.
L ove yourself enough to take good care of you so that you'll be able to
take care of those you love.
M ake room for the most important things first, and move into action
when the time is right.
N egotiate with others so that everyone wins.
O pen the eyes of your spirit, and see the good in others and in life.
P ractice the skills needed to propel you to the level of excellence.
Q uestion things you may need to remove, and increase energy by living
in a stress-free environment.
R ecognize favorable circumstances, ride each wave with courage, and
rest to renew your energy.
S tand firm on your commitment to excellence. Seek out the people and
information that can help you succeed.
T hank God for all blessings, take control of your time, and tackle each
problem with integrity.
U ncover your talents, unleash your creative spirit, and unite with
God's purpose for your life.
V isualize your objectives as already achieved, and give thanks for
their attainment.
W ake up to each new day of adventure, and wash out negative thoughts
with positive prayers.
X cel by examining your results daily, and making adjustments in your
actions as needed.
Y ield to your purpose and values, living each day with the faith and
knowledge that you were created as a unique and valuable person.
Z ero in on your targets, and move toward them with desire, dedication,
commitment, and faith.
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