Have you ever heard the saying “When it rains, it pours?”
It’s usually used to refer to things going wrong.
For example, when a project is designed, the original idea is glorious!
“Oh, it will be great! I’ll write an instruction manual with over 50 pages and full color screen shots. Plus I can do an additional 15 videos to demonstrate exactly what to do.”
Sounds great, right?
Yes, it sounds great. But, when that plan is implemented, it usually goes very different than the original plan.
And, on top of that, when one thing moves out of place, it (almost by nature) forces other parts to also go out of place.
This domino effect of Chaos is exactly what happens when distractions, interruptions and “unplanned surprises” take over a scheduled day.
I’ve heard that Winston Churchhill said “He who fails to plan is planning to fail” during World War II. So, what do I do to accomplish more each day?
Decide On Your Targets
Like any explorer, you will have more success in moving forward if you have some sort of idea in mind of where you are moving towards.
I learned some time ago that Avon taught representatives to list the Six Most Important Things to be done each day. If you think of what projects or goals you’re working towards, what are the six most important things that will move you closer to those goals. Then, focus on doing those before anything else.
Make A MAP
If you are a fan of Anthony Robbins, you probably know what MAP stands for. It is his acronym for a “Massive Action Plan.” Any goal or idea needs to have a clear “place” (or time) for actions to be completed.
In other words, have the courage to take action towards your goals. That’s not always as easy as it is to say. (That’s probably where the quote from Lao-tzu came from. It said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”)
Just remember that every massive success is the sum total of little successes all piled up.
Take Action
Move!
The way that Tony Robbins puts it, once you have developed a plan for how you are going to reach that goal, take action towards it. Even if it is as simple as scheduling an appointment or making a phone call, just do something towards moving the plan forward.
Guess what? That gives you momentum. One step will lead to another step…which leads to another step…and so on.
Roll with the Punches
And now, of course, for my favorite. A word of caution. Stuff happens. There is no way you are going to know what you don’t know. If you knew that person 2 was going to go left, then you may have known that person one should have waited instead of also going at the same time.
Of course, hindsight is 20/20. We know better after we’ve been through the experiences. Just accept that things change and stuff happens that we cannot predict or prepare for.
Also, keep in mind that no matter what happens, if you are prepared, you’ll have less fear stopping you.
Rinse and Repeat
And, after the day is done, remember that we can start all over tomorrow. Be forgiving for what didn’t happen the way you wanted it to and allow the new day to bring new possibilities.
Most of all, don’t give up. No matter how tough it gets, if you stick to it and continue taking action, then results will happen. Observe the results. Change your actions. Receive the new results. Learn. Grow. Start over.
Observe the results. Change your actions. Receive new results.
Learn.
Grow.
And repeat.
Give it time to reach your ultimate goals. Remember to celebrate making progress!
Have a wonderful day!
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