Getting around different and better people

One reason there is segregation among classes, interests, talents and races is that people like people who are like them.  It’s been this way for ten thousand years.

But the problem is that if you are always around people who are like you, then you won’t improve.

“People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy.” – Oliver Goldsmith, 1759

People who are more ambitious than you, smarter than you, more educated than you, fitter than you, more self-disciplined than you, and more caring than you, etc – will do you good.

What is rubbing off the people around you onto you?

The key to being great at anything

What is the key to being great at anything?  

Self-mastery.

If you can control yourself, you can be a master.

Control your focus, your attention, your thoughts (story, expectations, emotions), and your actions.  Be self-disciplined.

If you can do that, you can harness the amazing powers within you to do something quite extraordinary.

Can you do it?

Positive energy

A person’s positive energy increases as they create value because the pressure is siphoned off.

We all have pressure to do good, perform, provide, and be respected.

As we get to be really good at something that serves others, the gnawing of those needs gives way to satisfaction, self-esteem, and positive energy.

Be good at what you do. 

It does a lot of good for others – and for you.

Gratitude from you feels like appreciation to them

Gratitude for someone on your part feels like appreciation to them.

People go where they are appreciated.

Who do you need to show gratitude for today?

Honor

Honor – What a word!

“On my honor…”

To me, the word honor means a lot.  If you are to have your honor, then you-

Must keep your promises.

Must be trustworthy – even when nobody is looking.

Must do your job well.

Must live up to your obligations and responsibilities.

Must be kind.

Must be true to yourself and use your talents to serve others.

Must NOT be unkind to yourself (Health, well-being) so that you may do your best.

Did I miss anything?  What do you think?  Tell me with the orange comment button.

For a better tomorrow, do this…

If I did not do the right thing yesterday, last week, and last month, I am going to have troubles today.  

If I didn’t do the right thing yesterday, I wouldn’t be healthy and feeling well, people aren’t going to want to work with me, I’ll have money troubles and more problems.

Doing the right thing today makes your tomorrow easier.

Create Energy and Momentum

Not feeling it today?  Don’t have the motivation to do what needs to be done?

The highest performers don’t wait until they “feel like it” to act.

They act, whether they feel like it or not.  

Once you start, you are moving your body – your involved.

Then it’s much easier to keep going.

Don’t wait for the lazy mind to take the lead.  Let the body lead.  The mind will follow.

Do it, and THEN you will feel like doing it.

Silent battles

Everyone fighting a battle.  Most of them are silent battles.

There is an easy way to connect with people.

Be nice.

Even though they haven’t revealed it, show empathy for the battle you know is there.

Connect.

Firefighting Arsonists

We all have troubles.  Many people are running around fighting fires in their lives.

But who started the fire?

If you are honest enough, you can look back and see where you had the match in your hand.

Knowledge + Experience + Reflection = Wisdom.

Stop lighting fires you have to fight.

Your ideas and philosophies

Ideas and philosophies are important for a happy life.

While life is happening, you respond with your ideas and principles.

There are a few key philosophies that run the show – like what you are capable of, worthy of, and expect.  Your why.  How much work you will put in to get what you want.

There are some philosophies that aren’t going to work – like comparing to others, expecting perfection from others, seeking ease and comfort as a habit, using the news as your school, and not being an adult learner.

Here are some of my philosophies –

If anyone can do it, I can too.

I can do anything, but not everything.  I have to choose.

Everything takes more time than I think and costs more than I thought.  I am not surprised and keep going to see it through.

I finish what I start.  I don’t quit.

Disorganization and mess are bad, neat and organized is good.

I don’t waste – things, materials or money.

Every day counts.  I never waste a day.

Loyalty between people is sacred.

I want to live my personal mission statement – an extraordinary life of shared experiences.

Take five minutes and write down some of your philosophies.  Then read them back.  And remember, you made them, you can sub them out or change them.