Some people think that planning is the same as preparing, but the truth is if you invest in a poor plan you’re still wasting your time. Being clear in your objectives and knowing what you want, then taking the necessary steps to manifest that desire is the epitome of working smarter and not harder.
We all want things out of life.
Some want basics like food, shelter, and clothing. Others want an abundance, more than enough…overflow. Some of us want to make more money or build better relationships, Others still are dreaming of new experiences or how to relate differently to the world in which we live.
In these scenarios, there’s usually that someone we talk to about what we’re thinking. Some of us will even talk to…I mean think aloud to ourselves about what we could be improved and how we could improve it. Unfortunately, we can become so accustomed to talking about it that we place no real focus on learning how to manifest these dreams. Or worse, we know everything we need to but, for whatever barrage of reasons, never take the action that ensures their fruition.
And it isn’t intentional. Right? Who sits around thinking, “I don’t actually want to be successful. Note even in the least. I don’t want to be fulfilled”? Who? “I have no issue with this constant yearning for more; this need to be meaningful and feel like I’m contributing my best to the world around me,” #saidnooneever. Well, at least no one I know.
We all want to feel full; to live life and not just watch it pass us by. This became especially true for me after becoming a parent. When I speak to new parents, it’s often the same. It is now very crucial to figure out just how to do be the best version of yourself. Not because you want to be the perfect person or the perfect parent, but because you now understand that giving your child an example is so much better than the best advice.
Being your best will have unspeakable rewards for your life, it’s true – but there’s something about knowing that being wholly and unapologetically you will help them do just the same.
Be honest, would you rather listen to the person who has some great theories for creating the kind of life you’ve always dreamed of living but has never achieved it for herself, or would you rather follow in the footsteps of someone who’s actually done it? Most people would say they want the tried and true example; someone who can tell them how to avoid pitfalls and leverage opportunities.
The problem, though, is that even after you find someone who’s done what you want to do and can offer some guidelines for how to create the kinds of things you’ve always wanted to see in your life, there’s no guarantee that a) you will have the same kinds of outcomes and b) that you will want those things once you have them. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret.
You can avoid expending all your time, energy and joy trying to achieve success only to discover you don’t want that version of success once you have it – or worse, never see it in the first place. You’re only required to contribute two things: clarity and consistency.
Clarity and consistency can save you quite a bit of heartache. Being clear in your objectives and knowing what you want, then taking the necessary steps to manifest that desire is the epitome of working smarter and not harder.
Abe Lincoln is famous for having said, “If you tell me I have six hours to chop down a tree, I’ll spend the first six sharpening my ax.” He was referring to the importance of preparation. Some people think that planning is the same as preparing, but the truth is if you invest in a poor plan you’re still wasting your time.
The best way to prepare is to know your destination, and you can’t know where you are going unless you’re clear.
Granted, sometimes the beauty of the journey is in the route traveled, but even the most scenic route can become a complication if you don’t know where you’re headed. I’m all for “getting lost” on occasion, taking a random turn just to see what’s down the road – but when building your life (and your legacy) you want to avoid random turns at all costs.
Now, I’m not referring to life’s detours – those unexpected twists and turns you’ll have to navigate along the way. I’m talking about moments of seemingly harmless passivity that masquerade as “going with the flow” and “just trying some things out”, which in truth are self-induced sabotage and deprecation. If you’re on vacation and want to give some things a shot…hey, go for it. But not when you’re trying to build a solid life – to create something for the special someone or someones in your life – you need to be clear and consistent. Period.
So just what do clarity and consistency look like? I’m glad you asked.
I’ll tell you next time. 😉
Until soon Legacy Leaders!
Your Lady Boss, Legacy Builder, Mommy Maverick, Sister Friend –
Iscis