Look at your success…now don’t give up

Perhaps the only time in life one has to look backwards in order to proceed forward, is when one needs to appreciate the progress made and then resolve to better it. Nothing amplifies this better than our constant need to evaluate the progress made by regular exercise and diet, be it to reduce weight or to tone one’s body. Alas in our anxiety to get quick results we expect miracles and we fail to notice the small but significant changes that are milestones towards our goal. If the overwhelming majority of people give up their exercise routine it is not because of their inability to cope with the demands of the routine as much as it is because one fails to find the motivation to keep going.

Look closely at a toddler making its first steps. There is first a very tentative and unsteady attempt which could after a step or two end up in a fall. Yet, natures mysterious ways and the innate desire to replicate the initial success gravitates itself to spur the toddler to attempt his/ her walk again. Falling down is merely a unavoidable hazard but the freedom brought about by being able to walk is what drives the child to master it. The child also had one huge advantage; it has no concept of fear or failure or logic. These three stumbling blocks combine in varying proportion to scare, demotivate and silence adults from realizing their full potential.

The best antidote for fear, failure and illogical thoughts is rational goal setting, proactive response and reviewing progress. If we have no goals we are never sure of what we want nor do we know that we have received what we want. People who are bored, those who are listless and those who are constantly complaining are generally people who have no clue about their goals. Without goals they are like rudderless ships being tossed about in the ocean called life with no particular direction or port of destination.  Proactive response is possible only if once has something to work towards. Equally importantly one has to be motivated to get that momentum to respond.  Character and upbringing too have a huge bearing on how proactive a person is. Self belief and self worth would provide the fuel that enables one to zealously respond proactively and progress in life.

The ultimate driver of success though is the thrust got from a sense of achievement. To begin with this would have to be visualized; seeing one achieve the ultimate goal. When proactive response is initiated, then the vision is translated into the reality of the progress made. By reviewing the progress regularly, no matter how daunting the task, there is realization of having begun, progressed and nearing the goal. Perhaps it is this formula that has spurred legions of mountaineers to scale the Himalayas, the adventurers to attempt risky expeditions be it to the North Pole or South Pole or in the pursuit of discovering continents.

Ever wonder what motivates sailors to attempt solo round the world expeditions? The answer lies in the clarity of their goal, the proactive preparation towards achieving that goal and with every passing day they rejoice in the progress made and feel motivated that they are homing into steadily towards their ultimate goal. They are never daunted by what could happen, how much more is yet to be done nor do they ever question their own skill or ability to achieve what they set out to do.

Try this:

1. Choose one social service activity that you are passionate about. Outline 3-5 goals you believe you must set out to achieve by your personal involvement. Get going and track your progress. Review your initial plans but keep going without abandoning the project no matter what the impediments.
2. Jot down ways and means to achieve the following

• Reduce your current monthly expenses by 10% or more
• Increase your monthly income by 5% or more
• Ensure you manage an annual savings of at least 20%  of your annual income.

 This post is courtesy www.actspot.com

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