Robert Brooks Lotus Blog

YOU... Can have anything you want out of life....If YOU are prepared to do what it takes to get it.

I tell this to my children on a regular basis. I also approach my life and business decisions with the same philosophy. Too many of us go through life simply riding the wave of what comes our way without ever giving any real thought to what would make "me" happiest. Happy is how I define success. For some folks happy is having the means to enjoy the latest technology (example: Sea Doo's, Big Screen TV's or fast computers), for others happiness might mean having plenty of time to spend with family or friends. Whatever it is that makes you most happy is how you should define your level of success.

Unfortunately, the promises of high technology from yesteryear have not delivered. I remember about 20 years ago being told by big business that technology would make all of our lives easier so that we could all have more time to pursue whatever it is that makes us happy. It hasn't turned out that way has it. For all the advances society and business has made we all work much harder and much longer than our parents did. It is rare to find ANYONE in a professional position who is NOT working during the evenings and weekends. Double digit growth for stock holders while downsizing company size (because we have technology to take care of that now) have insured it is impossible to keep a job/career unless you are willing to put in that extra time. One of my biggest pet peeves with the promise of technology is with the banking sector. We do more for ourselves now (internet banking, ATM's etc etc..) than at any other point in time yet we pay MORE in fees. The banks are doing less but charging more. There is something wrong with that picture...but I digress

Given that there is so little time in our lives for the pursuit of what really makes us happy it is no wonder we see so many incidents of rage in the workplace, road rage, or for that matter any other type of rage. That said, you need to know success is STILL available to you. It is a simple process but VERY difficult to follow through on. I submit to you that if it is important enough, you will find a way to make it happen. Here are some simple steps you can refer to that should help you stay the course.

Steps for Success.
1.        The first step toward success is knowing exactly what it is you want. This could be something simple and short term like success on a project at work, or it can be something complicated and long term like growing your small business into a mid size business. If you don't know what makes you happy how will you ever obtain happiness/success?
2.        Identify the steps to obtain your happiness. Many people stop chasing their dream at this step because they cannot identify the steps necessary to obtain it. Here are a few hopefully helpful tips to help you through this step.

1. Research. Today's world has a myriad of information available at your fingertips. The internet has provided a conduit of unlimited knowledge. Use it. Read as much as you can about your dream or what makes you happy. Decide as you read if all of the information you are reading is component of your happiness or just some of it.
2. Talk to people who already enjoy a career or spare time in that field. Talk to the ones who are happy to be there. NOT the ones who are negative. They will only sow the seeds of doubt in you. When you engage these people LISTEN to what they have to say. You don't have to follow ever piece of advice you hear, but if you listen you will know what makes sense for you and your dream.
3. Compose a list of things you must achieve to get your goal. A little thought will be required here but if you follow the two previous steps you should be able to draw up a list that makes sense for you. Remember, life is not static and therefore your to do list shouldn't be either so be sure to revisit it on a regular basis and re-evaluate if all the steps still make sense. It would be foolish to assume that things in life will never change. By extension be aware that your goals, dreams and the things that make you happy can also change. If that happens, embrace the change and apply the same methodology. The most successful people in the world will tell you that awareness of what makes you happy is the most important part of finding happiness.

3.        OK...so now you have a goal, some advice and a to do list. You are well on the way. The next thing you need to do is ask yourself every day... "What did I (or will I) do today to get closer to my goal/dream?" This is where it starts to get tougher, but if you want it bad enough you will find a way to make time to do something every day to get closer. An example would be someone who wants to make a living as a musician or singer. This person should be finding time to sing songs, or practice scales...or maybe spend time hanging out with other musicians, or reading about the music industry on the web. It does not matter what it is you do today from your list of to do's...so long as you do something. You don't need to knock a to do off your list every day...that would be absurd...but you do need to gain a little more knowledge, experience networking or perspective on your understanding of what it is you need to do. One thing I recommend is to look yourself in the mirror every morning or evening and ask yourself the question "What did I (or will I) do today"? The simple reality is that you can lie to your spouse, boss, friends or co-workers...but you cannot lie to yourself (and if you can I suggest you think of the name Sybil and seek help immediately). If you can find ways to do something EVERY DAY you will find your will obtain your goal a lot faster than if you sit and wait for it to come to you.
4.        "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again"....or as Yoda said...."do...or do not...there is no try". There are a million cliche sayings around staying positive and every one of them is true. Think of the people you like to work or associate with. It's the folks with a positive attitude and outlook that we all tend to gravitate toward. Be one of those people. Surround yourself with those people. There will be plenty of obstacles you need to overcome in the pursuit of your dreams. The people closest to you should not be one of them.
5.        Did I mention do something everyday and give yourself a stop check to make sure you are on track?
6.        Have no fear. Lee Iacocca...Bill Gates...Henry Ford...they all had one thing in common. No Fear. This lack of fear is what has enabled these men to accomplish the impossible. Fear leads to doubt...and doubt in yourself is the very last thing you can afford. ALWAYS believe in yourself. That is not to say ignore the laws of physics or reality, but believing you can accomplish anything will give you an inner strength that makes failure unlikely. We have all heard the stories of the "power of the mind"...the woman who lifted the car to save her child as an example. The laws of physics tell us that this is impossible...yet she did it. How? If I knew the answer I would be rich beyond the dreams of avarice, but since I don't I will place faith in the power of the mind and positive thought.
7.        Did I mention do something everyday and give yourself a stop check to make sure you are on track?
8.        Did I mention do something everyday and give yourself a stop check to make sure you are on track? Look in the mirror and ask yourself the question... OK...hopefully you are seeing a pattern here.
9.        Be prepared to sacrifice. Not going to the music lesson or out for that daily jog or college course on computers because there is a hockey game on, or your pals are heading out for as few drinks or an evening of dancing is not an acceptable option. To find true happiness or the realization of your dream you must make decisions that are congruent with a step towards success. making excuses not to do something every day is a nasty habit to try and quit once you begin. I have had people tell me they need to be able to live while chasing their dreams...and I agree just not at the cost of dream chasing activities. Ask any professional sports figure how many parties they miss as a teenager because of team practice or a game, or needing to be well rested for the tournament. You can bet you last dollar that they gave up a lot...but they will also tell you the pay off has more than made up for that. They are now paid very handsomely to play a game that they LOVE. Coincidentally, they are now in a position financially to be throwing the parties and usually they get invited to the hippest of parties. Not a bad trade off for a few years of discipline and sacrifice. Volunteering to gain valuable experience is a sacrifice that has a direct result. Try volunteering if you can find the time.


The simple reality is that you can have ANYTHING you want if you are willing to do WHATEVER it takes to get it. I believe thoughtful introspection, belief in yourself, determination, and a willingness to make sacrifices will get you there.


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Comments (1)
Robert Brooks March 16th, 2008 08:21:15 PM