Dream or Goal?

I was going through my affirmations and read one of my goals. I had not achieved this goal. I was not any closer to this goal than when I wrote it down.

You see, I had not been working toward this goal even though I have been reading it every morning for the past few months. I had taken no action toward this goal.

If there is something you want, but you are not willing to take any steps toward it, is it really a goal or is it a dream? A dream is something you would like to have.........one day. It would be nice, but you are probably not going to make a sacrifice in order to achieve it.

If you want to lose weight or reach a financial goal, you can't just wish for it. You have to start counting calories or saving your money. You have to get to the gym or forego that shopping spree. If you're not taking steps toward your goal, you're just dreaming!

Care

If you could start every transaction with this word in mind, you will have a business that is unstoppable. Too often salespeople focus on their commission check unstead of focusing on the best care for that client. This often results in a check at the end, but a less than pleasant experience for the client.

This is how salespeople get their bad name. If you are selling a product, you can try to force that product into people's lives regardless of their need. You make one sale and it ends there.

When you care, you ask questions. You look for a need and then fill it. Create a relationship with that client and focus on how the transaction is going to benefit them. 

In the end they get what they want and you still get paid. The difference is that person is going to tell other people about their good experience with you and you can't buy that kind of advertising! 

Selfless!

I recently completed a transaction where one party only cared about the outcome as it related to them. Every request was met with objection. Every negotiation turned into argument that led to that person saying "I'm done! I refuse to do anything else!"

When we focus only on ourselves and the outcome only as it relates to our success, we short side all those around us. We affect our families, clients, friends.

Google defines the word selfless as "concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own; unselfish."

When you apply this to your life, it will change forever! It's not always easy, but it's worth it. You may not always make the most money from every deal, but you will make the most out of every relationship!

Legacy

I woke up this morning to the news that a dear friend passed away. His life was tragically cut short. He was way to young for his life to be over!

I sit here thinking about my life. What is important? Is it the next deal? Is it how much money I'm going to make or how many new clients in going to get? 

What if my life ends today? What will people say about me. What has been my impact on those around me. Have I added value to their lives or drained them of their energy?

I sit here in thought and prayer. I want to have a servants heart! When we care, we serve better. We are better spouses, parents, co-workers, friends and even bosses.

I want people to see Christ living through me. My selfish wants would be put aside. That would be a legacy to be proud of, no matter how long you life may be.

One Goal

What is your single most important goal? What is the one thing that would define your success and your legacy? Have you thought about it? 

Now that you have that in your mind, what are you doing every day to bring you closer to that goal? We often set goals, then let the whirlwind of life take our eyes off the ball. We fall into a rut. The things we find ourselves doing everyday have nothing to do with our goals. We go into survival mode.

If you are going to have an important goal, you have to be intentional every day to accomplish it. In the book "The 4 Disciplines of Execution", the author states "People play differently when they are keeping score!"

It's time to stop going through life like a zombie and start living with purpose. Remember you only have one run at this! Set a goal today. There is no limit to what you can do!

Opportunity or Passion?

I hear it often said, "Go follow your passion!" Or, "make your vacation your vocation!" Is that true? Should that be the way we approach our careers?

Look at it this way. Look for opportunities and bring your passion with you. How many opportunities do you miss looking for your passion?

I love to play the bass! I have a passion for it! How fun would it be for me to teach bass lessons five days a week. I think I might lose some passion.

Let some things be your getaway, your vacation. Always look for opportunities! Bring your passion with you! 

30 Blank Squares

We all start each month with 30 blank squares on the calender. It's what we do with those squares that makes the difference. You are in total control of your squares.

What happens when we let others pick what we do with our squares? We are often overwhelmed trying to move the ball down the court for someone else! We don't have time for excercise, devotion or self improvement. 

I hear people all the time say, " I don't have time for this or that." You have time or will make time for the things that are most important to you. Every month you get a new set of squares. Start prefilling the things you want to accomplish for that month. It could be scheduled time at the gym, church or even a vacation. Schedule days off too.

Remember only one person is ultimately in charge of your squares.