by Brian K. Powell
What you looking for in this instance is not a question, but an affirmation. What you are looking for is already within you, not just in your reach externally, but literally inside of you. The problem often is that our very own experiences tell us otherwise. Whether it be bad decisions, failed relationships (family, romantic, professional, etc.), or simply life’s daily struggles, we all have at one time or another doubted the validity of our own abilities to succeed in life. Inside of each one of us lies what we are looking for while the world around us is filled with negative influences. At times, negative influences are sanctioning the negative, while belittling the positives. In the words of Public Enemy, “Don’t Believe the Hype”.
What if you started everyday documenting 3 positive things about yourself. Using these positives as steppingstones to pave your way to the best you that you can be? One popular method to build habits is called the 21/90 rule. The rule is simple enough, commit to a personal or professional goal for 21 straight days. After three weeks, the pursuit of that goal should have become a habit. Once you've established that habit, you continue to do it for another ninety days. To assist us with this life changing endeavor, I submit 3-keys that can be utilized as keys to unlock the “What You Looking For”
KEY # 1- Take Each Day, A Day at a Time
Yesterday’s failings and previous excuses are too heavy a load to carry. They extract from us the strength needed for todays load to bear. Past failures and excuses must be learned from and then discarded. Not only must we be mindful of the negative energy of others, but we must also tamper down our own negative impulses. It is important to know that the 21/90 Rule applies to negativity as well as positivity.
KEY # 2- Never Neglect the So Called Little Things in Life.
There is so much emphasis placed on obtaining large rewards or reaching lofty goals. People aspire to be millionaires, which is not a negative. Yet. we see millionaires commit suicide, experience family tragedies, and become homeless to name a few. The key to happiness and a good life is not directly connected to one’s net worth. Doing what’s right even though we can’t see the immediate benefits is often the key to long-term success. Showing up on time and being deemed reliable in an entry level position can be what keeps the doors of opportunity open longer leading to success in areas of your life that you never imagined in your best dreams.
KEY # 3- Opportunities of a Lifetime Never Appear as Such at That Time in Life.
Life’s greatest opportunities are often designated as such after that time has passed. “The good ole days” weren’t always seen as good days. When we look back, we can see their benefits through the lessons we learned. The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized during the lifetime of the opportunity. Windows of opportunity, like natural windows are opened and shut. I encourage you to be mindful that TIME will prove to be your most precious possession. It will be either friend or foe. Some may have more money or more talent. Some may have greater opportunities based solely on where and to whom they are born. The time we have in a day (24 hours) starts us all off on equal footing. Even Billionaires cannot purchase another hour, minute, or second to their day. Life is neither a sprint (though at times you will have to run), nor is it a marathon (Endurance is required). No, LIFE is a relay race. We should be learning from others, while at the same time handing the baton of lessons learned to others.
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