While reading Jeffrey Gitomer’s book, “The Little Book of Leadership: The 12.5 Strengths of Responsible, Reliable, Remarkable Leaders That Create Results, Rewards, and Resilience,” I was prompted to do an exercise that asked me to write down three things that define and embrace the way I think about my life’s goals.
Most of the time when I read a book that asks me to do an exercise, I simply pause to think about the question and give it some mental consideration for a bit before continuing my reading. This time I actually put down the book and wrote out my thoughts. I think it must’ve had something to do with the way the instructions were phrased — it didn’t ask me to write down my life goals, it asked me about the way I define those goals. Even though I might still be formulating some of my life goals, the question made me think about how I weigh and consider which goals to embrace. It was a great question and one I could not resist answering.
Three things that define and embrace the way I think about my life’s goals:
1. Creativity
If a thing is worth doing, why not add a creative twist? Is there a way to do the task better, faster, cheaper, or with more panache?
2. Truth
I don’t like to be deceived, nor do I attempt to deceive others. Truth and transparency are hallmarks of all that I do (and hallmarks of the people with whom I choose to work.)
3. Energy
Negative projects and negative people drain energy from everyone around them — until everything grinds to a halt. All interesting projects and people generate positive energy in great quantities. Enough to power projects forward to completion.
I found this to be a phenomenal and useful exercise. I now have very specific criteria for measuring future accomplishments and weighing the decision whether or not to work with certain people or on certain projects. Is the opportunity true to the three things I’ve listed as defining my life’s goals? Will it be something that I can embrace with my entire heart and mind?
Everyone will have three different things by which to define and embrace their life’s goals. What’s important is that you know what those three things are. I know my three… how about you?
– Don “The Idea Guy” Snyder is the Internet Sales Manager and Director of Results for RadiOhio, Inc., as well as a Gitomer Certified Speaker helping businesses in need of customized and personalized seminars on sales, customer loyalty, personal development, and creativity. DonTheIdeaGuy.com or 704-333-1112.
