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We all want to be successful in our own business. This goes
without say. Two-thirds give up B4 they really get started.
Four-fifths do this inside a year and more than nine in ten will
do so within five years. Sad statistic but true!!!
(article continued below ...)
Many don't seem to have a long term picture in their mind or
the plan to support it. We all would like to take as many
shortcuts as possible. After all it is shortcuts that will make
our job easier, right??? Wrong!!! Many apparent shortcuts can
leave you empty and without success.
Today's article focuses on the long term power of taking the
extra step with your business avoiding as many so called
shortcuts as possible to ensure the longevity of your
enterprise. Relate the following example to your business. Make
parallels, write them down immediately and begin on a plan of
action to remedy areas where you're lacking and steer yourself
more firmly in the direction you would optimally like to be
heading.
ONE:
Climbing the stairs will provide you with a challenge.
You must maintain responsibility for the trip. You are indeed in
control. If you take the elevator then you have given control up
to a cable by way of pressing a button. Naturally things out of
your control can malfunction. If so everything is out of your
hands and you are at the mercy of someone (or something) else.
Point: Look at your long term goals. Don't lose sight or
control of them. Break them down into "sub-goals" or
"baby- steps". Take control of your situation. Be the master
of your works not a slave to them. After all you are skipper of your
own ship.
TWO: The
staircase is much more personal.
When you pass people on the stairs you will generally give a nod
or say hello. Have you noticed truck drivers or bus drivers traveling
inter-city? They will always wave, toot the horn or yell out to
one another. There is a camaraderie between them.
When you jump into the elevator you will more than likely press the
button and turn around to face the door (or the back of the person in
front of you who's actually staring at the door). They won't say a word
to one another unless someone is already known. It's very impersonal.
Point: Personalize your dealings with your target audience.
[name],
Speak "with" your audience not "at" them. This
will work wonders - build your relationship up from the beginning.
THREE: The
stairs provide you with exercise.
This is a chance to get your heartbeat up a few notches. This
will get your blood circulating around your body a little
easier. In this modern day society of convenience it is all to
easy to take the easiest option each time.
Point: You'll be amazed at how much more energy you get for your
day after you've given your body the daily tender loving care it needs.
Come up for air and don't forget that your body is important to you;
you only ever get one, no refunds!!
FOUR:
Alertness and desire are stimulated by such activities.
Naturally if you climb the stairs only because you believe you should
(fitness, weight etc) as opposed to doing it because you want to then
you'll just end up hating it and your desire won't be stimulated in the
slightest.
Most times I've been in a lift has been a quiet affair where I sense
people don't feel comfortable and are really dying to get out the door
as quickly as possible. It's almost stressful for some. This can't be
healthy.
Point: Your most important goals and aspirations need food to savor
their hunger each and every day. It is paramount to keep awake and
alert for new ideas and concepts to help you along. Train your mind to
do this and watch the potential of your sub-conscious explode.
FIVE: The
elevator is quick, convenient, effortless and excellent if you are
indeed in a hurry - this is true!
In the short term the convenience of the above attributes is
unquestionable but in the long run we should be seeking new challenges
to bring us closer to our goal not just taking short cuts because we
can.
Point: Don't get lazy - it'll become a habit!!!
SIX:
There's a feeling of achievement when you've actually done something
positive. The lift is
a means to an end - a simple convenience. Nothing more! If elevator
rides were a side-show at the local fair or circus the proprietor would
be broke overnight.
Point: Reward yourself, give yourself a pat on the back when you
have accomplished a target. Don't dismiss it immediately and think
of what you haven't done - that's negative and counter productive. Look
back that you have done something constructive. Arm your arsenal with a
good dose of positive thinking and reap the long term benefits from it.
SEVEN:
Further to point one - the staircase can be viewed as a "goal
step-ladder" - each step can be treated as a "sub-goal".
To achieve the big step (desired result) one needs to successfully
reach milestones along the way. This builds confidence and strengthens
character.
Sergi Bubka - the world pole vault champion had jumped heights that
no one else had managed to achieve. He was very good, well most world
champions are! During competition at the most recent Olympic Games in
Atlanta, 1996 he didn't bother with the first few jumps as he had been
in good form and could do it with his eyes shut running backwards
against a hurricane. No problem, well so he thought...
After most of the competitors had been eliminated he thought he
would have his first jump. Sergi had what can only be described as a
"bad day" - he failed all three attempts and was eliminated
without a successful jump to his name. Who knows if it was nerves or
what that got to him in the end. On paper he was one of the least
successful competitors.
Point: Take one step at a time. Progress to your goal, don't jump
to it prematurely.
EIGHT: If
you make a mistake on the staircase you'll only fall one or two
notches. If you fall in the elevator the repercussions could be a lot
more costly.
Point: Take the extra step to ensure the longevity of your
enterprise through diversity and intelligent marketing.
About the Author:
Darren Roberts is the
Publisher of "AAvenues 2 Your Success." He is a marketing
consultant at the helm of Topliving Consultancy. Visit his web site at http://topliving.com
or you can reach him at mailto:darren@topliving.com
. Subscribe to Darren's popular "Success and Self-Motivation"
Weekly publication, "AAvenues 2 Your Success". It's packed
with this sort of material each week.
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