Sara Hand

The difference between the hopes and plans we discuss and those we actually implement and live out is often as simple and as complex as time. My brother Bill is a great example of how to use time, with the help of his wife, to plan and accomplish what others would only dream of.

A number of years ago they bought, what they call the least expensive house in a really nice neighborhood. Both of them being pretty handy, somewhat disciplined and motivated for change began a list of remodel projects. They started by knocking down walls and remodeling the first floor to create an incredible kitchen/family room area that any good Better Homes and Gardens reader could envy.

Each year accomplishing, and YES completing several projects: including new wood floors, all new AC system with beautiful attic storage facilities, removing popcorn texture throughout the entire house to replace with a plaster-type finish, attic dorm, and little by little the list goes on. Yet, through in a couple of kids graduating and you can multiply results exponentially. Last year included a new pool and an outdoor recreation area. This year it is a new pavilion and outdoor shower.

What makes them successful at getting things done?

They have a vision.

They have created a plan.

Their plan is connected to time.

They set goals for themselves that they fully plan on honoring these goals.

They use impending events and circumstances as leverage.

They fully enjoy everything they do, so that they don’t resent upcoming projects.

They invite others to enjoy their projects for positive reinforcement.

Whether you are looking at some big household projects, or at redoing your marketing plan…try these tips from Bill and Stacy. I’ll let you know how the latest projects have turned out after the party!

My daughter and I resolved to develop in better health. To do this we decided that getting more exercise would be good and that we would ride bikes together several times a week. We didn’t wait until January to get started. Before Christmas we began to ride 5 miles 2-3 times a week.

It felt good getting off to a great start, and then January came. Would we let a little cold Florida weather discourage us? Absolutely not! WE bundled up with many lighter layers and included hats, scarves and gloves. Each time challenges were presented to discourage us, we simply developed plans that to keep us moving forward.

However February was different. Not only was it cold, but upper respiratory challenges made riding impossible.

March brought us “wet” and two trips to Reale Bikes in Venice for tires and tubes. (Great Service!)

AND isn’t that the way it seems so often. You start out with a great initiative. You have well outlined goals, a plan to implement and you get off to a terrific start. Then things begin to happen, circumstances beyond your control. Yet you continue on, but so does the opposition. Sometimes you can feel like you are so far off track…

However, April arrived. It’s a new month and each day is new. The weather is warm, the bikes have been serviced, and we are both feeling better. Monday was a 10 mile ride for us.

My daughter said several times…”Don’t you feel empowered Mom?”

The answer is YES! We chose to not let time that we weren’t moving forward to keep us from continuing although it would have been very easy to have been discouraged and to have given up.

If you have gotten off track, if your recent actions have not fully corresponded to your initial intentions for this year…I want to encourage you that although staying on target is good; that getting back on your bike is incredibly rewarding.

The Secret to Success (Part Two)

With all the changes in business, people are looking at how to be more profitable.

Start by taking an inventory of what you currently have. Comb through files, closets and storage and make a list of all your assets and liabilities.

What products, services and information do you have?

What products, services and information do you have access to?

What is costing you money to keep?

 Will it produce more that it costs? And when?

After you answer those questions

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

What do you have in your hand?

So if it’s not the necessarily the best products or the best ideas that make it in the marketplace, and a good plan and plenty of funding don’t guarantee that success is inevitable; what does “it” take to succeed? The million dollar question, the magic pill, the miracle cure is…I’m sorry there isn’t one. AND anyone who tells you there is is lying!

Although the answer is simple, it certainly isn’t easy or everyone would do it. Here are some characteristics that individuals share that go on to accomplish the uncommon. Don’t take my word for it. Pick up a biography of someone you admire and see if they are there.

• Faith…to believe that there is something “more”.

• Hope…a picture of that “more” in your future.

• Courage…is the strength to take action.

• Discipline…the ability to take action on a consistent basis.

• Perseverance…the ability to continue to pursue action daily and believe in the possibility of your “more” regardless of how you feel at any given moment or what outward circumstances might indicate.

 The success or lack of success that exists in my life is determined by me. What exists or doesn’t in your life is determined by you. If you don’t like it, change it! And to change it, starts with changing ourselves. Look at the characteristics above. Are those operating in your life? If not, why not?

The secret to success is to start with a personal inventory.

Does discouragement ever keep you from doing the things you need to do to be more productive?

3 Things you can do to change that.

1. Stop and breathe…Some people just run faster and try harder. Others shut down altogether. Neither response will effectively produce results over the course of time.

Take 3 deep breathes and release slowly each time. Your nervous system will kick in and you will begin to relax. When you relax you can make better choices.

Exercise: It releases endorphins which will help you feel better. Ride a bike, walk, dance…do something you love.

(Alcohol and other substances to “feel good” don’t count.)

Hold hands with someone you love. Look them in the face and TELL them that. Build Joy…Yes, Joy is a real thing.

2. Set realistic goals. The world is tough enough. Stop trying to be Super person. Unrealistic expectations reaffirm an inability to succeed. Affirmations are great, if you really believe that in your heart…if you don’t, it is NO better that the unrealistic goal. Let yourself grow into big goals, one baby step at a time.

3. Set up accountability with someone who actually cares whether you succeed or not. Ask someone to give you honest caring feedback. I have a coach, a counselor, and an advisory board and a couple of incredible friends that I have empowered to let me have it…they help me stay on track through constructive criticism and act as cheerleaders when the going gets tough. They believe in me, even when I may begin to doubt myself.

**I believe**

You can’t imagine how many times I have heard that. And it saddens me to tell you this, but that just isn’t true. It doesn’t matter how great your product or service is, or how much it is needed. People don’t buy based on need. There is someone who needs it, that won’t use it, even if you gave it away.

However this is one of the most liberating and profitable epiphanies of the business world! Understanding this, I can make more money in less time. I can arrive home at the end of day facing clients and looking for prospects with my ego intact…no longer beaten and bruised.

WHY? Because I am no longer trying to sell everyone on the fact that what I bring to the table is wonderful. I no longer have to jump through hoops trying to convince someone who will never buy that they should. I have made make peace with the fact that I am not a fit for everyone, so like a miner sifting and searching for gold, I am sifting and searching through leads for prospects. Some people are not going to buy and it isn’t because I stink, it’s because they are not a fit for the value proposition I can present.

The secret to utilizing this understanding is…I must know what my prospects look like and I must know how to recognize them when they come across my path. I still have to be skilled at my craft. I still need to do and say and bring to the table my best, but my results are going to be significantly more profitable.

 Is this year all that you wanted it to be so far?

 What could have been better?

What are you planning to do about it?

If you haven’t been planning on changing…what makes you think that life will?

A new look means to look at the same stuff, but to look at it differently.

If I want better answers, I need to ask better questions…

If last years results aren’t the right answer then you need new answers…

Do you know what the answers are?

If so, what are your answers…and the lotto doesn’t count?

If not, where do you start?