So, what does whatever it takes mean? It will mean different things to different people, because we are all unique and have unique and different goals in life. To me, whatever it takes means doing 11 things a day on my top 10 list of things to do. I constantly try to think of new ways to approach everything I do. My daughter thinks I’m crazy because I think differently than anybody she’s ever known.
As an example, we both signed up recently for a Father Daughter Bowling League. The prizes were pretty awesome, ranging from $500 gift cards all the way down to a new bowling ball. We were excited and look forward to competing. However, on the day we showed up to start, we were told that we were the only ones who have signed up for the league. Undaunted, my mind immediately came up with this question, which I asked the league organizer:
“Does that mean that we get all the prizes?”
I figured it was worth a shot to ask. The league organizer told us that no one would be getting any of the prizes. We were disappointed and said our goodbyes. On the way to the car, my daughter started laughing. She said that she never would’ve thought of asking for the prizes and that life would never be dull when she was with me. Looking back, I just did whatever it took under the circumstances to get the prizes.
Here are some thoughts on how you can do whatever it takes.
- Start your tomorrow the night before. Get yourself a journal, and write down everything you want to accomplish the next day just before you go to bed. Don’t have a hernia if you don’t get everything done. The list is merely a guideline, not an imperative. The important part of writing down your tomorrow goals is that your mind will dwell upon them as you go to sleep. This will increase your odds of accomplishing those goals immensely.
- Never settle for just enough. When you set out to do something, give it your best effort. Always do more than what is requested of you. For instance, if you go to mow the lawn, you can also trim the hedges while you’re at it. You can never get in trouble for doing more than you’re asked to do.
- Make a commitment to finishing a task you undertake. This is like a promise to yourself to get things done. Do not stop before you finish. If it’s something especially important, focus solely on that one goal. When I finish my breakfast in the morning, by very next thing is to write my daily blog post. By the time you read this, I will have posted close to 700 blog entries. I’ve done this in just about two years. Rain or shine, holidays, vacations, cruises, and whatever else happens in my life doesn’t get in my way of posting my blog posts.
- Don’t look at the entire goal in one piece. Doing so can be very daunting and it can scare people off from even starting. Here’s a little secret. Break that goal into as many tiny goal pieces as you can. Each tiny piece will be easier to accomplish, and take you one step closer to your overall big goal.
For instance, if your goal is to get into shape, that would mean spending 4-6 visits a week to your local gym. Most people don’t even get past the thinking part of the stage. A micro goal would be to get dressed to go to the gym five times a week. You don’t have to leave your house, just the very act of getting dressed is a step forward. Next week, get dressed and open the door to leave five times that week. Each week, take a small step toward getting to the gym, and soon you will be there. When you get to the gym, that first week just walk around. You don’t have to do any exercising. Say hello to a few people and get a look around the entire facility. The next week, make some inquiries about regimens for getting in shape. That’s all you could do that week. Before you know it, you’ll be working out and getting into shape.
5. Do it only if it brings you Joy. The journey is not worth the effort if you don’t enjoy it. Give your goals. 100% of your attention and dedication, but don’t forget to have a little fun along the way. Like my experience at the bowling alley, you should never take yourself too seriously. Half the people will smile or laugh with you when you take a different approach to life. The other half will laugh at you. Forget those people and stick with the ones who don’t judge you and appreciate your company. Joy is like a success vitamin, giving your mind, energy, and a positive outlook. Look at all the very successful people out there. More often than not, they are smiling and laughing. They do so not because they are wealthy, because they don’t have to impress anyone, and they can really let loose and enjoy life.
I hope this was helpful to you, or was enjoyable to you. Please leave me your thoughts, comments and questions below. I’ll be sure to respond to them.
To Your Future,
Tom, the High Traffic Wizard
A great passion of mine is to share what I’ve learned over the years and pass it on to others. I found a way to share my passions in a blog. This blog is the best way I know of to do just that.
Whether you want to sell your work or just share it with the world, a blog will let you reach the largest possible audience.
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