Practice Makes Comfort and Consistency

Do you remember when you first were learning to ride a bike, or drive a car, or use a computer? At first, we were awkward, slow and fairly incompetent. The way we improved was to practice on a routine basis. As a result, we began to feel more comfortable, we were more consistent, and we began to improve. The more we practiced, the more consistent we became and the better we got. It is a fact of life! Yet, many of us feel if we can’t do something perfectly the first time, then we are failures. Here are some guidelines to developing greater comfort and consistency in any venture we choose to undertake or skill we want to gain.

• Find someone who is already doing what you want to do and ask them to help you. This person is your Mentor.
  
  
• Set specific time aside on your calendar to learn and practice your new skill.
  
  
• Practice on a consistent basis (once a day) even if for a short period of time.
  
  
• Tell others what you are doing as an incentive to keep practicing.
  
  
• Demonstrate your new skill or competency to others.
  
  
• Enjoy the journey and the small progressive steps you are taking. Notice your progress and improved consistency.
  
  
• Be patient. Rome was not created in a day.
  
  
• Celebrate your small successes!

For example, as you practice using the Get Your Sphere In Gear® program, you will feel more comfortable and will be more consistent in staying personally connected to the people in your Sphere. Practice does help us be more comfortable and consistent!

First Things First!

How do we insure that we are doing the most important work each day?

The four “D” system is an easy way to prioritize your work so that you do First Things First. Implementing it helps ensure you are always doing the most important stuff first. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes. Here is how it works:

To begin with, make a list of all of the things you need to do.
Then assign one of the four “D”s to each task.

• The first “D” represents “Do it”. These are the things you want to accomplish during the next few weeks. After identifying these tasks, prioritize them so that you start with the most important task first.
  
  
• The second “D” represents “Delay it”. These are things that you want to do, but can delay until later. Schedule them in your PDA so they are not forgotten.
  
  
• The third “D” represents “Delegate it”. These are activities and tasks that you can get someone else to do. Identify who you are going to delegate the work to and provide specific directions, without micromanaging.
  
  
• Finally, the last “D” stands for “Delete it”. This is stuff you don’t really need to do. Cross them off your list.

By following this system, you will always be focused on your highest priority work so that you move your business and life in the direction you want to be going.

Create a Routine - Create Balance and Success!

One of the most successful habits you can create is developing a flexible daily routine. Routines help ensure that we consistently get the most important work done each day, each week, each month and each year. Daily routines are easy to create, but challenging to follow. The three components of a successful routine are:

• Activities you do for yourself
  
• Activities you do for your business
• Activities you do for your family

Here are some simple guidelines of what to include in your daily routine.

• Start the day with Exercise. You will feel energized and your mind will be sharper as a result. Most people are more successful getting their exercise in before their work day starts.
  
  
• Read a short prayer or meditation to express your gratitude for all the good things you have in your life.
  
  
• Eat a healthy breakfast so you have energy to get through the morning.
  
  
• Call at least three people in your Sphere of Influence to stay connected. Do this before you open your e-mail.
  
  
• During the day, focus on the single most important work that will most positively impact your business.
  
  
• At the end of the day, spend 10 minutes planning for the next day.
  
  
• Have dinner with your family each night.
  
  
• Spend at least one hour with your spouse, partner or a friend.
  
  
• Go to bed at a reasonable hour so you feel refreshed in the morning.

Most people spend each day 'hoping' they get the important work done, often times neglecting themselves or their families.

Remember that this is a “flexible” routine, so when special situations arise, be flexible.

You will create balance in your life by consistently implementing a routine that helps you be physically, emotionally and financially successful!

Create Your Vision - Create Your Life

A vision inspires us to accomplish what we are most passionate and committed to achieve. It helps us stay focused on our priorities and decide how best to use our most precious resource - time.

Here is my vision: 'I inspire people to discover their courage so that they lead healthy and wealthy lives'. This statement helps me focus on how I can live a 'courageous' life while helping others do the same. It means trying new ideas and activities that expand my comfort zone to insure that I grow as an individual, as a father, as a husband, as a friend, and as a Coach.

The following 5-step process is a simple and straightforward formula for creating your Vision. Your Vision will create excitement and positive energy for you and others who read and experience it.

• Start with the word 'I' - Your Vision is all about 'you', so we start with the word 'I'.
  
  
• Action Word - what do we do for others - words of action like discover, help, motivate, support, teach, direct, coach, provide.
  
  
• Who, or What, do I direct the action toward - who is your action directed to? Examples include people, athletes, young adults, animals, people with special needs, artists, etc.
  
  
• The Outcome or the result of the action - this is the result of the action. In my example, 'to discover their courage'.
  
  
• The Benefit of the outcome - this is the benefit of the action. It answers the question: What's in it for me? The benefit is preceded by the words 'so that'.

Most people do not have a Vision because they simply have not taken the time (usually one-hour) to create one. Is it worth one-hour of your time to think about, gain clarity, and create your vision to help guide your future? What other priorities are more important? If you want some help and guidance in creating your Vision statement, drop me an e-mail at coach@stuartkaufman.com.