Someone once told me that success was simple. All you need to do is “plan your work, and work your plan”. This adage may work, but there are a few more things to consider.
First, think about “planning your work”. My first thought is that work is not the only thing that defines us. So while planning your work is important, it is also important to define “work”.
Work needs to include the activities that define you as a person. To broaden your view of work, review the following questions:
- What value are you adding to yourself?
- What value are you adding to others?
- At the end of your life, what do you want to be remembered for?
- How are you building your character?
Defining your life’s work should encompass more than just your job. You are more than your job.
Second, we need to consider “work your plan”. How many times have you failed to follow through on your plans? We all stumble if we dream big, but there is a difference between giving up, and failing but standing up to continue.
Success requires taking action. It requires following through on your plan, regardless of the obstacles you will face.
If you find yourself on the couch watching television every night of the week, you either have not worked your plan hard enough, or you are not working your plan. Do you want to be remembered as the person that was always watching television? or was the best video game player?
If you want to achieve, plan for it. Then go out and do it. That is how you plan your work and work your plan.
Excellent reflection Mark, thanks for sharing it!