Mark S. Brown

I read a lot of books. I also write my thoughts weekly about leadership, personal growth, and success strategies. But nothing I read fits me perfectly. Maybe that is why I continue to read.

Different strategies applied in different ways, and mixing and matching pieces of advice is what will make a difference. Finding the right combination that speaks to you as a person.

Using tested successful methods will help you, but don’t copy practices blindly. I am glad you read what I write, but I am sure you are not able to use all of what I write. Maybe that is why I keep writing also.

Find the techniques that help you on your journey to success by patching together the ideas that resonate with you. Find the method that consistently motivates you to be better. Then constantly adjust to improve!

When you ask an elderly retired person what they would have changed in their life, you probably would not be surprised that no one would answer, “I wish I would have worked more.” Instead you will get answers like these:

• I wish I had spent more time with my family.
• I wish I had managed my money better.
• I wish I had taken better care of my health.
• I wish I had given more to others.

Hopefully, you have created your new year’s resolutions. Look at them and ask yourself are you on the path to be able to look back when you retire and know you have no regrets? There is no perfect time to change direction and align your plan to meet your bigger purpose. But best time is now.

This week’s challenge is to review your resolutions, and adjust them to make sure they are aligned to your long term personal goals, not just a short term objective. Try to make everything on your list help you achieve no regrets.

 

It has been said that you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. I believe it. It is easy to see when you look at a couple that has been happily married for a long time. They have melded and become similar.

So, who do you spend your time with? Who is it you are becoming? Maybe it is time to look at your environment. Here are a few questions to ponder:

1. What are the strengths of the people I have surrounded myself with? Do they complement me, and help me grow? Or do we share similar strengths?

2. What are they learning? Or are they learning? You will grow more when you are around other people that are also growing.

3. What do they know and what have they done that I can learn from? Is it aligned with what you want to learn?

4. From their perspective, why do they spend time with me? Am I providing a mutually beneficial relationship?

King Solomon of Israel wrote, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Are you walking with the wise?

 

Mother Teresa observed, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” And so it is when we decide to make a new resolution. You have to start today.

Why do people make resolutions for a New Year when they are not going to change? Many hope to change, but lack the discipline or willpower to achieve the change.

Life long goals are not achieved without making yearly goals. But yearly goals are not achieved without daily action. Only disciplined daily action can turn into habits. We truely change when we are successful in changing our habits.

How long does it take to form a habit? About three weeks. So for your New Year’s resolutions this coming year, focus on having enough willpower for three weeks. If you can achieve to stay consistent for three weeks, it will get easier.

Most people can’t last the three weeks, but I know you can do it.