Look Within

The following comes from "You Don't Need A Title To Be A Leader" by Mark Sanborn.

1. MAKE TIME TO REFLECT

How much in business and life to we all miss out on because we don't take time to reflect on what is happening in our lives and what we can learn from these things?

2. REMEMBER TO DREAM

Some people are so caught up with a day-to-day tasks that they forget to dream about the future. As a result, they don't aspire high enough, or far enough, for themselves or their organizations. Ask yourself: What do I dream of accomplishing in my life? In my career?

3. MIRROR THOSE WHO ARE SUCCESSFUL AROUND YOU

Find role models worthy of your attention, those who lead their lives and organizations in the manner in which you aspire to lead, who have made a difference to others as you would like to.

4. RETREAT TO ADVANCE

At least once a year (if not more often), set aside a day to review your life and objectives. You may want to remove yourself from the distractions of a typical day by "retreating" to a location where you are inaccessible by phone or e-mail.

5. MENTOR SOMEONE ELSE

One of the best way to distill what you know is to share it with others. Moreover, helping another person grow can be a rewarding way to keep yourself motivated.

6. ENJOY THE JOURNEY

It would be silly to say to yourself, "I'm going on vacation, but I have no intention of enjoying myself." Yet that is exactly what happens to us when we become too busy to take time to appreciate our journey in life. Take a moment to be grateful for what you have. Feeling grateful is one sure antidote to negativity.

7. LIVE LIKE A VICTOR, NOT A VICTIM

When bad things happen to good people, we way the are "victims of circumstances." Yet it is easy to spend too much time feeling like a victim, rather than asking, "What am I going to do to make it better?"

8. SEARCH FOR THE PONY

An old favorite joke of mine illustrates the positive attitude of the person who takes responsibility for his or her life, even in those circumstances they don't completely control.