Cut Out The Dreaming-Part 2

Last week I learned that Facebook recently hit another record of participants-500 million! They interviewed several people and asked them why they liked FB and the answers given were the typical ones-stay connected with friends, reconnect with old friends, etc. But one answer shook me. Someone responded, "If there were no FB, I would die." Granted, it was an emotionally charged statement that was probably not meant with the impact it had, but it still indicated (to me anyway) a less than healthy attitude toward this type of social media.

In the last post I mentioned my struggle with a writer's advice that you should cut out things you are not good at or which you can not excel. On the flip side, should you be so connected to something like FB that it consumes you and becomes a major source of your happiness and in an extreme case, your very existence.

Granted, I don't know the person making the comment. But I think she highlights the need for all of us to examine how we spend our time and what is a priority for us. FB is definitely an example of an act that can literally take over your circus... if you let it.

Execution

You can do all the planning, preparation, goal setting, strategic meetings and mission statement writing you want but at the end of the day it comes down to execution and getting something done. The Random House Dictionary defines the word "execute" as: "to carry out" or "to perform or do."

It seems a lot of the time that it isn’t the planning and preparation that gets in the way but all the distractions that keep us from being able to "do" our plan. Amelia Earhart said, The most effective way to do it, is to do it. Wow, that seems pretty simple. "Just do it." What a great slogan Nike!

Enough With The Drama!

Remember going to the circus and the ringmaster saying, "And now... our star will attempt something that has never been done...." and they complete the stunt or feat. We know the drama is not as big as the Ringmaster is making it out to be, but we get caught in the emotion of the moment.

We see so many people who are like that Ringmaster. They are building an over sized sense of drama about their work situation, financial condition or even a relationship. Don't misunderstand us. Things are tough for many people and the pains are real. But many people need to conduct a reality check of their situation and keep things in perspective. Here are some ways to start that reality check and to start creating a lineup that will take you to a better place.

• Challenge rationalizations. Don't let yourself off the hook with thoughts like, "Everybody is dealing with the same issues" or "I need this for..." or "I can't change because..." Be honest with yourself and determine what's the truth and what you simply don't want to change.
• Force new options. So often we see our choices as either A or B. But is there another option that might be even better? Don't hold back because of the change in behavior, attitude or comfort the new option might require. Give the new option time to grow in your mind.
• Look long term. When driving, we are taught to look ahead 10-15 seconds (think city block) to prepare for what is coming. Reflect on your current decisions and actions and see if they are preparing you for "what's coming" or if they are just setting you up for greater pain, loss or frustration in the future.

What's On Your Mind?

Earl Nightingale said, "We become what we think about." Wow! That could be scary. Actually, it is scary. We hear a lot about premeditation and the focus of the criminal mind. But, what about the flip side. Premeditation around the positive. What is something positive you can keep your focus on? How about being a role model or making the difference in the life of a child. Achieving greatness in one of your rings-relationships, self and/or work. Have you ever thought about being courageous and fearless?

Sometimes we are so busy being busy that we don't think deep thoughts. We go day to day just jumping from task to task without stopping to ponder. Today, take just 15-30 minutes and consider the question, "What do I want to become?" Pick something about which you are passionate. Write it down on a piece of paper and then...think about it. Ponder it. Focus on it. It is easy to be consumed with the negative or unhealthy. The daily news helps us to do this. Try focusing on something positive and see what kind of results you get.

Have No F.E.A.R.

William Shakespeare wrote, "Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt." What are you afraid to attempt? The old acronym for F.E.A.R. ... False Expectations Appearing Real can sometimes come into play as we doubt our abilities, resources or sanity. Now, sometimes fear is a good thing - for me, a fear of skydiving seems healthy. But, when fear and doubts get in the way of our goals and dreams we should take a second to realize what is at stake.

For me, William Shakespeare's little quote is just the trick. I started by carrying the quote around in my wallet. Whenever I doubted myself or was afraid of attempting something, I would pull the quote out and read it over to myself. Pretty soon I had the quote memorized. Now when I have those moments or when a particular project gets tough, I repeat the quote to myself. This simple affirmation encourages me to focus on the outcome... the "good I oft might win." That simple pause and visualization of the "end in mind" can make all the difference and provide the courage to take the next step.