Christmas has passed and now it's time to get to work. I am back on my mission to organization. I've learned you start with your mind, not your desk. If your thoughts are disorganized (as mine have always been) you have no chance at organizing your world.
Lesson # 1: Amateurs remember, pros write it down.
Carry a notebook. I have always done this and I can tell you it could work, except that the notebooks I carry reflect what's happening upstairs: messy, disorganized, etc... It does no good to write down important information if you can't easily find it when you need it. I am learning this.
Lesson # 2: Listen Actively: In other words, ask questions.
When you are being given instructions, it's easy to zone out. If you make yourself ask questions, even simple, or stupid, questions, you're more likely to stay involved. I am learning this.
Lesson # 3: Create a system and stick to it.
Do whatever works for you. It may be a notepad, a PDA, or a spreadsheet. Whatever you do, just do it. As an old co-worker of mine used to say: a place for everything, and everything in its place. I am working on this one.
Lesson # 4: Have an accountability partner.
I work on my own and my office is in my house. I have enlisted Abby to help me stay organized. She warned me that she would be on my back constantly. I accepted because that is the only way this arrangement could possibly work.
Think of how much time you lose looking for papers, notes, whatever. Have you ever lost a deal because you lost a memo and didn't get back to someone on time. I have. I've made these mistakes and I am determined to never let them happen again. This is why I am creating the system.
I hope you had a Merry Christmas. God bless you. Make it a great day.
- Adolfo
Showing posts with label hard work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hard work. Show all posts
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Day # 156 - Willingness
I’ve written on willingness before. The willingness to do whatever is necessary to achieve a goal will almost always ensure you don’t have to do everything necessary to achieve it. I work seven days a week. I have a full time job, run a small business, a large family, church, and I write this column, which may be the most challenging part of it all.
I am 39 years old and I have a great life. In many aspects, my life has been more successful than I could have expected, but I want more. I want meaning, as well as success. Sure, I want to make money and have nice stuff and security for my family, but that’s just not enough for me. If money was my only motivation, would I be writing this column? I don’t make money from it. It might pay off some day, but I would still do it even if I was sure it wouldn’t. Why? Because it is an exercise of will. I promised myself, and you, that I would spend a year without news and blog about the experience. The problem with that is that I don’t know how to write about what I am not doing. So, I write about my life and how this change is affecting me.
I recently killed my TV, which has given me more time to read. I’ve always been a reader, but now I can really tear through books. It’s amazing how you see the truth when you cut out the noise. I wasn’t a reader like I thought I was, like I wanted to be. I had to cut out the unproductive habit of watching news and noise to really kick my reading into overdrive. I had to be willing to make a radical change.
This is not to say I am no longer a hardcore capitalist. I am; to my very soul. I do not believe anything that I did not believe before beginning this project. My beliefs are the same. They are just more focused, more clearly defined; therefore they will better serve me.
You can accomplish anything, if you are willing to do whatever is necessary to reach your goal. You must be willing to change yourself, your situation, your life, and, especially your habits. Nothing is impossible unless you label it as such. Be willing to let go of those destructive little comforts, like complaining about every little inconvenience, like a line at Starbucks, or having to stop and gas up the car when you’re running late, or traffic, or filing, or whatever. There are things we all must do. Accept them and don’t give them any more mind than necessary. You must be willing to let go of the little attention-grabbing things. Let go of negative friends. Be willing to ignore the gossip and office chatter and instead, focus on your work – and then you’ll earn the promotion. Be willing to skip dessert – and then you’ll lose your love handles. Be willing to go through the pain of budgeting your money – and then you’ll stop worrying about paying the bills and saving for the future.
It all starts with willingness. Do you have the will? If you don’t, you have nothing.
- Adolfo
http://ayearwithoutnews.blogspot.com
http://www.cakewhimsybyabdaliz.com
http://www.honeybeepartyrental.com
http://www.facebook.com/adolfojimenez1
http://www.twitter.com/adolfojimenez
I am 39 years old and I have a great life. In many aspects, my life has been more successful than I could have expected, but I want more. I want meaning, as well as success. Sure, I want to make money and have nice stuff and security for my family, but that’s just not enough for me. If money was my only motivation, would I be writing this column? I don’t make money from it. It might pay off some day, but I would still do it even if I was sure it wouldn’t. Why? Because it is an exercise of will. I promised myself, and you, that I would spend a year without news and blog about the experience. The problem with that is that I don’t know how to write about what I am not doing. So, I write about my life and how this change is affecting me.
I recently killed my TV, which has given me more time to read. I’ve always been a reader, but now I can really tear through books. It’s amazing how you see the truth when you cut out the noise. I wasn’t a reader like I thought I was, like I wanted to be. I had to cut out the unproductive habit of watching news and noise to really kick my reading into overdrive. I had to be willing to make a radical change.
This is not to say I am no longer a hardcore capitalist. I am; to my very soul. I do not believe anything that I did not believe before beginning this project. My beliefs are the same. They are just more focused, more clearly defined; therefore they will better serve me.
You can accomplish anything, if you are willing to do whatever is necessary to reach your goal. You must be willing to change yourself, your situation, your life, and, especially your habits. Nothing is impossible unless you label it as such. Be willing to let go of those destructive little comforts, like complaining about every little inconvenience, like a line at Starbucks, or having to stop and gas up the car when you’re running late, or traffic, or filing, or whatever. There are things we all must do. Accept them and don’t give them any more mind than necessary. You must be willing to let go of the little attention-grabbing things. Let go of negative friends. Be willing to ignore the gossip and office chatter and instead, focus on your work – and then you’ll earn the promotion. Be willing to skip dessert – and then you’ll lose your love handles. Be willing to go through the pain of budgeting your money – and then you’ll stop worrying about paying the bills and saving for the future.
It all starts with willingness. Do you have the will? If you don’t, you have nothing.
- Adolfo
http://ayearwithoutnews.blogspot.com
http://www.cakewhimsybyabdaliz.com
http://www.honeybeepartyrental.com
http://www.facebook.com/adolfojimenez1
http://www.twitter.com/adolfojimenez
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Day # 105 - You'll meet yourself there
It's funny how God will give you exactly what you expect. He won't always give you what you want, because what you want and what you expect are not always the same thing.
Think about it: If someone says, "I want to be a millionaire, but I know I'm going to lose my job, go broke, and end up on food stamps." Which is more likely to happen?
If someone says, "I want to be a millionaire, and I know doors are opening up to make that happen," they're more likely to achieve their seven-figure dream.
Why? Because you will meet yourself at your expectations. If you expect good things to happen, they will. If you expect disaster, make sure your insurance is paid up. Donald Trump said, "If you're going to be thinking anyway, you may as well Think BIG." And he knows all about the power of thinking big. How else could someone with that hair be that successful?
Change your thinking today. Cancel the bad, negative, self-defeating thoughts. Don't just wish for good things, expect them. And remember, this is like exercise; you won't lose 20 pounds in ten days of going to the Y, so don't be disappointed if it takes a while before the rewards show up. Persevere and continue to expect the best. Know that you must work hard and keep your chin up. Quit the gossip and negative self-talk, and the rewards will be yours and they will be plenty.
Lessons:
- You will meet yourself at your expectations. The greater your expectations, the greater your accomplishments will be. Don't be afraid to think big. It works for the Donald and it can work for you.
- Eliminate the negative: negative talk, negative thoughts, negative expectations. Get rid of them because they are a cancer on your future and an obstacle between you and your better self.
Declarations:
- Day by day in every way, I am getting better and better.
- I expect great things and my life and I will get them.
Keep the faith. God bless you. Make it your best day yet.
-Adolfo
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Think about it: If someone says, "I want to be a millionaire, but I know I'm going to lose my job, go broke, and end up on food stamps." Which is more likely to happen?
If someone says, "I want to be a millionaire, and I know doors are opening up to make that happen," they're more likely to achieve their seven-figure dream.
Why? Because you will meet yourself at your expectations. If you expect good things to happen, they will. If you expect disaster, make sure your insurance is paid up. Donald Trump said, "If you're going to be thinking anyway, you may as well Think BIG." And he knows all about the power of thinking big. How else could someone with that hair be that successful?
Change your thinking today. Cancel the bad, negative, self-defeating thoughts. Don't just wish for good things, expect them. And remember, this is like exercise; you won't lose 20 pounds in ten days of going to the Y, so don't be disappointed if it takes a while before the rewards show up. Persevere and continue to expect the best. Know that you must work hard and keep your chin up. Quit the gossip and negative self-talk, and the rewards will be yours and they will be plenty.
Lessons:
- You will meet yourself at your expectations. The greater your expectations, the greater your accomplishments will be. Don't be afraid to think big. It works for the Donald and it can work for you.
- Eliminate the negative: negative talk, negative thoughts, negative expectations. Get rid of them because they are a cancer on your future and an obstacle between you and your better self.
Declarations:
- Day by day in every way, I am getting better and better.
- I expect great things and my life and I will get them.
Keep the faith. God bless you. Make it your best day yet.
-Adolfo
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Friday, July 30, 2010
Day # 64 - How to lose everything you really want
There's an old expression: If you always do what you always did, you'll always have what you always had.
I am involved in several organizations and businesses. In more than one case, I have walked in blind and taught myself. I am a fairly intelligent person and I catch on quick. The advantage to being inexperienced is that there is less to un-learn. Your experience in other areas can be translated to your current project. Whether it works or not, everyone learns something and everyone is better for the experience.
When I became Chairman of the chamber of commerce, my experience in such things was limited. After two years on the job, there was no one, save for my enemies, who would have said I did anything other than an outstanding job. Yes, I had enemies. Impossible to believe, isn't it?
How did I succeed? Am I a genius? No. Did I read a manual? No. There is no "Successfully Running a Chamber for Dummies." But if there were, I still would not have read it. Now that I look back at the experience, I could write that book.
Of course, all this works in reverse. If you are inflexible, if you are so set in your ways that you are unwilling to try new things, you will fail. You will fail a lot. Listen to your colleagues, let their experience become your experience. When you disagree, do not resort to insulting their talents or abilities. Know what you don't know. Know your limits. When you know your limits, you can get past them. Until then, get comfortable because you ain't going nowhere.
Today's Lessons:
- None of us is as smart as all of us.
- You don't know if you don't try.
- To have something you've never had, you have to become someone you've never been.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I am open to new ideas.
- I know my limitations because knowing them is the only way of overcoming them.
Stay stuck in your ways if you want. It's the best way to lose everything you want. Get out of the box, get out of the past, and stretch yourself. It's the only way.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
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I am involved in several organizations and businesses. In more than one case, I have walked in blind and taught myself. I am a fairly intelligent person and I catch on quick. The advantage to being inexperienced is that there is less to un-learn. Your experience in other areas can be translated to your current project. Whether it works or not, everyone learns something and everyone is better for the experience.
When I became Chairman of the chamber of commerce, my experience in such things was limited. After two years on the job, there was no one, save for my enemies, who would have said I did anything other than an outstanding job. Yes, I had enemies. Impossible to believe, isn't it?
How did I succeed? Am I a genius? No. Did I read a manual? No. There is no "Successfully Running a Chamber for Dummies." But if there were, I still would not have read it. Now that I look back at the experience, I could write that book.
Of course, all this works in reverse. If you are inflexible, if you are so set in your ways that you are unwilling to try new things, you will fail. You will fail a lot. Listen to your colleagues, let their experience become your experience. When you disagree, do not resort to insulting their talents or abilities. Know what you don't know. Know your limits. When you know your limits, you can get past them. Until then, get comfortable because you ain't going nowhere.
Today's Lessons:
- None of us is as smart as all of us.
- You don't know if you don't try.
- To have something you've never had, you have to become someone you've never been.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I am open to new ideas.
- I know my limitations because knowing them is the only way of overcoming them.
Stay stuck in your ways if you want. It's the best way to lose everything you want. Get out of the box, get out of the past, and stretch yourself. It's the only way.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
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Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Day # 55 - Contagion II
I am out of shape. Have been for a long time. It's not that I'm a slob. I'm not one of those people who can't walk up a flight of steps or throw a Frisbee without dropping to the ground; I'm just heavier than I should be. It's contagious, too. Of the six of us, (my wife, four kids, me) three of us are overweight. I have been preaching to my wife about this for the longest time and I have been an Oprah about it for years. (By Oprah, I mean I would gain and lose and regain weight constantly.) I always felt I needed Abby's support. I didn't want there to be soda or cookies in the house, but they would always find their way here.
*Funny thing about me. I will not go to the grocery store to buy these things, but if they are in my house, I devour them without mercy. I can tear through an entire box of cookies - or at least I used to. I have learned will power over the last 55 days and I get stronger every day.
So what began with me giving up caffeine led to me committing to losing 30 pounds by the end of my 365 days. I also decided to take the bull by the horns where my daughter is concerned, offering her incentives to drink less soda and drink more water. I also promised my wife that if certain items appeared in the house, specifically soft drinks, I would pour them down the sink. I proved my seriousness.
I didn't try to influence her, I just told her that I was determined and expected her support. A funny thing happened on the way to my goal. She started noticing the changes in me and teamed up with a co-worker who is very health conscious and now she's lecturing me the way I have lectured her for ten years.
Seeing how committed I was started something in her. Her co-worker was the catalyst. Now we are working on the same goal together. We went for a walk last night. Not a stroll, but a brisk walk. I was thrilled at her determination and I know this is the beginning of a lasting improvement to our lives.
For years, I didn't do what I knew I had to do because I wanted Abby to come with me. When I began this project, I decided to take this additional step on my own. I wasn't thinking about whether she would follow me or not. I just knew I had to do what I had to do. So I did it. And my actions were more effective than all the begging, pleading, reasoning and goading of the last decade.
Of course, we all know that leadership is something done by example. I want to make the best things happen for my family. This is the first step of many.
Today's Lessons:
- Don't talk about what you want others to do, show them what you want done.
- Leadership is more about action than words.
- "Do as I say, not as I do," is hypocrisy at its worst.
- When trying to convince someone of the benefits of a specific course of action, take the course yourself and let them follow at their own pace.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better
- I will always work at improving myself, knowing I am bringing the people I love along for the ride
- I am a leader of my business, my community and of my family.
I feel great this morning. Tonight will be another power walk or YMCA or the park. I think we finally got on the mountain. Now we have to climb it. Keep us in your prayers, you are in mine.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
-Adolfo
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*Funny thing about me. I will not go to the grocery store to buy these things, but if they are in my house, I devour them without mercy. I can tear through an entire box of cookies - or at least I used to. I have learned will power over the last 55 days and I get stronger every day.
So what began with me giving up caffeine led to me committing to losing 30 pounds by the end of my 365 days. I also decided to take the bull by the horns where my daughter is concerned, offering her incentives to drink less soda and drink more water. I also promised my wife that if certain items appeared in the house, specifically soft drinks, I would pour them down the sink. I proved my seriousness.
I didn't try to influence her, I just told her that I was determined and expected her support. A funny thing happened on the way to my goal. She started noticing the changes in me and teamed up with a co-worker who is very health conscious and now she's lecturing me the way I have lectured her for ten years.
Seeing how committed I was started something in her. Her co-worker was the catalyst. Now we are working on the same goal together. We went for a walk last night. Not a stroll, but a brisk walk. I was thrilled at her determination and I know this is the beginning of a lasting improvement to our lives.
For years, I didn't do what I knew I had to do because I wanted Abby to come with me. When I began this project, I decided to take this additional step on my own. I wasn't thinking about whether she would follow me or not. I just knew I had to do what I had to do. So I did it. And my actions were more effective than all the begging, pleading, reasoning and goading of the last decade.
Of course, we all know that leadership is something done by example. I want to make the best things happen for my family. This is the first step of many.
Today's Lessons:
- Don't talk about what you want others to do, show them what you want done.
- Leadership is more about action than words.
- "Do as I say, not as I do," is hypocrisy at its worst.
- When trying to convince someone of the benefits of a specific course of action, take the course yourself and let them follow at their own pace.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better
- I will always work at improving myself, knowing I am bringing the people I love along for the ride
- I am a leader of my business, my community and of my family.
I feel great this morning. Tonight will be another power walk or YMCA or the park. I think we finally got on the mountain. Now we have to climb it. Keep us in your prayers, you are in mine.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
-Adolfo
Start building your Success Library!
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Monday, July 19, 2010
Day # 53 - A little more
Jim Rohn once defined success as doing what the other guy won't do. It's true. We are all equal to a certain point. It's what we do beyond that point that determines whether we will succeed.
Success happens when you:
Work one more hour.
Run one more mile.
Fight one more round.
Make one more call.
Read one more book.
It's the little bit extra that makes the difference. It's the above and the beyond. It's the extra. The finish, the extra effort, are what define us. If you do not give extra effort, you are not going to be noticed, at least not in a positive way.
How many golf balls has Tiger Woods hit in front of TV cameras? I don't know the answer but I would bet it's just a fraction of what he's hit when no one was around. How may hours does a performer rehearse for each hour on stage? How many hours does an "A" student spend studying for a test that will probably be over in less than an hour? How much time does a "C" student spend studying? How about a "D" student?
Your results, your success or failure, are a direct result of how hard you are willing to work. If you feel like you aren't where you want to be, work a little harder, put in a little more effort. Spend a little more time preparing. Do a little more than you've ever done before. Do what the other guy won't do.
Today's Lessons:
- "The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work." - Harry Golden
- "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all." - Sam Ewing
- "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." - Colin Powell
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I will succeed by doing more than I have ever done, and by doing more than is expected of me.
- I will work harder than my colleagues. I will not complain. I work hard and when my work is done, I will ask for more.
I am not telling you to be workaholic, but I am telling you that the road to success is long and hard and forty hours is not enough time to get there.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
Start building your Success Library!
Follow me on Twitter
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Success happens when you:
Work one more hour.
Run one more mile.
Fight one more round.
Make one more call.
Read one more book.
It's the little bit extra that makes the difference. It's the above and the beyond. It's the extra. The finish, the extra effort, are what define us. If you do not give extra effort, you are not going to be noticed, at least not in a positive way.
How many golf balls has Tiger Woods hit in front of TV cameras? I don't know the answer but I would bet it's just a fraction of what he's hit when no one was around. How may hours does a performer rehearse for each hour on stage? How many hours does an "A" student spend studying for a test that will probably be over in less than an hour? How much time does a "C" student spend studying? How about a "D" student?
Your results, your success or failure, are a direct result of how hard you are willing to work. If you feel like you aren't where you want to be, work a little harder, put in a little more effort. Spend a little more time preparing. Do a little more than you've ever done before. Do what the other guy won't do.
Today's Lessons:
- "The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work." - Harry Golden
- "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all." - Sam Ewing
- "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." - Colin Powell
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I will succeed by doing more than I have ever done, and by doing more than is expected of me.
- I will work harder than my colleagues. I will not complain. I work hard and when my work is done, I will ask for more.
I am not telling you to be workaholic, but I am telling you that the road to success is long and hard and forty hours is not enough time to get there.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
Start building your Success Library!
Follow me on Twitter
Friend me on Facebook
Follow A Year Without News
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