It must be my age or my bitterness of being a seasoned veteran, but I feel that when it comes to my life, I concern myself with the plight rather than the outcome nowadays. Don’t get me wrong, I love a great result. Who doesn’t?! Especially when putting in the effort consistently after a well-thought out plan and when the horizon appears to be quite bleak – but we chose to continue on – only to reveal the sweetest of finished products.

What seems to capture my attention now is the long walk in the ‘valley of death’ prior to the end result. What is that? It’s the repeated and mundane tasks/habits we do (most of the time along) repeatedly over time in order to attain the results we intended.

This is where the pro’s are separated from the amateurs. This is the ‘life-hack.’ There is none.

I’ve found over the years that being as honest as possible with others I care about is most beneficial to everyone.

Here’s why: When I share myself with others – not inappropriately – but rather in the context of our relationship, it builds trust, empathy and respect between us. Again, I’m not talking about being rude or disrespectful by saying each and every thing that comes to mind, nor am I talking about gushing my short-comings hoping to elicit empathy by playing the victim. I’m talking about trusting others and finding a way to connect with them by sharing my fears, perspective and yes flaws.

More times than not, it opens the door for reciprocity between us and a way to relate to each other as human beings. Another words, “I’m just as broken as you are. We all are” would be more in tune with the message I’m conveying.

But, the good news is we’re all in this together! So, find someone to lean on.

Loving people who we care about can be a challenging road to navigate on a daily basis. Especially when you have children. It can take many forms, strategy’s and approaches.

I do know this; the actions we take and how we speak to others has a direct effect on them. Another words – as Darren Hardy said – we cannot stop the ripples that move outward and envelope the entire pond once you have cast your stone. The question is; Is it a positive stone or a negative one.

I also know this; I don’t want to be responsible for the negative effects from what I put out into the world. I would much rather see ripples of positivity. Another words, I would much rather inspire, support and contribute than take the easy road of being a ‘Debbie Downer.’

What say you?

I just heard a great way of looking at how to stay focused from Darren Hardy. It’s called the Inversion Principle. Basically, the idea is by considering the negative situation, you can clarify your positive path to success.

If you’re looking to lose weight and eat healthy then you must identify your “foes” as well as your “don’t do’s” in order to stay true to your intention. And these “don’t do’s” may very well put you in a better position to attain your goal than what you “do.” Another words, not eating ice cream at night and highly processed food might serve you better than only focusing on eating healthy foods.

It’s the negative habits that hamstring us more at times than anything.

Couldn’t hurt.

More than once, and even more than 3 times have I bailed in the middle of a season. Another words, I didn’t have the patience or stamina to ride out the time it takes to see a project through to harvest time. Why? I’m sure there are many; Lack of focus. Distractions. Lack of a deep-seeded ‘why.’ And many many more.

This is why I want to work on my staying-power. Lasting the test of time to reap the benefits of my work. No doubt this takes a great effort in many ways as it’s always easier to flee.

Everyone has grand expectations at the beginning of the race when we’re all pumped up with endorphins and the crowd is cheering us on. The real test is on the back forty where there are no fans and we’re alone with our thoughts. This is where the true test begins. This is where I have to focus and remain steadfast with my intentions.

No more partial commitments. If we’re in, we’re in. Consider wisely. Decide and then commit to the end.

Easier said than done.