By Phil Coleman and Tom Wilbur
It’s a big old world we live in. In a universe created by God, we have evolved into who we are today as inhabitants of this planet— for better or worse. Sustaining ourselves is certainly a primary directive, and yet, somehow, we’re all going to need to get along—for the long pull.
As human beings, we often look at the day and wonder what we really are, what our purpose is, and how we got to this place? Mankind has the capacity to create wars, form societal rules, interact socially, and possesses the capacity to hate or love. Most humans have other needs, as well. The need to be accepted and wanted. A need for understanding their place in this world. And a desire to connect with others, and ultimately with a higher power.
So if we’re going to face the day with renewed vigor, and form better bonds with others, what might we do? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Start every day with an enthusiastic attitude for serving others.
2. Each morning, make a to-do list which includes making a difference in someone’s life.
3. Engage in the moment—if you stay in positive expectation, good things can occur.
4. Let go of grudges or ill-feelings. They are chips that will build upon your shoulders.
5. Take your best trait and expand on it. Take your worst trait and get rid of it.
6. Give at least six compliments daily. And write your worst enemy a nice note.
7. Keep conversations with and about others positive. Never criticize, condemn or complain, as Dale Carnegie instructs.
8. Enable yourself to rise above hate, envy or jealousy. They block progress.
9. Read and study positive material daily—books, newsletters, or blogs.
10. Believe in your mission in life, your employer, your community, and your country.
11. Develop a creative mind to solve problems and handle situations.
12. Be decisive, but have the flexibility to adjust as things change. Adapt to the situation.
13. Smile, and find points of connectivity, when meeting with others.
14. Openly communicate. Don’t bottle up stress and heart-attack feelings.
15. Treat everyone and every day as the most important in your life. Take interest in them.
16. Steer clear of negative people—their attitudes can create buy-in to faulty activities.
17. Develop an attitude of mental toughness, and resolve for getting things done.
18. Have superior “bounce-back” ability, from the little hurdles in your journey.
19. Before retiring at night, review the goals that you have established for yourself, and celebrate your progress.
20. And finally– be honest. Be humble. Be the best you. And allow God to be God.
We often meet with folks who are having major issues in life, and a noticeable pattern regularly emerges. They are quick to blame others for all of the bad things happening in their lives. They are unwilling or unable to take personal responsibility for their actions. They get so engaged and are so focused upon satisfying their own needs, and more often wants, that they have lost touch with one of the life’s true secrets— and it’s this:
In serving others, you will find greater returns and rewards for your time and expended energies than you ever thought possible. You will find a place of self-actualization and self-worth, previously lost. You will demonstrate the kind of love that we are all meant to provide others, in our walk, and that love will be returned multiple times. And you will build a bond and solidify relationships with people you can trust. What more to life is there?
Get out there and experience the moment. Experience the day. Make a difference. Form relationships with others that will help them reach their goals in life, and in turn, that ongoing process will help you get back in the game—and everyone will win.
Until next time,
Phil and Tom
Winning Strategies is a series created by Phil Coleman and Tom Wilbur to provide inspiration and motivation, based upon their personal experiences and fundamental ideas for success. Phil Coleman is the owner of Champion Seminars, in Salina, Kansas. A popular public and corporate speaker, Phil is an entrepreneur, and has made presentations on successful life strategies to thousands of people over his career with his firm. Tom Wilbur is a regular editorial contributor to newspapers, magazines, and motivational newsletters, and is President/CEO of BANK VI in Salina. Phil and Tom are both long term residents of Salina, and Kansas, and have a common vested interest in helping others. You can contact them at[email protected].