Take the Next Step

The life you want won’t appear like a rabbit out of a hat. Magic won’t help. Just take the next step.

Fear stands between you and the life you want.

1. Fear of failure.
2. Fear you are average.
3. Fear of success.
4. Fear of being wrong.

The next step:

Do more than fear – love. When you’re afraid, look for something to love.

Do more than watch tv – read. I watch too much tv at night. How about you?

Do more than wish – plan. Plans enable you to check progress.

Do more than avoid – bring it up. Tough issues don’t magically disappear.

Do more than talk – listen to understand. Stay quiet for just two beats more than usual.

Do more than criticize – support. If you aren’t willing to support, stop criticizing. Ask, “What can I do to support improvement?”

Do more than gather – give. What can you give today? Knowledge. Resources. Encouragement. Time.

Do more than complain – improve. Notice your complaints. Stop talking unless you’re willing to participate in making things better.

Do more than react – reflect. Design three questions to ask yourself at the end of the day.

Do more than grumble – express gratitude. Gratitude doesn’t solve everything, but almost.

Do more than point out faults – improve yourself. Don’t comfort yourself with the shortcomings of others.

Do more than work – rest.

Inspiration:

William Arthur Ward’s quote inspired this post.

“Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.”

Which ‘next step’ applies best to you today?

What might you add to the above list?

John David Mann and I invite you to check out our new book, The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership.

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