Capital Region Living Magazine (www.crlmag.com) , in it’s upcoming issue, will
recognize three local individuals with the distinction – People to Watch. This is an honor to be recognized as a rising and influential
star in the community and I congratulate the three that have been honored:
- · Aliki Serras, Owner, Reel Seafood Company
- · Kathy Sheehan, Mayor of Albany
- · Annemarie Mitchell, President, Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association, CEO of Legacy Timber Frames
What is common among
those destined to grow and prosper – to be a person to watch?
I was asked that question the other day. The easy answers
would be money, luck or other on-the-surface assessment.
But that is not the case. From my experience, high-achievers
have discovered the secrets in how they drive themselves and relate to others.
The common characteristics:
They define their own
destiny
They do not wait for others to define their destiny; they do
it on their own. They have a plan – a plan for life – and they work it each and
everyday. As they grow and morph, they change the plan - they are open to change.
They are resilient
When they fall down, they jump right back up, dust off their
boots, and off they go, learning from the experience. They don’t wallow in the
“oh gosh look what happened to me” – they move forward. They don’t live in past
history – they can’t change history so why let it hold them back (and we know
that happens to many people!).
They are focused
Focused each and every day. Focused on the positives and the
opportunities. Proactive in solving challenges. Focus brings clarity and with
clarity one can truly pursue their dreams and goals. Lack of clarity is like
jogging in a cloud – you moving but you don’t know where.
They are giving to
others
They give back – to people or the community in one way or
another. They see how they can help, and rather than say they are going to do
something to help, they do it. Giving
back defines one’s brand of caring and contributing, and this is very valuable.
They strive to
achieve
Achievement can be defined in many ways. It may be in
business, with family, in the community or in an area of interest. Whatever,
achievement is paramount in a winners mind – they strive for it always. Their achievements can be big; they can be
small. In their mind, when they achieve, they move forward.
They connect
Connections are powerful.
Winners connect whenever possible; they value their connections and
protect them in a manner. Networking
yields connections and winners network always building meaningful relationships
that are mutually beneficial.
They have passion – in my opinion the most defining
characteristic.
Achievers have passion for what they do or they would not do
it. Their passion fuels their success. One must have passion for the work they
do in order to be happy and fulfilled. Devoid of passion work becomes a money
chase – and that becomes wearing over time.
It is so alarming to hear of the number of people engaged in
work in some way who do not have passion for what they do. They become
disengaged, discontented and disenfranchised. And – they are not happy and that
affects all parts of their life. I see many
of these people in my practice. But what is encouraging? They know it – and
they are committed to doing something to change their situation and discover
their ideal path in career.
Unsure if you are
really passionate about something you do or want to do? 10-questions to help
you.
Determining if what you think you are passionate about is
really so is very important. One can have a false lead without validating their
passion. From Richard Chang’s book Passion Plan (http://www.amazon.com/The-Passion-Plan-Richard-Chang/dp/0787955981/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392332525&sr=8-1&keywords=passion+plan)
comes ten questions that can help determine this for you. Simply answer each
question with a simple Yes or No. The more questions you answer with a yes –
the stronger the passion is to you. But you must be truthful and honest with
yourself! Have fun:
1. Do you lose track of time when
engaged in the activity?
2. Do you perform beyond your normal
capabilities when engaged in it?
3. Is your energy level higher when
engaged in it?
4. Do you get excited in anticipation
of engaging in it?
5. Do you dream about the activity?
6. Is your enthusiasm for it
consistent over time?
7. Do you feel more confident or
empowered while engaged in it?
8. Do others notice you based on your
involvement/performance in it?
9. Do others rally around you or want
to be involved with you in the activity?
10. Do you feel energized after
engaging in it?
Be the person to watch. Define your future – discover your
passion. And thank you for reading this. - Dan
No comments:
Post a Comment