Nancy Baym was nice enough to tag me on the latest blogger’s meme: the Simply Successful Secrets project. The idea is to list five things you do everyday that contribute to your success so that we can all learn from each other and be more “successful” together. Apparently I’m “on a roll” lately so perhaps someone out there will benefit from my crazy habits.
- Live life as if it will end today: Every day I remember that this could be my last day on Earth or the last day of someone I love. I ALWAYS say “I love you” to my favorite people so they know how I feel. No regrets. No “woulda coulda shoulda”s. If something is burning me up I take care of it. There is no time like the present. Don’t put off tomorrow something you can do right now! Carpe Diem and all the stuff. I mean it people.
- List the work, work the list: I got this one from my fav man, Mark. When I feel overwhelmed by what’s in front of me I go back to this saying and it helps me find a place to dive in. Plus, nothing is as beautiful as a list of completed work. Looking at last week in my planner, with everything crossed off, lets me know that if I did all that last week I can do what I have to do this week.
- Be transparent: Tell people what you’re working on. Talk about what you’re thinking about. Share what you create with others. I do this by blogging, posting my PowerPoints and sharing what I know with anyone who is willing to listen.
- Find joy in little things: It may sound sappy but I find great happiness in the fact that the one I love makes me coffee every morning. Before I wake up it’s there and ready for me. That little act of kindness on his part starts my day off right and I’m immediately looking for how I can pass on that feeling to someone else. My goofy socks makes me happy. A flock of birds flying in a perfect V shape in the sky reminds me that there is order in things. If you can find bliss in little, simple things then life is constantly amazing and what is more successful than feeling amazing?
- Seek wisdom and value it: Everyone knows something of value. That little old man collecting cans, the waitress pouring your coffee, the student with the vacant look, your children….you can learn from them all. Listen to what they tell you.
- Know what you’re capable of and then do a little bit more: push push push! Whether it’s in your work, your family, your passion…do as much as you can and then do a little more. All else fails, refer back to #1.
Well that’s my five plus one. Now who to tag next? Hmmm that’s tough. I know so many people I consider highly successful.
-My mother : she blogs now. I couldn’t be prouder of her. She’s a super mom!
-CC Chapman: a dedicated dad, super smart media guy, and endlessly genuine
-Chris Flook: he’s one tenacious dude and a fantastic friend. Watch him, folks. He’s gonna be BIG someday very soon.
-Dr. Samantha Blackmon: one of the most genuine, powerful women I’ve met in a long time. She pulls no punches.
-Mark Bell: the love of my life and one of the most inspiring people I know.