James Baldwin once was quoted Not everything that is faced can be changed … but nothing can be changed until it is faced. He hit the nail on the head with his quote on change, doesn’t he? He begs the question on the importance of knowing yourself. Knowing yourself is the key to undertaking life lessons and learning new things, isn’t it?
Related: The Story and Zen of Getting Things Done
How you ever used checklists to improve your learning … or perhaps your positive mental attitude? How well did they work for you? Do they refresh your thinking on learning new things and what it contributes to important life successes?
We often use checklists to achieve our goal to create an attitude that can see opportunity in every difficulty.
After college, I spent almost two years of training as a naval aviator. An important element of that training was the use of checklists in the learning and refresher process. Checklist utilization remains an important part of my life, both in the personal as well as a business realm.
I keep a stack of 10 or so checklists that I rotate and update occasionally. This is one of them, even though I am a retiree (at least part of the time). I pull out one checklist to read and contemplate for five minutes as a way to start each day. I find it puts my thinking in the right frame of mind.
Here is a checklist of 10 of my favorite life lessons reminders I have found to improve the odds of long-term success. They are based on lessons I have learned along the road of 40 years of experience:
Here are the things I realized as I have gotten older (I am 71 years young):
Learning new things … have a short memory
This is one of my favorites. It’s so easy to get angry and criticize ourselves when we make a mistake, but all that usually does is turn one bad play into another.
If the previous point or play didn’t go your way, you need to forget it immediately and concentrate on the next one. Don’t let one bad play ruin the next one.
Just make a note and move on.
Never too late to start
I am closing in on 68, though I am told I do not look it. I certainly don’t feel it.
I am one that believes in the importance of continuous learning and trying lots of new things. You are never too late to start. I started writing this blog at 64.
I am the living proof that you (and only you) are what stands in the way of your current situation and your dream. Do yourself a favor and step out of your way.
Inspire others
Just because someone is smart or wealthy doesn’t mean others will want to emulate that person. Incredibly successful people create an aura with their actions that make people look up and take notice. Their work is purposeful, righteous, and worthy.
Learning new things … be positive
It’s easy to get down on yourself and let the inner critic run free when things aren’t going well, but that isn’t going to help you.
Instead, fight the urge to criticize and ask yourself if you can commit that you will only bring forth positive energy for the remainder of the match.
I’ve found that when you prioritize eliminating all negative thoughts, your focus automatically shifts to the positive ones and that in turn makes you more likely to enjoy and excel in the big moment.
Learning new things … enjoy it while you can
Can I get an “amen?”
Life’s too short to be negative. To let bitterness build. To live angrily
Are you unhappy at your current job? Probably. How long have you been there while being unhappy? Too long.
If you aren’t happy with your current situation, change it. Join a company that encourages positivity and cultivates happiness.
Life’s too short to spend another day doing something you don’t like doing.
Learning new things … stoke your passions
It’s true that positive feelings alone will not get you to the finish line. But they can be a great source of strength.
Learn to use your passion as an anchor. Answer this question: What was your why for starting?
During those dry months of no sales, I had to remember that my passion wasn’t just to have a successful business. I wanted to connect businesses and their audiences in a unique and meaningful way.
Enjoy the little, big moments
This is probably my favorite technique because it takes a moment that is stressful and intimidating and turns it into a moment that’s fun and exciting – something you look forward to.
The next time you find yourself in a big moment in a situation, remind yourself how exciting and fun these big moments are compared to those with nothing at stake.
These are the moments you’ll remember and what you’ll all discuss afterward – enjoy them, embrace them, and feel them with every cell in your body.
Learning new things … thank people
It takes a lot of support to create success. Incredibly successful people are mindful of showing sincerely and often to those who help them achieve success.
It’s not hard, the thought of leaving someone un-thanked never even enters their mind.
Keep steady emotions
Some of us get more easily up and down than others. The more up and down you get, the more likely you are going to get over-excited or overwhelmed by the situation, and that puts you in a bad spot to be successful consistently.
Visualize remaining calm and composed in even the biggest situations. Act like you’ve been in those situations a hundred times, and eventually, you’ll feel like it too.
Go with the flow and easily adapt
The business marketplace is constantly changing, and. The acceleration of change is increasing. Spotting the changes is important.
Understanding the big picture is key.
Once you have command of these two items, adapting to change is much easier to accomplish.
Learning new things … live in the present
“I never think of the future – it comes soon enough.” -Albert Einstein
You are only guaranteed the moment that you have right now, at this moment. You can try to get yourself worried about the future and make plans that may not work out according to plan.
What matters most is living now, today.
Do your best right now and do not worry about tomorrow.
Leave a legacy
How do you want people to remember you? What’s your legacy?
Think about it. Write it down. Build it.
