Preparation - Be Prepared to Succeed

1.What does it mean to prepare?

Preparation is a principle where you get yourself ready to do something and do it well. It could be getting ready for a future event, a milestone or even the accomplishment of a project. If you are making something, for example a meal or baking a cake you are meticulous in your preparation so that the outcome is acceptable and enjoyable by others. Preparation is a life principle. It applies whether you want to produce a work of art, an enjoyable meal or a successful business. What you produce in life is a result of your level of readiness. What you do behind the scenes when no one is watching is more important than what you get to showcase. Preparation, though costly, is worth it because the results will show in one's life. A successful life means that you prosper financially, in your career, in your health, mentally as well as spiritually. If you look around that person's life there's nothing you can pinpoint as not working and it takes readiness and preparation. It follows then that in order for you to prepare you must have a vision, a goal or an object of attainment. What is your desired outcome? Decide what it will take to accomplish it and put a plan in place.

2.When do you prepare?

You do not prepare on the day of battle, performance or execution. Speak to any mother and they will tell you that you do not do "preparation" for the baby the day she is born. The wedded will tell you that for the day to be glorious there is a lot of effort and resources that are invested in the success of that event. If you should ace that interview, you cannot prepare on the day and expect to be successful. I have spent many years in sales and marketing. I have learned that going for a sales pitch or a product demonstration with a prospective client demands preparation. Ill- preparation simply leads to a diminished likelihood of your product being bought by the client. Professional athletes do not practice on match day. The movie stars we admire and love to watch have taken years honing their skill. The same can be said of musicians, medical professionals, engineers, teachers, in fact everyone who takes what they do seriously.

Preparation is done in advance. How far in advance depends on the undertaking. Some things take a year, a month, a week or a day. Yet others will take decades and a lifetime of doing it over and over again. Just a thought: we prepare our children for a lifetime of success by training them and teaching them good habits whilst we live with them. That way, they will know what to do even when you are not there to instruct them.

3.Why should you prepare?

Preparation ensures victory. Do you have plans? What preparations have you put in place for their accomplishment. If you go into a battle ill-prepared you will be outwitted, outplayed and outmanoeuvred by your opponent. Master farmers understand the need to prepare their fields for a great harvest. What have you done so far to ensure that this year is better than last year? Some new year's resolutions are laughable because they will simply not be achieved. The reason is because they are made out of tradition without putting in place mechanisms for attainment. In the event that you do not win you have the assurance that you did you best, you came prepared and it just wasn't your day. You minimize your chances of regret when you take the time to condition yourself mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically for what you are about to face. The other reason is that you are nurturing a good habit for success that will pay off at a certain stage of your life. So you are not just preparing for the specific event but you are building yourself up as a person.

4. How do you prepare?

Are you looking at a "next level" move in your business,career or relationships? Get ready! Maybe it's time to launch that new product or improve on your current offering. For some people it might mean enrolling for school or an online course to gain a new skill if the objective is to find a new job or a promotion. For others it may mean putting together a physical fitness plan in order to participate in that gruelling marathon that you have been putting off for a long time. As I mentioned earlier, the nature of your preparation and the length of your preparation is determined by what you are getting ready for. If you sense that you can achieve great things if you had a bit of guidance get a mentor or a coach. The help you get will bring out the best in you.

In conclusion, you may be the kind of person that spontaneously jumps into things without much preparation or consideration of what it will take to win in that endeavour. It's not too late to develop a culture of preparation. For the things that you need to know that you do not know there are plenty of resources online, books, tutorial videos. You can tap into that wisdom and most of all there could be someone, somewhere in your network that has already walked the journey you are about to embark on. Have a chat with them and you'll be surprised what insights you will get. A wise man once said, "It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, that to have an opportunity and not be prepared for it"

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Meditation For Vision - Daily Guided Meditation by Deepak Chopra

5 Tips For Building Inner Confidence (By Helen Leathers)

"The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them."

Henry David Thoreau

This quote makes me sad. Mostly because I think it is probably true. The mass of men - and women - go to their grave with the song still in them. I want to inspire people to stand up and sing their song!

Why don't most people sing their song? Why do they lead lives of quiet desperation?

Is It Because They Lack Confidence To Do It?

There are loads of ways you can pretend to have confidence - to fake it 'til you make it! There are workarounds that might give you a bit of a boost - wearing those heels, or a particular outfit perhaps. But what if you could develop complete inner confidence so that you could shine regardless of where you were, what you wore, or who you were with?

How do you develop confidence like that? Well, here are my 5 tips that have worked for me

5 Tips For Developing Awesome Confidence

1. Know Your 'Why'. What is your vision, your mission or your purpose? If you have ever had an absolute mission you will know how focussed and unstoppable you can be. If you have never experienced this, think about the vision that Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Angeline Jolie, even Madonna (I love her, but some people don't) have. They know exactly what they want from life, what their mission is, what song they must sing - And they damn well sing it, don't they? Finding your purpose is massive. Having a vision for how you want your future to look, why you are doing what you are doing, who you would like to help or inspire are all reasons 'Why'. What is yours?
2. Follow Your Intuition. I know, I talk about this a lot, and there are many reasons why that is. When you trust in your intuition, you just know that the right people, places and things will appear, as if by magic. Ladies, when we work with our intuition we stand in our power - we engage with one of our feminine superpowers! And it is amazing. We can feel guided, lucky, safe, on track, and ultimately confident.
3. Breathe! Take a breath before you walk into a room. Breathe deeply before you have to stand up and speak. Breathe from your belly - that means not holding your stomach in by the way - allowing your lungs to fill properly. Breathing is especially important if you have to present, or even just do a 60 second pitch at a business event. If you know how to breathe correctly - allowing your stomach muscles to relax on the in breathe, and then using them to help actively expel the air as you speak and exhale, you will also sound more confident and be able to project your voice further. Your voice will sound more full and rounded rather than wispy or quiet.
4. Energy. You need enough energy to keep yourself full of life and vigour, this is really practical and also a bit more esoteric. This is a vast subject but think about enough sleep, good exercise and fresh air (get those happy hormones flooding your bloodstream), great nutrition, quiet time, and what ever else you need to ensure you are at your optimum. But also understand how to ground your energy to help with confidence in the moment. It can be as simple as planting your feet firmly and evenly distributing your weight rather than standing (wobbling) on one leg - especially if you're in heels ladies! Bend your knees slightly and just imagine roots coming out of the soles of your feet. This sinks your energy in to your lower body and helps you to be present in the room. Excellent just before speaking or, if you feel a little overwhelmed go in to the toilets and do it before going back to the event!
5. Posture. Posture can have two different meanings here. The way you stand physically, and your approach or attitude. When you believe in what you are doing (see point no. 1) and you have the right energy, and trust your intuition, you will have a positive approach and attitude, and people can sense that. In terms of physical posture, stand tall, ground your energy (see above), shoulders back, engage your core (that's your stomach muscles if you're not sure) and lift your head (as though someone is pulling a strand of your hair from the top of your scalp so that you extend your neck, keeping your chin level with the floor). When you stand tall and confident, it is almost impossible to feel un-confident. And if you start to slip into that feeling I can almost guarantee that your posture has slipped. Think of old TV clips of soldiers on parade

Each of these will give you a confidence boost, but used consistently over time, and combined together you will find such inner strength that you will feel confident in almost every situation.

Please don't lead your life in quiet desperation, please discover what song you are supposed to be singing and start to share it with the world. Even if it is just with those closest to you. Don't go to your grave with your song still inside.

https://ezinearticles.com/?5-Tips-For-Building-Inner-Confidence&id=9456988

Leaders Fight for Their Creative Vision

I recently watched the movie, "Saving Mr. Banks," a Walt Disney film that shows the process that Walt and Mrs. P.L. Travers used in creating the movie "Mary Poppins."

The thing that stood out to me the most is that the creative process is messy, yet, it's full of joy and happiness. The creative process is frustrating and rife with obstacles and barriers, yet, it's inspiring and uplifting, as well. There is constant starting, stopping, redoing, and editing that drives you mad, yet, it's collaborative and spirited.

To get the through the creative process it takes all of the above and it takes a leader who is committed to his vision; a leader who has his mind set on bringing his vision to life. It took over 20 years for Walt Disney to convince Mrs. Travers to allow him to make a movie from her book... at one point, Mrs. Travers stopped the whole creative process and went back to England, refusing to go any further.

At this point, Walt had a choice to make, he could have thrown his hands up in frustration and shut the whole project down or he could fight for his vision by going to England and trying to convince Mrs. Travers one last time. It probably comes as no surprise that Walt persevered; he took a trip to England to visit Mrs. Travers so he could make one last attempt at convincing her to let him turn her masterpiece into a movie that would be enjoyed by millions of men, women and children. The rest, as they say, is history.

The key to Walt Disney's success was his ability to persuade and persevere through all types of barriers, obstacles, and hardships. Yet, through it all, he remained true to his vision of turning Mrs. Travers' book into a cinematic work of art that garnered over 20 prestigious movie awards and was rumored to be his favorite film out of all of his classic movies.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Leaders-Fight-for-Their-Creative-Vision&id=8405352

Metaphors Gone Wild: Cousins and Creativity

The desire to explore, the ability to see what isn't here, and the willingness to move outside your comfort zone--these traits are kissing cousins. The same blood runs throughout their metaphoric veins. If you want to increase your CQ (creativity quotient), the first thing you must do is remind yourself that we are all capable of creativity. Those who walk around proclaiming "I'm just not creative" are dooming themselves to a life devoid of discovery. We can all express ourselves in a creative fashion. And, we can all develop our ability to do so.

WILLING TO EXPLORE?

Assess yourself: how willing are you to step outside your comfort zone--physically, emotionally, mentally? If you are restricting yourself to the same ol', same ol' that defines your life currently, you are probably not going to come up with any brilliant insights that will improve your life and/or the life of others.

Here's one way to deepen your curiosity: Ask questions. Not any old questions, but those targeted to creativity-improvement. (Keep in mind what the Father of Modern Management Science, Peter Drucker, has to say about leaders: "Leaders know how to ask questions--the right questions.") One good thought-provocative question is the "What if... ?" question.

Be playful at first, to get you (and others, as appropriate) into the explorative mode. "What if elephants could fly?" for example. You'll think of thing such as "We'd need to start manufacturing really big diapers."

Next, segue to more relevant questions: "What if we invited customers to a board meeting?" Or, "What if I decided to go to law school after all, despite being middle-aged?"Examine all the answers and then modify them to make them applicable to your own circumstances.

HAVE A VISION?

Getting things done implies a shift from the "good enough" to the "improved." In fact, having a vision is one of the two most highly valued competencies defined by our government. But if vision is the art of seeing the invisible, as Jonathan Swift asserts, then visionary individuals accomplish no small feat as they imagine and then invent the future. Creativity is closely ability with such imagination, a quality Einstein himself says is more important than knowledge.

As you work toward reification of your vision, keep in mind the Japanese proverb that asserts vision without action is a daydream. And, action without vision is a nightmare. Ideally-as a result of your hard work-you will neither daydream nor have nightmares. Rather, you will put your vision of an improved life or an improved workplace into action by taking action.

ABLE TO MOVE OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE?

Cockroaches do it and have been doing it for centuries. If, for example, a given roach discovers a new location that provides nourishment, he will leave a chemical trail the others will follow. All too often we as humans prefer to remain in our known comfort zones, rather than blaze new trails. Change is difficult for us humans. Need proof? Just Google "books about change," and you will find nearly a half- billion entries.

Many believe that cockroaches will inherit the earth if humans should disappear because of a natural or man-made disaster. The insects change as circumstances warrant. Cockroaches exhibit remarkably cooperative behaviors and are willing to reorganize themselves to fit their circumstances. For example, when researchers placed roaches in spaces with limited capacities, they divided themselves equally among those spaces, rather than trying to squeeze all of the group in just one space. They seemed to willingly give up their territory when the physical conditions change.

CREATE A NEW REALITY

Explore, imagine, change--in ways both large and small, you can create an improved future. You owe it to yourself.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Metaphors-Gone-Wild:-Cousins-and-Creativity&id=9844294

A Few Meditative Techniques That Will Bring You Back Into This World (By Mohammed Iftekharuddin)

In today's world, most of us would agree that meditation can contribute significantly to our mental and physical well-being. The act of listening, seeing, and touching can easily be transformed into very effective forms of meditation. The main focus of meditation is to be "in the present"; to be in the "here and now" - one denoting the place where someone presently is, while the other denoting the time in which someone is presently acting. Now, the question is: how is it possible to be "here and now".

One way is to use our hearing and transform it into the act of listening. We hear a jumble of different sounds around us, but we can choose to listen to the sound that we want to hear. Listening to chirp or the sound of flowing water (it could be a mountain river or a stream) in a quiet place (with your eyes closed) is an effective meditation technique that will instill in us the sense of the present and the feeling for this "here and now". This quiet place could be your bedroom or kitchen that offers a window with a view, large or small. Just by the side of the window, there could be a large, beautiful tree. At dawn, birds come to the tree (only God knows from where); and begins to sing their melodious songs. And you just keep on listening to their song, while sitting at your kitchen table or lying on your bed for as long as you are comfortable with it.

Another way is to use our vision and transform it from the 'act of looking' into the 'act of seeing'. We usually look around us, but we can choose to see. Seeing deep into the inner aspects of things in nature (mountain, tree, sky, Lake with placid water Etc.) in a quiet place is an effective meditation technique that will instill in us the sense of the present and the feeling for the "here and now". Seeing deep within the outer aspect of a tree for some time at dawn when everything is quite is an excellent instance of this sort of meditation. Bedroom or kitchen window with the view of a large, beautiful tree at some distance from the house is an ideal setting for meditation as such.

Feeling something on the skin is yet another meditation technique that we can easily make use of through our experience of taking a shower. Our conscious feeling of the coolness of water (with our eyes closed) as it flows down on our skin during a shower is an excellent instance of this sort of meditation that keeps us in the present, here and now.

Reciting Koran is one of the best forms of Concentration Meditation. The act of reciting Koran involves eyes, mouth, and ears. While reciting Koran, one must pay very close attention to and should and must be very mindful of what one sees. What one sees one recites, following the specific and specified rules of Koranic Arabic and Koranic recitation (Arabic that is used in Koran is somewhat different in comparison with the ordinary Arabic language. This makes reciting Koran considerably different from Spoken Arabic.). And one should and must listen to all that comes out of one's mouth (as one goes on reciting) without being unmindful for a moment; so that one doesn't fail to listen any word that comes out of one's mouth during the recitation.

During recitation of Holy Koran in this manner the focus changes as one's eyes move from word to word, involving multiple and continuous points without any break in between. And it's much easier than the conventional 'concentration meditation' where the focus is on a single point (This could entail watching the breath, repeating a single word or mantra, staring at a candle flame, listening to a repetitive gong or counting beads on a rosary). For, it's easier to focus longer when the 'object of focus' is changing than focusing on a single point. Perfect coordination between the three organs (eyes, mouth, and ears) ensures perfect concordance between our seeing, saying, and hearing; this ultimately makes us deeply mindful and attentive; and our 'wandering thoughts' goes away.

https://ezinearticles.com/?A-Few-Meditative-Techniques-That-Will-Bring-You-Back-Into-This-World&id=9811011

Negative Emotions and Understanding The Moment

Most negative emotions, such as a depressing thought, internal conflict, arguments, feeling hopeless, etc. all these things are due to a lack of understanding.

You may think you understand, and that is why you see a thing as hopeless or negative or the other person as wrong, but you must fight your opinions and remember that it is because you do not understand it fully. No matter how clear and simple it may seem, the truth is, ironically, a lack of truth.

Here we define truth as full and complete knowledge of the event, situation or thing. The three levels of certainty are very important to consider; knowledge, vision and truth of certainty.

Knowledge is when you think you know a thing because you know something about it, but it does not take much to remember something you thought you understood and later found out you had no idea about the reality of it.

Vision is a level deeper than knowledge, but still lacks true depth. For example, you may see a car and know that it moves around and transports you. If you only look at the body and seats, but do not learn about the engine or petrol, in time it will stop working and you will not be able to fix it and get it to go again.

Truth is to know something intimately, how it works, what is its purpose, how it can be used or handled in a way that it flourishes. Truth is objective, which means it is what it is, not what you want it to be.

If you get depressed, sad, angry, hopeless, lost, or any emotion that in a way paralyzes you, or even just makes you feel blah, that is because you do not fully understand the situation.

If you think you do understand, then you do not really understand your own mind and human nature. Thus the first step to understanding anything in life is to understand the apparatus behind your ability to understand.

The Tower of Babel is not just that we do not understand each other, often we are babbling to ourselves. There are many hidden meanings in ancient stories which often go missed, especially the stories that tell us why we miss things.

The ego personality is a complex thing and always wants to think it knows everything, so that a person can feel strong and confident because they are intelligent and understand things. But it is this very need to know that prevents us from deeply knowing anything at all. The result is we live imagining that we understand when we do not, and that is what is behind making wrong decisions.

Our mistakes in life can be put in a simple analogy. You have to disarm a bomb. There are two wires, a green one and a brown one. Those happen to be two colors that are commonly confused by people with mild colorblindness. They tell you to cut the brown wire. You think you know which is brown because you have ignored your color blindness, and you blow up yourself and everyone around you.

If you take every negative feeling you have and see the cause being your color blindness, and look for the very fine, tiny print on the wire that says which color it is, you may find life progresses much better with far less negative emotions. The first thing is to know that the answer is printed there somewhere, and be willing to look for it and read.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Negative-Emotions-and-Understanding-The-Moment&id=8931779

Nothing, But a Mere Guideline: The Purpose of Education

How important is it to practice religiously, everything that we have learned through the course of our education? What if we had a vision that we believe to be groundbreaking, but in order to achieve it, we need to bend some rules? What if something along those things we learned, we encounter something that defies our values? Should we follow blindly just because we are taught the "proper" way to do things? When is the right time to bend the rules for the purpose of fully realizing our vision?

Five years ago, I received my first camera as a gift for my graduation from college. I was so excited; I was taking photos of almost everything, anywhere and anyway I can. After some time, I found my photos pale compared to others. I realized that even though my camera was good, I still needed to learn how to use it properly. Self-teaching from the internet just wouldn't cut it for me anymore, and I knew that I needed to learn from the best. Because of that, I took a crash course in basic photography from a well-known instructor. I loved the whole experience and learned so many things like how to handle my camera properly, basic composition, lighting, equipment of the trade, and basic post processing. And yet, as I was practicing everything that I learned from the workshop, I can't help but still find that some of the photos I took after were as dull as the photos I took before learning the basics. Technically speaking, they were better, but still didn't convey the message I was trying to express in my photos. I addressed all of my concerns to my instructor, and after listening, he simply smiled and told me the reasons as to why I still found my photos lacking.

It seemed that I have been religiously following all the basic principles on taking photos, and because of that, I sacrificed my vision. My instructor told me that the things he taught are just guidelines, so that we know how to properly take any photos. If for some reason the rules get in the way of my vision, the thing I should do is to identify that which hinders it from being fully realized. I should prioritize my ideas, and if the rules get in the way, I should learn how to bend or break them if necessary.

Now that I think about it, education is merely a guideline. It is up to us to incorporate which things we want in our lives, and which should be kept out. There are things that we learn whose purpose is simply to keep us from being ignorant. And there are those that we must simply apply to get us to the next level of knowing.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Nothing,-But-a-Mere-Guideline:-The-Purpose-of-Education&id=9235649

Visualization Revelation - Brilliant Trick to Achieve a Dream (By Maryanne Pope)

"If you can visualize ahead of time the positive emotion associated with your achievement, this will help bring about the actual achievement faster."

Barbara Edie

A few years ago, I was at a business networking event and heard an excellent speaker, Barbara Edie, deliver a presentation that really resonated with me... but not in a comfortable way. Barbara is the author of the book, Creating the Impossible; What It Take to Bring Your Vision to Life.

Barbara's presentation was about the importance of achieving our dreams. She started off by discussing why many people DON'T pursue their dreams, including the simple fact that comfort plays a big role. "Safe and secure," Barbara said, "is often the reason people stay where they are and don't make a change."

This, I thought to myself (rather snottily), is not my problem. I've achieved plenty of my dreams... stepping outside my comfort zone has become second nature to me.

Barbara then went on to talk about the importance of having focus. Again... nothing new here for me, I thought. I have laser-beam focus when it comes to tackling the tasks I need to, to achieve my dreams.

Well... most of my dreams.

Okay... some of my dreams.

"When you know what your vision is, and you have the focus to take the necessary steps to achieve it," Barbara was saying (when I started paying attention again), "and yet, you still aren't actually achieving it, then a useful exercise is to take the time to tap into the positive emotion that you will feel when you do achieve it."

Barbara suggested that if you can visualize ahead of time the positive emotion associated with your achievement, this will help bring about the actual achievement faster.

I scribbled furiously in my notebook. Positive emotion? I immediately thought of a screenplay I had been writing for more than a decade and despite my best intentions (and supposed laser-beam focus), I still hadn't got the script to where it needed to be... where I KNEW it could be.

Why?

Because whenever I thought about the finished product - the film playing in theatres - I felt very little in the way of positive emotions.

When I actually thought about what it would feel like to have this controversial film showing in theatres, my stomach tightened into knots, my heart hammered in my chest and I found it difficult to breathe. All sorts of negative emotions bubbled to the surface, right there at the table: fear, anxiety, discomfort, shame. What if the film sucks? What if it is a failure? What if everybody hates it? What if people are angry at me? What if I get called a hypocrite? What if I get sued? What if that is the end of my career?

Or what if the opposite happens and the film IS a hit and (since we're visualizing) wins all sorts of awards and no one hates me and calls me nasty names? How will I handle all the extra work and responsibilities and change that come with significant success? I can scarcely handle my life and work responsibilities now.

Which is when it hit me: no wonder I hadn't achieved that dream yet! With such negativity attached to the realization of the achievement, I was inadvertently making it pretty much impossible to achieve the dream.

I put my pen down and leaned back in my chair, exhausted. Clearly, I had some work to do... not just in terms of getting the screenplay finished but, more importantly, to first change my attitude towards the finished project.

If you are frustrated by not achieving a dream that you know could be achieved by now, I suggest you try sitting still a moment and visualizing how you feel when you "see" your achievement manifested in the real world. If you feel positive emotions, good. Keep visualizing. If you feel negative emotions, pay close attention... and then make the changes you need to make.

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Big Dreams Have Small Beginnings

As it is always the case in life, you must get the fact that big dreams have small beginnings and start from an idea or vision. Great moments are born with great opportunities. But it is not your abilities that show who you are; it is your choices and belief. Even if you fail, what better way is there to live?

Do you have big dreams? Are you trying to accomplish or ignore them? Is fear or doubt get in your way? Are you taking the necessary steps each day and moving towards your goals?

When you have wild ideas and visions of what your dreams look like, you often forget that they most likely will not start out looking the way you think. Big dreams have and always start with small steps, in regular increments. As you begin, the things you are doing seem quite mediocre and unimpressive, but you have to start by creating a foundation. And then allow it to grow, develop and evolve.

"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney

Big Dreams Are Realistic

You need to notice the thoughts, ideas, and dreams that you have which keep coming up again and again. Do not ignore them or crush them by believing that you are incapable. Big dreams are realistic enough to follow through with them. We all have the power within us to achieve tremendous things.

When you set and keep your sight on the prize, you get higher probabilities of getting there than not. And if you do not always reach the place you wanted, the ride along the journey there makes it worthwhile. Grandiose dreams and goals begin at all times with small thoughts, beliefs or visions.

You are the one concocting such ideas in your mind when you envision, dream and imagine what it would be like if you were to accomplish your goal. And do not get fooled by thinking that you can have the full travel plan figured out. It won't happen. Big dreams have to begin with a first stride which you have no other choice but to take.

Big Dreams Require Small Steps

So, you have to let yourself begin by getting a small step at first. That is how all successful people start out on the way to success. It is like a blueprint which essentially illustrates that little, tiny, cumulative steps towards a goal have far more power than anything else out there. And so, these small actions have a snowballing effect.

It transforms your big dreams into workable objectives which in turn bring happiness, even if you have to tiptoe some days. Therefore, it all comes down to a simple process that I use which is progress equals happiness. It is simple progress towards my end goals. But it is daily progress.

I really believe in small actions, even if they are just baby steps. But do not be lead astray being so focused on little acts that you forget your big dreams. On the other hand, do not only focus on your grandiose visions that you forget making the small necessary steps. You continually need to have both: a huge dream and small realizable goals to move forward.

Big Dreams Have Small Beginnings

Therefore, I believe in big dreams. But too often, people compare themselves to successful individuals. They look at someone who is precisely doing what they dream of doing, and there is nothing wrong about that. But what is not right is that these same people want to get there right here and now. You have to realize that all successes had small beginnings.

It can be losing weight, starting a business, getting a healthy body, have more confidence or anything else for that matter. Visions that bring abundant rewards take time to build, create, develop, grow and there is a reason for it. Sometimes, it can be challenging to accept small beginnings or to start out from the bottom by learning new skills.

Just as I do, you must battle your inner demons as they can stop you from moving forward. They can destroy your big dreams which might bring you great happiness. Swallow your pride and do not be afraid to begin small. I realize it is somewhat embarrassing, but you must accept that uneasiness. It is merely an essential stage you have to go through so that you can build something that is yours only.

Big Dreams Need Belief

The first step before anybody else believes it is that you have to believe it. No matter how hard or buried it gets, or how lost you feel, you have to promise yourself to hold on to courage, confidence, and belief in your abilities. Fight for what matters to you, no matter what.

To exist is to do, to act regardless of what may happen. So take a stand and do not ever give up, because if you do not, the actions behind the words will bring the big dreams alive. And when you achieve your dreams, it is not so much what you get, but it is who you have become in accomplishing them.

Everybody gets the chance to do something great. But most people never take the opportunity. Either because they are too scared, or they do not recognize it when it spits on their shoes. So create your vision, grab your significant chance and do not let it go by.

The Universe Support Big Dreams

The big dreams and the thoughts you have, or the hope that one day you will be the boss of your successful venture begins with small beginnings. But you have to understand that the journey is long to climb up and arrive where you want to be.

One thing needs to be said though; if you want the power of the universe to support it, your dream, vision, and goal have to be of service to others. You have to solve things that are a benefit not only to you but other living beings as well. Each time I focused on money first, it never worked.

It is the primary key to it all. But it all starts in your mind at first. Big dreams have small beginnings. And it is the buildup of many small steps and actions which move things. It then manifests impressive results and great ideas into physical reality.

Big Dreams Call for Action

You have to take the time to reflect and look inside yourself at big dreams or desires you have pushed aside for so long. Realize that they are not silly and that you might even be great at it. You have to determine the first small beginning you can take to get started. Let go of your fearful thoughts and begin taking action.

So, create and put your big dreams on a vision board. Then ask yourself: what is the small step you need to take to get in the direction of your ideas? Instead of thinking about making 10,000 dollars a month, can you make 500 or 1000 more than you are now? And how can you do it?

The answer is that you have to clear five hundred or a thousand more. Then pass two or five thousand more to get on the way to ten thousand a month. As you can see, you must accomplish it in small steps.

The Last Word on Big Dreams

You have to remember that when you go down the path of your dreams, and somehow decide that it is not for you, you have the right to change the route. All that the universe is asking for is that you have at least tried. But if you decide to keep going, you may need to adjust your sails along the way.

Big dreams always have small beginnings. Therefore, do not let those beautiful ideas and thoughts escape your mind or being pushed aside. Take a good hold of them and bring them to fruition. Be confident and focus on your journey, through bits and pieces. And the process, slowly but surely, will unfold along the way.

So, all you have to do is give it a chance. You need to show the world that it is possible. Start just with one small beginning at a time. Dream big and keep having big dreams!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Big-Dreams-Have-Small-Beginnings&id=9810975

Developing a Vision for Your Life

Here are 9 inspiring tips on how to develop a vision for your future:

1. Allow some time in your schedule to do nothing but reflect on your life. Having time to ponder how far you've come and where you're headed is integral to proceeding to develop your life vision.

2. Open your mind. Surveying your life so far might be a rather daunting process. You have to acknowledge fully what's happened to you and determine whether you're on the track you want to be on at this time.

• This process might be a challenge, but the end result could produce one amazing life that's tailor-made for you.

3. Feel free to jot down some notes. Think about what you've accomplished thus far in your journey. What goals have you established? Write them out. Doing so will cultivate more thoughts of what you've experienced in life and why. Are you still working toward those goals? Why or why not?

4. Be honest with yourself about any choices you've made that were diversions. When did you make a choice that prevented you from continuing with your plans at the time?

• Looking back now, what do you see as your biggest mistakes?

• Did some of those choices turn out to be wise? Why? Did they lead you down a path that you now see as more in tune with what you really want?

5. Set goals now. Make a new list of your current goals and wishes for the future.

• Maybe you want a promotion at work. What has to happen in order for it to occur? Create the mini-goals necessary to help you meet your main goal of getting that promotion. Leave nothing out. For example, if you need to complete two college classes, include those as goals.

• Check off each smaller goal you accomplish as you work toward the larger, overall goal. It will feel great when you do.

6. Post your life aspirations where you can see them. Put them on your mirror, refrigerator, Smartphone, electronic pad, and bulletin board. Put a copy by your favorite chair in the living room where you can re-read them often. In short, ensure your vision is right in front of you much of the time.

7. Create a vision board. Use photos from magazines and write inspiring words related to the photos you choose to place on your board. Your vision board is a graphic reminder of what you're working toward every day.

8. Decide whether you're living in "the right place." Does your current home location meet your employment, personal, and financial needs? Is it possible to achieve your goals there? If not, consider your options.

• Are you willing to move away? If so, include on your goal list everything you must do to get ready to move.

9. Make your life vision a priority. In order to live out the vision you've developed, you must keep your vision at the top of your priorities. When making decisions in the future, consider options that will support your life vision.

Developing your life vision will take time, reflection, and work, but the rewards will be great. Your life will be filled with passion and optimism once you develop your vision. Why wait? Start creating your vision today!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Developing-a-Vision-for-Your-Life&id=9761364

What's More Important: Strategy or Intention?

"However beautiful your strategy, you should occasionally look at the results." - Winston Churchill

Strategy is a means to an end. However, a strategy without a clear vision for what the end game is can lead you to an endless path of doing things that give you no satisfaction. That would be like running in a race without ever knowing where the finish line is. It would be impossible to know if you were running at the correct pace. In your mind, you may think you are winning because you are running at a great pace for the 100-meter dash, except the race is 1 mile. Most likely, your strategy will not take you the distance.

To most, this may sound like common sense. Yet, everyday people take actions without knowing the final outcome they are seeking. As a rule, people ignore the importance of asking themselves what they and others involved want from a situation. People are eternally hopeful that chemistry will magically make it happen; the belief everyone should know.

So let's get this straight. Strategy is a process for achieving the final result. If you do not look up to see where your strategy has gotten you, you may find yourself in a place of unhappiness. Even Charlie Sheen would know that's not "winning."

Get clear about the final outcome you are seeking first. Do so without imposing all the reasons it can't happen. If the outcome you envision is a step to get you somewhere else, you still need to take steps to know the end game. Once you are clear about what you want, your strategy could change dramatically. Even if it doesn't change, still look up to see where you are.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Whats-More-Important:-Strategy-or-Intention?&id=9894268

Create Your Vision: Make It Personal

Having a vision has been a strong lesson that has been taught for years. All level of leadership, e.g. presidents, governors, school principals, parents, CEO of a business, etc., all at some point recognize the importance of having a vision. In Proverbs 29:18, it states that where there is no vision, the people perish. When you have a vision, even just for your own life, it causes you to recognize your purpose for life. When you begin to think about your vision, you basically are answering the question about what your future will look like as you fulfill your purpose and destiny.

There are plenty of questions to ask yourself when you begin to create your vision. Here are 3 basic questions you can ask yourself for creating your vision:

• If you had all the support you needed, what dream would you pursue? Most vision questions help you do what you did as a kid: imagine. I believe we adults are allowed to imagine when it's about a positive and joyful future. Some people will dream about spending more time to travel the world or becoming a highly successful entrepreneur. Whatever the dream is, nothing is too ridiculous to imagine. Become a kid sometimes and just imagine! It may actually make you smile more!

• What is your favorite way to spend the day? As you describe all your favorite activities, you should begin to recognize how you feel. Most people may mention how relaxed they feel, how happy they feel, how peaceful they feel. For example, if your favorite activities include volunteering at the local homeless shelter and spending the rest of the evening with your family, you normally will feel some type of positive emotion when describing those activities. They'll make you smile and/or laugh because they're your favorite.

• What do you want? No, what do you really want? This can be a tough question for some because most people feel they shouldn't be selfish. Being selfish for positive reasons is important because when you want to make positive changes, you must make it personal! Any questions you ask yourself, you must be completely honest as well. Knowing what you really want will allow you to answer honestly and make decisions that are loyal to you. Even if everything doesn't quite turn out exactly how you want, you are still capable of achieving great and positive results for your life.

There are more questions you can answer to really create a focused vision for your life. When you put all those answers together, you should be able to develop some goals and a plan of action to start moving forward! I urge you to connect with a coach to help set up that accountability to make sure that you stay motivated and focused. Making the right connections will help set up that ideal support system to keep you going no matter what!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Create-Your-Vision:-Make-It-Personal&id=9319982

When Tempted to Retreat, Prepare to Advance (by Steve Wickham)

I received two things recently: a frontal assault of the enemy, and the full support of the Lord.

The enemy attacked my mind, making me overwhelmed in busyness. I was stricken of heart, discouraged by a burden too heavy to carry. I seriously said the words of retreat; I fully intended to act. I even began to act.

And then something happened. God's Presence within me made me aware of something. I recognised the attack. I had not picked it up until then.

God said words to the effect, 'Do not shrink back - I will give you what you need. Don't retreat; advance.' And God did give me what I needed.

Suddenly I was impelled forward in my thinking. I called my wife and withdrew my control. I had previously told her, we must slow down; the pace is killing me (words to the effect). That had diminished the flame within her. I didn't see it at the time. But God gave me the vision. I called my wife, and said it was an attack, and that it would be wrong to slow down and stop. She simply agreed. She knew. And such is her wisdom, she waited.

What I learned again, in a fresh way, is the enemy of God is compelled to discourage us. He loves nothing more than for us to retreat, even quit. One thing the enemy doesn't count on, however, is the inimitable strength we get from God when we advance.

***

After we have been assailed by attack, and we have advanced in honour and obedience for our Lord, then, when things have steadied, it is time to gather ourselves. We are soldiers and the mire is heavy underfoot.

What do soldiers do when they are not being attacked? They prepare for the next attack - yes, they get ready and then they rest up.

Be battle ready.

http://ezinearticles.com/?When-Tempted-to-Retreat,-Prepare-to-Advance&id=9891547

Fear Limits Our Vision

I've learned that fear limits our vision. Transforming fear into freedom is great! Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Ability is what we're capable of doing. Motivation determines what we do. Attitude determines how well we do it. It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.

Sometimes fear can make even the smallest changes seem extremely uncomfortable. Fear can prevent you from breaking destructive habits. We all know that smoking, poor dietary choices, excessive alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle are a recipe for health problems, but we often gravitate toward these habits because they help numb our anxious or fearful feelings.

If you have ever tried to break a bad habit like this, you know how stressful it can be because suddenly you are filled with anxiety and you don't know how to handle it except to run back to your "pacifiers" - the very habits you are trying to break. Fear can prevent you from taking risks.

Fear can prevent you from pursuing your goals. Fear can prevent you from expanding your life. How to stop fear from limiting your potential. They are merely a perception that things "could" go wrong - but that doesn't mean they will.

We often talk about getting over the fear of failure in order to move forward, but is the fear of success holding you back? Fear is unnecessary worry. Fear is a lack of self-confidence. Fear is evidence of an inability to control one's thoughts. Fear is often the underlying reason for failure.

Fear is in everyone. And thankfully, fear is controllable and can be overcome. So what can you do about it? Sometimes all you need to do is "out" the fear by admitting to yourself that you are, in fact, afraid.

Which of these classic fears is keeping you from succeeding? Think these through to begin overcoming the fears within yourself. Fear of not coping with success. Fear of becoming someone else. You must realize that life is in constant change. It throws down a challenge. Change or get left behind.

Fear of not being up to the task. Remember when you were little and every time the task didn't really sound appealing to you, you pulled out that, "I can't do it" excuse, and most of the time, it worked? What it can really mean is, "I don't know how to do it.

Fear of not living up to the task. You may wonder if the first victory was a fluke. Fear of not being worthy. Perhaps you've always wondered if you could succeed at something. You may not have felt worthy of this success. Fear of making enemies.

Remember, playing small does not serve the world. People fear success for many other reasons. Look fear in the face and become unstoppable.

Hang around with people who will challenge you. Change the way you think. Don't worry if things don't progress as fast as you want. Keep trusting God's vision for your life.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Fear-Limits-Our-Vision&id=9685554

Life's Recalculations (By Gini Cunningham)

My life is pretty outstanding. I have had a marvelous career in education, I am now retired and free to do volunteer work, I have three lovely children (two with terrific spouses), gorgeous grandchildren with a third on the way, and a kind and devoted husband. Then there is the extended family: sisters and their spouses, nieces, nephews, and all the great-nieces and great-nephews as well. I suppose that if I had worked hard to imagine what my life would be at 63 when I was just 16, this would probably be about my vision. I am contented, busy, and appreciated. With all of this, why do I still possess such nervous energy?

This is when life's recalculations come into play. In a calculated life, events would unroll - bing, bing, bing - in sequential and logical order. The joy of paragraph one would exist and flourish with no distractions or veers. Lacking, though, would be the sense of adventure, the excitement of trying something new, exploring somewhere different. I realize that some folks are happy to spend days in safe, quiet spaces surrounded by all of the nice people I have described. I want this, but I also want more. I like variety, shuffle, and exhilaration. I like things even but also roughed up a bit as well. I guess that is one reason that I frequently respond with enthusiasm of spirit but absence of forethought. Example: I received a wedding invitation from family and assumed it meant all of my family and me and so my RSVP reflected that 9 would attend. When I checked the Facebook guest list I saw that only my husband and I were actually included, not the family, and so I had to backtrack and quickly email to change the number of guests. This required some recalculation and a few apologies and a dash of frustration.

My personal recalculations include exercise, fitness, and challenges. I jog and swim but recognize that that is not enough to revitalize my entire body and so I have tossed in biking and yoga. Having been a well-balanced diner for years, 16 months ago I cut out meat and fish. One reason was I decided it was more fat than I needed but the real, psychological reason was I like eyes. Whether on a shrimp or a cow, those little sparkles grabbed my soul and then zapped away my fleshy appetite. I do not mind if others devour these and I prepare them for spouse and family, however I just can't indulge any longer. Recalculating diet and exercise to retain maximum health and efficiency took some thinking.

Another recalculations, one with which I am struggling, is determining what is of the greatest value in life for my volunteer efforts. I work in schools and with Alzheimer's awareness. I love both and am devoted to each, however, I also do not possess control over either. That's an entailment of volunteerism, to do as told, as mandated, as stated, and not to wander off, or at least too far off, the beaten path. This is tough since I am also pretty independent. When I see a wrong I right it; when I note a fallacy I correct it; when I bump into a roadblock I view it as temporary and probably not meant for me and so I find a way around or through or under or over or just bulldoze on and obliterate it. I can hear you thinking, "My, recalculations are a necessity here! ASAP" I agree, I should quit, and I disagree, if I quit, how will it ever get done?

I guess what I really must recalculate are my intentions. If they are good, honest, and out in the open, they should be all right, right? I'll work harder at reading faces and bodily signs and restructure as needed, redesign as is necessary, and recalculate to attain goals and accomplish my life's dreams. This sounds doable. But I will also zip on ahead - I must. This is one area, my drive-and-determination, (check how neatly I combined that idea!), where recalculation is an impossibility.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Lifes-Recalculations&id=9065983

Goal Setting That Sticks

If you look around at the "successful" people in life, they are setting goals.

Often we are resistant to setting goals. There are many reasons, pessimism that they won't work, fear of failure, lack of time, lack of thought, etc. The irony is you cannot arrive at a place you have not planned to reach. Either you can let life happen to you or you can be intentional about heading someplace. Flexibility and letting things take their natural course have their place, but if you have no destination picked, you are subject to what life will give you, rather than pursuing with passion what you want.

In the upcoming year, what do you want? Below are 5 tips to make your goals stick:

1) Visualize an inspirational goal. As you think back over the past year, what are you proud and excited about? What worked for you? What did not happen that you wanted? What did not work? As you think about the past, begin to think about the future (life, business, etc.). Where would you like to be one year from now? Visualize what that looks like if your life was exactly how you wanted it in one year. What would be happening? What would be different? Allow yourself to visualize your goal. A vision that gets you pumped up and excited is something you will work hard for. Begin by writing your vision of what your goal would look like when it is complete.

2) Be clear and concise. Given your vision of what you want your future to look like, what will it take to make that happen? Put this into the form of a SMART goal statement.

· Specific - precise. i.e. 20% over quota

· Measurable - way to check progress. i.e. 3 trainings.

· Achievable - It is possible. (keep fantasies in check)

· Realistic - Challenge yourself to stretch and grow.

· Timed - Have a completion/ success date.

3) Write goals in 1st person, with emotion and as if they were complete.

I have a balanced and peaceful life working 40 hours a week earning $100K in a field I love, AND have 3 quality hours each day to spend with my family in addition to feeling great because I am healthy (energy), fit (140lbs.) and having fun (weekly activity).

Accounting Solutions Inc. is proud to be the #1 leader in the Raleigh area to provide a one-stop for all small business accounting needs as evidenced by being the top choice for 40% of companies under 50 and servicing over 500 local companies. (December 2007)

4) Break it down and develop a plan. If you want to accomplish your goal, break down the yearly goal into monthly milestones. What will it take each month to move you closer to your goal? Each month break it down into weekly goals. What will it take each week to accomplish your monthly goal? Each week, break it down into daily goals of what it will take to accomplish your week's goal. While this may seem like a lot of work, it is simply creating a roadmap for you to follow straight to goal success. It is overwhelming and often difficult to see the measurable tasks that need to happen daily to make your goal happen. By breaking it down, you are able to push and make sure your goal is realistic and attainable.

5) Review daily. Post it in 3 spots where you can read it daily. Brian Tracey reports the single most effective thing you can do, though, is handwrite your goal each day until it is done.

Why set goals?

increase in energy and excitement as you start moving toward your passions & goals more powerful as you are making life happen rather than letting life happen to you. greater focus and direction and greater purpose.

What are you aiming for today? What are you excited about? Where do you want to be heading? Craft your goal today!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Goal-Setting-That-Sticks&id=9868798

Message From the Universe: Create Your Own Reality!

"If you can see it in your mind, it's real.

All that remains is merging the present you know and the world you've imagined, which is my part. And you can best help me align circumstances, coincidences, and chance encounters by getting busy, going out into the world, and moving in the general direction of your dreams, even if only to do what your peers might do, who know not of life's magic.

But you know the truth. You know how life works. Do not waiver in your march. No matter how humble your steps, this is how I will reach you. And as you witness one dream come true after another - first the small ones, then the big ones, then the huge ones - you'll remember why you were first drawn to the jungles of time and space, if you haven't already figured it out.

Crazy kid,

The Universe"

I got chills reading this message because it does apply to what I am experiencing on a daily basis. When you imagine your new life, you see glimpse of a wishful future, looking into great possibilities happening very soon for you. You feel all excited, and even though you can't see the direct outcome of this vision, you experience the euphoria of success and glory. These thoughts are created by you, and with the belief and flow of actions following these thoughts, you will make all this a reality. You need to trust the Universe that all will happen in due time, that all of what you envision is soon to materialize. It is hard to keep motivated when NOTHING around you allows you to stay this way but you still keep on looking forward to something special, something unique. As long as you let yourself be out there, get out of your comfort zone, try different things that can be risky financially and still overcome the fear of failure, you will be on your way to ultimate success. You only need to take a few steps forward, walk towards the light and experience something that not many have the luxury in experiencing. Do not look for the huge dreams first, as no one is born and start running marathon right off the delivery room. You need to take that time to understand your capabilities and determine the best course of action for you to reach your dreams. Not everyone can run at the same exact speed and that is perfectly fine. You do what is best for yourself, and not for anyone else.

Everything that is happening in time and space is working in your favor. Do not think of changing the pattern of how the Universe functions. Adapt to it, and shouldn't be the other way around. As long as you focus on creating your ideal life, you will be able to take the necessary steps to work towards these goals. Do not waste time in checking the progress of other people's life because this is none of your business and it will drain too much of your own energy to pursue your own goals. Throughout the journey in life, you will experience lots of the highs and lows, and no one is really sure when it will ever be smooth sailing, or whenever you reach cruising speed altitude. Life is a bit like an airplane ride so expect lots of turbulence during your trip and sometimes losing altitude and regaining it back. The key is to look at the horizon and take control of that airplane until it reaches destination. So what happens when you do reach destination? Well, you refuel and go back out again to the next one. It's a constant pursuit of how much you can accomplish in a lifetime but never forget to also spend time enjoying the ride, regardless of the ups and downs you have faced. Nothing comes easy because it if did, everyone would do it. Be one of the very few who overcomes all the obstacles and keep on moving towards their goals and dreams. All the major entrepreneurs failed over and over again but eventually, something great happened. They tapped themselves on their shoulders and said: "Thank God I didn't stop and pushed forward. I would have regret it all my life". Never live life this way, it is not worth the pain.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Message-From-the-Universe:-Create-Your-Own-Reality!&id=9439870

Moving Without a Direction (By Bridget F Johnson)

Have you ever tried to go on a trip without a map or GPS, something to make sure you got where you were going? Maybe you've never been there, but you have a good idea where it is... You jump into your car, complete with your iced tea and what my husband calls birdseeds. I have to have something to drink and sunflower seeds when we travel. It's a must.

My husband, Peter, and I will jump into our vehicle fully loaded with everything we need for the trip, complete with the iced tea and birdseeds. We start driving and we don't even know where the place is that we're going. We forgot to check MapQuest and realize my phone battery is dead and we can't use GPS. How in the world are we going to get where we're going? With just a general idea on how to do it, we're never going to get there.

What do you do? You go back home, get the car phone charger and make sure that you know the address of your destination. You START OVER.

I found that to be true when I started my business on January 16th, 2016. I had a general idea about what product I was going to offer. I knew how much income I wanted to generate, but not a clue in this world how to get there. What did I do - the only thing I could do. I built my vision board, I prayed and I did as much studying about my new-found business product as I could.

Zoom into December 2016 and I still didn't know how to get this business off the ground. I purchased a blogging package that had a HUGE amount of material in it. I knew I needed some help building the business, but honestly, I didn't know where to begin.

I signed up for every vendor's email list that was in the package. I tried to read and process everything but I just couldn't do it. I started getting tons of email! Some of them I became annoyed with immediately. It seemed like every single email was trying to sell something and if I didn't buy 'today' the world would come to an end.

I was trying hard to figure out where I was going with my business. I had no idea how to strategize and get this thing off to an excellent start. In the midst of all the noise of the emails I did find someone I stopped and listened to. I liked her and I liked the fact that she was offering a class from a famous motivational speaker so I signed up for the four-week course.

Within two sessions I knew I liked this person and believed she could take me to another level in my business. Problem? Uh, yeah sure, money. To me it was expensive, but I had a decision to make. Am I going to continue to fly down the road with no idea where I'm actually going, or am I going to get real with myself and "start over"? The only other alternative is to quit entirely and I'm not willing to give up on my dreams.

I talked to my husband; he said go for it and I did. It has been the best money and the best 10 days in my business. She has done more for me in 10 days than I did for myself in the first year.

I'm so thankful she sent that email and that I signed up for her class. I knew what my purpose was. I had a vision and a goal to build a successful business and eventually become self-employed doing what I was called to do, I just needed direction on how to get there! If you're reading this and saying "I would love to have a proverbial GPS to guide me to where I'm going, but I have no idea what I want to do with my life... ", then find someone you know, like and trust and allow them to help you find your vision.

To Your Success,

http://ezinearticles.com/?Moving-Without-a-Direction&id=9643335

Five Ways to Be Ahead of Time

One of the greatest assets in life is time, one of the greatest delusions in life is still time and one of the greatest illusions in life is time.

The world is regulated by time, as far as life on Earth is concerned, it is timed, and every aspect of living is timed. The different categories of timing represent the diverse stages of life. In reality, time regulates seasons, seasons influence trends and trends regulate people. Thus everyone in life is either a time setter or a time checker.

Time setters are able to position themselves ahead of the time by following principles that propel them beyond the present time while time checkers follow time and are bound by the shackles of trends.

However, there are principles to follow if you desire to be ahead of time, below are five vital ones:

1) BE VISIONARY: 

What do you see? Vision is not the presence of sight, but the presence of inner sight or what you call INSIGHT. What you see for your life affects what you expect from your life and how you move in your life. Seeing beyond the present moment, gives you a glimpse of what the future can be and ultimately gives you the advantage to prepare for it. Vision propels you to move ahead of the present season and positions you ahead of the crowd.

2) PLAN. 

In advancing in life, the place of planning can never be overemphasized. You have envisioned the times ahead, then take one more step to plan your way to it. Ask crucial questions, meet strategic people, obtain the required skills and synchronize your life around your plan of the vision. Ask yourself, what does it take to get to my vision, how can I get there, where should I start, who do I need, how long will it take me to get to my vision. Be deliberate to get the right answers because they unfold your plan for the vision.

3) BE PASSIONATE. 

Passion is a fuel to purposeful living. One distinguishing factor in life is the passion we live it with. Passion keeps you moving even in the most harsh conditions. When you lose passion for living, you have lost life itself. Develop passion For the plan of your vision, and see the self limiting obstacles crumble in your face.

All through history, you will discover that the most outstanding people are the most passionate ones. These are men and women who are zealous of what they are doing, and they are not apologetic about their obsessions.

4) FORM A HABIT. 

To be ahead of the crowd, form vision sustaining habits. Be deliberate in cultivating habits that will naturally bring you closer to your vision. When you absorb great habits into your lifestyle, you automatically program your mind on what is important to you. One thing about habits are that they are hard to cultivate, and even harder to break. Consistency with these vision oriented habits gives you an edge over those that do not have them and places you on the right track for vision actualization.

5) PRAY 

Vision, plan,passion and habit are nothing without the hand of God. Prayer still remains the master key to unlocking the future. When you pray and Access God, your vision crystallizes in your spirit and you start living it out in the now. Hearing from God is an acid test to the success of every vision. Moreover, visions are birthed in the place of prayer, and prayer, brings God into every vision, plan, passion and habit. Don't make praying your last option, rather the first. Prayer simplifies complicated matters and builds your faith, which is crucial in vision actualization, especially the big ones. Therefore, the bigger the vision, the more praying is involved.

Finally, understand that life is in seasons, but you can change the season by influencing the time through these principles.

DON'T JUST WATCH TIME... 

SET YOUR DESTINY TIME...

http://ezinearticles.com/?Five-Ways-to-Be-Ahead-of-Time&id=9646800