Seven Things I Never Learned In School
1 How to set positive goals
2 How to motivate self.
3 How to motivate others
4 How to use time profitably
5 How to deal positively with adversity
6 How to eliminate self-defeating habits
7 How to build positive habits
Actually there were a lot of things I never learned in school. My fault not theirs. I should have said there were seven life changing things they never taught in school. Their fault not mine. We cannot, however, teach what we don’t know.
Why are these seven so important—particularly to our children and grandchildren? Because those who came before us, built our Nation on the attitude of "Yes I can." Today, however, we live in an era of negative thinkers and no-you-canter's—an era of blame America Firsters and self proclaimed victims. Anger and apprehension about the future grips much of America. Too many Americans now put their trust in government supplying all their needs and wants.
An increasing number of young people lack direction. Too many middle-aged men and women dwell on what should have been instead of "what can be." Both groups end up feeling hopeless about the direction of their lives and helpless to do anything about it. For them, life holds little enthusiasm.
If we don’t think we can, why try? And many don’t. That is not the way it should be. We are learning, growing, thinking, productive creations.
"Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act." _______ S. A. Brennan
I don’t know where I acquired the above list. But, after seven decades, I think I am getting the first couple down. At least the first one, How to set positive goals, and that helps me with the second one, "How to motivate self."
Our life is a journey. Clearly defined goals are signposts along that journey. To help us on our journey, here are seven proven steps to goal setting:
1. Identify Goals:
We need to be as well-rounded as possible. Develop a multiple list of goals: personal and spiritual goals, family goals, church goals, physical goals, intellectual goals, business goals, etc.
2. Set Deadlines:
Set goals for a week, a month, a year. Start with easy short-range goals. Then step-by-step build toward your long-range purpose.
3. List Obstacles To Overcome:
After making our obstacle list, write down how we will overcome, correct, or go around each obstacle. Some obstacles may be our own shortcomings or perceived shortcomings.
4. Identify People And Groups We Need To Work With:
Associate with other positive individuals whose goals are similar.
5. List Skills Needed To Attain Our Goals:
Then devise a plan for achieving those skills. Write it down.
6. Develop Our Plan Of Action:
Goals create positive activity. Write down priorities and two or three daily action steps.
7. List Benefits Of Achieving Our Goal(s): Benefits to family, to friends, to our nation, to ourselves.
Wish to change the world, or at least your world? If we are enthusiastic, we never know what we might accomplish until we try. Enthusiasm creates a powerful positive attitude. Enthusiasm overwhelms doubt and fear. At church, at work, or with family, our enthusiasm will motivate us and cause us to motivate others. We can change our world.
Our enthusiasm is in direct proportion to what we expect the day to bring. So let us rise each morning expecting God’s best. That might even be our first new goal.
"We know what we are, but not what we may be." ______ William Shakespeare
______ Michael E. Odell
Your thoughts and comments are welcome, well most of the time.
E-mail: MichaelOdell@Lycos.com
What can you do to change the negative direction our elected leaders are taking us? For six proven action steps go to Blog Archive at upper right, click on May-11-08, "But What Can I Do?" Pick yours.
