Four Life Rules I Wish I Followed

Submitted by: , President

I have four simple life rules taped to my office door:

1. Show up.
2. Pay attention.
3. Think before you act.
4. Act before you think too much.

I try to follow them, but I’m human. I fall off the wagon and have to climb back on. Here’s what they mean to me:

1. SHOW UP .
   To really show up, you have to bring your whole self -- physical and mental -- to whatever you do.
   
   We value multi-tasking, like making your “To Do” list during a meeting. But there’s a down-side. Multi-taskers miss things. While you’re making your list you may miss the chance to advance your career by contributing to the meeting.
   
   For one day try doing things in sequence rather than at the same time. You may find you actually get more done in less time because you’re focused.
   
   
2. PAY ATTENTION .
   Paying attention goes hand-in-hand with showing up. Multi-tasking causes problems. If you’re doing several things at once, something’s going to suffer. People sense when your attention is divided. They may interpret it as you not caring.
   
   It comes down to choices. You can’t pay attention to everything all the time. Ask what’s most important AT THAT MOMENT. Then focus your attention there.
   
   
3. THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.
   Do you ever feel like you just need to DO SOMETHING? Be careful. That urge may be a form of avoidance or procrastination. Is there something important you’re ducking or putting off?
   
   Consider objectives. Do you want more business from a niche? Do you need to add staff so you can delegate tasks? Will your action take you further along the path to achieving these goals? Or will it lead you in another direction?
   
   
4. ACT BEFORE YOU THINK TOO MUCH.
   Sometimes we get stuck. We’re so afraid of taking a wrong step we don’t move at all. Inaction leaves us in limbo – an uncomfortable and stressful place.
   
   Thinking before you act is good. Thinking too much is not good. Where’s the line between enough and too much? Good question.
   
   Finding that line requires trial and error. Like many things in life, it’s a balancing act. Talking to others with experience helps.
   
   

Those are my rules. Try them, and let me know how it goes. Call me, Claire Cunningham, at 763-479-3499.

By Claire Cunningham of Clairvoyant Communications, Inc. Visit my website to receive a copy of her report: “Top Marketing Communications Mistakes Companies Make” and more articles on marketing communications.

, President
Clairvoyant Communications, Inc.
Big marketing ideas for small companies
763-479-3499