In the past year, just like you I have made hundreds if not thousands of choices. Four of my choices stand out and helped define who I am today.
The payoff has been huge. I have a clear vision of where I, my family and my business are going. I’m taking the steps everyday to stay on the path defined by my vision of happiness and success. Life is never truly easy if you are striving for success but it sure can be fun with a clear head and a clear mind! So, here’s the four choices that have gotten me where I am today.
Last June I made a choice in my life that cleared hundreds of hours a year from my schedule. The details don’t matter, almost everyone has an activity in their life that is a time drain with mostly negative consequences. For you it might be sitting around watching TV re-runs at night instead of working on what you define as personal success. Immediately after making my choice I struggled a bit to fill the time void. Ultimately I rediscovered my love of music and reading quality business and motivational books, both of which help define me as a person.
Around August 1st I re-dedicated myself to my wife and family. Again the details don’t matter (plus it’s personal stuff and I hang myself out here enough on this blog). Relationships take work, lots and lots of hard work, if you want a great relationship. Cheryl and I no longer settle for average. Those who knew us then and know us now still don’t believe we are the same people or the same couple. When you make a choice to change, you can change, and we are living proof of that.
Last November I made the choice that this blog would be a priority in my life. Too much that I define as good in my life has come as a result of my writing. I managed to complete case studies during my lunch hour on the day due while earning my MBA. I’m good at putting my thoughts into words and I made the choice to do it more often. Little did I know in December that I would be blogging everyday and loving it.
In January I quit drinking. It’s another choice I have made that has radically changed my life. Ever since I read a post by my friend Anne I have been seriously considering this move. It has resulted in having more time to dedicate to my pursuit of success and happiness.
Are there choices you could make that would help you realize your vision of happiness and success? Have you already made those choices and are you willing to share the results with me in the comments? Jump in this could be a fun conversation.
Very awesome Jim. I’m so proud of you for all the great choices you’ve made. Had you not made any one of them, our paths might never have crossed.
And I am VERY glad they did.
Keep choosing…and making the best of all the choices you do make!
Very awesome Jim. I’m so proud of you for all the great choices you’ve made. Had you not made any one of them, our paths might never have crossed.
And I am VERY glad they did.
Keep choosing…and making the best of all the choices you do make!
Jim, Making choices is one thing; following through with them is another… sharing them with others takes courage. Thank you for trusting us with them.
My decision to join The Third Tribe has been invaluable because of the people I have met- you are one of those people.
I will always be in your corner.
Jim, Making choices is one thing; following through with them is another… sharing them with others takes courage. Thank you for trusting us with them.
My decision to join The Third Tribe has been invaluable because of the people I have met- you are one of those people.
I will always be in your corner.
I’m glad you shared this story! Ridgely is right – following through on choices is so crucial to the growth we experience when we make them. I made a choice at the beginning of this year to do something that scares me. AKA Coach a team?!! Or begin personal training?!! Or speak in front of rooms full of people?!! Yep, I’m following through with my choices. My intentions alone have brought me opportunities – but I need to be clear-headed to seize them (sober). Thanks for the reminder.
I’m glad you shared this story! Ridgely is right – following through on choices is so crucial to the growth we experience when we make them. I made a choice at the beginning of this year to do something that scares me. AKA Coach a team?!! Or begin personal training?!! Or speak in front of rooms full of people?!! Yep, I’m following through with my choices. My intentions alone have brought me opportunities – but I need to be clear-headed to seize them (sober). Thanks for the reminder.
Jim,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Many people feel they are victims (myself included at times) when they hold the power of their decisions. Taking accountability isn’t easy; it is easier to blame others. Keep up the blogging! I enjoy them and always take away something that can help me personally.
Wow – I’m blown away. Had no idea this post would resonate with so many people so powerfully.
First, I want to thank the Phil, Ridgely, Anne and Steve for commenting here. There have been several more back channel discussions started because of this post. To all of you please know your responses have changed the direction of this blog. I already have some ideas and plan to sit down with a close friend soon to discuss more ideas.
Phil – Just thanks man that’s all I can say.
Ridgely – Third Tribe is amazing – That’s why I use and recommend it. You’ve seen posts like this inside the tribe. I started being more open there and decided to bring some of that here.
Anne – #lovefest ‘nough said (It’s and inside joke people deal with it)
Steve – Thanks for stopping by – had no idea you read me. Yes, playing the victim is the easy way out and we all take that route sometimes. It’s when step back and realize that is what you’ve done that the growing begins.
Jim,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Many people feel they are victims (myself included at times) when they hold the power of their decisions. Taking accountability isn’t easy; it is easier to blame others. Keep up the blogging! I enjoy them and always take away something that can help me personally.
Wow – I’m blown away. Had no idea this post would resonate with so many people so powerfully.
First, I want to thank the Phil, Ridgely, Anne and Steve for commenting here. There have been several more back channel discussions started because of this post. To all of you please know your responses have changed the direction of this blog. I already have some ideas and plan to sit down with a close friend soon to discuss more ideas.
Phil – Just thanks man that’s all I can say.
Ridgely – Third Tribe is amazing – That’s why I use and recommend it. You’ve seen posts like this inside the tribe. I started being more open there and decided to bring some of that here.
Anne – #lovefest ‘nough said (It’s and inside joke people deal with it)
Steve – Thanks for stopping by – had no idea you read me. Yes, playing the victim is the easy way out and we all take that route sometimes. It’s when step back and realize that is what you’ve done that the growing begins.
Jim, long time. I had stepped away from Allsystems for a year after 18 straight years of working hard for others.
Time to work hard for my benefit and my family.
I appreciate your efforts at putting yourself out there.
S
Jim, long time. I had stepped away from Allsystems for a year after 18 straight years of working hard for others.
Time to work hard for my benefit and my family.
I appreciate your efforts at putting yourself out there.
S
Steve S – Thanks for the career update I trust your choices will lead you where you feel you need to be.
Thanks for stopping by to show your appreciation.
Jim
Steve S – Thanks for the career update I trust your choices will lead you where you feel you need to be.
Thanks for stopping by to show your appreciation.
Jim