This post is no. 1 in 7-post how to make an impact series.
It is in our hands to make the best of our lives, if we make right choices and make best use of time.
There is no magic trick just plain old hard work with some application of smarts. If you are looking for shortcuts this may not be the place for you.
Now if you are ready to work hard and make an impact at workplace, in society and in your own life; ideas presented below may help you a bit or a lot.
Best time to begin is now.
Best way to begin is to read and make a mental note of things; understand this is not something that you can accomplish in a day or two; but you can begin on the path of making an impact starting with 1st step that is doing a personal audit.
So let us begin.
1. Personal Audit
- Do a personal audit about where do you stand right now — physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally?
2. Purpose
- Find the purpose of your life. I have written about it here.
- Align your actions with the purpose of your life. I will write more about that in segment called action.
3. Dreams
- Dream crazy dreams. What is a crazy dream one that people laugh at, one that talks about doing the unthinkable or at least the path which not most people are going on? Do you talk about touching the lives of the world or think about making ends meet.
- Believe that your future is bright. You are going to make a difference and big impact on society?
- Dream, ask, believe, receive
4. Plans
- Build castles in the air and make plans on paper
- Convert your plans into SMART goals
- Ask yourself are your goals BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals). Small goals do not bring out the best of most of the people.
- Segment goals into short (less than 1 year), medium (1-5year) and long term (beyond 5 years)
5. Work
- Choose the right profession/work
- Change your passion to profession
- Make the transition by jumping the ship or work on a parallel path
6. Attitude
- Every day is a new day (of the rest of your life)
- Do not wait for an opportunity to become a leader
- Be the change you want to see in others
- Give your best — work, relationship
- Believe that you are a unique person with a unique destiny
- Live life to the fullest
7. Action Time
- Gather tools that you will need
- Get in the zone — by reading, meditating, running, exercising — anything that lets you be in touch with your core
- Start action
- Finish what you begin — for more details check how to finish what your start
- Don’t go for prestige, go for productivity
- Stay motivated by reading, connecting with loved ones and celebrating small milestones
- Use oxygen and writing to keep a clear head
8. Being True
- Be true to self
- Be comfortable
- Be true to your work
9. Discipline
- Be consistent
- Show up every day
- Do not change plans too often
- Use common sense if there is a need to change path
10. Be courageous
- Meet failure eye to eye
- Dare to go where no one has gone before
- Be enterprising — you do not need to be an entrepreneur to do though entrepreneurship is an interesting path
- Do not wait forever to take the plunge — whether it is to get into a new job, change career paths or start on your own
- Do not choose the easiest option available – while choosing a college/major, career option, choose something which will drive and keep you motivated for at least some years or better for life
11. Stay on course – Review, correct and move ahead.
The piece is a work in progress. The idea is to give you a trigger to stop holding back. In coming days and months I will share more thoughts.
Look forward to your ideas, feedback and comments to make it a well-rounded effort. Keep coming back to share and find more thought nuggets on this page.
Hope it helps you make an impact or at least get you started on the path.
