Saying Yes to What's Next....

I like Starbucks' new slogan...

Fits right into the whole Discovery concept...

The whole theme of this blog and the thought process that drives it...

My thought process...

Is one of embracing Change....

Evolution, Revolution, Rebirth, 2nd Chances, 3rd Go Rounds....

Moving from your Comfort Zone to your Discovery Zone.

Pretty Words, Great and Noble Concepts but how do you make it work?

How do you change?

Aaah.... Now we get to the nut-cuttin'.

First, you have to recognize that change is necessary. Seems simple and obvious but it is the catalyst that starts the change reaction...

You wake up one day and look in the mirror and go...

Damn... I'm fat - OR -

You look at your spouse in the mirror and go...

Damn... They're fat!

Or you're not happy with your job, financial status or ______ (fill in the blank)

You say.... Hey this has gotta change.

That's step 1.

Step 2 is to gather information....

This is probably the most important step because too many people get all fired up and then just take off out of the setting gate and don't have a fucking clue what they're talking about, where they're going or how to get there.

Spend some time researching the subject of your desired change.

Get some basic knowledge so you can separate the wheat from the chaffe in the fields of information and opinion that will roll your way.

As you gain knowledge, you will find pockets, processes and programs of information that will make sense to you - that you think you can apply to your situation.

Take notes, document the info, note the source...

Be careful.... You're getting organized.

Once you've gathered enough info to be mildly dangerous, seek counsel with reputable experts / practitioners in the field of knowledge you seek.

Do you see someone who's doing what you wanna do / made the change you seek / walked the talk?

Talk to them.... Get a feel for their experience....

If they're successful enough to have caught your attention, they'll probably wanna share some info that will be useful to you.

Step 3 - Once you've gained some working knowledge of the Subject of Your Desire...

Make a Plan...

With measurable, trackable and accountable milestones and objectives.

Write down the Who, What, When, Where and Why of every step of your plan.

Document what Success AND Failure looks like every step of the way.

Make a "Schedule of Events" for your Path of Change.

If you don't show up for one of the performances, you don't get to go to the next event....

No shortcuts...

No Back Stage passes.

Quattro.....

Get started....

Execute the Plan...

With an attitude....

Be Ruthless, Relentless and Single-Minded in Your Quest for Change....

This is Your Life, Your Plan, Your Change...

Nobody is gonna do it for you and, in fact, in most cases, the World around you and that includes those that are closest to you, are likely to do whatever they can to distract, derail and discourage you from improving yourself.

Prepare yourself for that and have a plan for avoiding the negative influence of the Naysayers.

V.

Track your progress, make adjustments as needed and realize you probably won't get it right the first time.

In fact, in my experience, it takes 3 - 4 attempts to make the breakout and breakthrough that accelerates you to the next level.

Important note - as you achieve success, as you start making the change you desire, you're gonna be tempted to slack off, to let up, to cheat a little....

3 words....

Don't Do It!!!

In fact, Do the Opposite!!

Buckle down even harder.

Become more disciplined.

Be more aggressive with your goals....

It's called The Momentum of Change....

And once you get it rolling, you don't want to let it slow down...

People think Change takes a long time and in general, that's true....

For negative Change....

The change of degradation, deterioration and descent....

But Positive Change often comes with a Sudden Surge like the Release of a Coiled Spring....

Created by a Desire, Realization, Education, Plan and Action.

Six - Once you've achieved the change, make it part of your lifestyle....

Who You Are..

And Defend it with a Vengeance...

Avoid outside influences that threaten your New State of You like the Plague.

Damn.... That's pretty good shit for a Venti Cafe Americano....

That's your 6 steps to say...

Yes To What's Next!