“With self-discipline most anything is possible.” Theodore Roosevelt
Did you start 2016 with some resolutions? Maybe to get more productive? Did you declare that you were going to get healthier, make more money, pay off debt or finally take action on a goal worthy of your life?
If you are like the majority of people who set New Year’s resolutions, then a survey of 5000 people by Go Banking is likely predicting your results.
In this survey, only 8% of people actually achieved their resolution. As of 2013, the top 10% of the world’s wealthy, controlled 74% of the world’s wealth.
If there is a correlation between the wealthy and those that do not achieve, it would seem that successful individuals do things differently and most likely do not sit on their laurels when it comes to setting, and achieving goals. They also know HOW to get more productive – and be more productive – on demand.
As we head to the end of 2016, I want you to ask yourself some key questions:
* Will I be happy with my results this year if I keep on going the way I have been going?
* Did I make progress?
* Am I further ahead, the same, or behind?
If you do not like your answers, then please have hope – you can still finish the year strong, become more productive and increase your results. These seven tips can help you pop the champagne on December 31st and feel great about your year.
1. Change Who You Spend the Majority of Your Time With
It is said that our wealth is in direct proportion to the top five people we spend the most time with outside of our household.
I would further suggest that our health would also be directly related to our social circle as well. Wealthy people tend to think wealthy thoughts. People who struggle tend to think thoughts of struggle.
Likewise, people who love to feel healthy tend to gravitate toward others who also enjoy wellness. One of the fastest ways to shift your results this year is to take a good look at who you hang out with.
If you do not know people who are achieving at the level you desire then start reading. Years ago when I was struggling, I realized that the people I was hanging around were constantly talking about their problems.
Needless to say, these same people inevitably ended up having more and more problems. I began spending less time with them and reading more. It definitely shifted my results.
2. Shift Your Focus
We have all heard time and again that what we focus on expands and yet knowing something in theory is radically different than putting it into practice.
Wealthy people focus on wealth, not fear of loss. Healthy people focus on getting healthier and not fear of getting sick.
People in beautiful relationships focus on how to strengthen them and not on the fear of the relationship falling apart. If you want to be in the 8% of those that achieve – focus on what you want as trite as that sounds.
3. Align Your Schedule with Your Desired Outcomes
I train a lot on mixed messages and how we set our schedule is either in alignment with achievement or sending a loud, clear message that we are not ready for more.
In other words, great breaks, the right clients, and juicy opportunities are not just going to happen if we do not have a clearing for them to flow. What the people in the 90% think is that I will make time when it happens.
What the achievers think is that I will create time and then it will happen. There is a huge difference.
4. Get Up Earlier
In his studies on the wealth, CPA – Tom Corley, found that the wealthy tend to wake up earlier than those who struggle with money. It takes discipline to get up early however it is worth it.
People often ask me how I get so much done and the answer is that I wake up about one and a half to two hours before my children.
I take that time to pray, meditate and write. I love these early, distraction-free hours. I get my best work done during this time.
Make a decision to wake up early and get more done. The day can be filled with distractions and if you can make your morning count, you will definitely find yourself to be much more productive.
5. Stop Self-Sabotage During the Week
People in the 90% tend to lack focus. They easily make choices that sabotage their goals.
Binge watching shows on Netflix™, drinking too much, stuffing their emotions with food, trolling the internet instead of going to bed at a reasonable hour – these are all surefire ways to remain in the 90%.
If you want to achieve then stop self-sabotaging during the week.
6. Ask More of Yourself
The people in the top 10% tend to ask more of themselves – good enough is never good enough. Whether it is a workout, a business meeting or going on a date with their partner – they do not settle. And they know how to get more productive on demand.
YOU are Divinely created and that means that you are much more capable than the level you are currently achieving at – we all are.
Make a decision to ask more of yourself, be better and grow every day with the knowledge that settling in one area means you will settle in another.
7. Be Objective
Those in the top 10% are objective. People in the 90% tend to focus on failures and see every challenge as an opportunity to quit whereas those in the 10% make the concerted decision to consider challenges as learning and growth opportunities.
At the end of each day, take a few moments to reflect on how you grew, what you learned and how you moved forward.
Some days it will be tougher than others however if you truly want to get out of the 90%, it is necessary to look at your life in a loving, objective way.
Lastly, know that it isn’t easy to simply transition from the 90% club into the 10% club. It is going to take consistency, focus, determination and discipline.
Take it from someone who has done it – it may be tough however it is definitely worth it.
Susan Sly is a best-selling author, speaker, trainer and entrepreneur. She specializes in helping individuals, and organizations, become more productive. She resides in Scottsdale, Arizona with her husband, Chris. Susan is the mother of four children and loves her life! To connect with Susan, visit www.SusanSly.com
