Written by: Dr. Allen Lycka, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Imagine that it's one year from today, and you're living a fantastic life. Where are you now? What does it look like in one year? What does it feel like? Who are the people you talk to daily and weekly? And where are you spending your time?
Now, let's build this backward. What do you need to get there? What skills do you need to get the outcomes you want? What advice and help do you need to keep you concentrated and advancing? What's the very first step you need to take? What's keeping you back?
Perplexed? Are you still attempting to deduce where to start? To control your life, you must be clear about what you want. Otherwise, you are practicing blind archery. Have big ambitions and write them down. Include exactly what you envision for how much money you want, profession, relationships, home, personal projects, and other relevant categories. For example, write down the exact amount if you want a raise. If you're going to move, describe your new residence with as many details as feasible. If you wish to better friendships, spell out precisely what that means.
Once you have a complete, full, and detailed description of everything you want, it's time to make a plan. As you map your paths to success in different categories, you'll notice that some take longer. That's ok! What's essential is that your desires are clearly defined and that you focus on the actions you can take to progress. Break down more significant, longer-term goals into measurable and manageable milestones, including deadlines and how much time each will take to accomplish. That way, you can track your progress and hold yourself accountable! (More about accountability below.)
Again, you want to be as specific as possible. If you want to finish writing your book this year, write down how many words you will write daily—set deadlines for finding an editor, cover designer, and publisher. Write down the date your book will go to print and how many books you will sell in the first month! Yes, that is specific!
A clear image and action plan will help you determine the tools and resources needed to move forward. Please list everything you need to achieve your objectives and the dates you need them by. That turns your dreams into goals ‒ goals are dreams with a deadline and a concrete plan. It's essential to plan if you need to take a course or save up to make a substantial acquisition.
Do you need updated software? New supplies? Books? An e-course or workshop? Which tools and resources do you need access to first? Before shopping, be sure you're clear about how each item on your list will accelerate your path to success. And ask others what the best way to accomplish it is. That way, you'll be able to quickly determine your best action plan, saving time and resources.
You've got everything you need to succeed in yourself. Practically. Success takes a village, no matter who you are, what you know, or where you're going. Consciously develop a community that will support you, hold you responsible, and celebrate when you are victorious.
Of course, it would help if you had friends and family, but you also need to invest in relationships with peers, mentors, and experts.
Put yourself near the people who have already made it to where you want to be and accomplish what you want to do! The most successful people surround themselves with others who will challenge and motivate them. They also have coaches to help them stay concentrated, avoid costly mistakes, and go further, faster.
Taking control of your life comes down to knowing what you want and what it takes to get it. With a clear vision, a specific plan, access to the right tools and resources, and a support system to encourage you, you'll have everything you need to make your dream life a reality.
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Dr. Allen Lycka, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Allen Lycka is acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world. In 2003, Dr. Lycka was diagnosed with ALS and given six months to live. After fighting the diagnosis, he is here today as a result of his courage and tenacity. Having been given a “golden ticket” Dr. Lycka used his experience to co-author the books The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life with Harriet Tinka, Pillars of Success with 1 New York Times Best Selling Author Jack Canfield and bLU volume 1 with Corey Poirier. He is the host and executive director of How To Live a Fantastic Life show with 4 million listeners per episode. He is a sought after speaker.
