If you want to Be Extraordinary you need to think differently about how you run your life.
1. Begin with the End in Mind. Too many people are grumbling about their lives and complaining without having a plan to change anything. If you are around me you get to complain once. Build a clear plan of where you want to be and then commit to doing whatever you need to make your plan come to life.
2. Be flexible. Be prepared to change the tactical steps along the way. It’s called adaption. Dwight D. Eisenhower said In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable. I see too many people start out executing their thesis only to hit misfortune along the way. Like a kid that misses a penalty shot at goal they exclaim “damn. I’ve missed. I’m no good”. A good penalty shooter does not cry when he misses the shot because he is already getting into state for the next shot. Focus on the End in Mind and adapt.
3. Understand People. Learn how the Mind works and what makes people tick. Ask questions to go deep into understanding the psyche of the people you work with. Be Curious. Being extraordinary is not about tips and tricks but about immersion in everything you do. It might sound strange but to be extraordinary you really need to Care Deeply about people you work with. Ordinary people ask surface layer questions but don’t really care or want to know what’s going on in other people lives. Extraordinary People do. Sometimes it’s called Charisma. Sometimes Rapport. It’s about deeply Caring and Understanding.
4. Find People who operate from Models of Excellence and adopt these models. Too many people are willing to say “I’ll just figure it out myself”. You might but it will take you years. By standing on the shoulders of Giants we can see Further. In the long term it will cost you more in lost opportunities & failed projects. Work with the best people you can afford and emulate their strategies.
5. Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Put very little trust in tomorrow. When opportunity knocks, Open the door. I meet too many people pontificating about options and possibilities. Meanwhile people are. Passing them by. Take action today