2022 has dawned and January is almost up. However, when you took stock of your life, assuming you did when you were working on your resolution, did you consider making a drastic move that would radically change your life?
In this article, we examine five strategies that can be implemented independently or as a whole to ensure a winning life. The strategies rely on an entire shift in mindset. You may have to forfeit some of your thinking habits. But fear not, life is only won by the brave, and the fact that you are here now, reading this article and preparing to begin a transformational process only attests to your bravado! So, our 2022 Hero, let’s begin.
Photo by Denise Jans on Unsplash
We recommend you have a pen and a notebook in case you wish to work on your hero journey as you read.
The strategies that we will cover are:
Strategy 1 - Taking Responsibility
Strategy 2 - The one thing
Strategy 3 - Personal Development
Strategy 4 - Execution
Strategy 5 - Review
Strategy 1 - Taking Responsibility
“No one gets away with anything, ever, so take responsibility for your own life. You conjure your own world, not only metaphorically but also literally and neurologically.” Jordan Petterson.
The first step in a transformational life is the knowledge that you are ultimately in charge of every decision you make or do not make. When you realise that there is no getting away from your own life, you will make conscious decisions while facing your life head on.
Taking responsibility goes as far as calling out the seat of power in you. This would mean searching your mind’s heart to face yourself in the very core of what makes actualization you. Go into your head, the place where no one else knows exists, for that is where you truly face yourself.
In the notebook you have, write down a list of subjects that you believe are important to you. And on each item on your list figure out what is the best and worst that could possibly happen if you went through with the actualisation.
On a separate page, make another list of people or places, or jobs (pretty much everything) you believe you are responsible for. Go through the process again. Asking what is the best or worst that could happen if you implemented what needed implementing. You have to ask yourself tough questions. Do not let yourself escape without providing clear answers. Give yourself genuine answers.
Taking responsibility often involves planning.
Strategy 2 - The one thing
“The path of mastering something is the combination of not only doing the best you can do at it, but also doing it the best it can be done.” Gary Keller
Oftentimes, we spread ourselves too thin. This strategy involves picking one thing that is very important to you and giving it your 100%. This is close to Warren Buffet’s concept of running Berkshire Hathaway, put all your eggs in one basket and watch that basket carefully.
Once you have excelled in one thing, then you can grow your mastery in the subject or pick a different discipline.
Of the list of responsibilities you made, what do you believe is the one thing that you urgently need to focus all your energy on?
Strategy 3 - Personal Development
“Don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better. Don't wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don't wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom.” Jim Rohn
Well, now you know exactly what you need to do and have identified the one thing you want to pursue. The big question will be whether you have enough expertise or professional development that will allow you to achieve what you want.
There is no need to belabour this point. Do something today that will lay the proper foundation for your future. Learn as much as you can.
Strategy 4 - Execution
“Successful people are not gifted; they just work hard, then succeed on purpose.” G.K. Nielson
When talking of execution, we do not mean it in the murderous sense but execution here simply means getting things done. Zero procrastination.
People often measure the results of what has been done. However, to wildly succeed, you should pay particular attention to the actions that will influence the outcome you want to achieve.
Assume you have your heightened sense of responsibility, you have figured out your one thing and have acquired the right skill set, what would be left then would be figuring out the steps needed for the success of your endeavour.
The only way to eat an elephant is by taking one bite at a time. No matter the size of the project, small actions meticulously carried out will always ensure success.
Strategy 5 - Review
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” Ken Blanchard
Even when you give it to yourself, feedback is still better than having none at all.
After going through the trouble of bettering yourself and your processes, you would like to see if what you've been doing works. That is the whole point of review, constantly taking stock to measure, adjust and improve processes.
Do not be afraid to dissect all that has been done. If something works, keep it. If the performance isn't that good, improve it. And if it is absolute rubbish, bin it. After all, you are still growing and life is a journey.
So, hero in the making, good luck!