My chosen second book to share is Michael Hyatt's "Your Best Year Ever." I especially likes his sharing on focusing to be an abundance thinkers vs. scarcity thinkers.
Our expectations shape what we believe. One of the biggest reasons we don't succeed with our goals is we doubt we can.
Our lives consists of ten interrelated domains:
Spiritual, Intellectual, Emotional, Physical, Marital, Parental, Social, Vocational, Avocational, Financial
To accomplish anything, we have to believe we're up to the challenge. It means we believe we're capable; we have what it takes to prevail.
Scarcity Thinkers vs Abundance Thinkers
a. Entitled and fearful vs. Thankful and confident
b. Believe there will never be enough vs. Believe there's more
c. Stingy with their knowledge, contact, and compassion vs. Happy to share their knowledge, contacts, and compassion with others
d. Assume they are the way they are vs. Assume they can learn, grow, and develop
e. Default to suspicion and aloofness vs. Default to trust and openness
f. Are pessimistic about the future vs. Optimistic about the future
f. Resent competition, believing it makes the pie smaller and them weaker vs. Welcome competition, believing it makes the pie bigger and them better.
g. See challenges as obstacles vs. See challenges as opportunities
h. Think small avoid risk vs. Think big and embrace risk
Resources are necessary, but they are never the precondition for success. A lack of resources can spurs resourcefulness, builds resiliency and confidence. The more time we overcome difficulties, the more capable we are overcoming whatever comes next.
Gratitude makes us resilient, improves our patience. To practice gratitude:
a. Begin and end the day with prayer
b. Practice thankfulness by expressing gratitude for the gifts you have
c. Keep a gratitude journal
The importance of writing Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Risky, Time-Keyed, Exciting, Relevant Goals.
Example of SMARTER Goals:
Spiritual:
- Set aside 15 minutes in the morning, 6 days a week, for reading and prayer starting January 1.
- Mediate for 30 minutes each day, 4 days a week starting February 1.
- Journal at least 5 minutes at the end of each day.
Intellectual:
- Read 2 books per month, starting in January
- Spend time to learn Chinese 30 minutes every day during weekdays.
Emotional:
Get back to gardening this Spring starting April 1
Join small group
Organize backyard
Physical:
Do daily 15-30 minutes exercises
Hike / bike once a month
Choose regular bedtime and get 8 hours of sleep
Marital:
Have a monthly date
Spend couple time every day
Parental:
Pray together with the kids every night
Read devotional with the kids daily
Schedule a family vacation
Social:
Join book club/ small group
Hike / bike with friends
Vocation:
Take classes related to your job/ career
Publish article every month
Avocational:
Volunteer for city mission 4 times in a year
Get to know new people and invite them over for a meal.
Financial:
Reduce eating out to 1 meal each week
Buy a new to us car with cash
Choose Your Circle Wisely
Write down key motivations / reasons and the detail steps need to take to achieve the goals
