|
Author: Chris Widener Article source: http://www.getmotivation.com/. Used with author's permission.
If you ask most people whether they would like to be considered a winner or a loser in life, they would most assuredly reply that they would like to be a winner. But this begs the question, "What does it mean to win at life?" In some things it's easy to define a clear winner. In a basketball game, whoever has the most points at the end of the game is the winner. In a game of hearts, my favorite card game, whoever has the least amount of points when one of the players reaches 100 points is the winner.
But it isn't quite as easy to decide what it means to win in the game of life, is it? And that is because people define winning in different ways. For many, winning is through the accumulation of money or material possessions. "He's a success, a real winner," they say. Others think winning means living the longest. Still others say that it is to have their body in tip-top shape. Some say it is to have a happy family. Some say it is to regularly enjoy their hobbies.
All of these are fine, in and of themselves. But...
I would like to encourage us to think about winning or success in a different way. Generally, people think of winning as the over-achievement in a particular, chosen area. I like to believe, however, that to truly win at life is not to overachieve in one area but to succeed in maintaining balanced achievement in numerous areas.
Let me repeat that: To truly win, to be a success, is not to overachieve in one area, but to maintain balanced achievement in all areas of our lives.
For instance, is a person of success if they earn millions of dollars but lose their family? Is a person a success if they garner national fame but have no friends? Of course not. In fact, they may live the most pitiful of all lives.
First, Define
So the first thing we must do is define what we will consider "winning in life." As you ponder this for yourself, I would like to recommend that you focus in on three overarching areas: Body, Soul, and Spirit.
The body is that which has actual connection with the physical world and would encompass physical health, financial health, family, work, and relationships.
How is your health? How are your finances? Are your relationships, both with your family and others all that they could be? Is work fulfilling? How would you define winning in these areas?
The next area, the soul, is that which deals with the emotions, will, and intellect. It is our thoughts, ideas, and attitudes.
How are you emotionally? Are you able to exercise your will? Are you growing intellectually? Have you done an attitude check lately? How would you define winning in these areas?
And the spirit is the part of us that transcends this life, the part of us that communes with God. Zig Zigler said, "Money will buy me a house, but not a home, a bed, but not a good night's sleep." So true. Inner peace comes from something much deeper.
Have you thought about going back to your spiritual roots? Are you able to spend time in quiet, solitude, and prayer from time to time? This is an extremely important area and all too often neglected. What would you like to achieve in this area? How would you define winning in these areas?
As we experience balance in these areas, we will find ourselves much more at peace with ourselves than if we were to experience tremendous success in one area but loss or failure in the other areas. We were designed to work as congruent, balanced people. This is how we get to the end of our lives and say, "I won."
Second, Prioritize
Once you have defined what it is that you would like to achieve in each of these areas, you have to prioritize them, and let other, non-important areas drop off the chart. Commit to developing a plan to succeed in a balance of areas. Exercise your will. Choose. Dwight D. Eisenhower said that "The history of free men is written not by chance, but by choice - their choice."
When we manage our time and schedule, we are simply making choices in regard to our priorities. For most, their priority is to take action on whatever is screaming the loudest at the moment. For those who become winners, they reflect on what they desire to achieve, make a plan and decide to eliminate the rest.
Last, Do it
Okay, you have defined winning. You have prioritized your life. Now, the hard part: Doing it. This is where we are all alone. We all make this step on our own, but having a written plan is as good a preparation as you can get. Rather than saying that you are going to do this for the rest of your life, take the next week to implement your new balance of winning. If a week sounds too long, just focus on today. Spend some time, be it ever so small, enhancing your life in these areas. Exercise a little. Read for a while to challenge your mind. Deal with your emotions. Spend time in silent contemplation to renew your spirit. Give some time to your spouse and children. Will Rogers said, "Even if you're on the right track, you won't get anywhere if you're standing still." There has got to be action.
As we do this over time, and balance our lives out, we will begin to finally feel like we are winning at life. That will be exciting, as will the process! About The Author:
Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of
Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn
their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and
achieve their dreams.
To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on
the subject of Secrets of Influence go to
http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.
Do It Yourself Gifts
Sometimes gifts that you purchase are not as personalized as you would like. They do not quite seem to fit the idea you had in mind. For these times, the only t...
How To Create A Homepage That Works
It's the most important page of your entire website. Don't you think you should spend a couple of minutes learning how to make it convert your visitors into buy...
3 Keys for a Great Follow-Up: The Science of Being Pleasantly Persistent
Do YOU recognize the power of a great follow-up? Most sales books and processes don't! They teach you how to close on the spot with high-pressure and alienati...
Arthritis Relief and Your Diet
There is a great deal of debate in the medical world about the effects of overall diet on arthritis and using diet toward alleviating the condition. This articl...
Saw Palmetto
The Herb of All Trades.
Selling a Home – What Personal Property Stays?
The home selling and buying process can be confusing, particularly when it comes to figuring out what items stay with the home. It's even tougher when neither t...
What Are Penis Enlargement Exercises?
Natural penis enlargement exercises are a way to add permanent thickness and length to the penis. It is through these exercises that the penis becomes able to f...
Cut Your Prescription Drug Costs Without Having to Buy Foreign Drugs
Prescription drugs costs for seniors are out-of-control. Do your medications cost too much? Learn practical tips to cut your prescription drug costs.
Mancos Real Estate
If you want to move to Colorado, Mancos might be the right choice. With low-priced real estate and low unemployment in a beautiful setting, it's hard to go wron...
The Census and the E-Commerce Wave
The e-commerce wave is building it strength, with the online sales market growing at a pace considerable faster then conventional retail sales. If you are not ...
Famous Business Strategies
Successful business strategies emerge from a thorough industry and business environment analysis and from the commitment to work.
Master Builders Ask, Do You Know What Design/Build or Design/Construct Means? You Should
Master Builders Say Using the Design / Build process can take a big load off your mind, but as with all things in life, you must understand how it all works; th...
Ritzy Looks From Ancient Greece
Stretch out to wisdom. Learn from the great ones who achieved more than you would dare. What were their strategies? Why did their drive never cease? Who are the...
Are You Ready to Buy a Company?
You might think you are ready to purchase a company ... but, are you really? This might change your mind or motivate you more... read on!
How Taking an HGH Supplement Changed My Life
Find out how taking an HGH supplement gave me back the energy to enjoy my life again.
Branding Advertising Agency
Tips on hiring a branding company.
How to Stop Two Major Business Expenses and Save Thousands of Dollars Every Month
This article talks about how cut down on the unnecessary expenses involved with an Internet Business. Frederic Blanchet, president of Connexions247.com, talks a...
Searching for the Meaning of Life!
Are you looking for the meaning of life?
Positioning For Success
According to military historian David Chandler the campaigns of Napoleon Bonaparte consistently rose above the expected. For more than 20 years Napoleon showed ...
4 Reasons to Feel Safe Submitting an Electronic Medical Claim
The electronic medical claim is nothing new, but it is perhaps a somewhat unsettling idea to many practices and patients because of one question which continual...
Hey Boss, is a Keylogger - Uh Spyware?
A close friend of mine walked into his minority SMB office,
cup of coffee in hand and was blown away by this question
no owner wants to hear coming from his ...
Doing the Abun-Dance: the Art of Prosperous Living
I have been hearing a lot about the "Law of Attraction" the last few years and I have found this model to be quite attractive... gosh, I guess it's working. Any...
Nutrition For Healthy Skin – A Simple Guide
Nutrition for healthy skin - A simple guide, discussing ways to improve your skin by having a healthy balanced diet.
Where to Find Cuckoo Clock Parts
In some places, one might be able to find old men bent over tables with all of the knowledge, expertise and inventory of parts that are necessary to fix a broke...
|
Print this page