Getting things done- the path to greatness! part1

Getting things done

We all would love to do all the things we say we want to be able to do. Some do a lot less than they want to, others do nothing they want to do. They over use the word 'wish', 'I wish I could do this', 'I wish I could do that'..

I've been there myself. When I was 13 I used to wish I could breakdance. I used to wish I could just go into a crowd and windmill, headspin or backflip(bboying moves). Guess what? Now, if I want to, I can. I turned the words, wants and intentions into actions.

So how do we turn wishes into realities. I think those that have more time have a larger chance of achieving their goals, as most of what I hear people wanting to do does not take money, mostly it takes time. Though, time, and people's lack of it, is used as an excuse everyday, by millions, if not billions. 'What's wrong with that- I AM very busy' I hear you say. Everyone has the same amount of time. You and me, have equal amounts of time. It's what you do with it that counts. If you have a 40/50 hour a week job and you 'wish' you could be a pro footballer, at the age of 33, unless you give up your job and train HARD, then you won't make it. For lesser goals I hear people wanting to learn languages, start businesses, learn to cook, sow, garden, invest, everything you can possibly think of.

So how would I recommend you go about realising your plans of greatness?

5 tips to success in any area:


1.The more you focus the better you become
Everyone has the same amount of time, yes, but to be the best, or very good at something, you need to take out time to do it. Focusing eliminates other distractions. If you want to become pro, train until it is obvious you can, then focus as much as you can on it.

Set time aside to do things you want/need to do

This is obvious, but everyone intends to do something, and then, most of the time, it doesn't get done. So if you want to learn the guitar, block out some time to do it. 30 mins per day will make a difference, 1 hour a day a bigger difference.

2.Write down goals

Even if you do set time apart from your normal daily routine, there's no use learning a bit and never progressing. The way to greatness comes by constantly pushing yourself. I've found if you write goals down, review them every so often, you'll work harder towards them.

3.The Power of Mentors

I've focused on you until now. Really its up to you to commit time and effort, but mentors guide you past their mistakes, so you don't have to make them. Don't be worried if you feel like a groupie, or embarrassed if you are shit at X (languages, business, dance, maths whatever) everyone has been at the beginner stage and if the expert/mentor is arrogant, learn from them and then beat them(in a humble manner)!

4.The power of knowledge

Cheesy, I know. However, knowledge IS power. Ordinarily the people at the top of every field, including sports, beauty, music and other 'non-intellectual' fields, have more knowledge then their counterparts. Knowledge doesn't get you where you want to be automatically. Picture lecturers/academics. They know lots and lots about their field, often they are experts, but in lots of cases they are learning without implementing.

Two great scientists I greatly admire are Newton and Leonardo di Vinci (you can argue with me on this one). Its hard labeling both of these men as they did lot in their lives. Why/how? They applied their knowledge. Newton became an inventor and businessman and da vinci was a phenomenal engineer and scientist as well as artist and sculptor.

So learn. Go out there and learn as much as you can about what you want to do. Books, the internet and mentors are your best bet. Learn, but don't forget to apply the knowledge to the real world!

5.Share your knowledge

Odd, but teaching and explaining your ideas (in business, patent first!!!!)will help formulate them. I'm not one for protectionism as it generally holds everyone back. So once you're the daddy, share your knowledge/wisdom/wealth.
As I love examples I'll use one, but myself this time.

That's all for this entry, check out the part 2...