Review! PBA is about… HABIT 1 is about…

Ever tried putting together a large jigsaw puzzle without looking at the picture on the box? What happens? Here is a quote taken from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: “Would you please tell me which way I ought to walk from here?” “That depends on where you want to go,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where –” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you walk,” said the Cat. What is the idea here?

What is the connection? In both examples, you don’t have a clear picture of where you want to go or what you have to do which can lead to frustration, stress and ultimately a waste of time.  Remember, time is one of the only things that we can’t get back once we use it, so don’t waste it!

What we can learn from the pictureless puzzle and Alice’s quote is: It is important to have an idea of what you want for yourself out of life and of where you want to go with your life, so that you give your life a sense of direction and purpose.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind.

Habit 1 says, “I am the driver of my life” Habit 2 says, “I decide where I want to go and I draw a map of how to get there” What does the ideal “you” look like one year from now, two years, five years, 10 years, etc?

Attention! A map = for the main roads, not for each insignificant detail…

Why do I need a map? 2 reasons: REASON 1: Crossroads of life: you are at a critical stage in your life!!! The path you choose now can affect you forever.

Life is an 80-foot rope; each step represents one year of life years – a child: parents help and guide you teenage: the most important 7 steps (exciting and scary!) – you form your habits of life (examples: choices, feelings, friends, sex, school/learning, work, drugs, etc.) WARNING: choice = consequences 20-80: you continue the way you started… and you cannot go back to change much… (reputation, mistake, regrets) Reason 1, continued:

REASON 2: If you don’t plan, someone else will plan it for you. Don’t “go with the flow” – you’ll end up nowhere. “the road to anywhere is a life to nowhere”

Deciding your path: roadblocks 1) Labels = you can live with them. WARNING!!! Do not believe in them!!! 2) “It’s all over” syndrome = exaggerating WARNING!!! It's never over! Don't give up! 3) Wrong priorities = when you choose what others say and not what is really important to you WARNING!!! It's a waste of time These roadblocks can be avoided by making a small adjustment or change. Small changes can make a huge difference.

So you have a map. GREAT! Now what? What’s the point of having a map if you’re not going to use it? You can get there! Have you ever thought of setting a goal for yourself? If ever you want to feel a sense of accomplishment, of satisfaction, of control, set yourself a goal! Here’s how – 5 steps:

Goal setting: 5 steps you need to take to get there… ▫1: count the cost: Am I willing to make the sacrifice? Divide big goals into step-by-step stages. ▫2: Put it in pen: write it down! more powerful when written. ▫3: Just do it!: make the commitment ▫4: Use the right moments: make commitments when you’re in the mood ▫5: Rope up: get help/support/strength from others. 2+ is better than 1.

Remember that… Sticking to your goal when you don’t feel like it is the true test of your character. “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe the hand of man can achieve” (Napoleon) (will = way)

Carpe Diem! Seize the day Make your life extraordinary!

You have the right to be here “Life is a mission, not a career” A mission has a cause: “how can I make a difference?” “…we can do small things in great ways” (Mother Theresa)