Decide!

About a year ago, my husband and I decided to join our first network marketing organization. Even though we are both working full time and have good jobs, we thought it would be a good way to be able to spend more time together, and we also figured that with the current economy, it’s always best to have a plan B.

Because we had no experience in this area at all, we knew that preparation was going to be the key. I also knew that we had already taken the first critical step in achieving our dreams and goals because we had DECIDED that that’s what we wanted to do.  I thought about the word DECIDE, and it truly is an extraordinarily powerful word.  In fact, I used this amazing word to put together a six step program that you can use to accomplish your dreams and goals, whether in network marketing or anything else you want to achieve in life.   

The “D” stands for DREAM. What do you want your life to look like in five years? Why do you want to accomplish this goal? Your “why” is the most important thing you can possibly discover. If you’re in this just “to get rich.” Chances are you’re going to fail, because the money will never come quickly enough – and if it does, it’s never enough. Maybe your why is spending more time with your kids. Maybe it’s being able to sleep until you’re done. Maybe it’s travel. Maybe it’s being able to have the satisfaction of reaching deep into your pocket on a Sunday morning and hearing the clunk of the wad of cash as it hits the bottom of the collection plate.  Whatever your “why” is, make it significant and powerful. You why may not be a dream after all – it may be a dread. You may wake up one day and ask, “What will my life look like in 5 years if I continue to do the same thing I’m doing now?” For some, that question alone is scary enough to try something different. Dream Big and start the process!
 
 
The “E” is for EDUCATE. What do you have to learn in order to accomplish your dreams and goals? Do you need to go back to school? Do you need to read books about the industry or product? Do you need to subscribe to trade journals? It’s been said that “readers are leaders” and also that “Learners are earners.” If you don’t have time to read, how about learning while you drive? A study by the University of Southern California found that if you live in a city and drive 12,000 miles a year, you can get the equivalent of a two-year college education every three years by listening to audiobooks while you drive. Do what you can to learn as much as you can. Education will prepare you for the ups and down – and the surprises – that you’ll run into along the way
 
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The “C” is for COMMIT. This is a big one!  There is no line drawn in the sand here, folks. Know that if your goal takes you 6 months or 6 years or 16 years, it just doesn’t matter. You are in this to win this and the only way you can fail is to quit. Having a dream (or a dread) that is significant enough makes committing to its achievement that much easier. . Mack R. Douglas once said, ““The achievement of your goal is assured the moment you commit yourself to it.” Very powerful words indeed!
 

The “I” is for IDENTIFY the steps you need to take to get there. Put together a business plan and set your goals. Figure out what you need to do step-by-step. If you’re planning a 5 year goal, start with where you want to be in 5 years and work backwards. Write them down! Remember, a goal that is not written down is just a wish. Make sure your goals are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Review your goals on regular basis – whether it is daily, weekly or monthly. Consistency is important. As you achieve each step, make sure you reward yourself along the way. After all, the journey should be fun too!

Just like Nike says, the next “D” is to just DO it. You can dream and read and visualize all day long, but without taking daily action to move forward, you’re not going to get anywhere near reaching your goals. Jack Canfield said, “As you begin to take action toward the fulfillment of your goals and dreams, you must realize that not every action will be perfect. Not every action will produce the desired result. Not every action will work. Making mistakes, getting it almost right, and experimenting to see what happens are all part of the process of eventually getting it right.” And as famously said by Thomas Edison about his invention of the light bulb, "I have not failed 10,000 times; I have successfully discovered 10,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb." So, just go out and take action. Do the 20% of the activities that are going to get 80% of the results. Don’t be afraid to mess up – just learn from your mistakes, get over your big bad self, and move on. You need to take action to move forward.
 
           
No matter what your goals and dreams are, chances are good that you’re not going to do it alone. So the “E” is to EXPRESS GRATITUDE to those who have helped you get to where you are. As Mary Kay Ash said, “Everyone has an invisible sign around their neck that says ‘Make me feel important.’” Send a hand written thank you note to those who helped you, mentored you, or went out of their way for you. If you show sincere appreciation, you will inspire others that they can accomplish their goals as well. Always pay it forward, and show gratitude for all you have.
 
 
So, what does all this mean? Have a dream, Educate yourself, Commit to it, Identify the steps you need to take, Do what you need to do, and Express Gratitude to those who have helped you along the way. In short – DECIDE. Decide once and for all that you will see this through to the end and that you will reach your goal. Commitment comes from within. So commit with all your heart and muster all your willpower to persevere, no matter what. Remember, if you want something bad enough, you will find a way to achieve it. Decide that you will make it and claim your victory!