Waiting on Someday

I am a big believer of dreaming big. You need to be able to stretch your dream muscles so that you can envision a life that is better than the one in which you currently live (if you want that!). I believe it is important to take the time to meditate, dream, pray, etc. so that you can "see" that life you want.

Frankly, I think it's vital.

The problem is, that is where most people stop. Even those that want to change their current circumstances won't go further. They "think" about it. They dream about it. But what do they actually DO about it?

It's amazing to me how few people actually write down their goals. It's a simple act. And pretty much every success book, blog, article or magazine says this is an important activity for success. These experts will tell you to dream big, then write down your goals on a regular basis. The act of writing it down, they will tell you, is a powerful, simple step toward making your dream a reality. They can even state studies that show this to be true.

But most people don't do it. Why?

I think most people want something better for themselves, but they are waiting on the dreaded "someday." Someday is the future horizon where everything will line up perfectly. "Someday when the bills are paid...when the kids are out of school...when I get an inheritance...when the economy is better." People are waiting for a someday that never comes. Because there is never a PERFECT time to jump. If you wait for their perfect day...you will never change.

The greatest distance in the world is the distance between "I know" and "I do." The dreamers of the world "know" what they need to do. They dream, they think and they plan. Those who are successful take the next step into action.

What are you going to DO today to make your future dreams come true?

Thinking Win-Win

I totally understand this is not a new concept. Ever since I read the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, I have been aware of the idea of looking for Win-Win solutions to challenges.

But the more I have an opportunity to be in business for myself, the more I see the power in this concept...and the more I see them as a REAL possibility for each of us.

Covey's concept was simple. So many of us enter discussions, situations, relationships, and negotiations with the idea that for me to win, you have to lose. This way is adversarial by nature and certainly does not create relationships we want to maintain. Even if we are the winner, the loser will look for any way to leave the agreement, or break it. There is no trust.

But if you enter these discussions with the idea that each party needs to win, then you see things differently. You take the time to understand things from their perspective. The irony is, by doing so, you often see solutions that you didn't see before. You can often see a way to meet the other person's needs that they have not asked for. You can great a win-win.

I strive to create Win-Win's in my life. I am certainly not perfect, but I do pride myself in being able to see another person's perspective. I don't always agree with them...but frankly I think that is okay too.

I am currently involved in a new project called www.efrugality.com that I think is a great example of win-win. Small businesses that participate with us have the opportunity to promote their business for free. Consumers have the opportunity to have great savings in shopping, while supporting local businesses. This is a bit of a new concept, but we think it will work. We believe it because it is a win-win.

Are you seeking out Win-Win's in your relationships or business? They are there if you look!