|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
Create Success-With Whatever You Have! 7 Practices for Creating What Matters Most In Life And Work
Copyright (c) 2006-2010 Bruce Elkin
Have you heard about the stranger in New York who wanted to visit Carnegie Hall?
When no one would stop to give him directions, he approached a man carrying a violin case.
"Sir," he asked, "what's the best way to get to Carnegie Hall?"
Jascha Heifetz, one of the world's finest violinists, leaned forward, tapped the visitor on the chest, and said, "There is only one way to get to Carnegie Hall-practice, practice, practice!"
SEVEN PRACTICES FOR CREATING ALMOST ANYTHING
These 7 practices are no magic formula. But they will help you create outstanding results-with whatever you start with.
1. Create a clear, compelling vision of what you want to create.
Focus on the result you want to create.
"Lose weight," becomes "A lean, athletic body."
"Quit smoking," becomes "A non-smoker with clean, healthy lungs."
"Get out debt," become "$10,000 per month doing what I love."
It's fine to start with concepts such as "success," or "a better business." However, power comes from focusing concepts into visions. Picture the specifics of what you want to create.
What would it look like if you were successful? How would your business be better?
Which is more compelling? The concept, "A new car," or the vision, "A candy-apple red, Miata convertible with a black top, beige leather seats, and a six-speaker Alpine CD system?"
Vision does not have to be realistic; it has to be what you truly want. So, stretch for what matters; let your aspirations soar. Grounding vision in reality is the next step.
2. Assess Reality Accurately and Objectively
Vision by itself has little power. Unless it is grounded in reality, it is wishful thinking.
You need to know your destination AND starting point. If you want to go to Denver, and think you are in LA but are actually in Boston, you will not succeed.
Judging it reality distorts it. For example, we say, "Everything is screwed up," when only a part is not going well. Or, "Everything is great," when it isn't. Distorting reality creates a shaky foundation for action.
The key is to describe reality accurately and objectively. Instead of "Everything is screwed up," say, "This part is not working; the rest is."
Describing reality establishes a solid foundation for successful action.
3. Hold Vision and Reality Together to Set Up Creative Tension
Holding vision and reality together sets up a gap out of which a useful, creative tension emerges. Creative tension is the engine of creating.
It replaces the emotional tension and generates the energy to move from where you are to where you want to be.
Imagine a rubber band stretched between Vision and Current Reality. The tension in it can resolve in three ways.
Let go of your vision and give up your goals.
Lower your vision and compromise your goals.
Or hold vision firmly and change reality so you move toward the result you want to create.
Holding vision and reality together sets up an organizing framework in which you can experiment, learn from experience, and shape results.
Your job is to resolve creative tension by making choices and taking actions that support your results.
4. Take Small Steps. Create and adjust.
Many of us are closet perfectionists. We demand first steps be perfect. So, either we give up when we falter, or fear of failing prevents us from getting started.
To get started, take small steps. Work backward from vision to first steps by asking, "Can I do this today?" If you can't do it, ask, "What must I do first?"
If your vision is to be fit enough to run a half-marathon but you get winded walking up stairs, you obviously can't do it today. So what must you do first?
Build an aerobic base. Can you do that today? No. What must you do first?
Use the questions to work back to small, easy steps you can do today. Taking them increase confidence, builds momentum, and helps you stretch toward larger steps.
5. Build Momentum
Momentum is more important than motivation. It generates energy that keeps you going when motivation fades. If you get stuck, or things don't go well, try this:
1. Notice what is happening and what you say about it, others, and yourself.
2. Does what you say support what you want? Is it true? Is it accurate and objective? If it isn't, make it so.
3. Then ask, "What DO I want?" Envision your result fully completed.
4. Choose whatever action occurs to you and try it.
5. Keep trying-create and adjust-until you complete the result.
Like rocking a car, you can use this technique to get unstuck when you are angry, frustrated, depressed, or facing adversity. It shifts your focus from problem solving to creating. It flips your mood from negative to energetic.
Most important, it keeps you moving and builds momentum toward results.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Few of us are born with the skills and talent to achieve our visions. But we are learners. We can try, adjust our actions, and practice until the new becomes natural.
Practice may not make you perfect, but it will make you better. The road to success always runs through better.
One of my clients wanted to be a "Great public speaker." But, because she judged she was "not good," she felt bad and didn't practice. I helped her see she "wasn't good, yet." I also helped her see that, instead of demanding she be good, she'd do better to focus on getting better. In no time, she was making money as a speaker.
Making success an all or nothing jump often leaves you with nothing.
7. Know When You Reach Your Goal
It's not enough to say, "I want to be successful." Without guidelines for judging results, you are like a dog chasing its tail, seeking success but never knowing when you achieve it.
To harness creating's power, you need to know when you've completed your creation. This is why vision is best when it's specific. Assess your result against the specifics and see if it matches. If it doesn't, keep working at it. If it does, you're done. =Celebrate.
Completing a creation generates new energy you can use to initiate new creations.
So finish fully and celebrate your success. Then, start on your next result. Success builds on success.
"Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it," Goethe advised, "Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
So why not be bold. Stretch for what matters-with whatever you have. Then, practice these techniques, and see if you don't create the geat results you long for.
|
Bruce Elkin is a writer, coach, and consultant who helps individuals and organizations create what matters most-in spite of problems, circumstances, and adversity. His ebook Emotional Mastery: Manage Your Moods and Create What Matters Most-With Whatever Life Gives You is available on his website at: http://www.BruceElkin.com.
|
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Career Articles || Related Categories: Self Improvement Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Bruce Elkin
From Fit to Stretch: Skills for Creating Success On Your Terms
Written by: Bruce Elkin |
Distributed: 2008-03-12 |
Word Count: 1176 |
Page Views: 579
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.70
Abraham Maslow once said we long to be "that which we glimpse
in our most perfect moments." But, he also pointed out we are
often afraid to live up to the potential we see in those moments.
As years pass and we fail to act on what we could be, the
glimpses fade.
Take A Stand for Your Own Greatness
Written by: Bruce Elkin |
Distributed: 2008-03-06 |
Word Count: 851 |
Page Views: 622
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.00
20 years ago, I took an instructor's course to learn how to
help people create what matters most. Despite my shyness and
inexperience in such work, the course was extraordinary.
Get the Raise You Deserve
Written by: Bruce Elkin |
Distributed: 2008-02-25 |
Word Count: 944 |
Page Views: 607
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.33
"If I don't get more money, I'm going to quit this stupid
job." That's how a client described one of her important goals
to me. When I asked her if this was a new goal, she replied,
"No. I always say that, but I never get the raise I want.
It's not fair."
Saying 'Yes' to Life
Written by: Bruce Elkin |
Distributed: 2008-02-15 |
Word Count: 982 |
Page Views: 619
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.00
o you ever gripe and complain about life? About what happens to
you, or what you have or do not have? I used to, a lot. I hoped
complaining would make things better. But it didn't. In spite
of my tendency to whine, I was a doer. I did not like teaching
public school. So I left and created programs for environmental
education and wilderness leadership. I started to write. I set
up my own business.
When the 'Blues' Last For Weeks - Part One
Written by: Bruce Elkin |
Distributed: 2008-02-07 |
Word Count: 1067 |
Page Views: 724
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.25
Do you feel tired too much of the time. Or sad, empty? Has life
lost its spark? Does your body have the blues? Have you felt
this way for more than a few weeks? Do you wonder, "Am I
depressed? Or just out of sorts?" These days, many wonder if
they are depressed. And with good reason.
How to Build Healthy Optimism and Lasting Resilience - Part Two
Written by: Bruce Elkin |
Distributed: 2008-02-07 |
Word Count: 1126 |
Page Views: 790
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.75
We face more adversity every day. So do our kids. But some of
us thrive, while others drop into dperession, or worse. What
accounts for that difference? Adversity, by itself, does not
cause depression. Many of us make adversity worse by taking a
pessimistic stance toward it. We dwell on the worst aspects of
what happens to us.
How To Be Happy -- With Whatever Life Gives You!
Written by: Bruce Elkin |
Distributed: 2008-01-28 |
Word Count: 1087 |
Page Views: 1733
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.09
The way we make ourselves happy is unique to each of us. But the ways we make ourselves unhappy are remarkably common to all of us. So, perhaps, by not doing the things that makes us unhappy, we can create more space for deep and lasting happiness we long for.
How to Overcome Adversity and Create Outstanding Results in Life and Work!
Written by: Bruce Elkin |
Distributed: 2008-01-23 |
Word Count: 918 |
Page Views: 1058
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.57
Learning to overcome adversity helps you produce great
results--in life, work, and relationships--even when
the going is tough.
The Diderot Effect: Staying Simple In The City
Written by: Bruce Elkin |
Distributed: 2008-01-15 |
Word Count: 919 |
Page Views: 1066
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.92
Recently, I experienced my own encounter with the Diderot Effect.
I moved to the city, and struggled to avoid an outburst
consumerism.
Jumpstart Your Success-And Keep It Jumping! 7 Great Questions to Move You From Vision to Results
Written by: Bruce Elkin |
Distributed: 2008-01-07 |
Word Count: 1162 |
Page Views: 1187
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.56
Tony came to me because he was stuck. Nan came because she was
drifting. Both had potential and tried hard. But neither could
pull the pieces together to create success. Each made progress,
then fell back, stuck or drifting again. Both spent too much time
and money trying to figure out "how" to create success.
Sound like you? If so, perhaps you, too, ask the wrong
questions.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Bruce Elkin Articles
Most Recent "Career" Articles
The Perspective of Dawn
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2010-03-15 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 304
For years, I have been a night owl as opposed to an early
bird. I embrace beautiful sunsets, bur rarely, on purpose,
strive to witness a glorious sunrise. Recently while on a
Caribbean cruise, with Diane Ackerman's book in hand, I
challenged myself to be an early riser to discover the
beauty of sunrise rather than my standard, sunset. It was a
chance to try a different perspective. And, it was rather
enjoyable.
The Top Ten Mistakes Made in Job Interviews and How to Avoid Them
Written by: Cecile Peterkin |
Distributed: 2010-03-11 |
Word Count: 650 |
Page Views: 551
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 3.00
A job interview is your chance to shine. Now that you've
been given this opportunity, it's critical that you don't
waste it. Here are the top ten mistakes made in job
interviews and how to avoid them.
The Decline and Fall of the Retirement Empire
Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 1317 |
Page Views: 303
"I have a pension and it'll have to be enough!" As a
financial Advisor over the past 10 years I have often heard
this statement. It was difficult 10 years ago to explain to
future retirees why this was an impossible belief to hold.
10 years ago no one would believe the changes that would
occur in our world view.
Plan Ahead: Your Personal Body Art May Carry An Unforeseen Cost
Written by: Eileen Howerton |
Distributed: 2010-02-25 |
Word Count: 532 |
Page Views: 276
Over half of all tattoos that are given each year are
spontaneous, and given without plan or thought. While these
tattoos seemed like a great idea at the time, many young
people are finding out that these tattoos are costing them
more than the charge to have them put on.
New Year Still Is A Time Of Uncertainty For Economy
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2010-02-02 |
Word Count: 509 |
Page Views: 319
As we look back on the first decade of the new millennium,
we realize in many ways it was a dud and disappointment. We
witnessed the World Trade Towers being toppled with
senseless terrorism. We closed the decade with the toppling
of the global economy that resulted in high unemployment and
massive job loss for young and old, skilled and unskilled.
She's After Your Money
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2009-12-14 |
Word Count: 460 |
Page Views: 245
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 0.00
Who would you rather be? The guy who had just managed to
inherit a tidy sum from a bank before he left and had
$700,000 in the bank... but had no money and limited skill?
Or the guy who had invested the last five years of his life
to gain the knowledge to practice as a specialist in this
country with highly sought after skills. Many people would
probably say the first guy.
Job Searching and Staying Marketable in a Recession
Written by: Cecile Peterkin |
Distributed: 2009-08-11 |
Word Count: 507 |
Page Views: 445
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.63
Job searching is never fun, nor is it something that is
particularly comfortable for the majority of people out
there. It can be frustrating, but ultimately, it can prove
to be an extremely rewarding experience. There are
additional challenges that exist, however, when it comes to
job searching in a recession. Here are some helpful tips to
ensure you'll be successful.
Volunteer Abroad with a Clean Conscience
Written by: Stephen Knight |
Distributed: 2009-08-06 |
Word Count: 923 |
Page Views: 380
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.67
Guidance for anyone thinking of volunteering abroad who is
concerned about the negative impact of air travel.
The LPI Certification Is The De Facto Standard For Linux Professionals
Written by: Frank Pines |
Distributed: 2009-07-10 |
Word Count: 543 |
Page Views: 513
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 1.89
With its certification programs, the Linux Professional Institute
(LPI) has constantly raised the bar of excellence. It has
continuously provided support to Linux professionals to meet the
industry demands for expert skills. LPI has been acknowledged
universally as a leader in providing professional help with
Linux, Open Source, and Free Software.
How To Say No!
Written by: Carol Chanel |
Distributed: 2009-07-09 |
Word Count: 912 |
Page Views: 564
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 3.08
We've all have had the experience where we meant to say no to
someone. We knew it was going to be difficult but we were
determined this time. Then next thing you know, we're saying
yes. How did that happen? Why did that happen? Do you notice that
the very people you mean to say no to, are the ones who seem to
draw the life energy out of you?
Most Viewed "Career" Articles
Why Becoming a Pharmacist Means You Don't Have to Worry About Student Loans
Written by: Jennifer Charleston |
Distributed: 2008-09-26 |
Word Count: 692 |
Page Views: 10747
| Votes: 59 |
Rating: 2.97
So you want to become a pharmacist but are not sure where to
start? Unlike other careers, there really is only one way to go
about becoming a pharmacist. And that is to attend a university
and gain a degree. For this reason all prospective pharmacists
must have fantastic study abilities as well as the commitment to
see out a long six year degree.
Questions You Should Ask During The Job Interview
Written by: Carole Martin |
Distributed: 2006-09-14 |
Word Count: 680 |
Page Views: 3105
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.10
At some point, usually at the conclusion of the interview, you
may be asked, "Do you have any questions?" A common answer to
this question is, "No, I think you've covered everything very
well." This is the wrong answer!
Job Interview Answers - What To Say If You Got Fired
Written by: Bob Firestone |
Distributed: 2007-03-12 |
Word Count: 747 |
Page Views: 2862
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.62
Have you ever been fired from a job? Use these winning job
interview answers to beat this tough question and get hired into
the job you want.
Pieces of Gold in Those Job Postings
Written by: Carole Martin |
Distributed: 2006-06-22 |
Word Count: 452 |
Page Views: 2727
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 2.00
Job Postings are "pieces of gold." They are your customer's
wish lists. Any sales person would tell you that in order to sell
someone something you have to know what they need. Read through
job postings to find out what your customer (the employer) is
looking for - what is the need?
The Pros and Cons of Teaching Abroad
Written by: Justin Burch |
Distributed: 2006-10-31 |
Word Count: 720 |
Page Views: 2719
| Votes: 18 |
Rating: 3.22
As it has been said, teaching abroad isn't for everybody. Each
program you will encounter will require some prerequisites and
the proper attitude, but will offer unique challenges and
personal incentives to the right individual. Here is an
impartial analysis of opportunities confronting both sides of
the arguments you need to consider before deciding to teach
abroad
Key to Success: 10 Success Tips for Maximum Achievement
Written by: Sharif Khan |
Distributed: 2006-05-23 |
Word Count: 1787 |
Page Views: 2518
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 3.39
First off, I would echo the voice of 18th century French
philosopher Voltaire, made popular and relevant in today's
leadership lexicon by "Good to Great" author Jim Collins,
who said, "Good is the Enemy of Great."
Is Tithing The Road To Abundance Or New Age Nonsense?
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2006-06-14 |
Word Count: 866 |
Page Views: 2488
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.17
You may be familiar with the principle of tithing- giving a
certain percentage of your earnings to those in need. You may
have
also heard that what you give, will come back to you twice-over,
three-times over, seven-fold, or ten-fold. Different traditions
have different formulas. Some people swear by it. Others just
end up swearing as their financial obligations mount.
One Star that Doesn't Need to Shine: The truth behind the Order of the Eastern Star
Written by: Siobhan Gamble |
Distributed: 2007-07-09 |
Word Count: 831 |
Page Views: 2453
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 1.38
Standing firm by the side of the organization that many of us
know as Freemasonry, is a woman's auxiliary which was founded in
1868 known as the Order of the Eastern Star. It is the largest
Fraternal Organization in the world. Also known as the "Star",
OES is only open to women with specific Masonic affiliation and
men who are Master Masons.
How To Leave Your Job In A Powerful Way
Written by: Deborah Brown-Volkman |
Distributed: 2007-03-14 |
Word Count: 553 |
Page Views: 2309
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 2.29
Have you accepted a job offer that you are excited about, but
feel a bit guilty over the fact that you are leaving? Feeling
conflicted about leaving a job is normal. Even though it may not
have been the right job for you anymore, you still spent time
there every day. You met people you liked. You had a routine you
were used to. You were in familiar surroundings.
How to Know if You'll Make a Good Police Officer
Written by: Jennifer Charleston |
Distributed: 2008-09-24 |
Word Count: 789 |
Page Views: 2263
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 3.25
Becoming a police officer means you'll be taking on the most
noble of jobs. Police officers are highly respected members of
any community who risk their life daily in order to protect
citizens. For this reason, becoming a police officer can be risky
although very exciting. No two days are ever the same for a
police officer out in the field.
Highest Ranked "Career" Articles
You Give What You Get In Your Career
Written by: Deborah Brown-Volkman |
Distributed: 2007-01-23 |
Word Count: 653 |
Page Views: 921
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.83
How do you treat the people you work with? Do you say hello in
the morning or stare at something else as you walk by? Are you
friendly or aloof? Are you only nice to those that you deem as
necessary or can further your career?
Good Memory Equals Greater Success
Written by: Kent Jacobson a.k.a. Mr. Success |
Distributed: 2006-08-24 |
Word Count: 423 |
Page Views: 1460
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.80
There are two important parts to your memory: concentration and recall.
The Rapid Job Growth of Medical Assistants
Written by: Mark Stout, BSc, MD |
Distributed: 2008-08-14 |
Word Count: 631 |
Page Views: 833
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.80
Medical assisting is one of the fastest growing health care jobs.
As the American and global population of western countries
continues to age, this high growth of many health care jobs is
expected to continue through at least the next decade andh
employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking
medical assistants among the fastest growing occupations over the
2006-16 decade. Job opportunities should be excellent,
particularly for those with formal training.
Online Medical Assistant Schools
Written by: Mark Stout, BSc, MD |
Distributed: 2008-06-05 |
Word Count: 399 |
Page Views: 1147
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.67
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to
keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and
other health practitioners running smoothly. The duties of
medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the
location and size of the practice and the practitioner's
specialty.
Federal Jobs Are Plentiful
Written by: Benji O. Anosike |
Distributed: 2009-02-26 |
Word Count: 1351 |
Page Views: 539
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.63
Think there are no job hiring anywhere in america today? Have you
tried to job search in one place? Truth is, there are plenty of
federal jobs with the federal government right now, with even
increased worker hiring scheduled. And here's how and where!
You Gotta Go Through
Written by: Deborah Brown-Volkman |
Distributed: 2007-04-25 |
Word Count: 676 |
Page Views: 1311
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.57
Are you facing a situation in your career that you thought you'd
never face? Working in a job that you are overqualified for?
Reporting to a boss that doesn't get or like you? Unemployed
after years of hard work? Interviewing endlessly when in the past
jobs came to you?
Interviewing And The Electric Toothbrush
Written by: Carole Martin |
Distributed: 2007-01-18 |
Word Count: 697 |
Page Views: 953
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.56
Many electric toothbrushes have a shut off mechanism that turns
off the toothbrush after two minutes of brushing – which is the
time that someone decided was enough teeth-brushing for any one
period.
How To Get What You Want In Your Career
Written by: Deborah Brown-Volkman |
Distributed: 2006-09-26 |
Word Count: 619 |
Page Views: 915
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.50
We all have something that we want in our career. Some people see
potential where they work, so they want a big promotion and a
large raise. Other people are ready for a change, so they want a
different job or a new career. What do you want?
Considering a Graphic Design Career? Here's What You Absolutely Must Know
Written by: Jennifer Charleston |
Distributed: 2008-09-11 |
Word Count: 832 |
Page Views: 1266
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.44
Does a career as a graphic designer appeal to you? If so, you're
not alone. This career path is becoming a popular one due to the
fact that many students now have easy access to affordable
graphic design programs at home. Many students are taking up
graphic design as a hobby and then choose to later further their
skill with a solid education in graphic design.
Successful Federal Resume Writing Tips
Written by: Jason Kay |
Distributed: 2007-01-17 |
Word Count: 1108 |
Page Views: 1108
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.43
Applying for a federal job may seem a bit intimidating, due to
the long list of special requirements regarding your application.
One of the requirements is a resume in a certain format, known
as a federal resume.
|
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Find This Article Title In The Search Engines:
Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil
Last Distribution Date:
2007-12-25 10:12:00
Word Count: 1103
Total Views: 1388
Views This Month: 2
Views Last Month: 25
Article Rating: 3.73 of 5
Votes Cast: 11
Author Overall Stats:
Times Viewed Overall: 13381
Author Overall Rating:
2.79 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 129
More Articles By This Author:
Articles On This Website
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Home
for Writers
for Publishers
Article Directory
Article Search
Get RSS Feed
