You’re a WIP (Work In Progress)

Life is a journey, not a destination.

In business and in life there are times we are tempted to think we’ve arrived.

The day you start a job, open a business, get promoted, win a new account or buy/sell something significant is the day you have just STARTED the journey!

Dangerous time

There is the danger of drawing back, settling down, relaxing standards or letting things go. We think we have arrived, we stop and lose momentum. It stops growth which means we effectively die.

How many times have you seen a business gain a significant win, only to lose the momentum that earned the win in the first place? All the teamwork, creative thinking, and time put into winning the business is gone when the euphoria dies and the everyday hard work begins. People relax, lose enthusiasm and eventually the win becomes a loss!

Celebration should be followed by Education

Learning and growing into the next stage of life, keeping the drive and commitment going.

Learn & Grow

When you hear a speaker, take notes – you may only get one good point but it gives you ideas. Even if you disagree, start noting down why and what you would do, it’s amazing how much you will learn!
Use your car as a university – listen to CDs on areas you need help, leadership or business principles.
Read and learn – look for books and materials by those who have done it, people who have achieved in life, not just self-help or motivational books.
Apply at least one idea – from whatever you read or hear to your business, career or relationship.
Sow positive things into each day – look for things that are encouraging rather than the negative, bad reports that are all around.

Don’t compare yourself with others

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.”

St Paul

Paul’s advice is wise - some people will look like they are doing a better job and you will get disheartened. Others won’t be as effective in some areas so you can develop an arrogant attitude. We are all on a journey, remember - all the apples on a tree don’t ripen at the same time.

Don’t neglect what is most important in life

Remember, there is more to life than a successful business or a well-paid job. If we fail to learn and grow in our relationships and our own character, nothing we build is likely to stand – don’t neglect your spirit, learn to grow in every aspect along your journey.

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold."

Proverbs 3:13&14

Peter Irvine
www.peterirvine.com
Peter is Co-Founder of Gloria Jean’s Coffees, author of "Win In Business", speaker and business consultant.

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