There’s a book called “Book Yourself Solid” by Michael Port. I read most of it.
Truth be told? I don’t want to book myself solid! I’m serious. Ha!
This week, I’m booked solid. There’s very little white space to be found on the calendar.
The majority of this week is carved out for executive coaching clients, teaching classes at CoachInc, and personal foundation. (Getting my right ear unplugged and seeing a nutritionist.) Oh yeah, I’ll find a way to squeeze in four yoga classes.
On paper, this looks like a successful week.
The question on my mind today is:
How do you define success?
- Lots of cash?
- Having your name appear in a newspaper column?
- A great marriage?
- Healthy children?
I read a short yet targeted piece written by Geoffrey James titled, 10 Questions for Success.
His 10 Questions:
1. Have I made certain that those I love feel loved?
2. Have I done something today that improved the world?
3. Have I conditioned my body to be more strong flexible and resilient?
4. Have I reviewed and honed my plans for the future?
5. Have I acted in private with the same integrity I exhibit in public?
6. Have I avoided unkind words and deeds?
7. Have I accomplished something worthwhile?
8. Have I helped someone less fortunate?
9. Have I collected some wonderful memories?
10. Have I felt grateful for the incredible gift of being alive?
Which question leaps off the screen for you?
Tell me why in the comment sections below.
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One’s personal success is derived from their own personal, ‘end game business’ ;).
Everyone’s idea of success is different and it is all relative. I’ve found that it is usually closely related with an individual’s top five character traits and values.
1 and 10 certainly spoke to me. How often we forget to inform those we love that we appreciate them each and everyday in this bustling life. And speaking of life, I know I’ve been one to easily forget to count blessings for having the gift of life. A very good reminder and very good piece here, Steve.
Thanks for your comments Ryan.
It’s usually the simpler things that give us the greatest feeling of success.
I concur. It’s all relative.
Do you find yourself mapping out these points for the week to achieve your own idea of success?
Good point.
It might be a great exercise to pick a different one each day and zero in on the question and see what happens.
Steve, Loved this post. Your booked solid week sounds pretty good to me. I actually think there’s integration in those two lists. Done well, all the important appointments you describe here provide wonderful opportunities to live the list of 10.
Thanks Karin.
Have a great week!
Hi Steve,
What an awesome post! Well, All of your questions are phenomenal and I think they are all a great way to check ourselves. However, I think this one is the most important for me:
“Have I accomplished something worthwhile?”
Thank you for sharing!
Regards,
Kumar
Thanks Kumar.
So, what have you accomplished today? ;-p
Hello; I think it is encouraging that we are having this conversation. I like your opening premise that having a busy full week doesn’t necessarily mean you are successful. And this is a bit counterintuitive for me. I say that because i grew up in a family of carnival owners, and one of the things i helped with the most was bookings. We would start each year with a big calendar and the ultimate goal was to have at least 40 weeks on it filled with bookings that if not all great at least all solid and profitable. but back to the list you shared i think the one i need to work on is making sure my family and loved ones know they are loved. I think I have done very well wit getting my body in good condition and keeping it that way. i actually downloaded a series of audio recordings about yoga for the blind this weekend. thanks for all the hard work. take care, max
Hey Steve,
Being busy doesn’t necessarily mean being successful but then again, that means different things to different people. Just like what you shared here with this list.
Not that I’m perfect but I’m good with almost everything on this list. Now number 3 and 8 speak could use a little work. I mean I watch what I eat but I’m not probably in great shape. I also work at home and don’t really get out a lot so I could help more people who are less fortunate. I do what I can when I can but it’s definitely not every day.
Thanks for making us think on this one my friend.
~Adrienne
Adrienne, I always thought you were perfect. Disappointing. ;-p
#8 Helping those less fortunate….It’s too much to ask to do something “every” day. How about one day a year?
I volunteer at the Rescue Mission on Thanksgiving (not this year…I was out of town with family) and Christmas serving turkey dinner to the clients.
This activity puts everything in perspective.
First, I have that book, but I’ve never been able to get past the first 40 pages for some reason. Second, I think I succeed only with #5, 6, 8 and 9, and I kind of question myself on two of those. I have my own criteria for where I need to be to consider myself successful and I think I applaud myself in having at least thought about and once chronicled where I feel I need to be to consider myself successful, even if I realize I don’t always exhibit the terms and conditions I need to strive for to feel that way.
At least I’m still pushing it; that’s about as good as it gets for now.
Pushing has a struggle connotation. What would make it easier for you to get where you want to go?
No idea. If I knew that I might be doing it. However, if it was too easy it wouldn’t be worth doing now would it? 🙂
What if it were easy?
Illogical to speculate since it’s not.
My clients think it’s pretty easy. Not always, but most of the time.
Do any of your clients do what I do?
No, though it doesn’t matter.
They’re providing products and services that are widely available with lots of competition. Or, prospects don’t perceive they need them right now.
In spite of the obstacles, they’ve found a way.
If you’re not getting the results you want, what options are available to you?
Didn’t we start with this question? lol I’ve got nothing.