7 Tips that will lead to reaping benefits in 2021

BY CLEVE DeSOUZA

Building a successful future requires working hard today. Don’t get discouraged by that statement. Working hard may be easier than you think.

For the final quarter of 2020, we’re focused on achieving more. It’s proven that in order to have more, you must be more and do more. This week, we continue a three-part series focused on that equation. In the first article, we explained how to be more. This week, we focus on how to do more. Our final 2020 article later this month will explain how to have more.

Doing more requires discipline, which is an intimidating concept for many. Relax, though. Here are seven tips to help you start building discipline. If you start following these tips today, you will reap the rewards in 2021.

1. Stop procrastinating. Do it now. Successful people do not procrastinate. Think back on the times you’ve procrastinated. Experts say as many as 95% of us procrastinate at least some of the time. There are tips to help you overcome this fatal flaw. Some of the top tips include creating (and using) to-do lists or schedules. It also helps to tackle boring jobs first thing and then move onto the tasks you enjoy. Whatever you do, find a method that works for you.

2. Leverage failure. You read that right. If you’re going to succeed, you will experience failures along the way. When you fail, you learn. Successful people learn from their failures and do better the next time around. Unsuccessful people let failures stop them. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Instead, accept them as an important part of the learning process.

3. Keep learning. Ignorance is not bliss. If you want to try something, then immerse yourself in learning everything you can about the topic. This takes time and energy, but when you’re learning about something you enjoy, it won’t feel like work.

4. Plan to succeed. Every successful business begins with a plan. Every successful household operates with a financial plan (also called a budget). Whatever you’re trying to achieve, you must begin with a written plan for the steps you will take to reach your dreams. If you can, share your plan with someone else. Then ask them to check in on you. This type of accountability can help overcome procrastination too.

5. Make bold decisions. If you want to change your life, you’ll need to be decisive and committed to taking difficult steps. Bold decisions lead to bold lives.

6. Listen to experienced advisors. You don’t have to do this alone. Surround yourself with experts who can help guide you along the way.

7. Make decisions based on data, not emotions. You can get objective data from trusted advisors. You also can look up statistics or information online. As you grow, learn who is willing to challenge you. If your family and friends always agree with you, it will be much harder to grow and learn.

None of these changes will be easy to implement. But one side benefit of committing to the hard work of self-improvement is you may find yourself enjoying your life more.

In the words of Andrea Bain, television host and author, “Pay attention to yourself. Build on who you are. Become a whole person. Enjoy life.”