The only thing that is limited is time. We all have 24 hours in one day. Other than that—you decide what the subject is: Do you want more money? Do you want more friends in your life? Do you want more recognition? Do you want stronger relationships? You can have anything you want, except time, if you understand specifically what you are after.
Zig Ziglar was noted for saying, “You can get anything you want in life, if you just help enough other people get what they want.”
There is a certain obviousness to the phrase; however, if we add the word “first” to the end of the phrase, then we get a little more direction as to the priority or focus. “You can get anything you want in life, if you just help enough other people get what they want—first.”
Or maybe this modification helps more: “You can get anything you want in life, if you first help enough other people get what they want.”
We can look at this in general, and I will use a simple subject like money to illustrate.
Fill in the blank: I want more _______ because ______.
Fill in the blank: I want to make more money because _________?
Is the reason a selfish reason or a broader meaning reason? In other words, do I want more money so I can spend it on me or because I want to give more away? Or add your own reason—a single, definite reason. Please, don’t say “Both.” That’s the easy answer. Pick one reason. One reason stands out.
The reason or the “why” behind your reason will make all the difference. The strength of your “why” will determine how hard you will act. If it is more of a wish than a true dream or desire, it will not go far. If your “why” is super-powerful, you will do whatever it takes to accomplish it.
Next, whatever you want more of is what you must figure out how to give away. This is all about leading you! You have to know what the plan is. Without a plan, you have no direction.
Continuing to use money as an example, there are only four things you can do with money. You can spend it, save it, invest it, or give it away. If you want more money, then certainly you could and should invest it. If saving it, then you need an amount that is appropriate to save. (A good amount could be based on the adage of having three to six months saved for an emergency.) If you want to spend your money, the next step is to have a reason or reasons for spending it. Finally, if you want to give it away, then have a plan to give it away to make a difference.
If you’d like to chat more about discovering your “why” as you ponder this story further, give us a call. Leadership Harbor believes your why is the key to finding your significance.
Blessings to you, my friend! (And be a blessing to others!)