Success Leaves Clues

Jack Canfield's Success Principle #9

Today's lesson from Jack Canfield's book, Success Principles, teaches us to look for the clues around us that someone else has already done what we're hoping to achieve.

(1) Figure out who has already accomplished what you want to do.
If we pay attention, we can model ourselves after others who have already achieved what we want. They are:

-teachers
-facilitators
-advisors
-coaches
-consultants

One of the most effective ways to learn from successful people is to simply ask them for advice. This summer, I met with a well-known author and former college instructor to ask her for guidance in getting my book published. It took a little nerve to do this, but I was pleasantly surprised. She was very happy to share her thoughts with me about how to improve my novel for publication.

Most successful people leave clues about their work in the form of:

-books
-manuals
-audio programs
-online classes

Jesus is the greatest teacher of all time. If we want to grow in our faith, all we have to do is ask him for advice. He has also left us with an exhaustive manual that is filled with wisdom. Through Scripture, we can discover some of the greatest secrets of the universe.

Reading the Bible can help us to grow spiritually, and so can other Christians who have been traveling along the same path for longer than we have. Proverbs 13:10 reads, Wisdom is found in those who take advice.

(2) Think about why you haven't been seeking out clues.

-It never occurs to us.
-It's inconvenient.
-We're afraid of rejection.
-Change is uncomfortable.
-It's hard work.

I think that I've fizzled out on achieving some dreams, because I get sidetracked by other dreams. While some people never dream of doing anything, I dream of doing too much. I get so many irons in the fire that I eventually feel so overwhelmed that I give up.

Writing down my 101 life goals, putting the most pressing ones on 3 x 5 cards, and narrowing the focus of my Goals Book really helps me to keep my eye on the one or two prizes I'm working toward at the moment.

Right now, I've got three major projects going: writing, quilting, and healing touch training. Keeping all of these balls in the air is a challenge, but Jack's success principles are helping me to remain balanced.

Today's Challenge
Seek out a teacher, mentor, coach, manual, or book to help you learn more about one of your goals. Set up a 30- to 60-minute meeting with someone successful and ask them what they did to achieve their dream. If possible, make arrangements to shadow someone, volunteer, or intern in a position that moves you closer to your goal.