At certain points in our life, we want to be able to say, “I won!” If possible, we want to be able to say it everytime. Of course, we won’t be able to do this. But we want to be able to do so in appropriate times.
Today, let us look into two ideas embedded in these two words: own and now.
OWN. You have to own your roles, responsibilities and your feelings. Don’t relinquish them to other people.
Role. Oftentimes, you are given a role that you have to own. You have to take charge. If you are given the role of a supervisor, then own the responsibility as a supervisor. If you are given the responsibility of a staff member, then own the responsibility as a staff member. Do your task. Contribute. Share your ideas.
Sometimes we lose because we don’t own our role. We try to own another role that is not ours. When we do this, we lose.
So what is your role in the company now? In your community? Own it!
Responsibility. In life, there are three circles. (I learned this from Stephen Covey.) There is the circle of concern. It is a big one that encloses all the things that you are concerned of. Within this circle is a small circle which is your circle of influence. And within this circle is a smaller circle called circle of control.
Of the things that are within your circle of control, you take charge. Plants seeds of hard work and smart work. Make the decision. Take control.
Of the things that are in your circle of influence but outside of your control, simply influence them with your words and works. Of the things that are within your circle of concern but outside of your influence, plants seeds of prayer. When you do this, you will be able to own those that you can.
Yes, work on those that you can control. Speak words of influence to those you can. And pray for those you cannot. Do not interchange these things. When you do, you will lose.
Feelings. We feel something brought about by circumstances going on around us. But nobody will ever make you feel that you feel other than you yourself. You feel the way you feel because of you, where you are coming from, your background, your orientation, your attitude, your mindset, your map. Thus, do not blame someone else if you feel something that is not good. You decide to feel that way because you choose to focus on something that is making you feel that way.
To own your feelings and take charge, be mindful of what you are focusing on. Are you focusing on the things that will bring you joy, energy, hope, faith and love? Or are you focusing on the negative that will bring you feelings of blame, despair and sadness? You don’t want to have the latter. You have to focus on the good.
How you view the outside world dictates how you feel. So nourish yourself with wonderful things, words, music, and wisdom. This will help you experience more joy and happiness.
NOW. There is magic in the now. There is a present in the present. It is the gift of chance.
Now is the moment to finally do what you need to do. Now is the time to act and do something. Now is the time to read that book. Now is the time to sing that song. Now is the time to finally put into action that plan. Now is the time to sign up to that learning event. Now is the time to join that organization that you build you up. Whatever that good thing to do is, now is the time!
Even consider the area of personal finance. Investment experts would ask, “When is the best time to invest if you haven’t been investing?” The answer is, “NOW!” Now is the time. Not yesterday. Not two years ago. Not tomorrow. Now is the time.
What is that thing that you need to do? What is that field that you want to win in?
Remember that today is the moment, the present, the gift that you need to take advantage of right now. Do it now!
What is that thing that you have been delaying?
Sometimes what chains us is the aspiration to perfection. The longing of perfection is ok. But if it is used to delay your projects, to delay your products and services, to delay your way of serving the people around you, that may be a mistaken desire to perfection. Stop trying to perfect things and start aspiring for progress. Serve now and grow in the process.
Is there a project that you need to start? Now is the time to finally take action. This way, you can also take charge. This way, you are able to own.
With these two big ideas in this two seemingly small words – own and now – you will be able to say I WON in due time. Today, make that decision. Go do it!
(Chris Dao-anis, CPA, ACG, ALB is a trainer and speaker on communication and personal leadership. His latest book ‘Living Large in the Little Things’ is available at Mt. Cloud Bookshop, Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road, Baguio City. For talks and trainings, email him at chrisdaoanis@gmail.com or visit his website www.chrispoweracademy.com. Watch his daily videos: #ConfidenceCode on www.fb.com/chrisdaoaniswriter. Get a free PDF report titled ‘7 Money Manners’ on www.chrispoweracademy.com/7free.)