{"id":27707,"date":"2014-09-28T18:28:10","date_gmt":"2014-09-29T02:28:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/?p=27707"},"modified":"2014-12-02T14:55:04","modified_gmt":"2014-12-02T22:55:04","slug":"7-steps-to-accomplish-anything","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/7-steps-to-accomplish-anything\/","title":{"rendered":"The Happiness of Pursuit: 7 Steps To Accomplish Anything & Enjoy It Along The Way"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u2018A body in motion stays in motion<\/em>\u2019 – Newton\u2019s law<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If anyone has ever read a post written by me before, listened to an interview or simply had a chat about self improvement, they will know I am frequently asked (and address) the common question – \u2018what is the most important aspect to self improvement\u2019 – my answer, without hesitation, is always the same: take action<\/em><\/strong>. I have always firmly believed that all of the best intentions in the world are nothing with out being taken from the theoretical to the actual and it never ceases to amaze me the instant, kinetic almost chain-like reaction that happens when one takes that first step: contrary to that very difficult, at times seemingly impossible scary first step – the second, then the third come so much easier. And by the 6th or 7th step you are actually floating along, to a natural rhythm you never knew lived within you – that initial struggle now a distant memory. Out of your head and into the world, you are getting things done. You are a body (and mind) in motion. You begin to see a purpose. This is, for me, the essence of improving one\u2019s self, one\u2019s life and the lives of those around you.<\/p>\n

\u2018Do or do not. There is no try\u2019<\/em> – Yoda<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

PickTheBrain has afforded me so many fabulous opportunities (due almost exclusively to the generosity of both the writers and the readers – yes YOU) and as a part of this, I am sent volumes of incredible self improvement books exploring every corner of how to live better – and I am a better person as a result of having access to all of this great work. if you are familiar PTB, you know that I almost never review books. The other day, however, I was sent a copy of a book whose title struck me in a way that it hasn\u2019t in a long, long time. \u2018The Happiness of Pursuit<\/a>.\u2019\u00a0 A simple play on words – but with a message that instantly connected with that mantra that swirls around me day and night: take action. Follow Yoda\u2019s advice. But what struck me more than author, Chris Guillebeau\u2019s<\/a>, cleverly worded title, was something in the message that I hadn\u2019t thought about in connection with my mantra: yes, of course, DO things – but take joy, find happiness, in that process. Up until now, i had believed that the happiness that ultimately comes from accomplishing things was the prize, but Guillebeau (who had set his own goal to travel to every country in the world before age 35 – and he did it!!) opened my eyes to something more than that – that the process itself, bears fruit – and that there is \u2018a direct ling between \u2018questing\u2019 and long-term happiness\u2019 This was a break through idea for me.<\/p>\n

While I won\u2019t be reviewing his book – all I can do is highly recommend you take inspiration (and then action) as you follow an incredible study of ordinary people doing extraordinary things of all scales, to find meaning, joy and happiness in the pursuit of the great life that lives within all of us.<\/p>\n

What I will be doing in this article is outlining the 7 Steps necessary, i believe, to start this process – a process that will change (or start) your course. Something that will help change your thinking (as it did mine) from simply pursuing happiness, to finding happiness in the pursuit.<\/p>\n

1. Find out who you are and what you want<\/h1>\n

This is the basis for everything. You are the basis of you. This is perhaps the most scary part on the whole list – finding out who you truly are – but it is also the most crucial. You have to take the time to ask yourself the hard questions, even if you\u2019re afraid of the answers. But it is only by truly knowing who you really are that you can discover what will truly makes you happy. What excites you? What are you good at? What makes you want to get out of bed early and will keep you buzzing to stay up late? What matters to you. Be honest.<\/p>\n

Once you have drilled down to a handful of criteria, you can start mapping out your plan.<\/p>\n

2. Set your goals<\/h1>\n

Dreams are nothing without goals. Goals make dreams (and you) accountable. Write them down. Where do you want to be. How are you going to get their. With a succinct set of goals there is a clear vision for where you are and where you want to be. This literal interpretation, in the form of goals, is the blue print or map you need, to be able to chart your course.<\/p>\n

3. Break those goals down into mini benchmarks<\/h1>\n

Once you have you\u2019re larger \u2018plan\u2019 in place, it is necessary to break those larger goals (or goal) into palatable bite sized, mini benchmarks. For instance, it is a novel goal to sail across the ocean (as a young teenager does in The Happiness of Pursuit) but without breaking that loftier goal into baby steps, it\u2019s almost impossible to make happen. What training do I need? What equipment do I need? What case studies do I need to memorize?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s called doing the upfront work and there is no shortcut. Again, here I am reminded of Yoda\u2019s words. You are accountable to only you when it comes to living up to your full potential. \u2018Do or do not. There is no try.\u2019<\/p>\n

4. Go DO It<\/h1>\n

If you\u2019ve gotten to this part, you\u2019ve already done most of the heavy lifting. You are prepared. You have learned. You are already better because of it. So know that. This is the where the adventure really begins.<\/p>\n

\u2018Action is the foundational key to all success<\/em>\u2019 – Pablo Picasso<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It\u2019s here where it\u2019s time to jump of that metaphorical cliff. Unchain yourself. Take action. Doing is the only thing that does. What else is there to say. You\u2019ve done the work – so dive in. This is the ultimate award. This is where true happiness jumps off the page and onto the stage. This is where one finds the happiness of pursuit.<\/p>\n

5. Measure your success<\/h1>\n

Once you\u2019ve taken the leap, it will be contagious. Trust me. It doesn\u2019t mean everything you do will be a success, but this is how you learn. This is where you learn to find as much joy in failure as in success. Learning is success.<\/p>\n

This is where it is important, however, to make sure you are on the right track, so it is important to check in and measure how you\u2019re doing. How you\u2019re feeling. Where you can pivot and when to keep attacking.<\/p>\n

6. Be open to a course change<\/h1>\n

One of the great things about finding joy through the process is that it allows for perspective. Of course you should always keep your larger goal or quest in mind – that\u2019s why you\u2019re doing all of this after all, but remember: things change, people change, circumstances change and ultimately, your goal can change or alter slightly, if you\u2019re conscious and aware of the process. Be open to the unexpected outcome or emotion – this is how we learn and grow. This is what the journey is all about – not just getting to the end but all of the unexpected magic that happens along the way. So be flexible and open to the whatever experience comes your way, knowing you\u2019ve done the work.<\/p>\n

7. Do it all over again<\/h1>\n

Life is a system of cycles. We can always be learning, growing, enjoying. Once you have accomplished whatever quest you\u2019ve set out to conquer, don\u2019t rest on your laurels. Set new goals. New standards. Press on. Start again. Feel scared and unsure – this is the very essence of life – working through all of this. So, while I doubt I\u2019ll have much convincing to do (the thrill of the pursuit of accomplishment, itself is more than enough of an incentive) – I will end as I started: \u2018A body in motion, stays in motion\u2019 and who the hell wants to be stuck?<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

Highly recommended: Click here to find more about The Happiness of Pursuit<\/a> or Chris Guillebeau<\/a> and if you\u2019d like to follow or share in the collective journey, follow #FindtheQuest <\/a>on twitter<\/em><\/p>\n

\"the<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What I will be doing in this article is outlining the 7 Steps necessary, i believe, to start this process – a process that will change (or start) your course. Something that will help change your thinking (as it did mine) from simply pursuing happiness, to finding happiness in the pursuit. 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