Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

Numbers - 

In our data generated world, we tend to “follow the numbers”.  Even our writing models want us to get your attention through number bullets and boxes to check off.

That’s what I must do if I want to guest post or sell an article.  But that tends to make the world black and white, and it isn’t.  It’s grey, I’m grey, and everyone’s lives are grey.

Those teaching problem solving have a list of answers to match any question.  And politicians know the answers if you’ll ask the right question.

Thus, when researching the restaurant worker issue there are many articles, blog posts, tweets, etc., that give you “Four Reasons Workers are Staying Away from the Restaurant Industry”, or “7 Key Takeaways on the state of the industry”, or “Women Exit Workforce over Child Care”.  Numbers, numbers, numbers.

Plan Your LIfe

How about people, people, people, making decisions that meet their life plan, their financial position, or dreams.  Opening sentences to stories like “Women in the workforce are another casualty of the coronavirus pandemic”.  Casualty? How about, mother’s making choices to provide the best life for their children? Or, the article in U.S.A.Today said women were “forced to choose between employment and providing care for their children”.

How about we talk life plan and what adjustments families, no matter how large or how many parents, sit and discuss the problems they are currently facing and how they, as a family, can adapt to the new situation?

Instead of crisis mode, let’s teach our children how to plan their lives based on our ability to plan.  Let’s stop assuming that single moms and dads, people of different cultures and the elderly are unable to take care of themselves and have a “Plan B” in case of a crisis.

Do you have a life plan?  If not, you need to start one today.  Whether you are 20 or 80, you need to decide what you want in your life, how you might get it, and what you are willing to give up to have it.  Stop living for tangibles and start living for yourself.  Stop worrying about what your neighbors or friends will think of you if you don’t follow their tribe.  Start your own tribe. If you don’t have enough money to buy school clothes for your children, why are you making payments on a $35,000 off road vehicle?

Start now, this very minute.  Clearly define what success means to you.  Be honest.  It’s your dream and your journal (you do have one, don’t you?).  No one else needs to see what you’ve written until you are ready to share it. 

Spell out what you want to do, (or sell, or coach, or create), that serves your passion.  To do that, answer this question:

Where are you going?

Both personally and professionally.  Where will you be when your dream comes true?

Live for the present, but plan for the future – but how far ahead?

Focus on one thing at a time. When you know the answer to Where you are going, what is your dream, come back here.  But be sure you write down all your thoughts about your dream.  You’ll be amazed what dreams you have.

Until next time - - -