Patterns for Abundant Living

Success means different things to different people. The first step in its pursuit is a sincere investment in time to define what one’s concept of personal success is. This can be challenging because the term has been so widely employed as to make its meaning at best ambiguous, at worst misleading. Perhaps a new concept would be useful – abundant living. There are universal patterns that lead to this abundant living when followed on a regular basis. These patterns revolve around developing character and competency; this is the path to personal fulfillment.

developing character

  • Develop a personal Mission Statement – include your values and goals.
    • Define your governing values.
    • Question to be answered: How would you like to be described at your funeral?
  • Live up to your values and goals; develop a sense of personal responsibility
    • A startling notion: We have chosen what and who we are.
    • Life Challenge Statement: I don’t make excuses; I make progress.
  • Establish an attitude of gratitude – be a good finder.
  • Take pride in making sacrifice – otherwise you become a complainer.
  • Establish a pattern of positive thinking – see potential everywhere you look.
    • Practice positive self-talk. Remember: we tend to become what we say we are.
    • Enhance your mental diet – fill your mind with positive influences.
    • Develop a zest for learning.
  • Establish a positive peer group –
    • Find a group of individuals that share your values and goals.
    • Keep each other accountable.

developing competency

  • If you were guaranteed success what would you do?
    • Determine what you love to do and throw your heart into it.
    • Dare to dream – don’t give up.
    • Develop an abundance mentality – there is plenty for everyone.
    • Life is not a zero-sum game – think win-win.
  • Do not fear failure – anything worth doing is worth doing poorly at first.
    • Failure often precedes success – it is a magnificent teacher.
    • Challenges are opportunities for growth and learning.
  • Describe what you want to do and become.
    • Identify people who have reached that goal.
    • Find a mentor who shares your governing values – do what they do.
    • Establish and maintain the relationship.
  • Develop a plan of action – set regular measurable goals for yourself.
    • Write down your goals.
    • Review and evaluate your progress on your goals regularly.
    • Focus and clarity is the path to excellence.
    • Excellence is a matter of the heart – refuse to be average.
  • Improve your skill set.
    • Master the fundamentals – establish a pattern of continuous training.
    • Develop a “beginner’s mindset”.
    • Start with one skill you need to achieve excellence – master it!
    • Enjoy the process – it can be greater than the desired goal
    • Pay the price.
  • Accept the risk.
    • Success requires risk – the greatest risk is taking no risk.
    • Be willing to step outside your comfort zone.
    • Don’t let critics kill your dreams.