Five Pillars to Create the Life You Really Want: Art Alexander

Originally posted May 26, 2014

Are you living by chance or by choice?  Have you really thought about what you want? 

This is the challenge given to us by Art Alexander, a motivational speaker and leader with our city’s Chamber of Commerce.

“If you don’t create the life you really want, someone will create something else for you that may not be what you would choose.” says Art.  “It takes time, requires some thought and then you have to take action. You can start today!”

We are always inspired by Art’s talks and so we asked him for the five top pillars he would look to as priorities for being empowered.

1.  Look on the Inside.

It all starts in the mind, with your thoughts.  What is the motivation to create more for your life and for those around you?

Is there a burning desire that keeps you awake at night or gets you up in the morning that you just can’t keep quiet about?  When the motivation and your WHY is big enough, you’ll find the way to make it happen.

People are attracted to YOU, the real you, not just your outer appearance (don’t neglect this part either) and not just to your products.

One question you could ask yourself in developing this pillar is, are you the kind of person that others want to be around?  Would you want to be around YOU? Are you an energy stealer, a dream crusher or a Negative Nelly? Or on the other side, do you bring energy to the table, helping others around you to live up to their full potential? Do you have a positive outlook? 

“They need to feel your fire, so fill yourself up  to over flowing with good positive stuff” Art suggests.  “ If you really want to grow, listen to good music, read good books, attend classes, take in webinars and seminars.  Ask yourself, when is the last time you did any of the above? Would your answer inspire others to be their best?”

Keep at it.  Bring something else to the table.  When you do more than what you are paid for, eventually you will be paid more than what you actually do.

2.    Look for ways to let your life be LARGER than just for yourself. 

Where do you want to make a difference?  Living larger than yourself is about making good things happen for your family, friends and the community.  There is something that happens to you when you take the focus off of you and place it on other people and causes.

Art suggests that you go on a personal retreat periodically where there are no phones, televisions or email, so that you focus and get perspective on the areas that are most important.  The retreat may be for a few hours, an overnight stay or a couple of days, but by taking the time to examine yourself deep down inside and even aloud to others, you can become inspired to make big things happen.

3.    Look to live at least 70% or more in the “green light”.

Using the stop light analogy, spend most of your time in the green light, where your passion and talents are the strongest, doing what you enjoy most and where people say you excel.

There will be another 20% of activities in the amber light, where you don’t mind doing them but they aren’t a priority.   Then there are those 10% that just have to get done but you don’t enjoy doing them.

For some of you, it could be the paper work where you are fortunate enough to have people around you to do it.  If not, get it out of the way first thing in the morning, so that you are free to concentrate on your strengths.  It’s like taking that cough syrup that tastes bad, but it is good for you, so why wait?

We have all heard people say, “I hate my job but I only have 5-10 years to retire and then I can get a pension.” If that is you, take charge and make a change.  Live longer and happier in the green light for yourself and those around you.

4.    Look to run with those who want to run with you.

The exciting part about referral marketing is that in building a team, you get to choose the people you want to run with.  Now if you were to take three minutes to write down five people that you would want to work with in building a business, who would they be?  Ready. Set. Go. Start writing!

A.__________________
B.__________________
C.__________________
D.__________________
E.__________________

Now ask yourself why these people and what qualities do you admire in them?  Align yourself with people who encourage you, who are honest with you, who challenge you, who watch your back and who help you grow.  Be that kind of person for them as well.

Whether it is a team, or a mastermind group from different sectors, the goal is to help one another solve problems, keep one another accountable and to move forward in a positive way both professionally and personally.

Look for ways to Pay It Forward.  There is a universal Law out there, much like gravity exists worldwide, that talks about tithing or giving, not just in a religious way but as a principle that works in every country.

As you give, you shall receive.  Help others with their businesses, whether they are on your team or not.

Volunteer to help those who are less fortunate than you, or to encourage those who are raising money for a worthy cause.  You show by your actions that you appreciate what others have done for you, and now it is your privilege to pass that on to others.

Be careful about saying, “Oh if I was a millionaire and had their money I would give away a hundred thousand dollars too.“  Yet I have seen people that cannot give 10 cents from the dollar because they cannot see ahead. They are worried and live in fear, which will affect their business” Art notes.  “The key is don’t wait until you have a million dollars – start giving financially as well as with your time and talents where you are!“

“Paying it forward, may or may not result in immediate financial rewards,’ says Art,  “but it surely will give you a sense of satisfaction and make a substantial difference to those you touch.”

Follow Art’s Five Pillars and see the difference in your life and in your business!