Choose To Win By Tom ZiglarSample

If you have never set a goal, I want to give you what I call “The First Things First” goal. It has four phases. You can start with the first phase, and once you get the habit of doing it daily, add in the next phases. Or you can start doing all four phases right away; it’s up to you. The important thing is to start.

Phase 1

First thing each morning set aside a few minutes to review your goals and set your priorities for the day. Do this for several days or weeks until you are really comfortable with it.

Phase 2

Add a five-minute quiet time, such as the one I learned from the book 2 Chairs, written by my good  friend Bob Beaudine.* Each morning I set up two chairs, one for me and one for God. I then ask God three questions: God, do You know what’s going on? (Yes, He is God); God, are You big enough to handle it? (Yes, He is God); God, what is the plan? Then I just listen. One minute of my thinking and asking and talking to God, and four minutes of listening. This has changed my life, and I bet it will change yours as well. . . .

Phase 3

The mental model habit—this little habit is a real powerhouse! Each day, as you write down your goals and priorities (phase 1), also write down your meetings with other people and any presentations or calls you may have that are important to achieving your goals. Then invest one minute creating a mental model of how each of these is going to play out perfectly. Envision the best outcome and take into consideration the people you will be meeting with. For example, if your goal is to sell an idea to a few people in a meeting, envision what needs, wants, and concerns they may have. This way you are prepared in advance for the best outcome, and even if it takes an unexpected direction, you will have a better chance for a positive outcome.

Phase 4

Finally, add devotional, educational, and inspirational reading and listening to your First Things First routine. A few extra minutes will likely grow into thirty minutes or more. This is for your personal and spiritual development, and this time really creates fuel for your day.

* Bob Beaudine, 2 Chairs (Franklin, TN: Worthy, 2016).