Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Ephesians 6:13
Every trade has a set of tools to create success. Today’s marketplace is filled with apps to make people more productive. If you can think of it, there is an app for it. Paul uses the analogy of a soldier’s armor to empower a Christian with the tools that a soldier of Christ can use on a daily basis. Some tools are offensive, and some are defensive, but each has a specific use. Before He entered His ministry, Jesus used the tools of a carpenter. Then He used tools of communication, compassion, mentoring, and more. What tools do you engage each day to leverage success?
6 SUCCESS TOOLS OF THE EFFECTIVE EXECUTIVE
FOCUS: Focus is the ability to work on one thing while eliminating all other distractions. By setting your focus, you are guaranteed to be productive on the “one thing” that is important. Multitasking is the enemy of focus. Paul said, “This one thing I do…” (Philippians 3:13 KJV)
TIME BLOCKING: Success is a scheduled event. By blocking out time on a calendar to accomplish the most important tasks, you are ensured progress. What events have you built a wall around on your calendar today?
EAT THE UGLY: Whatever is your most difficult task of the day, do it first. You’ll be emotionally free to tackle easier tasks throughout the day. What have you been putting off that you know you must do?
PRIORITIZE: Spend the most time on the activities and events that produce the highest return on investment (ROI) in your day. Where possible, delegate tasks others can do so you have time to do what only you can do. What three things must you accomplish to be successful today?
GOAL SETTING: Creating short (1 year or less) and long-term goals (1 year+) will empower you to work on the future you want to create. When setting goals, keep them S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Timebound). What goals create a motivational force in your life?
OPPORTUNITY ORIENTED: Someone somewhere has a problem. In my best selling book PERSUADE, I discuss in “The Law of the Prospector” how successful people focus on discovering and solving problems. They’ve programmed their lens to see problems as opportunities to serve others and strengthen relationships. What problems may be around that you could solve for someone today?
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- Whom do you know that is great at leveraging one or more of these skill sets?
- Do you have a mentor you could ask to share their daily success system with you?
- What tools do you use that are not on the list above that make you successful?
God built mental technologies into your brain to help you run your race in life like the wind.
