The Main Thing

Stephen Covey (a wonderful author and teacher) says the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. Wise counsel indeed.

I want you consider that the Main Thing (in life) is: to know and do what you must, to get from where you are, to who you need to be.

Did you catch that? Most people (and coaches often describe coaching this way) think that the main thing is get from where you are to where you want to be. It’s possible, to an incomplete extent, to force yourself to do what you must to get from where you are, to get to where you want to be. But, given that method, it’s unlikely that you’ll maintain those gains/changes — that you’ll stay in that new place.

What one must do is understand what kind of person has the kind of life one desires. What is that person like?

Unless you change who you’re being (not who you are, you actually want to bring that forth), your circumstances won’t change — or if they do, the changes won’t stick . . . .

There’s a difference between who you’re being and who you are. Who you’re being is your thoughts and actions, who you are is your essence, your strengths, your unique skills and talents and the wonderful things that make you, you. You can manage who you’re being; you can bring forth who you are.

I believe everyone, if they’re honest with themselves, has a pretty darn good idea of who they need to be to have the things they want — to achieve the goals they hold dear, to have the experiences they desire and enjoy the relationships that make life rich and satisfying. What do you need to change in terms of your thoughts and actions to create your Ideal Future? If you don’t know, your vision isn’t clear enough. If you know and you’re not willing to start, then get the skills, resources and support you need.

Your Ideal Future is waiting for you, but it insists that you become who you need to be, first. It will be there ready and waiting for you.