True Reasons

I've had many "lightbulb moments", not the least of which came from a contribution by someone on one of the training calls I hosted for the Network Marketing company which  I was involved with from 2008 – 2012. This post is adapted from one I made to that company's forum back in 2011.
 
I've often heard it said that we need to have a need or a desire, a powerful reason to keep us going when the going gets tough.

But he used a different expression - he called it a TRUE REASON.

Now that set me thinking because I've always had difficulty defining my "Why" - sure I could come up with vague ideas like "I want to make a difference, or I'd like to help people start their own business, but try as I might I simply couldn't hit the nail on the head. I could say I wanted a new car, or a home nearer the sea [our favourite beach is just 2 miles away  ], my own transport museum , a huge model railway, but these were all "nice to haves", they weren't burning desires. I couldn't come up with a real personal desire, the thing that keeps you focused no matter what is going on around you.The following day I was re-reading a book by John Kalench, and came across a passage in which he defined his why - and I was suddenly able to define my TRUE REASON. In fact I could define FIVE TRUE REASONS.

So here goes, the headings are John Kalench's , although not in the same order, but the words are mine

1. Creativity

I love being creative and I love expressing that creativity. Expressing that creativity is the key to my own personal growth, and I love encouraging others to empower themselves. When I allow my creativity to flow I free my soul, and express my true self in the world. When I stifle that creativity I am no longer true to myself. I love making something out of nothing. I love problem solving, and I love helping others overcome their own challenges, not by providing my solutions, but by helping them find and implement their own solutions.

2. Recognition / Acknowledgement

I love recognition, receiving it, but mostly giving it. When I receive recognition I know that I am actually making a difference in other peoples lives, that what I am doing is worthwhile. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than to give someone recognition for a job well done. Often you can almost see them grow in stature, self confidence and self esteem as a result.

3.Trust

Honesty, Integrity, Transparency, Loyalty, Friendship

John Kalench placed some of the above under the heading of Trust - I've added a couple more myself.

If you want someone to be completely honest with you - they have to trust you
If you want someone to be completely open with you - they have to trust you

The same applies to all the other qualities above.

If you want someone to trust you, you have to trust them.

It's a risk, but in my view a risk worth taking.

If you want loyalty and friendship, first you have to be a loyal friend

As John Kalench wrote : Only in relationships where everyone is trusting of one another is the mind free to create.

4. Contribution

I want to make a difference in peoples lives. A BIG difference in a lot of peoples lives.

5. Money

Perhaps there are some people who, like John Kalench, would put money at the top of the list. I include it, because in this day and age it is virtually impossible to achieve anything without it. But when is enough, enough ? For me money is simply an energy, a tool which enables me to operate here on this planet.

I firmly believe that if I allow my creativity to flow, recognise and reward all those who share my passion, and help them build their dreams, if I build honest, trusting, open relationships with these people, and focus on making a contribution, rather than on my own survival, then I will always have enough to meet my needs. For me that is true abundance.

Just after the death of Howard Hughes, the millionaire, someone asked, "How much did he leave ?" The reply ? "All of it !!" 

So, there you have it my FIVE TRUE REASONS ....

Now to restate my goals, and my commitments for the next 90 days.

The company has changed - the True Reasons haven't