What’s a million dollar idea worth? Not much. Unlike most things, the
value of an idea is not inherent to the idea, but is a function of the
owner of the idea. A cello in my hands is worth very little, but a cello
in Yo-Yo Ma’s hands is worth millions. Why is that? You might remember
from 7th grade science class that potential energy is an
object’s built up or stored energy while an object’s kinetic energy is
the energy it has as a result of its movement. Your idea, goal, wish,
hope, or aspiration has potential energy. Your ability to convert an
idea’s potential energy into kinetic energy determines its value. Your
job is to convert your desire to start a business, lose weight, learn Japanese, make more money, or get a job into income producing, joy bringing, life affirming kinetic energy.
I want you to write this down and stick it to the fridge, on your
dashboard, and in your bathroom. The formula for achieving anything is
blindingly simple:
THINK + START + FINISH = ACHIEVEMENT
THINK. The first stage is to THINK. What do you want
to achieve? What are your goals? What’s that one thing you’ve been
dreaming of doing for years? All great things start with an idea.
Whether you know it or not, you have ideas, goals, and dreams that are
coiled up just waiting to be discovered. It’s been said Americans spend
more time planning their summer vacation than they do planning their
retirement. My guess is we spend more time going to the bathroom each
day than we spend each month focused on our goals/future.
Nothing is achieved without first a thought, a spark, a mental itch.
Even if you feel stuck or have no idea what you want from life, your job
is to THINK for just a few minutes a day. Warning: coming up with ideas
and goals is a lot of fun, but because it’s easy and takes little
effort, this is where most people stop. To achieve, you can’t stop here,
you must…
START. Ideas and goals are powerful because they
create potential energy. In order to unleash this potential energy into
movement, you must START. This is a critical step because it requires
action in order to turn the ethereal into the tangible. If your goal is
to start a business, at some point you need to get out of your head and
take action. Once you’ve designed your exercise program, you need to
dust off your sneakers and START. If you’ve determined the best way to
make more money is by going back to school, you need to START by
registering and attending class.
The START stage is exciting because the release of potential energy
into action can be euphoric. For the first time in maybe a long time you
may feel a sense of direction and accomplishment, but as important as
it is to START, it’s not enough. In order to reach your goals, you must…
FINISH. This is where champions are made, goals are
reached, and lives are enriched. Having the idea to write a book is
inspiring. Sitting down at the computer and cranking out a few pages is
encouraging. But only actually holding a completed manuscript in your
hands is fulfilling. When you FINISH you’ve fully converted an idea’s
potential energy into kinetic energy.
Most people START, but few FINISH. Roy Johnson, editor of Men’s Fitness,
is passionate about finishing. He told me “Anyone can be a starter. You
want to be a finisher.” A finisher separates the winners from the
wanters.
Not convinced? If you trace back all of your proudest
accomplishments, you’ll find they all started with a thought, which lead
to action, which lead to achievement. Want to be a dreamer? THINK. Want
to be a doer? START. Want to be an achiever? FINISH.
Join a community of passionate people at Richer Life Insights
who want to achieve more in life and at work. You can participate in
conversations I have with experts, celebrities, authors, and thought
leaders that are laser-focused on practical ways to drive more money,
motivation, and meaning into your life. Take the first step toward
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