In this article, I’d like to take a different look at achieving more. Rather than building a step-by-step program I’d like to look at building better habits. If we can build just two or three new habits this year, with or without goals, we just may be able to achieve more than ever before. There is an awesome quote by an author and self-help guru named Jim Rohn who once said, “Don’t wish things were easier, wish you were better”. So true. If we can simply be better at two or three things today, we can become more valuable to the world we live in tomorrow.
There is a list available on-line that has been in existence for some time labeled, “Ten Things That Require Zero Talent”. These are literally ten fundamental habits that if acquired, can make a major impact on how people view you. If acquired, you will be more likely to succeed. Here is the list:
1) Be on time
2) Work ethic
3) Effort
4) Body language
5) Energy
6) Attitude
7) Passion
8) Being coachable
9) Doing extra
10) Being prepared
11) Do what they say
You will notice that this list actually contains 11 items. I’ve added one to the list that I believe is critical as well.
Some may look at this list and think to themselves, “I do those”. If you take a closer look and truly evaluate yourself, you may think differently. Most people fail at most of the items. Starting with the last one, first, “Do what they say”, I’ve asked countless groups, “With a show of hands, how many people were told they would receive an answer or information from someone else by a specific time and it did not arrive by that deadline?” Most hands go up. Even when I shorten the time frame and ask, “With a show of hands, how many people were told they would receive an answer or information from someone in the last two weeks and it did not arrive on time, hands still go up.
This list looks easy to do. But, as Jim Rohn also proclaimed, “What is easy to do, is also easy not to do”. Some fail at the easy things because, well, it’s easy to not do it.
How many people do you know that don’t put energy into their work? Know anyone that doesn't always use positive body language? Know anyone that doesn't look like they are open to coaching? Remember, each one of these habits requires zero talent, zero training. It simply takes desire and discipline. Also remember that the list is meant to be done 100% of the time. Not sometimes. Not when you feel like it. If you simply did these things each and every day, what a difference it could make. Never being late. Always being positive with your attitude. Doing extra on every project. Putting maximum effort on every task. Maintaining passion every day. Being prepared each morning. By simply doing the 11 things that require zero talent on a daily basis, we can accomplish more. You will be better than most. You will be looked at differently. No matter your skillset, your education, or your expertise, if you could simply do these 11 things on a consistent basis, you will automatically surpass most others who are probably not doing these things.
Want a promotion? Do the 11. Want to make more money? Do the 11. Want to feel more confident and achieve more? Do the 11.
It’s kind of interesting that when I speak with business owners and have discussions with them about their people, what comes out of those conversations. When the conversation turns to what they believe their people could be doing better I oftentimes hear things on this “Top 11” list. Some of the more popular items are, “I wish my people would be more prepared”, “I wish my people would be more passionate about their work”, “I wish my people would be more coachable”. They literally refer to the list of items we have in this article. It’s not rocket science. If you want more from life and career, simply use this list as a reference and build the habits. Use the list as a measuring stick for yourself and do the behaviors.
Owners: Let’s not pretend that some of you might need to look at the same list occasionally as well. Heck, as I read the list, there are some improvements that I want to make for myself as well. No one is perfect; we’re all human.
For this year, set your goals, reach for more, set up systems to achieve more. But, at the bare minimum, try to master the “Top 11” habits list and you might just have your best year ever. But, remember, “What’s easy to do, is also easy not to do!”