Things you should not do

Do you have a ‘To-Do-List?’

I have and it is vital to my professional existence.

The list contains the essential tasks I need to do every day. Everything I do each day forms the essence of my existence.

I go through my list every day; I always review my To-Do List a day in advance –this is how I mentally prepare myself, and then I check off the things I have done.

Successful people do not only maintain their To-Do List, they also maintain their Not-To-Do List. They know that there are certain things they should never do; things that would endanger their businesses, things that would mess up their careers, things that would destroy their family relationships.

This is the same with their To-Do List; they go through their list thoroughly to make sure they are conscious and constantly aware of the things to be avoided.

Here are some things successful people would not do:

1. SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE DO NOT MAKE LIFE DECISIONS BASED ON EMOTIONS.

Many people have confessed to me that they tendered their resignation letters at the height of their emotions. It wasn’t a very wise thing to do. A decision done at the height of emotional discord, where perception is compromised, is something that one could regret later.

Successful people master their moods and emotions. They are predictable, dependable and set themselves up for promotions faster than those who are perceived as emotional and immature.

2. SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE DO NOT QUIT EASILY.

Life is a combination of trophies and tragedies. There are days when things don’t go well, and there are times when a task is difficult to accomplish, but successful people always persevere. They go through the challenges and emerge stronger. They come out ready for the next level.

3. SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE DO NOT FIGHT EVERY BATTLE.

Careful thinking and reasoning rule in the minds of successful people. They know how important it is to live to fight another day, to carefully choose the battle, to study the situation and to stand their ground when the time is right.

4. SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE DO NOT PLAY THE BLAME GAME.

‘Blame-storming’ is bad and successful people know how damaging this can be. Successful people are accountable for their actions. They look for solutions and work for results and do not waste time crafting fancy yet unacceptable excuses. This is why they get all the choice assignments. These people are preferred, not because they are expected to succeed, but because they accept responsibility readily and most importantly, they are dependable.

5. SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE DO NOT WASTE TIME.

Successful people make sure that every single activity written in their To-Do List would add value to their success goals. They network with prospects. They spend time with people who can mentor them. They say ‘no’ to useless activities that would require their time, but not lead to anything that can help accelerate their success objectives.

6. SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE DO NOT HANG AROUND NEGATIVE PEOPLE.

This is a fantastic observation I have. Winners are constantly in the company of winners and losers are constantly in the company of losers. Successful people do not want to be discouraged and be affected by the negative vibes of some pessimistic people.

7. SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE DO NOT JEOPARDIZE THEIR CREDIBILITY AND REPUTATION.

Integrity is huge for people of genuine success. They take care of protecting their names and reputations. They are calculating; they will never go for short-term gains that can potentially lead to long-term pains. This is why they always do what is right and expect others to do the same.

Successful people are successful, because of the things they do, and also because of the things they don’t.

Every person is a work in progress. Every choice we make is imperative to our growth.

Start working on your Not-To-Do List. It will be good for you.

(Spend two life-transforming days with Francis Kong learning leadership and life skills as he present Level Up Leadership on November 18 and 19 at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. For further inquiries, contact Inspire at 09158055910 or call 632-6310912 for details.)