HOW MUCH ARE YOU?

You have probably repeatedly heard, "Be all you can be!" How much is that?
Do you have any idea? Do you have any idea of how much you want it to be?

Platitudes are great. We throw them out and we think we have said something
of great and profound importance. You might think that you have just
divulged your heartfelt philosophy. You likely have, however, without
pinning down their meaning for you and clarifying the actions you must take,
they simply assuage your conscience. Ooooh! That might be hard to hear!

Let's start with my favorite book, the dictionary. It says a platitude is
'the quality or state of being dull or insipid', and, 'a banal, trite or
stale remark'. It's something said to state the obvious or appear
knowledgeable. Something general enough for everyone to have heard and agree
to with no call to action. Let's not let, "Be all you can be!" become a
platitude.

You decide what it means to you. In marketing terms, that would be your
positioning, your description of how you identify yourself. In 'Get What
You Deserve', Jay Levinson, marketing guru, says, "You must choose a
position you can live with, a position you can be proud of, a position you
can deliver." Tall order! Are you ready?

Be all you can be! Let's not let it become a pressure either, some elusive
statement that leaves you perpetually feeling 'not good enough'. What is
it, then? It's a call to choose as well as to act.

Choose three things that you would really like to give your best to. They
might be your primary relationship, your children, your career, your health,
or your spiritual life. Now, write six words to describe your ideal self in
those areas. For example, in my life with my husband, I would use these
words: trustworthy, respectful, loving, responsive, fun and available.
These are my chosen 'positions'. Next step, set some measurable goals for
this relationship. For instance: I spend at least one hour a day talking
with my husband. I listen carefully to him and ask questions until I fully
understand his position, needs, concerns. I find ways to surprise him that
let him know how much I love him. I have stated both my position and my
marketing plan. Then, follow through. Simple, not always easy, but always
rewarding!

When you care enough to make a plan, you're way ahead of the game. When you
teach yourself to follow-through, you'll have a winning attitude. Make this
a habit and you'll find out how much you are!