This Week’s Topic: “Everybody Has A Plan Until They Get Punched In The...”

STOP ASKING

Happy Friday! As humans we copy someone’s strategy because it looks successful, then blame ourselves when it fails. But their circumstances, strengths, resources, timing, responsibilities, and goals aren’t ours. You lose yourself when you stop asking, “What works for me?” Learn from others, but never confuse their blueprint with yours anymore.

BE ORIGINAL

When you stop thinking for yourself and start copying somebody else, you can end up chasing their definition of success instead of building your own. And when it doesn't work, you may think you failed, when really, you were trying to succeed at being somebody you aren't.

What happens:

• You lose your individuality. You stop asking, “What works for me?” and start asking, “What did they do?”

• You make decisions that don't fit your reality. Their resources, personality, circumstances, talents, timing, and goals may be completely different from yours.

• Failure feels personal. You may conclude you're not capable when the real problem was the strategy, not you.

• You become frustrated and discouraged. You're putting energy into maintaining somebody else's blueprint instead of creating your own.

• You miss your own strengths. Sometimes the thing that makes you successful is precisely the thing you were trying to change to become more like someone else.

NO BLUEPRINT

There is no universal blueprint for getting through life. What works for one person might completely fail for another. You are the person living inside your circumstances, carrying your responsibilities, knowing your limitations, and understanding your goals. You have to think, evaluate, adjust, and sometimes throw the original plan in the trash.

EVERYBODY HAS A PLAN

When life changes the plan, think before you react. Ask: What happened? What fits my reality? What needs changing? Then adjust. Failure doesn’t always mean you failed; sometimes the strategy simply didn’t fit. You are the blueprint. Do you. Think for yourself. The goal isn't to have a perfect plan. The goal is to become the kind of person who can make another move when the plan gets punched in the mouth.

FCKTHAT

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend. Thanks for reading.

Catch you next Friday!

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