I recently read The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. I must admit that I did not have particularly high hopes for this book initially, but, in the end, was pleasantly surprised. The book addresses productivity and success, and I believe the principles shared can be helpful to those of us seeking to transition into a career we love. Below are six pieces of advice I gleaned from the book that you might find helpful. Next week I will share seven more.
Guard Your Heart (Mind) – Proverbs 4:23
What we see and hear matters. Allowing negative content into our lives (from the news, conversations, etc.) affects the way we see the world and the way we think and live. Takeaway – carefully curate what you allow into your mind and life. Try not to saturate your mind with unnecessary information.
Be An Adult – 1 Corinthians 13:11
We are 100% responsible for how we live our lives. Being an adult means no longer pointing a finger at others, and means taking responsibility for every aspect of our lives. For the most part, we are to blame for the unsatisfactory aspects of our lives. Once we accept that, we can do something about it. Takeaway – our current life circumstances are primarily the result of our decisions. The way to change those circumstances is to start making better decisions.
Don’t Discount Small Changes – Philippians 1:6
Changing our lives is not about making huge, radical changes that have little chance of lasting, but is more about making small, almost microscopic changes and sticking with them over time. I know this flies in the face of our “I want it now” culture; but truthfully, have the quick fixes been working for us? Probably not. Takeaway – be content to make small changes and stick with them until we begin to see results.
Be Vigilant – 1 Peter 5:8
Darren Hardy recommends tracking everything we are trying to change. Yes, it is laborious, but I have to agree with him that it really does help. I’ve been using a habit tracker for several habits I’m trying to build, and I can vouch for the effectiveness of this strategy. Takeaway – try it. Maybe pick one thing and start to track it. Write down what you are trying to do, and check off each day that you do it.
Keep Going – Don’t Give Up – Galatians 6:9
Momentum is your friend. Hardy used the example of flying across the country straight through, versus flying across the country but stopping in every state. Imagine what it would be like to have to land and then take off again over and over. That’s what it’s like when we start something and then stop, only to have to start again, then stop, etc. No wonder so many of us struggle to get ahead. Takeaway – do whatever it takes to stick with things consistently. Get started and let momentum help carry you.
Know Your Why – Ephesians 2:10
Why you’re doing what you are doing will keep you locked in when the going gets tough. If we don’t have a compelling why, we are fighting an uphill battle. Takeaway – figure out, by peeling back as many layers as necessary, why what you are pursuing is important to you, and then pursue it for that reason and with that reason in mind.
The important theme this book hammers home is the fact that it truly is the little things that count. Maybe you’re tired of going at this alone and would like some help building meaningful habits that will compound in your life and career over time. Reach out today to schedule a complimentary discovery session. I’d love to help.
