March 6, 2011

Lather, Rinse, Repeat

While instructions aren't on every bottle of shampoo, the concept of what you're supposed to do with the liquid soap while in the shower is pretty easy to understand. It's a 3-step process - Lather, rinse, repeat. Many times the third step is completely optional unless your hair is very dirty or you just love to rub your head.

It's too bad that there aren't such easy steps to follow to achieve success in life, isn't it? If there was, perhaps they would look like this...

Step 1. Begin dreaming with no specific parameters. The wilder, the better.

Step 2. Consciously start thinking about what you want to accomplish or achieve.

Step 3. Flush some of the more concrete ideas out of your head and onto paper in writing. It doesn't need to be (and shouldn't be) your final draft but start a mind map of notes, rough ideas or concepts.

Step 4. Create a "plan of attack." Prioritize the items in your plan so the logical, necessary tasks are completed first.

Step 5. Start executing items off the list.

(This is the equivalent of the "lather" step in the title. How hard you rub isn't as important as covering everything that needs to be covered)

Step 6. Make corrections as needed to achieve the desired outcome.

Step 7. Enjoy the outcome of your process.

Step 8. Review the process. It always makes sense to me that you would want to analyze how the process went to see if there is anything to add or takeaway from your efforts next time.

Step 9. Repeat as necessary or return to Step 1 and start on your next effort.


"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily."
~ Zig Ziglar