One of my favourite teachers is the author and motivational speaker, Jim Rohn whose teachings, lessons, books, videos and insights have been one of the most influential in my life, from The Seasons of Life, The Ant Philosophy, The Day That Turns Your Life Around, among other great life lessons.
In his book, Leading an Inspired Life, Jim Rohn describes the four stages to the day that turns your life around, they are Disgust, Decision, Desire, and Resolve. He writes:
“Negativity can actually be a powerful force for change. It plays a key role in the day that turns your life around.“
There are four stages to the day that turns your life around, and the first is disgust.
Disgust
Disgust is a negative emotion but it can have a very positive, motivating effect. Disgust says, “I’ve had it!” What an important day that could be.”
“I met a beautiful, accomplished, extraordinary woman in New York. She was the vice president of a company I did some work for. I got to know her, and I found out her story. She never went to high school or college. I said, “How did you get here?” She said, “Well when I was a young mother, I once asked my husband for ten dollars. And he said, ‘What for?’ Before that day was over, I decided I would never ask again. So I started looking for opportunities, taking classes, and putting myself through school. Now I’m a vice president, and I make a lot of money. I kept my promise because I’ve never ever had to ask again.” That was her life-changing day, the day she said, “Enough is enough.”
Decision
The next stage in a life-changing day is decision. If you sat down today and made a list of changes you’ve decided to make, that list could furnish enough inspiration for the next five or ten years. What an inspiring day, the day you bring yourself to decide to change your life.
What an inspiring day, the day you bring yourself to decide to change your life.
Desire
The third stage is desire, wanting that change badly enough. Sometimes desire waits for a trigger, waits for something to happen. It may be a movie, a seminar, a sermon, a book, a confrontation with an enemy, or a conversation with a friend who finally levels with you. Whatever the experience, it is so valuable.
“Here’s my best advice: welcome all experiences. You’ll never know which one is going to turn your life around. Don’t put up walls. The walls that keep out disappointment also keep out happiness. Takedown the walls. Go for the experience. Let it teach you.“
Resolve
The last stage of a life-changing day is resolve. Resolve says, “I will.” These are two of the most powerful words in the language.
Nothing can resist the human will that will stake even its existence on its stated purpose. – Benjamin Disraeli
“The best definition of resolve I’ve ever heard came from a junior-high-school student in Foster City, California. I was addressing her class one day, and we were discussing some keywords. I asked the kids, “Who can tell me what resolve means?” Some didn’t know the answer, and some tried to guess. The last answer I got was the best. This girl about two rows back says, “I think I know, Mr. Rohn. I think resolve means promising yourself you’ll never give up.” I said, “That’s the best definition I’ve ever heard.” She’s probably giving her own seminars somewhere today.”
“I think resolve means promising yourself you’ll never give up.”
Promise yourself you’ll read the books until your skills change; you’ll go to seminars until you get a handle on what they’re teaching; you’ll practise until you develop the skills. Never give up until you’ve gotten what you want. Don’t miss the change to grow. Resolve that you’ll pay the price until you learn, change, grow, and become what you want to be. You’ll discover some of life’s best treasures when you pay that price.
Promise yourself you’ll read the books until your skills change; you’ll go to seminars until you get a handle on what they’re teaching; you’ll practise until you develop the skills.
All the Best in your quest to get Better. Don’t Settle: Live with Passion.
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