Transform Your Life with the Rule of Five

I believe in the power of words, habits, and mentorship. Being guided by someone who's already trekked the path you're forging through is priceless. I have been blessed being coached and mentored by John C. Maxwell - one of the most influential leaders in the world.

I’d like to share “My Rule of Five." I believe these skills will be very beneficial for you. Incorporate them into your daily habits, and you'll see tremendous results too! These basic concepts will help you become the best version of yourself.

RULE #1: VISION

Crystal clear “vision” means knowing exactly where you're going in life. You vividly see your dream and can hardly contain your enthusiasm. You want to inspire others by sharing your vision. The excitement is infectious, and others want to be part of your journey towards success. Personally, sharing my vision has given my life incredible purpose and direction. First envisioning and then building a successful team around me has been an integral part of my success. Never underestimate the power of visualization. It's what keeps me laser-focused in all facets of my life.

Some use a vision board to help them visualize their goals. Indeed, it's a powerful tool for manifesting your dreams. I never shy away from conversations involving what people keep on their vision boards. In fact, I find the subject matter incredibly fascinating. Over the years, I've noticed a predictable pattern emphasizing the gain of material wealth and possessions. Perhaps you too want the dream car, luxurious home, and to be financially set for life. They're respectable aspirations, and at one point, represented what I wanted most too! However, my quest for obtaining material possessions changed when I received coaching. My perspective evolved from measuring success by possessions -- to defining success by the man I wanted to become. Inanimate objects were no longer of value to me. As they say: "All that glitters isn’t gold." I reached a turning point where I'd rather have a heart of gold than a pocket full of it. Being coached and mentored is an incredibly worthwhile journey that I recommend you consider exploring as well.

Right now, use this moment to review and examine your perspective. Challenge yourself to identify where you want and need to be in the next five to ten years. This exercise will help you gain a deeper insight and shift your outlook towards what matters most to you personally. Consistently challenge yourself to become the best version of yourself.

“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ― C.G. Jung

RULE #2: BRAND/MARKETING

What's your brand? What's your purpose? Do you know? Conventional marketing and advertising of products are outdated. Current consumer demand requires a distinctive and reputable brand. Customers need to buy your message and know what you stand for - well before they purchase your product or service. Therefore, it's imperative that you skillfully brand and market yourself accordingly. Following this simple advice will elevate you to an entirely new level whether you're an entrepreneur, salesperson, business owner, teacher, doctor - or any profession - this works. Take note, the key to your success lies in developing your brand not only advertising your product. Establish what you're known for immediately and start adding value to people by serving them daily.

RULE #3 BE SELECTIVE

Successful individuals are selective of the company they keep. Take inventory of your current relationships. Are your friends, relatives, and colleagues adding or subtracting value from your life? Years ago, I made a command decision to associate myself with winners. These people consistently bring out the best in me and I in them. It’s exhilarating interacting with people who take you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to rise to the occasion of being your personal best. While it may sound counterintuitive, if you believe you're the smartest person within your circle of friends, you need to expand your association and join groups where you're learning from others.

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” ― Jim Rohn

RULE #4: FOLLOW-UP

The ability and willingness to “follow-up” is a crucial element of success. In fact, it needs to be second nature in everything you do. While it's human nature to procrastinate, that's just an excuse. The vast majority of people fail to follow-up assuming it's not necessary. And if follow-up is required, it's "assumed" someone else will take the initiative. Never assume anything, check and confirm before deciding whether or not to take action. An assumption of any type - to any degree - is always a leader’s biggest enemy. You must follow-up to meet and exceed expectations and demonstrate your appreciation of the task at hand, the person involved, or any given situation! This will significantly improve your life. Do you have a follow-up system?

RULE #5: FOLLOW-THROUGH

“Follow-through” is an indicator of one's integrity and credibility. Doing what you say you’ll do is of paramount importance in all areas of life. Be careful not to over-promise and under-deliver. If you commit to something, then follow-through as agreed upon. Keep it simple. Don't justify failing to follow-through because it wasn't a "big deal," or since you didn't consider it to be particularly significant.

Follow-through with an action because it reveals your character and increases your level of trust and respect amongst your peers. Conversely, when you fail to honor your word, you create distrust and jeopardize losing credibility with others. Don't risk compromising business relationships you've worked so hard to establish. Simply follow-through with work projects and professional transactions as you promised to do. Lead by example and build a team of successful people to have around you.

“You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.” – Rosalynn Carter

Apply the Rule of Five in everything you do, and you'll reap the benefits of having a transformed life that's in complete alignment. These rules are simple and will significantly impact you once you learn to live by them fully!