Why self-evaluation and honesty are so critical for your success?

Ongoing self-evaluation and honesty are critical in determining where you are on your success path – from the beginning to the finish line. From experience I find that most people truly believe that they are doing far more than they really are, along the way.

Look at this example about Ed, who was a security guard at an office where I once worked. Ed was around 35 years old at the time – not the stereotypical, “semi-retired” elderly night watchman that you see portrayed in films and on television. Ed’s job consisted of making sure that when people entered the building, they had the proper credentials, such as a company I.D. or visitor’s pass. In addition, his job consisted of one or two walks around the halls in the building to ensure that the emergency exits were secure.

In short, not a lot of activity.

Ed did, however, spend a lot of time reading while at the desk. As I recall, he probably devoured a paperback novel every other day or so.

When entering the building I would always ask Ed how his day was progressing. His standard reply was “I’m pretty busy today!” At the time, several of us were working on a six-month-long project that involved long meetings, 14-hour days and flying around the country to meet with customers. Hence, my business associates and I would exchange skeptical glances at each other when Ed informed us of his work load.

Perhaps Ed’s goal in life was just to do what he was doing sitting at a desk reading – and for some, I guess there’s nothing wrong with that at all.

However, to reach the top of any endeavor it pays to be focused, determined, confident, courageous and energetic. Do not look at how little you can do, but how much you can do

It is said that “If you want to get something done, give it to a busy, effective person.”. In life, the busy, effective person will always be in demand, for they establish the reputation of being a “can do” person.

Of course, everyone wants to do something, but there are few that will put forward the needed effort and make the necessary sacrifices to get what they want. There is only one way to accomplish anything today — set your mind to concentrate on doing it and let nothing interfere with your progress. Obstacles are quickly overcome by the person that sets out to accomplish their heart’s desire.

Ask your self these questions:

1) Do I even have a plan?

2) If yes, do I have clearly defined, realistic goals to ensure that I stay on track? For example, if it is to lose weight, have I identified what I need to do and broken it down into achievable parts?

3) Have I designed in, checkpoints / evaluation points to make sure that I am “on track”? For instance, if your goal is to save money for your first new home, am I achieving the amount of savings I need?

4) Do I have a timeline to ensure that I stay on track?

5) As I evaluate my progress, am I prepared to look long and hard “in the mirror” and be honest with my progress? Am I being honest with my capabilities? Am I prepared to have a trusted advisor constructively critique my progress?

Taking the time to do steps 1 – 5 above will pay manifold dividends for you on your quest for success. Be honest with your self and make self evaluation part of your plan.

Keith A. Shaw is the author and creator of “The Power Of Thought”, and “The Power Of Concentration” Motivation and Success Systems, along with “The Power Of Serenity And Peace” Spirituality and Happiness System. Visit his website www.MindBodySpiritCentral.com.