Hey, Anton reader, “I’m talking to you.” Don’t you realize its 2020? Don’t you realize that we’re at the beginning of a new decade? Don’t you realize that the timing couldn’t be better than today to pursue a fresh, positive start for yourself? Now is the time for action to take the place of excuses.
So, let me get personal. Let’s say it’s not you, but a close friend, brother or sister, cousin or neighbor who is somehow not doing the right thing with his or her life, a screw up.
Instead of striving for an “A” or “B” grade in college, that individual is happy with a “C” or “D.” Instead of seeking a promotion at work by being more responsible, he or she comes in later and is in jeopardy of being fired. Instead of being motivated and passionate about life, that individual drinks too much alcohol or gets “high” on weed on a regular basis. Know anybody that fits the above description? I do, and I call them loser.
For every hour of every day of every month of every year, such individuals need to take their own destinies into control. When is it time to “walk the walk” rather than just “talk the talk?” Isn’t the answer obvious? It’s this very moment in time. Why not be a winner?
You see, Anton readers, it isn’t enough to “want” to get better grades, to “want” to earn more money at your job, to “want” a better relationship with your parents, boyfriend/girlfriend, because each of us wants things. Unfortunately, “wanting” is never enough.
You can say anything you want because words are easy to roll off a tongue. In fact, you want what you have. You see, if you were really serious about wanting something different, you would take the actions needed to achieve your goal. Only actions produce results. Nothing else really matters. However words, wants or thoughts don’t really mean much. It’s what you do that will get you what and where you want to be.
Your success in 2020 is nothing more than having the ability, the drive and the determination to eliminate non-successful behaviors you exhibit to yourself and to others.
You can’t plead ignorance or lack of a plan of action. Ever hear the expression “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail?” It holds true in personal and business situations again and again. Try to start paying attention to people around you who you admire. Observe their actions and get a clue about what works for them.
In short, 2020 can be your decade to become a self-starter—a true winner. I have confidence that you can make it happen.
Professor Jack K. Mandel is a professor of marketing at Nassau Community College in Garden City. He is the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Teacher Award conferred by the New York State Association of Two-Year colleges.
