Life itself is your greatest battlefield. And like every battle tackled in history, it can’t be won without a solid plan in mind.
Corrie Shanahan’s book Do It, Mean It, Be It gives you the tools to help make your life meaningful, help you see what’s important to you, and know what you should do to iron out the wrinkles and make it smoother.
Planning out your career, developing healthy habits, and even keeping yourself happier are some of the tips Shanahan offers to improve the different aspects of your life. And here are some that I found most compelling:
The value of confidence
One of the best tips of this book that would definitely aid your personal life is the creation of your own highlight reel. Since confidence is crucial to succeeding in life, we all should know how to build it from the ground up. This should involve listing down what you’re good at or even your personal successes in life. This will give you something to reread if you feel like comparing yourself negatively to others.
As quoted in Shanahan’s words, “Confidence is particularly important to build confidence when you’re in transition.”
Relationships that mean everything
Shanahan also provides helpful checklists and inspiring stories such as determining relationships with your peers, building your personal brand, setting up long term goals, and even setting your sights on important future roles.
Let’s talk about determining relationships with your peers, for instance. Have you ever considered the circle of friends you have? Or maybe you have thought about the friends who have aged like fine wine and the friends who have aged worse than spoiled milk?
Shanahan explains toxic individuals should be of low importance while those who uplift you should be regarded as the most important. You can start by putting the people in your life in high quality and low-quality charts based on the standards that you have. This “relationship map” will help you determine not only the friends you surround yourself with, but the values and principles you need to keep as well.
Goals for the long haul
Shanahan also points out the importance of long-term goals. Don ‘t wait at the last year to make a decision. In fact, you can always steer your life towards an oasis and not a sandhill early on. First, describe what you’re doing and what you dislike about it. From there, know what you want to be doing. Eventually, you know what to hope for in the next five years.
Shanahan also suggests that you take these ideas, seal them in an envelope and address it to your future self. Think of it as a time capsule for your hopes, dreams, and schemes.
You are your own brand
And lastly, let’s talk about making a name for yourself, or building a personal brand. Shanahan explains that you can further your aspirations this way. Moreover, you should be writing down five good and bad characteristics about yourself that people associate you with.
You can alter your own brand by developing traits that you admire, such as the way you look, how you act, your body language and, overall, how you present yourself. Shanahan says -the key is acting that good part you want to play at the office and in your life.
Final thoughts
Do It, Mean It, Be It is Shanahan’s expertly written guide to giving your stew of life the flavor it needs to become enjoyable, memorable, and flexible. Give it a read if you want detailed and morale-boosting tips on how to get your life together.
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