The Seven C’s of Self-Control (from “Seeds of Greatness by Denis Waitley”)
1. We control the clock.
Yes we do. Although it always runs, we can use it as we choose. We can choose how long we work, how long we play, how long we rest, how long we worry, and how long we procrastinate. We can’t always set our work schedule, but we can in the long run. We can change. To control the clock better – get up a half hour earlier and decide what you are going to do with the day that is profitable to you and those close to you. Make phone calls at certain times, allow incoming calls at certain times, be available for meetings at certain times, handle each piece of correspondence just once and delegate all work that can’t stand up to the test of “Is this the best use of my time right now?”
2. We control our concepts.
We control our thoughts and creative imaginations. We need to remember that imagination, with simulation, leads to realization. Ask the POWs if anyone could control the previews of coming attractions.
3. We control our contacts.
We can’t select all the people we’d like to work with and be with; but we control whom we spend most of our time with and we can meet new people. We can change our environments and seek out successful role models to learn from and share with.
4. We control our communication.
We are in charge of what we say and how we say it. Realizing that nothing is learned while we talk, much of our communication is listening, observing, and qualifying. When we communication (you and I) we are prepare to deliver a message that will offer value and mutual understanding on the part of the receiver.
5. We control our commitments.
We choose which Concepts, contacts, and communications warrant the most attention and effort. We are responsible for which of them become contractual, with priorities and deadlines. We create our own track to run on – slow, medium, or fast – in our commitment.
6. We control our causes.
With our concepts, contacts and commitments, we set our long-range goals in life, which become our causes, the things we are most identified with by others. You and I have worthy causes and a game plan for life, which gives us confidence and courage.
7. We control our concerns.
Most people react emotionally to everything they interpret as a threat to their self-worth. Because you and I have a creative self-image and a deep-down inside feeling of self-worth, regardless of what’s going on around us – we respond, rather than react – using left-brain logic combined with right brain intuition. And our responses usually are constructive. What concerns us most is the joy of living.
By Denis Waitley (on pgs 90-91 *very wonderful book to own)
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