Why Today Matters

Have you ever wondered if what you do today really affects your success tomorrow?

If you have a good day, does that make it more likely that the next day will also be good? And anyway, what makes one day good while another is not?

Everyone wants to have a good day, but according to John Maxwell, few of us know what a good day looks like. In his book, "Today Matters", he explains that very few people understand how the way they live today will impact what happens to them tomorrow. Why is that?

Misconceptions About Success

Well, there are a lot of misconceptions that can lead us astray. Here are few of the common misconceptions that are outlined in John Maxwell's book:

1. We believe success is impossible, so we criticize it.
2. We believe success is mystical, so we search for it.
3. We believe success comes from luck, so we hope for it.
4. We believe success is productivity, so we work for it.
5. We believe success comes from opportunity, so we wait for it.
6. We believe success comes from leverage, so we power up for it.
7. We believe success comes from connections, so we network for it.
8. We believe success is an event, so we schedule it.

Which of these misconceptions belong to you? Pause for a moment and consider those misconceptions and the impact they are having on your life right now.

What I Have Learned

Number four and number eight certainly resonate with me. When I think about that, I gain insight. Working hard and scheduling events are fine and good, but it does not magically bring success into my life.

As John Maxwell explains, growth comes from making decisions and following through on those decisions. It doesn't come from criticizing, searching, hoping, waiting or any of the other misconceptions. It comes from making decisions and acting on them.

The time to start creating success in your life is right now.
Focus on today, because today is all you have.

Making Today Matter

It's too late to do something you wanted to accomplish yesterday, and you can't depend on what might happen tomorrow. That is why today matters. This statement resonates so true to me that I have put up a sign in my office. It says, "Yesterday ended last night."

So why do so many of us fail to grasp the importance of the present moment? Is it because we hold on to the past, or focus too much on the future?

John Maxwell suggests that we struggle to take in the importance of now because:

1. We over-exaggerate yesterday. Our past success and failures often look bigger in hindsight than they actually were.
2. We overestimate tomorrow. What is your attitude for the future? What do you think the future holds?
3. We underestimate today. Today is the only time we have; don't let it slip away.

What's On Your To Do List?

So how can you make sure that today doesn't slip away? John Maxwell has a suggestion: the secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda.

I have a detailed agenda that I manage daily. It's not just a to-do list; it's a whole new approach to life. Managing my daily agenda has helped me to:

1. Remain focused.
2. Enjoy good health.
3. Feel significant.
4. Learn and grow.
5. Receive direction.
6. Experience fulfillment.
7. Exhibit stability.
8. And more …

This makes every day a great day. Remember, success results from what you do in the present moment.

"Most people don't lead their own lives - they accept their lives." – John Kotter

Your Friends,
The UpCloseTeam