The foundation of any system of achievement is learning to make effective, daily choices – those that directly

relate to your immediate goals. Surprisingly, this is a unique ability. We do not naturally possess the capacity of making consistent, effective

choices! Why?

Because our natural, human instincts have one goal: our safety. Your instincts really do not care about your

goals. When you manage your daily activities from your natural, human instincts, your response will always be in favor of keeping you where

you are.

In short, your instincts are fighting against your achievement because achievement always involves change

and growth, both of which are contrary to sameness. This means that you are, by nature, undermining your own success and achievement

simply by doing what your instincts dictate that you do.

How do I get out of this comfort zone?

In order to achieve the next level and break out of that comfort zone, you must first learn to manage your

process of making effective choices with INTENTION. And the process of making effective choices must be systematic rather than instinctive.

This works because a systems approach to achievement bypasses your natural instincts.

One of the first steps in a systems approach to making effective choices is managing your daily choices and actions.

The small, seemingly insignificant, choices you make everyday have a tremendous impact on the achievement of your overall goals.

You can talk the talk, look the part, have all the trappings, project the image, and all the things we do

to keep from facing reality, but if you do not do the right things consistently, your system is unsustainable.

Effective daily choices are guided by effective daily planning

The quality of your daily choices and actions are measured by their effectiveness, and daily planning is the

key to how effective your choices and actions will be.

Dreams transform into reality in small, sometimes unrecognizable increments. To achieve and to make that achievement

sustainable, you must build the habit of consistent daily planning. Those goal-directed, consistent, daily choices are the stepping-stones

to your future. Always plan tomorrow before tomorrow begins. Before the end of your day, take 10 minutes to plan tomorrow.

Three steps involved in planning tomorrow:

STEP #1 — Transfer forward

Transfer any action step, contact, or follow-up that has not been completed today over to tomorrow’s action

steps list. Incomplete action steps should always transfer forward to the next day until complete.

This habit will prompt you to get things done today because you know that you will have to transfer it to tomorrow.

STEP #2 — Make notes

Make a permanent note of any communication you need to pass on to others and the people with whom you need to communicate

that information. This frees your mind from the task of remembering, which is a waste of the creative thought process. You learn to maximize

face time and phone time.

Simply remember to refer to your notes for the reminder of what you need to communicate every time you are

with someone, in person or on the phone.

STEP #3 — Stay on schedule

Look at your monthly calendar and transfer your time-scheduled events from your calendar to your daily time plan.

This simply keeps you on schedule.

If you are not in the habit of planning tomorrow before tomorrow begins, it will take some extra work and focus

on your part. Prior planning brings clarity, and clarity creates focus. Prior planning and clarity are also necessities for success in any endeavor!

Effective habits enhance performance, and planning tomorrow before tomorrow begins is the most effective habit

you will ever develop.

Start making effective daily choices, propel yourself out of your comfort zone, and get ready for the next

level of success!