How To Develop 'Gourmet Living'

After speaking at a recent sales conference -- my title was "Gourmet Living, Creating a Menu for Life" -- an attendee asked me a great question: "You spoke about creating a vision for your life and a passion for impacting the lives of others. I don't have a vision for what my life should be like. How do I develop one?"

While somewhat surprised, I realized that many people have led lives that were somewhat easy, with everything provided to them. Meanwhile, there are others who have lived in very difficult environments, with limited options and resources; many such people never consider that they could have a better future. While there are expectations for each situation, I've met individuals of many different ages and positions that have "stalled out" or peaked. They're simply living, but not living life!

In my keynote, I help participants create a "menu" for their life; I blend cooking metaphors and stories of personal experiences to challenge them to create a philosophy and purpose for their personal and professional lives. If you wish to do more with your life, here are five ideas to get you started:

1. Like a Boy Scout that leaves the campsite in better shape than when he found it, make a commitment to leave earth a better place than when you arrived. No matter your age or situation, determine what you can do to make this a better world. This will make you feel better and proud.
   
   
2. Create a list of both small and large dreams and then create a Dream Poster, with pictures of your dreams. This will keep your dreams active in your mind and direct your personal actions toward achieving them. The Dream Poster can include anything, from travel destinations to toys to even lifestyle changes.
   
   
3. Create a list of what you physically must do to actually achieve No. 2. This step is where many individuals fail. Everyone wants to succeed, but few understand that there is price you pay for success.
   
   
4. Associate with people that are succeeding. People say you should not compare yourself to others, but I think you should. Compare your common characteristics; compare what they are doing that you are not. Work to improve yourself by focusing on your strengths.
   
   
5. If you have reached a plateau in your life, or are in a rut, or have lost your vision for your life, start over at No. 1.

While these five steps may seem simplistic, they will begin to create the excitement and passion that will propel you to the next level. If you want copy of our "menu for life," send me an e-mail at [email protected].

Posted by Ken Thoreson on April 08, 2011