From a mastermind alliance, suggests Robin Sharma
In his book Think and Grow Rich, self-help pioneer Napoleon Hill advises readers to form a “mastermind” group if they aim to improve the quality of their lives and get what they want. He defines the mastermind alliance in these terms: “Coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.” Hill adds, “No two minds ever come together in a spirit of harmony without, thereby, creating a third, invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a third mind.”
Many of the successful people I personally coach or whom I have met at my seminars have told me that one of the single best things they did to help them create both the business and personal lives they wanted was to form their own mastermind alliance. In doing so, they not only developed a personal support network and some great friendships, they tapped into specialized knowledge and accumulated wisdom they ordinarily would never have had access to.
To form your own mastermind alliance, find three or four people you feel you could learn from and who would get along well with the others of the group.
The alliance is all about mutual benefit so you must be able to give as much as you expect to receive. Approach your prospective members and arrange to start meeting once a week.... With the advances in technology, you no longer have to meet in person although this will be important to do every so often. Telephone conference calls, electronic communication and even faxes will work. At the appointed time, discuss the challenges you are facing and ask for the group’s input. Discuss the success principles and life lessons that have proved their effectiveness time and time again along with ways to live with greater balance, fulfillment and inner peace. A mastermind alliance will not only cut your learning curve in the game of life, it will help you have much more fun playing it.
It is easy to live your life like a leaf in the fall wind, moving in whatever direction the wind blows that day. To create a great life, you must live more intentionally, deliberately and passionately so that you live on your own terms rather than on someone else’s. The real challenge is that with so much to do, it is easy to allow life to act on you and watch the days quickly slip into weeks, then into months and finally into years.
But I have a solution. In my own life I have created what I call my Daily Code of Conduct. It is simply three paragraphs containing the values, virtues and vows I have determined through much reflection that I need to live by in order for my life to be a fulfilling one. For example, part of the first paragraph states, “Over the next twenty-four hours I vow to appreciate this day, as it is all I really have, and to use every minute wisely and fully.
So much can be done over the next twenty-four hours to advance my life’s agenda and complete my legacy. I will, throughout this day, remember that this day could be my last and that no great person ever died with their music still within them.” My code then outlines my dearest values and vows as they relate to my family, my community and myself.
Reading my Daily Code of Conduct at the very beginning of the day...reminds me of the things that matter most in my life and reconnects me to my highest priorities.... I feel energized, committed and ready to go out into the world with a renewed sense of purpose and focus. Creating your own Daily Code of Conduct will do the same for you.