After they left, another customer commented to effect that boy would likely have been happier about his haircut had it been his idea. “Probably so, I replied, “But apparently that was golden rule in action. Mom had gold. So she made rule.”

After we enjoyed a laugh, I began to think more seriously regarding real meaning of golden rule. No question, in dealing with others, its value is as gold. Yet, few seem to really understand it, and even fewer apply it.

However, both religious and non-religious have heard it: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Actually it’s a paraphrase of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:12. But, religious considerations aside for present, what do words mean?

For certain, principle involves something better than returning meanness for meanness, rudeness for rudeness or injury for injury. Yet, we somehow feel justified in personal or business relationships when we mistreat those who have mistreated us. In response to such, we might simply ask, “How’s that working for you?”

******************************************************************************************** “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” --Aristotle **************************************************************************************************************

These days, nearly everyone I meet is trying to change something about their lives…be it to lose weight, quit smoking, have more fun, exercise more, get a new job or be promoted in job they have. Yet, most people end up struggling to fully achieve their goals. They become discouraged, distracted, and eventually, defeated enough to set goal aside.

Making change is hard. But, it is nearly impossible to see through, especially over long-term, without building an environment to support change. In my work with large organizational teams, I recommend that leaders take time to set change up in a way that makes it nearly impossible for people NOT to change. The same is true for individuals. We must create five key support systems for ourselves so that making change becomes nearly effortless. So, if you are ready, here they are:

1.Have a vision…not just a goal 2.Get a Sponsor 3.Create Time and Energy Reserves 4.Connect with 3 peers 5.Get some quick wins

HAVE A VISION…NOT JUST A GOAL The single biggest mistake I see people make is that they set a goal, such as “I want to lose 15 pounds by July 4th”. Great, but it isn’t very compelling. The key is to have a VISION that is specific and compelling enough to draw you forward. Lose 15 pounds—fine. But WHY do you want to lose it? How will it feel? How will you look? What will you be like if you lose it? Write a specific and compelling vision for yourself and goal becomes secondary.

GET A SPONSOR Sure, you can do it yourself. But, you’ll likely let yourself down many times before you succeed. Why bother? You need at least one person who can hold you accountable and push you further than you would push yourself. A good sponsor will ask you to raise your standards, double your output. Can you be that for yourself? Probably not. So find a coach, mentor, trainer or leader who can.