Whatever anyone does, whatever anyone says, is aligned with how they see the world.

And so decisions people make are always perfect for them in the sense that all their education, learning, experiences and insights into the world lead them to that decision.

So when dealing with other people, it's important to understand that whatever they are doing makes perfect sense with how they see the world.

So start by understanding what's there for them, and deal with that.

There are no mistakes.  Everything is perfect.

"Follow your passions."

"Dream bigger."

"Focus."

"You can get there with hard work."

"Do what you love because then you'll never have to work a day in your life."

etc.

etc.

Everyone dolls out the same advice, because it's true.

The difference between someone who lives their dreams, and someone who doesn't, is that the former actually lives their lives uncompromisingly by those principles.

Want to do something but you don't feel like it?

Want to start a company but you feel the first step is too high and too hard?  Want to get fit but you feel too unmotivated to exercise?  What to start your plans now but you feel like you can't because you feel too busy?

Well, the best way to feel like doing something, the best way to get motivated by starting a company, the best way to get motivated about getting fit and the best way to feel like you're going in the right direction, is to make the first move.

You'll feel motivated by your company when it starts achieving results.  You'll feel motivated about your body when you see the outcomes of your exercising.  You'll feel motivated, if you just take the action.  Just take the first step, and try it.

Woody Allen once said that "eighty percent of success is showing up."

To me, that means, you go to the meeting about the project.  You're there anyway.  May as well participate.  There's another way in which you can help out and use your skills.  Ok, well then, you're there, may as well show up for that as well.  And so the cycle continues.

Show up ->  you're there anyway, may as well pitch in.  You're pitching in, may as well do it well -> Show up...

My most productive days, the days I enjoy the most, and the ones that inspire me the most are the days where I have an extensive pre-written to-do list that encompasses every single to-do item from my head.  Through working through that list of non-urgent errands and important large projects, I accomplish a lot and feel good about doing it.

Then after a good day's work, I sit down and write a list to prepare for the next day of good work.

My daily plan is basically a brain dump.  I start with all the major projects I'm working on at the moment.  Then I write down all the things I have to do under those headings.  Just everything I can possibly think of regarding those items that are my responsibility.  Including following up with people to make sure they've done their jobs.

After I've dumped my brain, I work my way through.

At the end of the day, most of the tasks will still be there.  But for some projects that I have moved forward a lot, there will be a new set of items that need to be done.

And so the cycle continues.