Daily Vital Vows: What successful people do that others don't

Recently, I have had a veracious appetite for information about what industry leaders and experts are doing. More specifically, what they are doing that is different from what everyone else is doing. I have this belief that successful people have a few core actions that distinguish them from the rest of the crowd. Among them are:

1. They do different things
2. They do things differently
3. They think different thoughts

Along these lines I have discovered that one of the “things” they do, and one of the ways they “think” is they have made a few non-negotiables with themselves. In other words, they have a few vital “vows” they have made with themselves. And, they declare these vital vows to themselves every day.

Here are some of the vital vows that I have been discovering in my research:

Today I Vow:

• To be aware of, open to, and focus on opportunities
• To be vigilant with how I communicate with others and ensuring they are receiving the message I am intending
• To be an inspiring difference maker in the lives of others
• To be an avenue of life changing education for others
• To express my gratitude for the things, people and events in my life
• To position myself for advancement and further success

Some might ask, “aren't vital vows just hyped up affirmations?” Quick answer: they are not. Actually, they are far from it. Vital vows stem from, and enforce, the belief systems of successful people. Vital vows become the sifter through which successful people filter their activities, decisions, efforts and energies.

As you create your own vital vows to direct your thoughts and actions each day there are many categories you can address, here are just a few:

• Finances
• Spirituality
• Work
• Relationships
• Parenting
• Health
• Community
  

ALERT: But, here is the chief observation I have made. When we don’t consciously decide on what our Vital Vows are, our minds go into default mode. And, often, our default mental settings are marginal compared to our conscious, thoughtfully-selected, success-generating mental settings. All the successful people I have been interviewing and studying have made it a point to not allow default mode to kick in. Rather they have been scrupulously deliberate about selecting their vital vows! 

The BIG Lesson: Don’t let your vital vows be driving you toward marginal living. Be purposeful and strategic in selecting and committing to your daily vital vows.

So, what are your daily “Vital Vows?” Feel free to share in the comments below.