drip.. drip.. drip..

When I was young I was taught that tiny drops of water have the power to fill an entire ocean but at that time I never really understood what this meant and the power it has.

Having thought about this over some time now, I am starting to realise that long term success is indeed made up of consistent short term habits. Tiny drops indeed start at the top of the mountain which form a small stream which eventually becomes a big waterfall that falls into a river and flows exponentially into the sea filling the ocean.

When I reflect back on the last 10 years or the last 5 years or the last 3 years or even the last 1 year, I often try to see how much I have progressed in life. Often I feel disappointed if I realise that so much time has passed and I should have done a lot more than what I have done or I should be in a better place personally or professionally than what I am. But as the old saying goes, the best time to start was yesterday but the second best time is today. I have thought about the 20 things I should tick off every day which will assure me a better long term future and hopefully less regrets in life.

1. Sleep for 8 hours.
2. Do the dishes in the morning. Remind myself that yesterday’s dirties needs to be cleaned in order to start a fresh day today.
3. Exercise 1 hour, may it be gym workout or a jog.
4. Eat at least 1 serve of fruit and vegetable.
5. Wake up by 6am every day.
6. Dress for success. Make myself presentable every morning.
7. Eat a big breakfast.
8. Review my monthly, weekly and daily goals and stay focused in achiving them.
9. Do the most difficult task first. For example, Make 30 sales calls before midday.
10. Drink at least 3 litres of water.
11. Spend half an hour in planning the next day’s tasks.
12. Spend at least half an hour doing admin/accounts work.
13. Read the day’s news from 3 very different newspapers.
14. Read industry magazine to stay on top of the current trends.
15. Maintain my daily diary.
16. Spend quality time with my wife and love her lots.
17. Slow down. Take the time to look at the sky or smell the flowers.
18. Look forward to something.
19. Do a random act of kindness.
20. Smile and love a little more.

I often remind myself that consistency is the key to long term success. I hope that this will help me become a better person one drip at a time.

John Singh.