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There is one thing that almost everyone wants in the world, and it is not limited to any particular material item. Whether it’s career success, creativity, passion, purpose, energy, productivity, money, love, friends, happiness, or anything else you can think of, the answer is almost universal. And it’s quite obvious and simple: MORE. Think about it. It’s hard to imagine a person in any walk of life who doesn’t want more of something. And it’s perfectly natural to want more good things for yourself and others.
Some might argue that wanting more is somehow selfish or mean, but abundance offers a greater opportunity to share and express gratitude. And if properly pursued, it not only reflects healthy and responsible ambition, but also serves as a model of leadership and inspiration for others. So it’s really not so much the desire for more, but what we’re chasing and how we’re chasing it, that really matters.
Related: How to get more of what you want
The concept of wanting more falls into three broad categories: more for ourselves, more for others we know, and more for the global community.
Think about the search for more on a larger scale. More housing for the homeless. More support for veterans. More resources for teachers. More opportunities for students. All these things require more time, more money, more focus, etc. And most importantly, they hire people who are more dedicated, more passionate, more creative, more driven, more women, etc. The pursuit of more is indeed a necessary means of achieving the things we want and need, but more on a global community scale can only be achieved when individuals are able to achieve more of themselves and those around them. Their great wealth gives them greater reach and greater influence to effect greater change.
So here are the five parameters for pursuing and achieving more in a genuine and considerate way, with the greater good in mind:
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1. Clarity
Establish a clear understanding of what you want more of, why you want more of it, and what you plan to do with the abundance of it. This clarity will add purpose to your efforts and allow you to recognize what steps you need to take. It will help you avoid distractions and help you identify people with whom you can build relationships that will help you in your endeavors.
2. Energy
There are two types of energy to consider. First, how much physical energy, time, and effort will your research require? This will give you an honest assessment of how much dedication it will take and whether you are up to the task. Many of us excel at the ideation stage and stumble when it comes to execution. Second, how much emotional energy will it take? Identify the best mindset and perspective needed to achieve what you want. The right mindset will attract the necessary support and like-minded people to achieve your goals.
3. Courage
There is a distinct vulnerability in chasing more of something, because you are identifying and admitting what you need or want. True courage comes from putting yourself in position and then taking the necessary steps to achieve more. We achieve this level of courage the moment we choose to share that need or desire with others. This is the point where it goes from an internal longing to a tangible goal. And it is often the necessary first step to being accountable both to oneself and to others. And when we apply the right clarity and energy, it becomes clear with whom we must have the courage to share our goals.
Related: The Importance of Courage
4. Productivity
It is imperative that you have a plan. Without a clear plan, an idea has no bridge to cross the gap to execution. A plan gives you a road map, supports your clarity, energy and courage, identifies reference points and ensures you have the tools to be accountable to yourself and to evaluate whether the steps you are taking and the effort you are investing they are enough and worth it. While part of the purpose of the plan is tangible assessment, the other part comes from assessing whether or not you are working genuinely and authentically from the heart and also receiving internal satisfaction.
5. Influence
More than anything it should be seen as an opportunity to be a positive influence for others. More time is an opportunity to pursue your passion, grow relationships, etc. More success is an opportunity to help others, lead, inspire, etc. But ultimately, more than anything, it should be about the impact you can have on others. How will you use yours? month to influence opportunities for you and others?
Using these five tools to assess your search for what you most want or need in life will keep you motivated, inspired, and on track.