Your List Is Your Treasure, Unless It’s a Bad List
Competition excites many people. It positively excites me. I like analogies connected to winning and being appropriately assertive. People sometimes suggest that they are, “taking names.” Who is on your list?
Taking Names
Many connect the concept of taking names to mean you’re creating a list. Likely, it is a list of people to be excluded, removed, or otherwise outperformed. There may be a few other variations, but I think you have the picture.
Your list is something you may keep track of, stew over, and get angry about. The question to ask then is, “Are you keeping the right list?”
People often want to track those who work against them. They want to be sure that when opportunity knocks, the list will be pulled out, and someone is going down.
I remind people all the time that what you focus on is what you get. A focus on negativity will produce more negativity. You can count on it.
If you are making a list, would it make more sense to keep a list of people who are helping you succeed?
Is there more value to creating a list of the people who support you? The people who really have your back. Those people who are giving of time, attention, and spreading goodwill?
Your List
You may not owe anybody anything, but reciprocity still always has some value.
When you use your time to focus on a list of negativities you’re not only hurting yourself but you’re not honoring those who honor you.
The next time you offer up that you are taking names, make it a list of the good people. Remember their consideration, caring, and unbridled support.
If you are going to have a list, make it worthwhile.
List the good ones. Tell others, find more, build connections, and start a tribe.
You’ll be more successful. Your list is your treasure.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
