There is just one thing life expects from us – to make progress in whatever we do.

America’s foremost Business Philosopher, Jim Rohn, was blunt when he said life expects us to make measurable progress in reasonable time.

This is so true.

Nothing was designed to remain at constant. As part of God’s grand design, every part of your body will expand. Automatically. As you eat they extract the relevant nutrients to grow.

You cannot remain at where you are say a year or two. If it appears you are, I’m sorry you are not growing. This isn’t what you bargained for. Why didn’t you remain in the nursery or secondary school?

The answer is progress. This is why the nursery classrooms are designed so small so that you will not fit in. You have to move ahead.

Life is supposed to be same. Your daily activities must deliver growth. Consistently strive for growth in whatever it is that you are doing.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Prime Minister of Dubai, says continued growth requires huge effort, complete attention and being consistently alert to potential dangers.

The following are three things you need to do to see growth in your life.

#1: Make your day count by planning

It is easy to go about life without knowing what is at stake for you. And yes it is easy to face the day not knowing what may happen in a minute or two to come. I have seen a great number of people start their days in an apprehensive mood. They are scared of what the days hold for them because they don’t have grip on how things would pan out for them. Whatever life throws at them in the day is welcomed. To them this is normal.

You don’t need that. You need to make your day count. You need to know what you will do every minute and every hour. And this can only be done when you have a day well planned. Don’t leave your life to chance. Things happen in this world especially when you have not planned your day, and you might not like what would happen to you.

Make a list of goals to accomplish in the day. Things you will have to do before the end of the day. Resist the temptation to fall for distractions in the course of the day. Remain true to the list. You can write them in notepad and have it in your pocket. With everyone you get completed, tick it to know you are through with every bit of it.

#2: Don’t just read, apply what you read

Successful entrepreneurs, business moguls and pundits are great readers. I will recommend you read at least five chapters of a book or listen to a motivational audio every day. It is important to learn something new every day. Make this your number one goal in life and you will be unbeatable.

While it is good to read, know that applying the things you read brings success and excellence.

Reading will make you intelligent but applying what you read will make you an expert – that’s growth.

Get a notebook, journal or diary and jot some of the great ideas you come across in the course of your readings. Make it a point to put some of the things into action and witness the great change in your life.

#3: Rewire your thinking by being grateful

Negative thoughts are just a second away from great positive thoughts. In a basket of things, we see the negative things before we are attracted to the positive things. And even though it helps to have both perspectives in whatever you do, soon you will realise having positive thoughts are helpful.

Don’t see things as all gloom just because you failed in a venture or someone you held to your confidence disappointed you. Refuse to let people decide your mood. Be in charge of your mood, day, and life.

In the midst of disappointment, there’s always something to be grateful for. The smile on your partners, children or parents face, the good health, and the opportunity you had a day ago – are things worth savoring.

Take count of your blessings and you will realise there’s no need to be ungrateful in your life.

You can always have the growth your life requires if you want to. A life replete with smiles and great accomplishments is all that you need. Even though you might hit the rock in some of the things you do, you will never be down.

Do this exercise:

Take out your diary and write the things you have achieved in your life during half of 2016 - starting from January to June. Do same for August to December at the end of the year and work the math. Are you making progress or your life is at a constant?

The next time you visit your child in the nursery, grab his/her chair and sit on it. Reflect on your own experience. You will appreciate what it takes to be at that level.

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For more articles by Kwabena Brakopowers please visit www.life360degrees.net. You can also contribute by sending an interest mail to Brakomen@outlook.com or Austin.powers@myjoyonline.com