The Ant Philosophy - Jim Rohn

Find Something Positive

“Seek the lofty by reading, hearing and seeing great work at some moment every day.”  --Thornton Wilder

In order to be a better person and seek the greater things in life, you must first be appreciative of the things that are already good in your life. After all, you can’t know  ‘good’ without first experiencing the ‘bad.’

As hard as it may be, strive to find something positive  about every single day.

✤         When met with negative things, take a minute to search for the upside of the situation.

✤         Positivism breeds the same.

✤         Take time to find joy in the little things in life.

Self-Reflection Questions:

I.      Am I a positive person?

II.     What happens if I see the glass half full instead of half empty?

III.     Will my positive attitude help someone else through a difficult situation?

Know Your Strengths

“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.” --Confucius

There are people in this world who will never admit when they are wrong. However, in order to fully understand something and reach true wisdom, you must know what areas of your life could use improvement. After all, you can’t possibly know everything. That’s precisely why you have to be willing to constantly learn and improve upon your skills.

✤         Know your strengths.

✤         Always be open to learning.

✤         Work to improve your weaknesses.

Self-Reflection Questions:

I.          Do I know my limits?

II.        Am I willing to acquire the necessary knowledge to complete my work?

III.      Once I know where I’m in need of development, am I willing to take the steps necessary to improve?

Be Helpful

“You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar

This idea may seem unusual especially since many people are only concerned with themselves. The truth is, if you reach out to help others attain their goals, they will be more willing to help you reach yours.

There’s an old saying, “What goes around comes around.” You may be surprised how true this is.

✤ Be helpful when others need it.

✤ Maintain an attitude of abundance and community.

✤ Accept help from others when they offer it.

Self-Reflection Questions:

I. Am I only concerned with myself and my goals?

II. Am I willing to help others, even if it won’t benefit me?

III. Do I allow others to help me?

Stay away from people with no vision

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

When you’re just starting out, some people may tell you that your dreams are far-fetched. Instead of listening to people who can’t see your vision or don’t believe in you, find people with a vision of their own. By spending time with visionary people, you can learn how to become all you dream to be.

✤         Stay away from people with no vision.

✤         Share your vision with those who have their own.

✤         Reach for your goals despite what others say.

Self-Reflection Questions:

I.      Do I have a clear vision of my future?

II.     Do I dwell on criticisms?

III.   Am I surrounding myself with like-minded, positive people?

Set Attainable Goals

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Many people are so focused on achieving their goals that they don’t enjoy the process or the journey along the way. Yes, it’s true that we set goals with the hope that we will achieve them, however there’s more to life than merely meeting a goal. We must become better people as we strive to meet and exceed the goals we’ve set for ourselves.

✤ Set attainable goals.

✤ Work hard to achieve those goals.

✤ Take the time to learn and grow along the path to your success.

Self-Reflection Questions:

I. Am I aware of my growth as I work toward my goals?

II. Have I set attainable, realistic goals?

III. Am I determined to follow through at any cost?

Never Wait On Success

“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” – William Butler Yeats

You can’t always wait for success to come to you. You have to be proactive to ensure that you will attain the success you desire. Take the initiative to do more than what is expected of you each day. Be excellent in your work so you will be noticed. Then, when the opportunity presents itself, take the steps you need to make the most of it.

✤         Be proactive.

✤         Always take the initiative.

✤         Do what you can to make opportunities happen.

Self-Reflection Questions:

I.      Am I aware of the opportunities around me?

II.     What will I do to create new opportunities?

III.   What additional tasks will I take on so I can excel in my life?