The Art of Getting Things Done: Be a CHARGING Rhino
Remember back in January when you laid out your plans for the
New Year? How are those plans coming? Ask yourself honestly,
"How am I doing? What have I been able to do and what have I
been procrastinating on?" There are several great books on this
topic that offer tips and thoughts to keep you in motion. One
you might enjoy: Rhinoceros Success by Scott Alexander.1 This is
a funny, short and easy-to-read book that will inspire any
action-oriented person to get moving! Scott Alexander has a
creative approach to get you ready to charge forward into
action!
The author makes the premise that there are two kinds of people
in the world, "Cows" and "Rhinos." You get to choose which one
you'd like to be.
The fact that you are reading this article suggests that you are
already rhino material! Rhinos are the people who charge ahead
and don't let things get them down. They get things done and see
the possibilities even in adverse circumstances. Obstacles are
merely hurdles to break through, not road blocks that
immobilize. Now realistically, every rhino is going to have some
"cow" days; the trick is to be a cow as little as possible,
because rhinos simply get more done and are more successful.
Cows have a different purpose altogether and are ok with
mediocre, "good enough" and settling for living in fenced-in
pastures, chewing their cud. I am not going to focus on cows,
because the rhino is the one who is making things happen and
moving forward through the jungle of life!
Strategies for living your purpose and expanding your awareness
for life, people and the opportunities of each day
1. Rhino Mind-set: a. Positive Self-Talk. Scott Alexander talks
about daily reading a focus statement. He suggests: "I am a
rhinoceros. I have a damn-[WRB1]the-torpedoes spirit! I am full
of energy and I can't wait to get up in the morning to start
charging!" Now, write your big picture goal and get moving!
b. Expect Torpedoes. These are the obstacles and negative things
that inevitably discourage, distract or serve to get you off
track. Expect them and commit to not letting them knock you
over. Develop a tough, thick skin so you can keep charging.
These are traits like confidence, endurance, discipline, focus,
and determination.
2. Rhino Behavior: a. Action is essential. Pick the most
important thing you need to get done each day and do it first,
before the smaller and more seductive things (e.g., checking
e-mail, cleaning, personal calls, coffee breaks). Also, write
the four other key things you need to get done each day, and
focus on doing those. Make it your goal to accomplish these five
key items every day.
b. CHARGE! Rhinos are in the business of "charging" forward.
They have a target in mind (the goal) and are focused and going
for it. Since you have already developed your plan, you can be
confident in your charge. Go for the next step and get it done.
Success happens one step at a time, whether the goal is large or
small. Whatever you do, do something, stay in action and keep
moving forward.
1 (Laguna Hills, CA: Rhino Press, 1980)