Chapter 1: Understanding Success

In a recent discussion, Cheo Hodari Coker shared invaluable insights that resonated deeply with me. One poignant moment was his reflection on the impact of John Singleton's passing. Coker noted, "Twenty-five years of filmmaking and he was thriving. Yet, just three years in television took a toll on him." The stress and lack of sleep played significant roles in this decline.

To combat this, Coker has restructured his daily routine, prioritizing running as a vital part of his life and ensuring he gets adequate rest. It's crucial to redefine "success" to encompass not just career achievements or financial gain, but also your health and personal relationships. By doing this, you can remove the barriers that hold you back and pursue your goals with vigor. This entails setting specific, measurable objectives in all three areas.

As Coker emphasized, success is not an abstract feeling; it should be tangible and quantifiable. For example, instead of saying "I have enough," aim for clarity:

• "I will complete the Boston Marathon in 2024."
• "I will earn $120,000 in 2024."
• "I will have a weekly date night with my spouse and dedicate an hour daily to my children."

Measurability is key. One part of our brain often processes emotions, while another focuses on precise, achievable targets.

Another aspect to consider is your personal tendencies. If you know you often sacrifice sleep, make a goal of achieving 7 to 9 hours of rest each night. Look to mentors in the realms of health, career, and relationships to see what they are doing right. However, exercise caution: if someone boasts about thriving on just five hours of sleep a night, filter that advice through the lens of health—prioritize a more balanced model.

The aim is to strive for equilibrium in your life. While it may occasionally be necessary to push yourself out of balance for significant achievements, always seek ways to return to stability. Recognize that this imbalance is not the norm but a temporary state induced by urgent circumstances. If such situations arise frequently, take a step back and ask yourself, “What’s causing this?”

Remember, intelligence lies in problem-solving, while wisdom is in discerning which problems merit your attention. The ultimate purpose of life is joy and service. You cannot achieve these if you are exhausted, neglecting your family, compromising your health, or facing financial ruin.

Be mindful and strive for balance. Society often rewards relentless work ethic, even at the cost of your well-being. Don’t fall into that trap. Start by loving yourself, acknowledging your right to happiness, and taking joy in serving others. Live with intention to ensure that your life reflects these values.

Namaste,

Steve

www.stevenbarneslist.com

This week on FIREDANCE: THE NEXT LEVEL, we will delve deeper into the concept of balance.

Chapter 2: Defining Your Value

The video titled "Boost Success: Define Your Value in One Sentence!" emphasizes how important it is to articulate your personal values clearly. By understanding what you value most, you can navigate your path to success more effectively.