A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM DARREN HARDY:

Here’s a summary of week three in our journey towards Designing the Best 10 Years of Your Life where I answer your questions and give you a course update.

I’ve also selected some of your questions and observations left in the comments sections along with some of my responses. I hope you find it helpful to peruse through the common questions and insights shared by others experiencing the process along with you.

Please watch the video:

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Questions and Answers with Darren Hardy:
From Benjamin Tau: “Hey Darren I live in Australia and found about you through the ACN 2009 Anaheim convention. I was truly inspired at that event from your words of wisdom. I’m trying to implement these key lessons to my ACN Business is that good or bad?? But I have been more open to finding opportunities because I’m 19yrs old so being young I can take more risks. What are your thoughts about that?”

[DARREN HARDY] Benjamin, congratulations on your ambition, diligence to take this process seriously and for finding a great company like ACN to associate with. Direct sales is what I did at 18 years old to start making a six-figure income so you have found an excellent vehicle to help you realize your goals. And yes, when you are young with fewer responsibilities (spouse, children, etc.) you can swing for the fences and have a little more reckless abandon than those who have a family to consider. If if you go bust, the only person affected is you and you can chalk it up to the price of entrepreneurial tuition. Go for it Benjamin!! Video on the Art of Taking Risks

From Michael Wright: “Darren - seems that every time I do a “Strengths” exercise I can only uncover a list of “general strengths” - for example here is my list from this week’s exercise - “Dedicated, Efficient, Dependable, Self-Starter, Hardworking, Honest, Smart, Thorough, Research abilities, Planning”. When I go to Page 10 to list Skills #1, 2 and 3 to “Study, Practice, Develop” - how do I do this with “Honesty” and “Dependable” for example? Thanks a whole bunch!”

[DARREN HARDY] All your general strengths listed can be developed further - ex. - efficiency: how can you become more efficient? What can you deliver more of, faster, easier (with less work)? What could you study or who could you model or get advice from that is even more efficient and productive than you are? What practice could you do each day that would make you more efficient? Ex. identify your top 3 priorities and only work on those for the first 4 hours of the day. Shut your door and don’t allow distractions. Stop watch measure your time on your highest priority each day, etc.

From Renatas&Vilma: “Darren…In the OPPORTUNITY part the first two columns the “WHO” and the “WHAT”. If i write in the first column “DARREN HARDY” (e.g.) and in the second column “TO LEARN TO BE RESPONSIBLE” will that mean i understood the question correctly?”

[DARREN HARDY] The instructions on that worksheet explains (so your assumption sounds correct): Who is the very best in your field? Who do you know who has the attributes you strive to obtain? Who has the results in the areas of life you desire improvement? Write down the ‘who’ to each of these questions as well as ‘what’ they have that you want.

From Michele: “I found the scoring on the lifestyle part gave a low number that doesn’t feel accurate. For example, I don’t go to cultural events 2 times a month, but I don’t want to as that would be way too much for me. A few times a year is just right. I’m not constantly seeking adventure as that isn’t what I want from my life - sometimes, yes, but not constantly. I enjoy much of what I do on a daily basis. I don’t take 20 minutes to daydream as this activity does not yield enough benefit to warrant 20 minutes worth of time. I got a low score on this section compared to the others, but I enjoy my lifestyle a lot. Most days are a good mix of activity. It seems that the scoring is geared toward someone with different preferences than I have.”

[DARREN HARDY] Michele, the questions are a guide, ultimately it is your own view and judgment of your life and your desires for improvement in certain areas of your life that matter. Score yourself on how you see yourself now and by comparison on how you would like to see it in the future. If those questions didn’t prompt the right criteria, you are free to make your own judgments - no problem!

From Monica Wiggin: “Salutations Darren…You are practicing this model, yet I felt as I was answering the question you gave in session 3; “What three things are your competitors failing to do that are important? How can you take advantage of these mistakes?” That it was a strange question. I could look at this question from a different perspective so that it is functional, but I am curious what your intention was behind this piece?”
[DARREN HARDY] One of the best places to find opportunities is to look at the weaknesses of the 800lb gorilla in your market - where are they letting their customers down, what are they failing to do, etc.? For instance this is how Southwest found their opportunity with short stop flights when the big airlines were leaving out markets outside the major hubs. Additionally with providing friendly, hassle free, no frills service. Wal-mart chose to serve the small town markets when most retailers huddled around major urban markets. If you are employed, what are the shortcomings of those whom you will compete with for the promotion? What needs are they not fulfilling, how can you so you create your advantage?

From Nicos Elia: “When setting Goals, I seem to get confused as to what constitutes a Goal and what constitutes an action step towards achieving a Goal. If I spend too much time thinking about Goals and action steps I seem to reduce all my Goals to a single Goal with the rest being action steps towards achieving it. For Example if under Financial I set the following goals
1. become a Millionaire
2. invest 10% of my income
3. pay off my loans and credit cards
4. increase my income by 10% each year
5. invest in real estate
6. kids education fund
7. Charity
8. Retirement account
9. Relevant Reading / Self education
Arguably Goals 2 to 9 may be action steps towards achieving Goal 1.
Similarly if, under Physical, I set a Goal to be 80Kg 18% fat then joining a gym, weight training, aerobics training, balance diet, appointment with dietician, sleeping 7hrs per day, drink 8 glasses of water per day, all seem to be action steps towards achieving the 80Kg and 18% fat Goal.
To cut a long story short we can only have one Goal for each area of life the rest are action steps. Am I correct or am I lacking creativity here?”

[DARREN HARDY] A goal is a destination, an action step is a stepping stone to getting you to a destination. #1 & 3 are good goals - specific. #2 & 5 is an action step. #6-9 need more specifics. They all need a date. Re-read S.M.A.R.T.

From Chanel Sumpter: Greetings Darren! I just want to thank you first for providing this valuable resource for free. Worksheet #4 - The question regarding three people I dislike the most. I have learned how to forgive and forget and there’s no one I really dislike if I don’t care for the person I simply remove myself from being exposed to that person… Or am I just avoiding assessing my feelings? This was a question I got stumped on.

[DARREN HARDY] The question is just to get you thinking about qualities that do rise your dander. Do you like Osama Bin Laden, Hitler, Satin… not to put in same category, but Rush Limbaugh, Arianna Huffington, child predators, whale hunters, anti-enviromentalist, etc. I am just trying to find what issues you might be passionately AGAINST… you just might find your positive, making a difference in the world mission by looking at it backwards.

Worksheet # 7 SWOT - The question about what advantages I have in my network and connections to influential people. Made me realize I need to get out more and really start to build relationships with more people. Is social networking a good place to start with this?

[DARREN HARDY] If it helps you get belly to belly with more people. Real relationships happen face to face, heart to heart - not behind computer screens. Social media is good, as long as it helps you get to the real relationship work and that happens offline.

Worksheet # 7 SWOT - Brutal! What tasks do I usually avoid due to a lack of confidence? I didn’t know how to answer this one. The major problem I had am having is with the OPPORTUNITIES page 4 of the worksheet. I’m not clear how this is to be done. I drew a blank on this, any help would be appreciated.

[DARREN HARDY] For instance, I’m not a big fan of legal details or even crunching over financial numbers. In answering this question myself I realized this weakness has actually be the cause of some of the high price of tuition I have paid in some past businesses, investments and relationships. It is very important to figure out what you don’t do well, don’t like to do because you will end up avoiding it — and that could cost you - BIG TIME.

Notable Comments:
“HEY! So im new to this blog, I just signed up today, and have just spent the last 2 hours going through all the installments and links. This is really helpful!!! Im 19 yrs old and have recently decided to move away from home and go pursue my life long dreams…(for the second time..haha)…The problem the first time was that I gave none of these things thought, except for the end result, and had absolutley NO direction! This blog is coming to me at EXACTLY the right time in my life! And whats even more amazing is that i have never heard of or started reading success magazine until your january 2010 issue had come out! Now I’m hooked, can’t get enough, and am extremely greatful that there is a publication out here like this one…. thanks Darren and SUCCESS magazine!” -Catherine, DYB10 Part 4

“Darren, Thanks so much for offering this life-changing information to us for free. Unfortunately, there will be many who will not take advantage of it. It will definitely be their loss! I decided to begin my daily journal this year with the entry “Today I am thankful for:” and list all the things I am/was thankful for that day. Sometimes I say that I am thankful for frustrating days because it helps me appreciate the days when things go smoothly. I am excited for this journey…I have discovered things about myself that I don’t particularly like and this is as good a time as any to change those things. I love SUCCESS magazine and the inspiring articles. I am 46 and wish I would have had this information sooner, but maybe I wouldn’t have been ready for it like I am now. Thanks!” –Gaylene, DYB10 Part 4

“Being notified of posts is another motivating factor to stick with this. I receive emails on my phone as comments are posted, I schedule time to read them twice a day, that way I stay motivated and know that generally we are all facing similar challenges, no matter of where each one of is coming from. Thank you All!” –Nicos Elia, DYB10 Part 4

“Build my life plan before my business plan? OF COURSE! GENIUS CONNECTION.” –J.R., DYB10 Part 4

“Darren, I have just completed the second week of the 8 week program. It has been a real wake-up call. After writing my obituary and epitaph, I turned to my husband and said, “I don’t even know who I am.” I have spent so much time defining my existence through my roles of wife, mom, teacher, that I don’t know me anymore. I love my family, I love being a teacher, but I need to love ME. I am 43, and sometimes feel like I am running out of time to reach my goals. I recently started a home-based business and I want to LIVE everyday so that the business can be my vehicle for reaching those goals. You and the other bloggers have helped me to realize that it is not too late and that by actually living everyday (by planning!) the achievement of goals is inevitable I look forward to the next 6 weeks! Thank you to everyone for your input and support.” –Jodie, DYB10 Part 4

“This weeks lesson about balance has been invaluable. In the past, I have always focused on 1 part of my life and found success there to only turn around and realized that the other parts of my life were falling apart. As I went through the worksheet, the questions forced me to be much more introspective and brought to light issues that I have been completely ignoring. I have always been good about making plans and setting goals, just not always good about completing them. They say, you can’t make a plan for where you are going if you don’t know where you are. I now know where I am and I’m looking forward to planning a future that leads to a balanced and successful life. Thanks Darren.” –Shane, DYB10 Part 4

“I’ve been working the program, answering the questions and having discussions with my children as I go through the process. It’s fun (and hard sometimes). One of the neatest results from the process thus far is that I ordered the Success for Teens book with the CD and we’ve been listening to it as we drive around. It leads us into conversations I would probably not have had with my children. I see my 14 year old boy reading the book in chunks. I can see a vision for them I haven’t seen before. I can see them learning the skills now and benefiting from them NOW, whether it’s basketball, schoolwork, church calling, etc. Thank You!” –Kathy T., DYB10 Video Update 2

“Worksheet set 3 has been the most challenging for me to date. It’s been almost painful to confront my weaknesses head on. I invited three colleagues to complete the 360 view — and they weren’t hesitant about being honest! It hasn’t given me much room to hide or ignore my shortcomings. Painful as it may be, I know it’s a good process. I know I will never be able to overcome my weaknesses until I’m willing to honestly confront them. At the same time, identifying opportunities has given me some new and beneficial ideas for dealing with my challenges. Thank you so much for making this available, Darren. It has been a very worthwhile activity, something I’ve needed for a long time!” –Dave, DYB10 Video Update 2

“Thank you, Darren and your team, for providing these great tools. I guess it has to hit each person when they are ready for it, but there has been too much of same old same old for me. Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results - I don’t think so! So do I really want to change? YES! I’m excited to see where this will lead. Getting my why clear enough to motivate me no matter what is huge. I know it sounds ridiculous, but in the past I’ve felt selfish by naming and working for something that sounds like its for me. And I’ve had a lifetime of “don’t you dare dream too big, because you’ll just be disappointed.” Well, sorry folks! Its time for a change. In the end, it isn’t really about me at all.. it is about serving at my highest level. BTW.. I turned 60 this month and it looks like the next 60 will be a blast! May the blessings flow to many, from everyone going through this workshop.” –Jim, DYB10 Part 5

Kim Neal: Thank you for clarifying on your Video on Friday that there are some of us who do not own a business or even work…but these questions are meant to be thought provoking and get us to think in a new way…I knew that deep down but I am so hard on myself as it is..that I guess I needed to hear that…to just get a new thought process going…. Thanks!!