I stole this from Seth Godin because I think he makes some good observations. We all want to do something useful with our lives and this framework gives insight into why some do and some don’t.

I think it looks like this:

1. Attitude

2. Approach

3. Goals

4. Strategy

5. Tactics

6. Execution

Let’s face it – the ability to ‘execute’ is fairly unexciting in the light of a lousy attitude. Its been said that ‘attitude is everything’ and its not a bad quote. It does take some planning to make things happen, but the absence of a can do spirit means the other stuff might never get done.

I know when I am recruiting people I am much more concerned for attitude than for ability. Anyone with a healthy can do attitude is likely going to be able to make the rest of the stuff work. They will find a way. But a lousy attitude that blames others, or makes excuses is never going to see someone make a useful contribution.

So I guess the key in so much of life is simply getting the attitude right…