WHAT IS YOUR THUMBPRINT? By Matt Manero Let’s face it, average sucks. Average anything sucks. Having an average company, average marriage or average life just downright sucks. In my opinion, it is not worth doing at all. If you are going to do it average, don’t do it at all. Make the choice to leave a meaningful thumbprint or just simply quit. Ask yourself…what will my thumbprint be? Go a step further…what will my legacy be? It’s the most important question you should be asking yourself each day. What thumbprint/impact/contribution will I make on my life and my career? Everyone has the power to place their thumbprint on everything they touch. I don’t care if you are picking up the trash, pulling weeds, leading a company, raising kids, or creating a happy marriage, NOW IS THE TIME TO PUT YOUR THUMBPRINT ON IT ALL. Why? Because so few people are doing it. In this economy, people are comfortable, satisfied, even downright lazy. It is a gift for all of us. When others are complacent…it is our time to pounce. Here are 4 tips to help you create your own thumbprint…NOW. 1. Have a plan. Stop wandering around within your life. Dream more, visualize your future more, build what I call a “lifestyle by design”. You get one shot at this thing called your life, so max it out. Take the time to see your future, and build a plan to make it a reality. 2. Go big or go small…either is OKAY. I don’t think you must change the world…but you do have to be in control of your world. Start with a big idea like climate change, or a small idea like dressing better. I really don’t care if you want to change the world, or just change your wardrobe…I just want you to get on a path to make an impact of some kind. 3. Commit to greatness. Average anything doesn’t matter anymore. If you want to put your thumbprint on your career, your life or your business, greatness is the foundation. Sure, you can make videos in front of your rented mansion or Lambo, but unless you have a real expertise behind it, it will fade. As my friend Grant Cardone says, “BE GREAT. NOTHING ELSE PAYS.” 4. Be consistent. Doing something once doesn’t count. Putting your thumbprint on something means you will consistently perform. You will show up, even when you don’t want to. You will have the tough conversations with yourself or others, and you will do it all often. Doing something every once and a while kills momentum and confidence. Putting your thumbprint on anything requires consistency. The challenge has been made to you by me. Plan your thumbprint, make it big or small, get great and do it often. Let me know how you are doing. Email me your progress at mmanero@cffnationwide.com