Today I had a fabulous conversation with someone at the Apple store and we were talking about those who stand out in a crowd. One – they have passion. They love what they do and they go after it. They might have part-time job, full-time job, or they might just quit whatever they’re doing all together to go after their passion. There are many ways to get to the same place. So wherever you are, there is no need to feeling stuck. Some people build up before they take the leap. Two,They are willing to learn, oh yes, they are willing to do the work to get what they want. Some people say “Oh I can’t” – they seem to have an excuse for everything. There might be a television show or the excuse of having no money. With the internet these days, there is so much knowledge to be had there is libraries, friends, other resources – mentors where you can get the information you need to do what you want to do. A lot of people have gone before you. Stop making those excuses. Research part of your passion or some of the things you feel you need to do. that will help you take the big leap. Three -They are willing to do what it takes They do not see boundaries, they just see stepping stones, or jumping jacks -high jump to the next level. Look at it as – no boundaries because if you are in your comfort zone, you have already set boundaries. You are comfortable – some may consider this lazy. Whatever this for you. Laziness or not. drop the excuses, move out of the boundaries, and Make that space bigger so you can show up in the world.
Soar Like an Eagle
I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning 1:21 am to finish a book. I am so impressed – I have read 4 books in the past 3 weeks. The book I just finished was called “A Time to Dance” by Karen Kingsbury. I am relatively new to the Christian Fiction genre -this is the second book I read by this author. She is a phenomenal writer and her messages and style are so profound I could easily see everything play out like a movie. Do you have any favorite authors that capture your attention making you feel that you are an extra on the set of a movie?
Did you know that an eagle wiill fly above a storm to a higher height? In her book, the character Kade writes a special report about eagles. I learned that the eagle is the only bird that does not “fly away” from trouble. The eagle learns to use the storms of life to reach higher heights. Have you ever noticed how much stronger and even more confident you are after you have risen above an adversity? Yes, depending on your perspective. Do you rise to the challenge or do you try to “fly away” hoping that everything will go away? What you chose to fly away from will still be here when you get back, whether that be a damaged relationship, unpaid bills, or cluttered home. Sometimes it may be the same and other times the circumstances it may have gotten worse because you did not tend to the matter at hand.
Once I asked a colleague what her most prized possession was, she stated a simple eagle feather given to her as a gift. As I read “A Time to Dance”, I realized what an honour my colleague was bestowed and recognized with a feather of an eagle. Eagles symbolize strength, courage, bravery, and dedication. I know when adversity strikes in whatever size it comes – it can knock you off your feet, change the course of your business and even your life.
Rise to the challenge and soar like an eagle by:
- View your challenges as temporary. The saying , “And this too shall pass” rings true. Time can heal many things.
- Look for the opportunity or “silver lining” on the cloud. With every adversity or challenge lies an opportunity or gift to be unwrapped by you.
- Seek guidance or help when you need it. If you feel that you have fallen off course, find a mentor who can help you get on track. This should be someone who has done what you wish to do.
- Discover how you can share your lesson with others. You may write a book, short story, or create a video to share your learning with others. You can also develop a keynote and start sharing your message with the world!
- Step into your new role or dream and create a momentum fueled by your desire to go after your dreams and goals.
Remember someone out there in the world is waiting to hear your message! Life will offer challenges to test you to see how badly you want what you say what you want. Are you ready to take action and soar with the eagles? Go get it!
Feedback to Your Greatness
Feedback can be a touchy subject for many but if viewed as constructive versus criticism, feedback can be a huge opportunity. An opportunity for growth and learning but mostly for personal excellence. If someone had information that would make you better at what you do or could unlock what is holding you bad from your big breakthrough, wouldn’t you want to know? Some of you could be saying, “It really depends on the messenger.” I get what you are saying. When getting feedback, consider your source. Are they doing what what you are doing? Do they understand what the many facets of what you must consider?Are they an optimist versus a pessimist?
With any feedback, you can learn something about yourself. The reason why I love the sport of triathlons is because individuals strive for their personal best – personal excellence. It is not about being perfect. You can compare your times to others however you can only really focus on your individual times and how you can improve in those categories of swimming, biking, and running. You may be better in one area than another and same with the other person. The same holds true in life.You can look at areas where you may need some improvements – ask for feedback, ask for coaching, mentoring, or get additional training. If you do not know where you can improve how can you be your very best?
Who should you be asking? Ask you customers, spouse, your children, and colleagues about how you can better handle situations or how you could improve. You do not have to wait for a complaint, performance appraisal, or a bad day to hear about your personal performance. You may even be pleasantly surprised – it may be a compliment awaiting to be shared. Always strive to achieve your very best!
Feed Back to Your Greatness!
Dabble, Dribble, and Discipline?
Mobile education in the car or iPod is the way to go especially if you are on the go. When I listen to my training and development audios, I am always triggered with new ideas and ways to grow my business. The best part is I get to share it with you. Knowledge is meant to be shared and if I can help you live a richer life from the inside out, I have met the challenge.
You may have been in business for a while or you are wanting to improve your life in some shape or form. Some days are easier than others whereas others may be a struggle. Let me ask you this then – Are you dabbling, dribbling, or disciplined to get what you want done? You are probably saying to yourself, now what is she talking about? Dabbling is something you to once in a while when it is convenient, when you have spare time (and everyone has lots of this), or you are trying something new for maybe the first or second time. Dribbling, on the other hand, is when you are envious of another person’s goals and achievements. The person you are admiring appears to be an overnight success! In desperation, you may even say to yourself, “Why can’t things like this happen for me?” Lady luck or chance – not likely. Would you believe discipline and dedication? Discipline and dedication to a goal demonstrates effort and leads to achievement. Being discipline means that you have to sacrifice some immediate desires for your futures goals. This essentially means turning down good for GREAT!!!
Do you know what it takes to become what you aspire to be, do, or have? Do you know someone who has reached the pinnacle of the mountain you are climbing? What advice would they give you if they were to do it all over again or where you should begin?
Whether you are dabbling or dribbling (which I do not recommend – you may discount where you have come and who you are – ONLY use as fuel for your desires if you are clear on what it is YOU want for YOU), I recommend that you go after your goals with determination, discipline, and dedication. Why? Because it is important to YOU and YOU matter! You are here to make a difference!
Are You in it for the Long Haul?
Messengers are everywhere. There are people who may give you warnings, messages, and lessons. Sometimes people appear in your life to remind you of the lessons you have learned. I often hear, “Well, that is just common sense.” If it is common sense why are we not doing it? If you are in business, are you in it for the long haul?…then you need to find the PAUSE button once in a while.
This past weekend, I was at one of our monthly Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) meetings and I had the pleasure of hearing Patricia Katz (www.patkatz.com) speak to our group. She was talking about business longevity and how you must not only hone your skills and know the basics of running a business but how you need to have your purpose right in front of you and know WHY you are doing what you are doing. She asked thought provoking questions like, “How do you want to be when you come home at the end of the day?” and “How do you wish to show up in the world?” You may even notice when you ask someone how are they doing as they are in the midst of running out the door – “Busy!” Hopefully they are busy doing what they love instead of a bunch of non-meaningful tasks that do not align with their goals and ambition.
Patricia provided an excellent example and learning opportunity for all of us to participate in. Do you remember what it was like to pump yourself up on the swings so you could reach a nice height and feel the breeze against your face? Imagine you are pumping really fast. Pump, pump, pump…faster, faster, and faster. Do you think you will go anywhere? Probably, no air time. Now try to pump and glide, pump and glide, pump and glide. See the difference. When you have the opportunity to PAUSE or take a break there is a time for renewal and the same is true for your business or your life. If you do not renew, you go no where fast and when you renew – you have a momentum and an ease to what you do. You are refreshed and you are able to continue and reach higher heights. You are better able to as Patricia says, “Bring who you are to all that you do.”
How do you PAUSE & RENEW?
Here are 5 ways you are renew:
- Read a book 10-15 minutes before going to bed.
- Go for a 30 minute walk in the morning.
- Take a bubble bath.
- Listen to your favorite music.
- Paint or draw – allow your creativity to shine!
When you look after YOU, you are better able to serve others around you…so take time to PAUSE!