Achieving Greatness

Tuesday August 18, 2015 #750

“I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow.”

~Woodrow Wilson

I have known many individuals, particularly senior leaders, working endlessly in isolation, determined to solve a problem or create value.  These same folks rarely achieve anything remarkable for the simple reason is that they have relied solely on their own abilities and resources, forgetting or ignoring the fact that no one achieves greatness alone.  It is only by recognizing the talent and value of every individual, and asking for their ideas and assistance, that great problems are solved and great victories are achieved.  Be confident in, and utilize fully, your own talent and resources.  But always, always, be aware of and seek out the help and resources of those around you.

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Get On With It!

Tuesday June 30, 2015 #736

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.”

~Nora Roberts

What is it that you want?  What are you lacking now that stands between you and getting what you want?  What would you need to do, right now, to get moving toward achieving your goals?  Are you serious about it or just daydreaming?  If you’re serious, start today – do something! Not tomorrow, not next week – now.  You know waiting isn’t going to make a difference.  Get on with it!

Begin Where You Are

Tuesday June 2, 2015 #730

“Don’t let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was.”

~Richard L. Evans

It is easy and common to allow yourself to become overwhelmed and discouraged by the challenges and obstacles this life throws at us.  Or to be envious of people who seem to have what we want:  health, wealth, happiness.  If you find yourself feeling this way, I implore you to accept the fact that these people – almost without exception – began just like you:  with frustrations and challenges to overcome.  And you can do just what they did:  decide what you want and take action to improve your situation.  Achievement must always be preceded by a decision and an action.  What are you waiting for?

Critics & Naysayers

Thursday May 28, 2015 #729

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

~John Wooden

We all have had big dreams and aspirations.  Hopefully you still do!  However, most people’s inner critic (as well as well-meaning and not so well-meaning external critics) tells them all the reasons why they can’t achieve their dreams.  Other than a pragmatic assessment of our limits, it does you no good to focus on these naysayers, even yourself.  Instead, focus on all the talents and strengths you do possess and surround yourself with people who support you and remind you of what is best about you.  Don’t ever let the reality of your limitations stop you from leveraging your strengths.

You Can!

Tuesday May 26, 2015 #728

“Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, ‘It can’t be done.’”

~Eleanor Roosevelt

The first step to achieving anything worthwhile is to take action.  The only certain path to failure is never starting, which usually is combined with a certainty that “it can’t be done”.  If what you want to achieve is worthwhile, begin with taking an action – even a small one – and you may surprise yourself at what is possible.  You needn’t be sure of success to start, but never believe success is impossible or taking any action will likely be impossible.  Act, and you can then determine if you believe.

Wild Expectations

Tuesday May 19, 2015 #726

“Nobody succeeds beyond his or her wildest expectations unless he or she begins with some wild expectations. 

~Ralph Charell

Is there something outrageous you want to do or accomplish in one of the key areas of your life, be it health, wealth, or emotional?  If not, you can be certain that you will never achieve anything big.  If you want something fabulous, outrageous, wild, or unexpected to happen in your life or for others, start expecting it – define it, think about what it might require to get there, and start taking action to make it happen.  Who knows?  You might actually surprise yourself and if not, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing something to make a difference and likely have fun doing it!

How We Spend Our Days

Thursday April 16, 2015 #717

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

~Annie Dillard

Our lives are built on a succession of days.  So each day is precious.  Try not to waste today on aimless wandering, or activities that do not enrich you and serve your values and purpose.  Use today to intentionally be the person you want to be, to take actions that help you move toward achieving your goals, and to make a difference in the lives of people around you.

Leadership

Thursday April 2, 2015 #713

“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal which is worthwhile.”

~Vince Lombardi

Yes, for some, leadership comes more naturally than others due to innate intelligence, charisma, and confidence.  However, sustainable success as a leader requires not only some level of these talents, but also the exceptional drive, motivation and perseverance required to push through inevitable challenges.  Even someone with limited charisma and confidence, and average intelligence, can rise to effective leadership success if they are willing and able to fight through obstacles and failures with determination and grit.  And highly intelligent and charismatic individuals often fail to lead due to laziness and hubris.  Regardless of your level of talent, if given the opportunity to lead, focus on your character and drive and you can be the leader you are capable of and that your people need.

A Leader’s Role

Thursday January 8, 2015 #694

“A leader’s role is not to control people or stay on top of things, but rather to guide, energize and excite.”

~Jack Welch

Whether you are a titled leader, or simply in a position to lead in the moment in your work group, your family, or community organization, remember this:  being a leader is not about control, but rather about facilitating others’ success and achievement.  It’s not about you – it is about them.  Only by facilitating their success will you find long term success for yourself.  Though this fact is well known, few are able to act in this manner, getting lost instead in the human frailties of greed, hubris, and self-indulgence.  Be one of the great leaders rather than one of the many mediocre managers.

Changing Your Thinking

Tuesday December 30, 2014 #691

“You are where you are right now because of your best thinking. If you want something different, change your thinking.”

~Tony Rush

You are an amazing talent. You are driven to succeed and keep yourself in action daily toward achievement of your professional and personal goals.  And yet…  You’re not satisfied with your progress or achievements.  What is happening?

Today’s quote asks us to stop, reflect, and rethink both our goals and our actions.  Take the time today to assess the goals you have laid out for your personal and professional life.  What have you experience and learned this last year?  How have your capabilities grown or changed?  Who has come into your life, or left it?

Does any of this require rethinking your goals?  If so, make the change today and begin altering your actions to move toward your revised goals.  If not, but you are still not satisfied with your progress, it is time to change your thinking – about your goals, about your capabilities and resources, and about the very actions you have been taking.

Experience, reflect, learn, change, repeat….