Passion – pass it on.

One of the indisputable truths about “passion” is that it’s something that cannot be taught. There’s no amount of money that can buy it…the best professors and the most exclusive universities can’t teach it.

But you can catch it. Which also means you can spread it. Just as activity breeds activity, passion breeds passion.

Sure, achieving success requires hard work, but there are a lot of people that work hard…passion is the difference maker. It’s your passion that will keep you going the days the other people slack off.  It’s your passion that will drive your attitude. It’s your passion that will keep you motivated to continue even though part of you wants to quit or when you begin to give in to the fear and self doubt.

Passion is the first step toward achievement.  (Passion + Focus + Action = Achievement)

“There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions – in a way that serves the world and you.” -Sir Richard Branson

Once you’ve found and harnessed your passion; you’re then charged with helping other people catch it. The key to achieving your goals and personal success is helping others do the same for themselves.

Passion drives your attitude. Attitude controls your altitude.

 

Excuses are like…

“He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” – Benjamin Franklin

Previously I’ve talked about the fact that every decision we’re faced with is rooted in fear and/or self doubt. It’s the decision that determines whether we succumb or overcome. And in the moments we choose to succumb…we often justify it by making excuses. We come up with excuses because we know that we’ve made a mistake or missed an opportunity.

“It’s easier to move from failure to success than it is excuses to success.” – John Maxwell

Success comes from the moments of realizing that failure may occur, but trying anyway. Success is failing nine times, and trying ten.

The only thing worse than failing and not trying again, is not ever trying in the first place. If you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else? If we’ll just get out of our way, stop saying terrible things to ourselves, and actually give ourselves a chance – big things WILL happen. Doors will open. We must stop waiting for an opportunity to arise and instead…create it!

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?

The two greatest days in a person’s life are the day they were born and the day they discover why. What have you done lately to discover your “why”?

Quit making excuses and find your “why”

 

“Comfort Zones” are a lie

com·fort zone

Noun A place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress

Relying on what we are most comfortable with, most familiar with, or simply what we’re used to is absolutely detrimental to our future success. We often believe that because something feels comfortable, it must be more secure, and that’s just simply not the case.

Life begins outside of our comfort zone.

We are all creatures of habit, and one of the most difficult things to do is break an old habit or create a new one. We drive the same way to work every day, get dressed the same way, brush our teeth with the same hand, drink the same cup of coffee from Starbucks – all because it just feels comfortable. Success comes from being uncomfortable. Success happens when you think outside the box, go against the grain, and break status quo.

Too often we don’t start the business we’ve always wanted to have because our current situation has given us the illusion of security. We rationalize with ourselves by saying something like “well, I’ve got a good job now, so if I started XYZ company it might not work and then I couldn’t pay the bills and we’d lose the house and the cars, we’ll end up on the streets, the kids will turn to drugs, and all of our lives will be ruined.” When in reality – our current job could end tomorrow. We could be downsized, bought out, restructured, outsourced, or just plain fired. The sensation of security is a trap.

We MUST stop lying to ourselves about our “comfort zones.” I’ve mentioned this is in a previous posting, but it’s so true – if what you’re doing doesn’t absolutely terrify you, then it’s not worth it.

Creativity thrives outside of our comfort zone.

Our “comfort zone” is something our subconscious mind creates as part of the “fight or flight” reflex. It’s a “safe” place for us to retreat to when start to feel uncomfortable about whatever it is we’re doing. Here’s the thing – if we stick with what is “comfortable” – we’ll never truly know what we are capable of accomplishing. That doesn’t mean we won’t live a fulfilled life or live in a nice house or drive a nice car…it just means we won’t ever know how great life could have been. Breaking out of a routine causes our brains to think differently, and come up with different solutions or ideas. Instead of “well, this is just what I’m used to…” – think “I wonder what could be possible if…” We, as humans, are the only species with a frontal cortex of the brain that gives us an imagination. We’re able to picture things in our mind before we actually see them happen. This is what keeps us at the top of the food chain…but more than that it’s an incredible tool that so many of us take for granted. If you can dream it, you can create it. I know, it’s cheesy, but it’s true. Everything we have is the result of somebody else having a dream, stepping outside of their comfort zone, and making it a reality.

If you’re still unsure – start with something small. Brush your teeth with your other hand. Drive a different way to work. Order something new at Starbucks. Tell your hairstylist you want to try something new. Take an impromptu weekend roadtrip with your spouse. Something. Anything. Just do something different.

Find the walls of your comfort zone, and tear them down! You’ll see an instant change. We’ve talked a lot about “comfort zones” in our professional life, but relationship “comfort zones” are a dangerous place to be. Don’t just exist – thrive!

If you’re reading this – your best days are ahead of you, but only if you allow it to happen!

 

 

Can you hear me now?

Not only do each of us have the ability to truly make a difference in the lives of others, but as a leader it’s our responsibility. When Zig Ziglar said, “you can have everything you want in life if you’ll just help enough get what they want” – I don’t believe it was meant merely as a suggestion. He was showing us that our understanding of where we rank our focus on the people around us will directly impact the rate of our own success.

That said, no matter what our goals are – connection is key. More importantly – if we’re unable to connect with people it will absolutely cost us and prevent us from truly achieving success.

“Connecting may not be a life or death issue, but it’s certainly success or failure.” – John Maxwell

I’ve come up with the top 3 keys to connection. There are more, and we’ll go more in depth later, but for now – let’s start with the main three.

1. Be passionate – It’s more than just wanting to be a “people person.” You have to have a passion for it. It’s got to be what gets you up in the morning and keeps you going through the day.

2. Care – This goes hand in hand with Key #1, the difference is “passion” is inward and “caring” is outward. This is where you actually make the people around you “feel it.” John Maxwell says, “people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Yes, actually give a damn about people. What a unique concept.

3. Communicate effectively – Clearly a key element of connection is communication. Communication, as a whole, can be broken down into several different elements of its own. For connection purposes, the main element of communication doesn’t have anything to do with talking to people, but has everything to do with listening to them. The better listener we are, the better communicator. Here are a couple easy ways to do that:

1. Don’t interrupt. Not only is this incredibly rude, it sends a clear message that you could care less what the other person is saying.
2. Listen. Actually listen and pay attention what the other person is saying, as opposed to just thinking about what you’re going to say next or what you’re next point will be.
3. Acknowledge. Acknowledge their feelings and/or position. Mirror their key points back to them by saying, “What I understand you to be saying is….” or “What I hear you saying is…”  Even if you disagree, this will not only show the person you’re paying attention, but you’re actually understanding what they’re saying to you.

Truly connecting with people is a learned skill. Which means that even if you’ve never attempted it or aren’t good at it – you can start now and get better and better. Just like any other hobby you take up for the first time – it may take time but you’ll eventually become an expert. The key is sticking with it, and not being afraid to fail.

Start today!

 

Motivational Trap

Merriam-Webster defines motivation as the general desire or willingness of someone to do something.

“General desire” or “willingness” to do something. There’s just something about that, that seems to really downplay what motivation is all about. That said, I think that definition of motivation is a great representation of how we view motivation in our daily lives. It’s something we talk about, but typically only when we’re discussing the lack thereof.

“I just can’t seem to get motivated” – If I had a dollar for every time I said that to myself, I wouldn’t need to be motivated to do anything. Fact of the matter of the matter is this, motivation is everything, but requires an initial action on our part.

Yes, motivation comes from action. The easiest way to get motivated to do something is to actually get started. I think you’ll find that once you’ve started – the motivation to continue comes naturally.

John Maxwell says, “motivation isn’t the cause of action…it’s the by-product. Once we discover that motivation comes from action and get started, motivation will show up and make it easier for you to keep going.”

Get started and let motivation be the by-product of your life now.

 

Remember When We Could Do Whatever We Set Our Minds To?

Everything we do is composed of two core elements: doubt and belief. Whichever we put the most weight in ultimately determines whether or not we succeed.

I’m also a believer that if you start a project, new business, fitness program, diet, literally anything at all…if you don’t start to doubt yourself – it’s not worthy of your effort. We’re taught as children that we can do anything we set our minds to, however, as we get older that changes to doubt and criticism. I think it’s rooted in the fact that one of the most dominating and controlling emotions we feel is fear. Fear has the ability to absolutely render us paralyzed and trembling, unable to speak, and completely ineffective.

The biggest obstacle we encounter as an adult is not hard work or difficult circumstances, it’s fear. Fear of having our heart broken. Fear of being seen as a failure. Fear of not making enough money. Fear of people laughing at us. The list goes on and on.

It’s also important to remember there’s a fine line between fear and passion. If we were able to channel that fear and turn into passion – we’d be unstoppable. Imagine what it would be like if “passion” was the all encompassing emotion in your life. If every time you started something you were charged with passion and energy!

If you’re experiencing “fear” – let that be a signal that what you’re doing is worth it! If you weren’t feeling that way, your subconscious isn’t taking it seriously.

Here are three quick things that I’ve implemented in my daily life that continue to help me:

1. Find a close friend, co-worker, coach…someone that will help you hold yourself accountable. Someone that you can share your goals with and will help you conquer those moments of fear and doubt.

2. Make a list of what energizes you pertaining to your goal. (Why is this important to you? What will accomplishing this goal do for your life?) Keep this handy. Being able to reference this is an easy way to keep your focus on the long-term goal.

3. Spend time every day, ideally first thing in the morning, to motivate yourself. Read something encouraging. Write. Talk with a mentor/coach. Starting your day positively will automatically set a course for the rest of the day.

“Every mental act is composed of doubt and belief,
but it is belief that is the positive, it is belief
that sustains thought and holds the world together.”
― Søren Kierkegaard

 

Another Lesson in Tragedy

Earlier today, two bombs detonated at the Boston Marathon killing three and injuring more than 130. In the worst of situations, often we see the best in people. As innocent people were injured in the blast, others ran to their aid. Complete strangers helping strangers. Using their own shirts as tourniquets, carrying the wounded to safety, and numerous other acts that truly represent what the human spirit is all about.

Mankind is inherently good. You see it in tragedies like the Boston Marathon, 9/11, Sandy Hook, and even at a car accident on the highway. The first people to render aid are complete strangers that stop to check on the people involved, just because it’s the right thing to do. Just because deep down, we know we’re all in this together.

It shouldn’t only be prevalent in times of major crisis though. This is something that we can, and should, practice every day. Something as simple as a kind word can absolutely change someone’s life. As silly as it sounds, it’s true. The power of a smile and genuine compliment that just lets a person know that they’re important and someone really does care that they’re doing well is one of the most powerful gifts you can give another person.

Think about the last time someone paid you a genuine compliment out of the blue. How did you feel? What impact did that have on your day? When is the last time you did that for someone else?

I challenge you to do that today. The next person you talk to, before you say anything to them, smile and think of something nice. Start the conversation off with a compliment. Take time to show someone else how important they are. Do this enough, and it’ll start happening to you too.