What's Next For You?

Feeling "stuck" - or like you aren't realizing your potential?

Maybe you need something "pulling" you to your future?  Maybe you need to clarify what you don't want as much as what you do want?

The most successful people have both: 1. Some kind of "north star" that provides a purposeful reason to move in a particular direction in their life and 2. Boundaries that keep them on track. 

For the first part, consider developing a "next goal" that guide your decision about what steps to take each day/week/month to move you in a direction that is best for you.  Otherwise, you end up taking random choices/actions that lead...wherever you end up.  Hint: Wandering is NOT a productive long-term life strategy.

Another thing that helps prevent wandering is the second issue: boundaries. It's been said that "a worthless, dead swamp is just a river with no banks".  Having something to guide your "water" so it is productive and alive is critical.

(Cue wails from naysayers whining "But we don't want to live some boring, pre-determined, robotic life!")

Consider this: It's important to realize that having some kind of plan does NOT mean being restricted to everything being planned.  Life is too unpredictable to expect everything to go according to plan.  The most successful people create a "plan as of now based on what I know about the current circumstances - while being open to any opportunities that pop up that align with my definite dreams/desires" approach.  Having and working the initial plan, but always being aware of Life's surprises/options as they become available on the journey.

This allows you to realize your optimal potential - taking advantage of life's "surprises" when they happen, but in-between those moments, forging ahead towards goals you know you want (resisting those things you know you don't want!)

But it requires you to consider, decide, and take action!

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Take A Creativity Time...In?

The experience is all too familiar: As most people when they get creative ideas, and they will often say "in the shower" or "when I'm dozing off to sleep".  I often hear people complain "I had the best idea as I was drifting off to sleep but I can't remember it"! Have you ever wondered why so many people share this phenomenon? 

Think about the similar circumstances that each of these situations share: You aren't distracted by other "mentally demanding" activities.  You're "forced" to limit your attention to more "inside time".  Your body is (generally speaking) on "auto-pilot" and your brain continues to hum away - coming up with those fantastic ideas hidden away inside your mind.

So, what can you do to consistently leverage this insight to make the most of those creative and innovative ideas?  Schedule - by design - opportunities to recreate those situations each and every day!

Here is a popular approach that Disney Imagineer colleagues of mine do:

1. Block out a time of day that allowed for flexibility afterwards (assuming you were going to have inspiring ideas you will want to implement immediately)
2. Purposefully make recording options available (written materials, recording equipment, etc.)
3. Minimize distractions for 15-30 minutes and limit your senses (shut eyes, put on headphones with no music/exterior sounds, sit in a comfortable chair without moving, etc.)
4. Record any thoughts you have, then immediately return to your "Time In" session (as in "spending time IN your thoughts") until you feel like you're finished
5. Stay in your "Creativity Cocoon" for another 10 minutes (for some reason, you always get the juiciest ideas after you think you're done)

You can also set the stage to capture those common situations - like putting a notepad/pen by your bedside, or outside your shower...or anyplace else you find that you have creative thoughts arise.  (As my grandmother used to say: "The best memory is at the end of a short pencil".)

Once you've successfully bubbled up some fresh new creative ideas, your job is to begin putting those ideas to good use, so it evolves form creativity to innovation.  One way to accomplish this is to share the ideas with trusted colleagues who can partner with you to grow/build your amazing new ideas.

Regardless, you can't implement unless you capture the idea.  And that spark of an idea won't capture itself - you have to prepare in advance.  What creative ways can you come up with to capture your best creative thought?  It only takes one amazing idea to lead to the breakthrough that you've been hoping for all your life.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Finding and Aligning To Your Purpose

I often get asked what the most important thing I've learned from spending 3 decades at Disney and other Fortune 500 companies.  Here is my answer - and a practical tool you can use toward the end:

Many thoughtlessly say that "Less is more".  This is not true.  More is more.  But that isn't the point.  Because "more" is not always better.  Better is better.  Period.

So, how do you make your life better?  By NOT wasting time on things that don't add value to you.  You've been settling for FAR too long - and with the new year approaching, this is a good time to prepare for your long-overdue breakthrough!

So, where do you begin?  How do you identify what "better" is for your life?

The complication is that Life gets full of distractions when we aren't crystal clear on our purpose and we end up saying "yes" to things that eat up our time and don't fully serve who we really are.

The proven solution is to get more focused on what you (a unique person with a unique purpose) should uniquely be doing to realize the unique reasons you are alive.  The challenge with this (and the reason more people aren't successfully living the life of their dreams) is that it requires the combination of THREE things:

• What are you good at (your "natural" talents)?
• What do you love (your passions that make you happy to lose track of time)?
• What does the world need (and values enough to pay for)?

Take some time to clearly identify these three things.  Discuss with people that know you well and want you to be healthy, happy, and successful. When you can identify where these three areas overlap and take action to focus most/all your time there, I promise, you will see everything in your life get much better.  

Finally, when do you begin?  "Now" is almost ALWAYS the best time to start your breakthrough chapter.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

The Next Opportunity = THE Opportunity?

Question: How many times in Life do you get the chance to start over and create the life of your dreams?

Answer: Every time you wake up.

So, did you wake up today?  Good!  Then you have an opportunity to make some changes that get you closer to experiencing your dreams, hopes, desires, and purpose. 

The next question is: Will you?

Looking back on EVERY good experience in your life, you may notice something - that each time, it was a result of initiating action.  You'll also likely notice that most (if not all) breakthroughs came as a result of trying something more than once.

You never know when the next opportunity will result in being THE opportunity that realizes your desired goal!

So, consider this a reminder and an encouragement:

1. Get clear on what you really want out of Life.  Focus (and REfocus!) every day.
2. Be open to exploring and discovering how to achieve it.  Every day.
3. Have the courage to take that first step.  Every day.
4. Keep going.  Every day.  Until you are successful.

Yes, it IS just that simple (though not always easy.)

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Screwed By My GPS - Thank Goodness!

On a recent road trip covering a couple thousand miles, I had several interesting experiences...all starting with what should have been a direct route through the mountains of North Carolina/Tennessee.

Should have been.

Relying on the new technology, I plugged in the address of my next destination and chose to go where my phone's GPS guided me.  It wasn't until I was an hour into the drive when I concluded I wasn't "on the right path".  I pulled out my trusty paper map and discovered, sure enough, I was deeply into what my GPS thought was the "better" scenic route - adding about an hour onto my drive.

After some choice bad words, I realized that backtracking would add even more of a delay, so I opted to forge ahead on the same winding mountain roads I was on.  Then a very interesting thing happened...

I started to experience...things.

Not in a weird, mindless, hypnotic, imaginary way (sorry, no moonshine on this trip).  But in a "let go of any preconceived notions and simply experience what is happening" kind of way.

Yes, it was a much longer route, but it was, indeed, a much better route as well.  I was amazed at all the "new" I started to enjoy. 

New sights.  New sounds.  New inspiration.  New insights.  New attitude.  New hope.  New enjoyment.

And it all started out with me cursing out my phone.

Kinda like Life.  Sometimes routes that, at first glance, start out looking like a mistake, can actually be a better path.  Just because it isn't what we anticipated doesn't mean it's less valuable.  Being open to Life's surprises can offer a gift we would never enjoy otherwise.

Perhaps instead of grumbling, we should experience unexpected changes in our "plan" more open to what IS there than what ISN'T (our original plan).  We may end up with "better" after all.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Tourist or Traveler?

During a recent international project, I spent an entire day (each way) at several airports.  During the process, I noticed there is a definite difference between the people flying around the world.

In all cases, people are going from where they are/were to where they want to be. Transportation, in it's basest sense, is simply a means to an end. A way to progress - to achieve movement toward something we want.  In this way, the person is more of a passive "tourist" - just along for the ride.

It's not just the difference between business travel and pleasure travel.  It extends to HOW a person experiences the journey...and Life.

There is a significant difference in the WAY people move from place to place.  Whether for business or pleasure, some people actually seem to be engaged in the process of traveling - gaining additional value from the experience of "getting" to the destination.  I consider these people to be more of a "traveler".

My personal guideline when traveling is to be "unplugged" - free from the tyranny of the Internet and computer files.  One of the reasons I enjoy traveling so much is that I'm able to connect to the smallest (valuable) details of the process, and purposefully experience those Life-enhancing moments that create a life that is truly lived (rather than merely existing.)

In some cases, I interact with people.  In others I just observe and ponder.  I've found that Life's biggest/best insights are a result of simply taking the time to ponder.  When was the last time YOU planned some "pondering time" into your schedule...and actually DID it?

Are you just a tourist going through your life?  Or are you an engaged traveler?

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

How To Jump Start Your Breakthrough

Do you ever feel stuck - like you're in a rut or hitting a block preventing you from taking things to the next level?  Here's something I've discovered works every time (so far) to shake out the cobwebs...

Whenever I need to come up with something new and different - whether it is a big (potentially painful?) decision I'm not wanting to take action on, or a creative breakthrough that's missing for me to push beyond a plateau I've been on - I've found it helpful to physically do something that disrupts my "temporary business as usual" life. 

Doing something that scares you (emotionally or physically) is a great way to forcibly shift your focus. 

We've all had some unexpected experience that really shook us.  Afterwards, there is an adrenaline rush and shift in thinking that can only come from having a different perspective.  After this dramatic (good or bad) experience, it can almost feel like your brain gets re-wired (which may not be far off, according to several scientists who study such things) and you see your current situation with a fresh, new clarity you didn't have before...which is an invaluable position to be in!

My suggestion?  Don't passively wait around for one of these extreme experiences to coincidentally happen.  Do it on purpose!

For example, when I get to one of those "dry spots" in my life, I schedule an activity like skydiving.  For me, the physical danger/challenge forces me to get profoundly focused on the real-life implications of "jumping out of a perfectly good airplane".  It certainly clears up the sinuses and gets the blood pumping in a way few other things do.  Personally, I enjoy "daredevil" type activities, but it also holds true for emotionally dangerous activities as well.

Is there a discussion you've been needing to have but have been hesitant?  A decision/big step that you need to make that is intimidating?  DO something to schedule (by design!) an "I can't believe I'm doing this" experience.  It always (for me) becomes a catalyst that rips me out of my rut and allows me to have the breakthrough I desire.

So...what would get YOUR blood pumping?

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

"Doing" World-Class

One of my greatest disappointments - and frustrations - is how people view the success of legitimate world-class organizations.  I often hear how "normal people" can't possibly hope to achieve the amazing results of such industry leaders because of some supposed "special" abilities, resources, people, or circumstances that all others do not have.

To that I say "What a load of garbage"!

Working directly with dozens of Fortune 500 companies, I have seen first-hand exactly what they do (and don't do) to achieve the outcomes that everyone marvels at, and one thing has become evident: Other than some technical patented widget/process/design, they all have the same access to resources as you or anyone else.

An outrageous claim?  I challenge anyone to identify one thing they have that you don't (besides the scale that results in success over a period of time).  They have offices, computers, paper, phones, budgets, products, customers, employees, leaders, money, time, etc.  Just like you do. 

The only significant difference is the WAY that they utilize those resources.

They have better results than anyone else because they approach all the same issues that you have (leadership, teamwork, passion, time management, creativity/innovation, hiring, training, communication, recognition, etc.) BETTER than anyone else.  Period.

The other thing world-class companies do consistently better than anyone else?  How they implement.

If you examine every huge success and you'll discover a series of actions that created the ultimate outcome. 

All do-able (they proved it by doing it - with NO superhuman powers.)
All started with a first step (which was followed by every other step until they succeeded.)

The truth is that ANYone can attain world-class results...IF they improve HOW they approach their business.  Stop working harder on things that don't optimize your potential and start adapting proven success practices - then improve them daily to stay on your A-game.

Want help?  Go to http://www.smallworldalliance.com/ for proven results.

Think about it.  But more importantly do something about it...today!

The Key To Progress

We all want to achieve better results. There are hundreds (thousands?) of books and "experts" out there selling how "attitude determines altitude" - and other ridiculous babble. Let's be clear: No one ever got better results simply because they went to their internal "happy place". Puh-leeeze!

The simple truth is that nothing ever improves without action! The ONLY way to realize progress is to move. Do. Initiate. Start. Act!

Here's proof: Think about the times you've been most productive in your life. Even a simple example like spring cleaning.

What gets the best results?

1. You identify the criteria for what you want to keep and what you want to remove.
2. You get in motion. Every moment you are grabbing something and then not letting go of it until it ends where it will go. Trash. Sell. Donate. Store. Keep. It doesn't matter what you grab - what matters is that you DO something.

And keep at it.

No painful, drawn-out mulling. Grab object. Consider criteria. Place in proper category.

Decide. Action. Decide. Action.

Very soon, things begin to shift. Yes, things don't always look pretty at the beginning, but soon you see progress...which becomes motivational...and, ultimately over time, results in achieving your goal.

Not because of some complicated "secret" or "intention" (puh-leeze!) But because you took that first step.

Followed by the next step. And another and another.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Are You Being Unreasonable?

Being "unreasonable" typically is seen as a negative thing. Literally "not being able to be reasoned with" should be seen as a weakness, right? Out of the mainstream? Inappropriate?

So...what about all those leaders who ushered in breakthrough movements? People like the Wright brothers, who invented powered flight - against everyone else's ridicule? Or like Thomas Edison, who dared to insist on electrically-powered light/machines in homes everywhere? Or Steve Jobs? Wasn't it "unreasonable" to try and launch a personal computer that used "real" fonts and was focused on ease of use? (Not to mention challenging the music industry with iPods, or the mobile phone industry with iPhones, or the tablet market with the iPad...)

Is it possible that the only time significant breakthroughs occur is when some FINALLY takes a stand and becomes "unreasonable"?

There's a great quote by George Bernard Shaw: "Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people".

Consider your dreams - the new breakthrough vision of the future (in whatever arena, big or small) and ask "Am I passionate about my idea enough to be seen as "unreasonable" in the minds of all the myopic "keep with the safe way we've always done it" people that surround me?" If not, I challenge you to find an idea that you ARE passionate enough to risk unabashedly launching it into this world. You deserve the legacy you create on purpose - but it requires you bringing something new, different and better to life.

Think about it. But more importantly do something about it...today!

Anticipating Customer Needs

How do companies like Apple create products and services that we want - even before we knew we wanted them? The answer to this is what will set you apart as different/better to your customers!

The truth is that customers don't always know what they want next. They rarely are able to say anything more than "better, faster, cheaper - now". Next is a mystery to them. But it doesn't have to be for you.

Let's break it down: Your customer knows what they like (not always what they want). You know your industry - especially the behind-the-scenes technical aspects. We can't expect our customers to be able to articulate anything other than some incremental improvement to what they already have. Bringing your customers' future desires to life is your job. Only you can build what they will want...if you can bridge the gap.

How do world-class companies do it? They work hard at being intimately knowledgeable and understanding of their customers - and combine that with their own technical expertise to project what future products/services can satisfy their deepest desires.

Uncover the why beneath your customers wants, and you'll have clues as to where to strategically leap. Once you've accomplished creating the next big thing, you merely have to engage them by compellingly communicating how the new product/service connects with that deeper want.

Anticipating customer needs isn't about focus groups or surveys or "expert opinions". You have a perspective that your customers will never have. It is all about truly understanding them and using your technical expertise to build their future - for their benefit. Because exceeding their expectations is a genuine priority for you. (When it is, you will always be rewarded.)

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Breaking The Comfort Cycle

Want to make a dramatic improvement in your life? Here's a great place to start: Breaking the human nature cycle we all encounter that goes something like this...

1. You realize you're uncomfortable with some experience (public speaking, new technology, etc.) so you convince yourself that you'll never be any good at it.
2. You avoid doing that thing you're uncomfortable with (because it's painful.)
3. A situation arises where you can't avoid doing it (that's just the way it is.)
4. You don't prepare sufficiently (because you avoid the painful discomfort as much as possible).
5. You have another bad experience (the natural consequences of not practicing/preparing enough).
6. You convince yourself that you'll never be any good at it and swear that you'll never do it again (which is not true - if you practiced, you would be better.)
7. Repeat.

Avoiding something that is part of professional (and/or personal) life is foolish. An unavoidable situation will arise eventually - and it will continue to be painful until you learn from it and break through the discomfort.

Accepting these uncomfortable trials with courage and discipline will break the vicious cycle. Not only will it get "less uncomfortable" (not everything in life eventually gets comfortable), but you'll benefit from getting better at the experience.

Discipline and hard work on things that are uncomfortable aren't very sexy, but it is the only way to gut through these situations. A little extra effort can earn you that breakthrough you've been wanting.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Special Forces Biz Secrets

We've all heard about the Special Forces teams that confront the most important missions our country faces for the ultimate safety and security of our citizens. General William H. McRaven recently outlined the six keys to success of those critical teams when the highest stakes are on the line. They are just as relevant for YOUR business operation.

Simplicity - Complicated rules and regulations only create confusion. Complicated doesn't get implemented consistently and isn't sustainable. Do the difficult work up front to distill your goals, roles, and responsibilities down to their essence.

Security - Teams that are insecure focus on "not losing". They become risk averse. When employees feel safe and secure they open up and begin to develop and grow - becoming more cohesive and stretching their innovation efforts.

Repetition - There's a common saying "practice makes perfect" - this is a lie. The truth is that "practice makes permanent". Not only must you make time to practice (so your efforts become automatic) but you should practice in as realistic a way as possible. Sloppy practice creates sloppy habits - and ultimately, sloppy results.

Surprise - Telegraphing your intent to the competition only allows them to prepare for you - making your efforts more difficult and your results less effective. Consistently aim to change the game. Break new ground and amaze your industry (and your customers) in the process.

Speed - Being first to market is a huge competitive edge. Making the first (well-timed) move allows you to set the terms for engagement. You're then competing on your terms.

Purpose - Having a reason why creates a reason to try (harder, smarter, etc.) A compelling Vision based on worthwhile Values makes the difference between a team going through the motions or passionately driving for world-class excellence. Everyone wants to dedicate their lives for a purpose.

Discuss how your team measures up regarding these issues and consider how you can improve for better results. Create your own elite "Special Forces" team and make a real difference!

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Improve With The Right Questions

In the interest of continuous improvement, most people try to engage their customers to discover ways they can improve their experience. Worthy intent, for sure - but most go about this the wrong way.

Typically, well-meaning questions like "How can we improve your experience?" don't get the answers we can easily use. The reason? The customers a.) can't effectively articulate a specific answer to such a broad question and/or b.) they aren't motivated to spend the time/effort to help you improve your operation.

The solution? Ask better questions - such as "Was there anything about your experience that frustrated or disappointed you?" This type of question specifically targets what you want to know: how to improve their experience - by minimizing the obstacles that undermine it being the best it can be. In addition, even those who are upset about having an unsatisfactory experience will take advantage of the opportunity to discuss what disappointed them. Either way, you win because:

1. you can provide service recovery immediately to those making the suggestions to help make them happier



2. you can improve with tactical information you can implement



3. future customers will benefit from the actual improvement

Sometimes, breakthroughs are hidden in subtleties - such as what questions you ask...and acting on the (better) answers you receive.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Be Unique Or Die

Here is a CRITICAL consideration: How are you different and better than your competition? If you're not, then you will become irrelevant...and out of business.

Think of it this way, when your customers are deciding about getting a product or service you happen to provide, they will think of all the options available to them. When considering you AND your competition, they will compare the true cost to them (money, time, and effort) to the product or service (the "thing" as well as the entire experience) they are purchasing - and judge it all based on what THEY value.

There are several options:

1. What you offer is less than one of your competitors, and you lose the sale. You eventually go out of business.
2. Your experience is the same as your competitor(s), so it becomes all about price. Your product/service just became a commodity and you follow the inevitable price war down - and you eventually go out of business.
3. What you offer is different/better than your competition and you earn the sale.

Obviously, the best option is the third one. However, being unique does not guarantee long-term success. You must consider two more things:

• Your competition can copy just about anything (marketing, product, environment, processes - they can even reverse-engineer your product), but they cannot replicate the relationship you/your employees have with them. Once you earn loyalty, it is nearly impossible for your competitor to "steal" them away.
• You must continuously improve everything about your customer's experience. This includes your relationship with each customer.

The most important thing you can do is to establish what your customers really want then consistently deliver it while exceeding their expectations (being unique/different.) Spend some time with your team focusing on implementing different/better/unique and you will be amazed at how you will start to gain marketshare.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Guaranteed Breakthrough

Ever notice that sometimes, even in the midst of a long-term improvement effort, you hit a phase where things seem to stall? Sometimes we get so caught up in achieving a specified goal that we miss the real opportunity - AND the meaningful breakthrough. Consider this catalyst to shake things up:

Rather than continuing to fixate on your pre-determined, measurable outcome - take some time revisit why you are making the effort and then (perhaps) shift to different options that will make it better.

The key here is (re?)discovering what your CUSTOMERS think is "different" & "better".

• Different: What is your competition doing? What are they not doing? Is your brand (personality of your company) distinctive? Is the customer experience unlike anything else in your industry?
• Better: What does your customer value in regard to your industry's product/service? Speed? Dependability? Quality? Why does your product/service even exist? Improve in that area, and you will gain a competitive edge.

Too often, organizations get so caught up in delivering action items and tactical plans, that they fail to stay engaged with the more relevant perspective.

Bottom line - becoming different & better, as defined by your customers, will always be an improvement (always!), and will draw the attention you need to eventually move your business (and you!) to the top.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!