Denying The Denying Denial

We all mean well, but sometimes we don't do well.  Take for instance, leading (raising) children.  Too often parents say that they love their children so much they refuse to deny them anything. 

As some trendy folks say: Epic FAIL!

The problem is, that very action denies them something critically important - vital, actually.  When giving children everything they want, you actually deny them the character-building benefit of struggle - of effort and work and sacrifice.  Without those experiences, they are denied what creates an appreciation for achievement. 

By making it easy to have their desires, there is no reason to have  discipline or a good work ethic.  This is why many young people these days are viewed as spoiled, lazy, unappreciative slackers - the natural consequences of being raised in an unchallenging environment.  They become weak-minded by having most true work "denied" them.

If only those enablers cared enough about them to deny them.

Likewise, in the workplace, bosses inappropriately deny their employees challenges that would strengthen them and make them more able, healthy, productive, and ultimately satisfied.  Growing loyalty and passion will never come from giving employees everything they desire.  It comes from challenging them to achieve something worthwhile that is j-u-s-t beyond their ability - and involving them in the struggle to grow towards the solution.

As difficult as it may be to allow them to "stumble" and feel the pain of (temporary) defeat, in the long run, you are truly helping them.

And isn't that what you do for anyone you genuinely care about?

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

The "Pucker Factor"

We all go through good times and bad times.  As service providers, it is easy to give good service when things are going well - plenty of time, plenty of resources, low stress.  Easy.

However, what about when things get busy?  Crunch time?  When the pressure hits?  When "the pucker factor" goes up? 

Here's a tip practiced by world-class success stories: Prepare in advance.  Communicate about the ways you can make your customers feel welcome and special when things are easier.  Invest the time and effort during the good times on exploring how to exceed expectations when conditions are at their worst.

When your customers will need you the most.

And you'll have the least resources (time, energy, etc.) to serve them.

Yes, it's difficult to sacrifice your precious down time.  It requires discipline and extra effort.  Discussing the tough moments in your operation isn't enjoyable.  It can sometimes even be painful.  But talking about it in the midst of the hectic times never results in effective and efficient solutions.  No one "gets the chance" to fix the problems during those times when all you can do is survive.  Even though you can predict the naturally-occurring heavy demands on your organization, how much time do you take to thoroughly prepare for that dynamic - like a lunchtime rush that hits every day at the same time?

Thriving requires strategic discipline.  It demands commitment and foresight.  You have to earn it.  Being the different and better choice takes setting aside the opportunity now to resolve the anticipated challenges that will arise in your future.

Well, at least that's what the most consistently successful world-class organizations do.

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

If You Can't Get Out Of It, Get Into It!

Life is FULL of things that we wish we didn't have to deal with. 

The question is: If this (painful) action is truly inevitable, then what can you do to minimize your suffering?

According to the most successful/happiest people, once you have exhausted any creative attempts to resolve the situation, the most logical next step is to simply accept that the uncomfortable experience will be happening.  Once you overcome any denial, there are actually TWO options that put you more in control of the negative situation, and can help make the most of it:

The first is: Initiate the action as soon as possible to get through it quickly.  This approach allows you to get the pain over faster.  Why put off dealing with it?  No sane person enjoys pain, and putting it off only adds more suffering.  The dread of anticipation actually magnifies the pain and prolongs it.  The wiser approach is to "rip off the bandaid" rather than drag it out.  The sooner you start, the sooner you finish.  Plus, you avoid all the painful "angst time" as a bonus!

The second is: Find/create enjoyment in the midst of it.  As bizarre as it sounds, this is actually pragmatic.  Minimizing the damage from a negative experience is a self-preservation effort.  Focusing your attention to any beneficial aspects of the situation - whether it is bittersweet "good for you" value or actual enjoyment of some kind - is better than the alternative.  Once you have learned your lesson, any additional suffering is a waste of time and unnecessary pain.  Again, pragmatic and logical.

The good news is that you can use BOTH tactics in every situation.  But it requires the courage and discipline to boldly take that first step.  Take control.  Be accountable.  Face life head-on - and you will have a better life as a result.

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

Being A Sore...Winner?

No one wants to be a "sore loser" - a term we've all heard since childhood.  It describes a person who is hurt because they lost.

I'm in the midst of a big move - daily lugging heavy boxes (thousands of books!) and other assorted heavy items - and I've been sore every day for the past 3 weeks.  As the muscles throughout my body scream in revolt, something occurred to me:

Have you ever thought of anyone being a "sore winner"? 

Winners achieve as a result of hard work.  Hard work stretches your abilities.  This is why winners who are consistently successful are constantly striving to grow and improve - keeping them on top.

The natural consequence of pushing your capabilities is pain.  It is a pain that most people are not willing to endure.  When you talk with successful people, they will admit that the sacrifices made to achieve their goals hurt, but it was worth it. 

Every winner is sore, you just won't hear them whining about it.  Even when they (temporarily) lose, they understand that it is part of the progression (investment) towards ultimately winning. An investment that requires commitment, courage, and tenacity.  It is these three things that allow a winner to face the inevitable discomfort and gut through what it takes to realize their goals.

So, in the midst of all the challenges you are facing today - are you willing to be a sore...winner?

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

The Medicine Can Become The Poison

Life isn't perfect.  Sometimes mistakes are made.  If we aren't adequately committed to doing the right things to be healthy, we can become ill - feeling weak, miserable, and generally creating sub-par performance in everything we do.  In times such as these, the right medicine can help us get better.  When appropriate, this is a good thing to improve our well-being.  This also holds true (metaphorically) for organizations. 

The problem comes when the person (or organization) stops trying to take care of themselves because it's easier to depend (too much) on the medicine to make them feel healthy...instead of doing what it takes to genuinely be healthy.

In times such as these, the medicine can actually become like a poison - slowly undermining the person's ability to function effectively.  The body develops a resistance to the medicine, which causes the effectiveness of the medicine to diminish and the symptoms to get worse...unless the "dosage" is increased. 

Just like an addict of any kind, when the body expects a "medicine" to help it be happy/healthy, the natural consequences is a downward cycle.  It always continues to get worse until the person a) dies or b) decides to take on the hard work required to get "naturally" happy/healthy...by eating right, exercising, and practicing other good habits.  Enabling people can actually kill them!

The same holds true for organizations.  When a "medicine" (bailouts, subsidies, lack of competition, etc.) manipulates the company's circumstances and the business begins to depend on that support to simply survive every day, the medicine becomes a poison that will continue to undermine the health of that organization until it goes out of business or changes direction.  Building disciplined leadership, accountability to non-negotiables, engagement, integrity, and excellence throughout an organization is hard work - but it always results in success.

Here's the key: Ignoring a problem will not make you safer from it.  In business and in our personal lives, sometimes - if we really care enough - we have to show TOUGH love.

In what ways is your organization dependant?  Are you "coasting" through your workdays or actively pursuing improvement?  What would it take to conduct an "intervention"?

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!

Whatchu Lookin' At?

I recently had an odd experience while walking my dog. We were in the back yard playing fetch with her favorite ball when I threw it and it bounced off a birdbath and ricocheted into a flower bed. My dog proceeded to run around, sniffing, and looking (unsuccessfully) for the ball in the wrong part of the yard.

She's not the smartest dog (we refer to her as our "special needs dog"), so wanting to help her out, I walked over to her, got her attention, and energetically pointed to the bushes where the ball was saying "Look!"

Well, she looked alright. At my pointing finger.

Over and over again. Me saying "Look! Get it! There it is!" followed by my dog, consistently, keeping a laser-fixed stare at my finger.

I realized that the action of my hand/finger moving towards the target (her favorite ball) actually distracted from her prize. She was so fixated by my pointing, she failed to see the more important thing I was pointing at.

Then I thought how people sometimes get the same way. Instead of looking at the valuable prize (wisdom, insights, etc.) we often get so enamored with the pointer (a brilliant expert, a dynamic speaker, etc.), we miss what they are working so hard to point towards.

Bottom line: Those people/things in our lives that provide direction are usually not the answer. They are merely pointing to the answer. It is up to us to look in the right direction for the actual insight itself. If we fail to do this, we will fail to get that prize we ultimately desire in life.

And it's almost always better than a slobbery old ball.

So, where are YOU looking these days?

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

New DAY Resolutions

Having a big, audacious goal is wonderful - but the only way to achieve it is one step at a time. So, instead of focusing on tackling the large-scale resolutions for the new year, try accomplishing them by focusing on the incremental improvements EVERY day.

Simply said, do what world-class leaders do: Resolve to be better today than you were yesterday. Every day, take a measurable advancement toward your larger goal.

Take time daily to consider specific goals for that day. Something do-able that is a legitimate improvement regarding your physical, mental, emotional, financial, or spiritual health. Ideally, some small thing in each catagory - but don't aim too high at first. The strategy is to grow into the habit of making healthy habits! Perhaps start with one area each day - rotate them or prioritize them based on what motivates YOU best.

Then (this is critical), you must DO something that day. Your efforts must be DAILY in order to create a habit. The key is to NOT break the chain of behaviors. No matter what, do SOMEthing. It is the consistency that ingrains the behavior into your life for ongoing, sustainable results.

One great tip is to establish a "5 minute kick start". You can do ANYthing for 5 minutes - then decide at that point if you want to continue. (It's astounding how often a 5 minute workout - or any other temporarily distasteful "good for you" activity - can turn into a full-blown workout, just from starting!) You'll find that it eventually gets to be a habit...one that helps make you the "YOU!" you've aspired to be all your life!

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

Bringing Learning To Life

Sometimes I get really frustrated at how people settle for less than they should. Have you ever asked yourself why more people/organizations aren't achieving their potential?

So, how do the most successful leaders bridge the gap between knowing and doing - and get better results that the average people? There are several keys to this elusive process:

Value it. Identify WHY you want to do it. Consider your motivation for starting - regarding the ultimate outcome or benefit. Many times, people surprise themselves by realizing they really do NOT care enough about the outcome to initiate action. If you are sufficiently motivated, then this provides the fuel for your efforts - but you still need the rest of the formula. Your plan must include accountability throughout the remainder of this 4 step process.

Know it. Here's a surprising factoid: People generally don't fail because they are ignorant. In my experience, about 85% of the time, I hear people say "I know that", but then they fail to DO that effective behavior. Those who get results make sure to know What AND How. Often, people think they know, but there is a gap between what they know (vague, big picture) and what they need to know (relevant details). This extra effort separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.

Do it. Skills require more than knowledge. The next step is to translate internal knowledge to external behaviors. Experiment. Practice. Try new things. The key is START! Getting "hands on" with the idea as soon as possible is vital. Habits/success are created by consistent behaviors. Make sure you are practicing your new skills every day. The cumulative total of your actions is what ultimately gets the results.

Share it. Once you've actually achieved some level of success, the best way to solidify the experience (for yourself and for your organization) is to teach it to others. Provide opportunities for colleagues to attempt the new behaviors in the same kind of process you used. You'll find that "teaching others to fish" will help you to multiply your results AND leave a legacy of excellence - optimizing YOUR life!

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

Your Personal Pre-Shift Meeting

Wouldn't it be great if EVERYone consistently did the right thing on a regular basis? How do the best leaders accomplish this? Well, one example is Ritz-Carlton. Like other world-class companies, they are known for consistent behaviors because they stay focused on common values - and the behaviors that reflect those values.

The key is consistency of communication and accountability. Every Ritz-Carlton property - and every department at each property - hold a pre-shift meeting where everyone participates in a reminder about that day's assigned value. As part of this process, they discuss examples of what behaviors have/can bring that value to life for that day (with the understanding that every value should be lived each and every day), with ongoing feedback. Since the information is constantly "top of mind", it becomes easier (and more natural) to reinforce what behaviors are appropriate and why.

You can do this for yourself! Generate YOUR most important values/standards and then at the beginning of each day, one at a time, focus on how to bring that day's value to life in action - whether it be with journaling, meditation, or discussions with a colleague. Then rotate around to the beginning of your list when you get to the end. Consider it a daily action plan - and an opportunity to communicate through word AND deed what you value most.

Over time, you will find what Ritz-Carlton has found - the behaviors that reflect YOUR personal values will become a habit, and you will enjoy the benefits of a life of true integrity. Simple (and low cost) actions with profound results.

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!

Easier Is Not Always Better

It seems we're all seeking "the easy way out". Short cuts. Cram sessions. Work arounds. The quest for "easier" can be a good thing - but not always.

Striving for improvement often makes things easier, but we shouldn't confuse the two. Focusing on consequences can help give a bigger/better perspective.

It's easier to stay in bed all the time - but then your muscles will atrophy.
It's easier to skip brushing your teeth - but then they'll rot out.
It's easier to not go to work - but the you'll lose your job...and your income...and your home.

Yes, there can be actual value from struggling/working for something. These days, building discipline and extraordinary effort is not considered very sexy, but it is the backbone of accomplishing anything worthwhile.

Rather than focusing on making things easier, the better approach is to focus on improving things overall. Think about things holistically: How will a particular action (or lack of action) affect all related dimensions. Your business = your employees, your customers, and your financial/operational results? Your life = your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual results? Unless ALL aspects are considered, a decision can't truly be considered the "best" decision.

Bottom line: Is it worth it? Pain versus payoff? Here's something to consider: Rather than lowering your sacrifice to ease the pain, what if you raised the payoff goal to make the effort worth it? I've discovered that making the extra effort (raising the payoff) always results in bridging the gap between average results and amazing results.

And I know you are much more interested in amazing, eh?

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

Life/Work Lessons From The Front Line

A colleague recently shared some remarks made by a career soldier:

1. Remember, if the enemy is in range, then you are too.
2. All cover is temporary.
3. Above all, remember your mission.
4. When in battle, soldiers are less focused on winning for the country than fighting for their buddy/team.

These simple statements hold profound truths that apply to our work - and our personal lives.

1. The closer you get to engaging any activity, the chances of danger/failure goes up. Talking about taking action is risk-free because you aren't really doing anything other than talking. Of course, you gain nothing as well. Real living requires stepping forward and confronting the challenge. Remembering that those situations can "bite back" is critical. Choose wisely.

2. When colleagues/friends offer help, they expect it will be for a specific window of time. No one wants to be left hanging or obligated for long-term support when it should only be a temporary situation. To make the best use of their support - and not wear out your welcome - plan, coordinate and execute accordingly.

3. Life and work are full of distractions. It's easy to get focused on the many micro details and lose track of the macro big picture of why we're doing what we're doing. Reminding ourselves of our ultimate purpose/goal is critical in making the most of our time and resources. It's all about priorities.

4. Workers that are part of an organization aren't necessarily loyal to the company - they are more connected with the people they work closely with inside the company. Anyone who wants to create a culture of loyalty must create an environment that is conducive to people engaging each other at the team level.

As you enjoy this holiday weekend, consider the value these insights provide and thank a veteran for keeping us safe/secure enough to be able to focus on life and career.

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

The Word "No" Is Your Friend

Colleague Jerry Weintraud once said "Every minute doing one thing is a minute NOT doing something else. Every choice is another choice not made." These two sentences hold a profound truth that we should all apply to our lives.

Most of us say that we have too many responsibilities - too many urgent items on our "to do" list. An overwhelming professional workload that seems impossible to balance with our overwhelming personal workload.

Sound familiar?

Usually, the root problem lies in saying "yes" to the wrong things. As leaders/role models we want to be action-oriented "make it happen" people who take on challenges and get results. Examining the most successful people, we find a counter-intuitive situation: They get more accomplished by saying "no"!

Yes. Saying "no" to the less important tasks (as urgent as they may be) frees up time to invest in the more important tasks.

Clearly identifying your priorities (Values, Vision, etc.) and measuring every request with the questions: "Will this task play a significant role in getting me to my most important goals?" helps spotlight what to start saying "no" to.

Here's an activity I did often with my executives at Disney: Imagine having an 8th day a week - what would you do? (Many responded with "Spend more time with family", "Work out", "Do more strategic planning", "Develop myself & my team", etc.) Then we would do an activity where they prioritize their responsibilities from top most important (not simply urgent) to least important. They were then tasked with delegating or deleting the bottom 15% of their list. THAT became their "extra day of the week". [Trumpets sounded, a shaft of light comes down from the sky onto them, they tingle all over...well, you know what I mean...] They were then guided to filling in that new found time with the wish list they generated earlier.

Try this exercise yourself and start saying "no" to the less important things that steal precious time from you accomplishing your very best.

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

Aim Small, Miss Small

There's a saying with gun marksmen: "Aim small, miss small". This refers to a tactic that helps place bullets closer to the precise goal. Rather than focusing on the entire target, the better choice is to aim only at the smallest, "dead-center" part of the bull's-eye. Even if you miss the very center of the target, you'll usually miss the bull's-eye by much less than if you simply were shooting at the larger target in general.

The same thing applies to goals in our life/business. The more specific we are in our Vision/goal, the more likely we are to get closer - even if we fail to "hit the bull's-eye".

Consider how detailed your goals are for your future. Are you "targeted" on the more general aspects of what would be success or have you imagined the smallest details? Have you considered what all five of your senses would experience (What would it look like, feel like, sound like, smell like, taste like) to finally accomplish the goal?

Here's the kicker: If anyone else is involved in helping to make your goal happen, then it is impossible to clearly articulate these details (so they can effectively visualize them) if you are not able to describe it in the smallest detail yourself.

So, revisit the goals for your successful future - and get better focused on the absolute center of your target...if you really want to hit the bull's-eye rather than merely the edge.

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

Get Alive

Do you want a business/relationship that is alive? (Of course, who doesn't!) Bringing life to your Life doesn't have to be as difficult as it often seems. Like when I was at Disney, the first step is to recognize the few things that make the difference between just existing and really living:

1. All life is GROWN. To breathe LIFE into your life (or relationship or business, etc.) you have to treat it like any other dynamic, living thing. For example, think of a plant - if you want the plant to thrive (rather than simply survive), you must nurture it. Same as anything else. How is that best done? By implementing the other two aspects:

2. Be aware of what that unique plant (your business, career, your Life, relationship, etc.) requires to thrive. Pay attention to it. Invest time and energy into learning about all important aspects of it. Examine and understand what strengthens it and what weakens it. Then...

3. Care enough to do something about it. Make it a priority. Spent time/energy/resources to consistently see that it's needs are exceeded (in a healthy way) in order for it to GROW more alive.

Sometimes, Life can get so hectic that it gets easy to neglect things (dreams, goals, people, ourselves) that we value. The natural consequences of that action (or lack of action) is the same as neglecting a plant. It WILL start to weaken, whither, then die. The question is: what is YOUR priority? You can always tell a person's TRUE priorities by where they choose to spend their time, effort, and money. Where are you spending yours? If not where you want, start growing again - now - before it is too late.

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

Where Do You Go Right?

After a life stumble, we often hear someone say "Where did I go wrong?" Good to do. Obviously, making mistakes is not the preferred outcome - but it happens. Repeating a mistake, however, is a completely unnecessary waste. If we are paying attention and care enough to make the effort, we can learn from every mistake we - or others - make...and forgo that avoidable wrong.

Another question - rarely asked - is equally important: "Where did I go right?" Examining successful decisions (ours or others) actually help us repeat success.

Consider this: In every success story, there is a moment when things shifted for the better. The successful person did something differently to start down a different road leading to a better result. Here's the bottom line - and it is pretty simple:

• If the path you are currently on is not leading to the ultimate goal you want, then you must change what you are doing to achieve what you desire. You may not know exactly what to change, but you DO know that life as usual is not it, so your "do nothing/the same" option is NOT the right one. (If you don't know what you want, then THAT just became your new task.)
• The longer you stay on your existing path, the longer you are moving in the wrong direction. (The whole "where did I go wrong?" thing - yes, you just answered that question. You're choosing it every day you stay on your current path.)
• You must take action to see the results. Planning is nice, but it doesn't count as an action step in regards to actually improving. Yes, taking action risks failure (that is why most do NOT take sufficient action), but by definition, the path you're on is failing you already.

The real question then, is not "Should I do something differently?", but "What should I do? (experiment with whatever needs improving until you start seeing results) and "When should I do it?" (Now. It's the first step that keeps most people from optimizing their results. Once you've taken that first step, the second becomes easier, and the third easier still - until you break through to become part of the successful group that began doing things right.)

You have the choice to make NOW the answer to the question: "When did I go right?" All it takes is that first step. Are you choosing to take it, or continue settling for less in your life?

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

Let It Go!

As we rush/stagger/grind/step towards the end of the year, many of us reflect on what was and what may be. While I encourage this (not just once a year, but every quarter/month/week - as best you can), it seems that "resolutions" - regardless of when they occur, rarely last. On average, only 15% of those who make New Year's resolutions keep them for at least 30 days. What a shame!

Part of the problem most have with adopting new behaviors is that they are still embedded in the rut of old habits (muscle memory and/or mental hang-ups.) Here's the key that all successful professionals know: Before you can successfully follow a new path, you have to stop walking the old, less-effective path. In other words: what keeps us from adopting effective new habits is INeffective old habits.

Japanese culture has some interesting rituals for the transition between one year and the next. For example, many hold "ending of the year parties" (called "bounenkai" - or "forget the year"), where they ceremoniously cut ties with anything holding them back from growing/improving for the upcoming year. Another tradition is called "osoji", where everyone deep cleans their homes, offices, and schools to literally begin the new year with a "clean slate". While I don't follow these practices, I do appreciate the acknowledging of how we must create closure for one chapter before we can successfully begin a new chapter.

So, as you begin making plans for your next chapter, please consider what you need to STOP doing - or let go of - BEFOREHAND. Once you've confronted that detrimental anchor, then and only then will you be free to sail forward towards whatever exciting new adventure you have in your heart.

One final word of encouragement: If you're not living the life of your dreams, then why not? When are you planning to live your unique purpose? No matter where you are today, the very best time to begin is NOW. Don't wait another day. No more settling. Take the first few steps and you will begin to see an amazing shift in momentum toward the lifestyle you've always wanted.

You will never regret it, I promise. I can guarantee you the inevitable: you'll regret not starting sooner if you wait.

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

The Alternative To Change

If you don't like change, I understand. But you're going to like mediocrity a WHOLE lot less.

The real problem with change is, despite what many claim, it is NOT always good. In the real world, we've all been burned by change at one time. So, what's the alternative? Don't focus on change - focus on improvement!

Here's the TRUTH about legitimate improvement in your life:

1. The definition of "improved" is determined by YOU.
2. Improvement, by definition, must be different...but different in YOUR direction!

Bottom line: All improvement requires change, but not all change is an improvement.

Are you clear about what you want that is different/better? If not, invest some time to figure that out. (Today would be good.)

Are you willing to take action and DO what is required to create that improvement? If not, then prepare yourself for a life of pain and disappointment. Regardless of what all those foolish Secret/Name It, Claim It fad philosophies claim, it doesn't happen by magic...and no one will do it for you. (The good news? The effort is worth it. Really!)

Here's an interesting factoid to consider: Have you noticed that only about 5% of people who make New Year's resolutions see them come to fruition? What percentage of people do you consider to be truly successful in life? About 5%? Do you think there's a connection? I believe in both cases, it's simply because the successful people are clear about what they want/what direction to move in order to improve, AND they invest the required effort to achieve their goals. That's not always fun or sexy, but it works at Disney and other world-class companies, consistently. (Yes, ANYone can be successful!)

Are you setting the stage for an improved new year? If not, why not?

How will 2011 be different/better than 2010 for you? What will YOU do differently/better to actually make your goals a reality this time? (Hint: The best time to start is NOW!)

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

Becoming A "Clutch" Leader

After watching several intense sports match ups this week, I noticed that something interesting happens at critical moments in each game: Leaders - both on the field and off - make decisions (or not) and take action (or not) that ultimately determines the outcome. Oftentimes, in the battle of two opposing teams, one leader will "choke" when everything is at stake.

What creates success in these high-pressure scenarios? What brings leaders through "in the clutch"?

When I was in charge of leadership initiatives at Disney, it was interesting to see what set the most effective leaders apart from the average leaders. A recent study done for the US military reveals some of the same insights that my team discovered when exploring what made the most significant difference:

• Focus - Are you focused on the details that strategically relevant to this particular situation? Can you ignore any superfluous activity while leading through the challenge?
• Discipline - Are you able to consistently follow up and generate accountability? Are you a legitimate role model with integrity?
• Adaptability - Are you able to learn from the past, yet let go of everything that doesn't serve you or your team in this unique situation? Is there another (different) right answer?
• Being Present - Are you able to "fly by the seat of your pants" and make decisions during the "real time" process of gathering problem solving information?
• Fear/Desire - Are you appropriately motivated (either by fear or desire) enough to passionately move forward - despite the circumstances?

How do you measure up when it comes to these traits? What life experiences can you get involved in (now!) that can help you better develop these traits?

Your future teams - and your leadership career - will reflect your actions today regarding your leadership during difficult times. Do you want to be known as the leader who comes through in the clutch? Then...

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