Fall is setting in here in Middle Tennessee, and leaves have started changing. This is one of my favorite times of year to hike. My wife and I were out for a hike not long ago, and along the trail we spotted a pair of squirrels chasing each other from tree to tree. They’d run up and around one tree like a corkscrew, spiral back down and leap to another. Watching them play together was a joy. It reminded me how easy it can be to forget to play.
I love this adage I’ve heard Michael Hyatt use several times, “Thoughts untangle themselves through lips and pencil tips.” Untangling our thoughts is a crucial skill for all leaders. Essentially, it is our thoughts that shape our words and actions – our leadership. They are the roots from which we provide vision, encouragement, direction and influence. One of the best ways for leaders to untangle their thoughts is through journaling.
“I don’t think anyone aims to be typical, really. Most people even vow to themselves some time in high school or college not to be typical,” writes Bob Goff in Loves Does. The truth is, despite their vows, many people find themselves living typical lives because doing so doesn’t take intentionality. If you’re looking for something more; if you’re daring to excel, to make a difference in the world, and truly thrive – read on.
A good friend of mine is searching for her passion. She’s already accomplished a good deal in her life and has many interests. How could it be that she hasn’t found, or somehow lost, her passion? Many of us find ourselves in the same boat, searching for something more, something deeper, something with meaning to pour ourselves into. Some people don’t like their jobs. Others are in a season of transition in life.
When it comes to searching for our passions, where do we look? What are we looking for? Sometimes we feel like we’re playing the kids’ game Hot and Cold. How do we escape the game and know when we’re moving in the right directions? Allow me to share some of what I’ve learned about this journey with you.
I’ve said before that optimism can be your secret weapon. It’s definitely a secret weapon for me. When trying out for the all-star team in little league baseball, I thought I had as good a shot as anyone. When I applied to graduate school, I knew I would have to convince them to take a risk, but why wouldn’t they? When applying for a highly competitive new job, surely I’d have a shot. Some may have doubted, thought I wouldn’t come out on top in these situations. But I did.
A dear friend of ours is battling cancer, as many seem to be these days. She made it through a particularly rough round of treatment with more to endure in the months ahead. She felt relieved but run down and the outlook of more treatment was less than appealing. She didn’t see much to celebrate.
While we continue to support her, I found myself wanting to stir a celebration. Celebrate the progress she’s made, the manner in which she faces the battle and mark the challenges that are now behind her. As I thought more about her situation, I discovered there is strength in celebration that we can all benefit from.
As an entrepreneur, leader, husband, volunteer, etc., I make decisions. Some work. Some don’t. When I heard the latest book from Chip and Dan Heath was about decision making, I knew I could grow from applying its contents. Decisive did not disappoint. Having read it, I will be a better decision maker at home, work and everywhere in between.
Regardless if your decisions involve million dollar acquisitions, making a job offer or naming your child, it’s safe to say better decision making is worth working at.
In his inspiring book, Quitter, Jon Acuff discusses an observation he’s made. Jon has talked with many people who say things like, “I’m a teacher, but I really want to paint.” He identified a trend in people who aren’t following their dreams. Many say, “I am a ____, but I really want to ____.” They feel stuck, scared, or don’t know how to chase their dreams. They continue showing up to work, miserable, unengaged, longing for something to change.
I have a confession to make: sometimes I don’t feel like doing the things that need to get done. Maybe I’m alone in this, but my hunch is that some of you fight the same battles I do.
Most often when this happens to me, I feel drained, like my energy is waning. This is one reason we see a lot of energy boosting substances out there (5-hour Energy, Monster, Cliff Energy Bloks, etc.). I’m not opposed to some of these; however, I don’t want to depend on them to meet life’s demands. The truth is that some of us struggle to find the energy we need to do what needs doing.
This year, I launched my blog with The Excelling Edge. In my continuing pursuit of excellence, I want to make my blog better and more relevant to your needs and interests. To do that, I need to know more about YOU, so I created my 2014 Reader Survey.
Would you please take a few minutes to fill out the survey? Ultimately, you’ll be helping yourself. Why? Because you will be helping me create content that is more relevant and meaningful for you.
I’ve made this survey easy to fill out. It is only 10 questions. The results are completely anonymous. I would be so grateful for your response.
Thanks for your help!
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