By Steve Pavlina
Have you ever felt the urge to explore a totally different field, skill, or interest for a while?
What is it you’d like to try, if you only had the time? Music? Programming? Web design? Entrepreneurship? Camping? A new exercise? A better way of eating? A new social group?
But then of course, you talk yourself out of it, don’t you? You probably tell yourself things like:
I can’t be starting something new right now.
I have too many other things to deal with.
It would take a big commitment to get anywhere with this, and I don’t have that kind of time.
I’m not ready to transition yet.
No one is forcing you to commit though. Commitment is unnecessary at this point. Why not simply taste and sample your new interest? Give it a day to impress you.
Set aside one day to explore your new interest. Say yes to it for one day only. During that day let it guide you, lead you, and make its case for further exploration.
Fire up GarageBand, and try writing your very first song. It’ll probably suck, but so what? It will be your own creation.
Film some video with your phone, fire up iMovie, and make your first movie. You’ll learn a great deal by doing.
Go to an art supply store, tell an employee you want to try painting, and ask for help to buy the bare minimum supplies you need to paint for one day. Take it home, and paint the day away. See what flows through you. Maybe you’re more creative than you realize.
Spend a day researching and reading about a whole new field — the one that keeps coming up for you recently.
Go out and visit stores you wouldn’t ordinarily visit. Talk to the salespeople. Ask all the questions you can think of. Become as much of an expert as you can in one day.
Go vegan for a day, and you’ll save more water than you would by not showering for a year. There are thousands of free recipes online, so use Google to find them. Make a shopping list, cook up a storm, and have a feast.
Read about the equipment in a part of the gym you never visit. Learn some exercises you can do. Then do a full workout there. It will give you a nice sense of accomplishment.
Have you ever played tennis? Disc golf? The equipment is cheap. Go have your first game.
After that one immersive day, you’ll be a slightly different person. You’ll have a fresher understanding of your interest. And you’ll be in a better position to assess and evaluate whether you’d like to explore it further.
Maybe one day is all you need. You satisfied your curiosity and discovered that the door wasn’t for you. That’s a good outcome since you won’t have to worry about those distracting urges for years to come.
Maybe that day triggers many more questions. You got a taste, but it wasn’t enough. You want more. So take more inspiration days, half days, quarter days, or whatever you need to continue your exploration. Lean into it more.
Maybe that day was amazing — full of rapid learning and encouraging progress. You walked through a door and discovered a delightful new path. Wonderful! Keep going. Let the inspiration continue to motivate you.
What if nothing inspires you? Then you’re not listening very well. If you can’t hear the voice of inspiration, turn down the volume of everything else. Turn off the distractions like the constantly buzzing phone, sit quietly by yourself, and take an hour to simply listen. Reflect on your life, your lifestyle, your work or school, your relationships, your finances, and your body. Listen to your thoughts. Hear yourself think. Notice your feelings.
What’s nudging you to change, grow, or shift? Where do you notice a pushing or pulling sensation? Where’s the dissatisfaction? Where’s the disappointment? Where’s the gentle request to try something new and different?
Maybe you have many commitments already. Maybe you’re busy. Maybe you have some great excuses. Give your inspirations an outlet anyway — a small slice of your time. Otherwise they’ll poke you… then nag you… then eventually overload you with regret.
Give an inspiration a day to make its case. Open the box and peer inside. Listen, taste, and explore.
Showing posts with label journey of learning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label journey of learning. Show all posts
Sunday, 30 August 2015
Saturday, 14 March 2015
How To Be An Agent of Change
By Andy Sullivan
Decision making and change! An agent of change is someone who understands the importance of change to create a happy vibrant life.
An agent of change is someone who is happy to constantly adapt and shift their approach to problem to get a solution. An agent of change is someone who has the ability to counter any negative thoughts with new and improved ways of thinking. If you want to be an agent of change, you must become comfortable with yourself as an all thinking all changing being.
Becoming comfortable with yourself is essential for adapting to change and countering the negative aspects of life. You need to be able to forgive yourself for the mistakes, while learning enough to get something out of the experience. Every challenge you overcome results in you adapting, changing and growing. We are all part of a process of change and more change. A mature attitude to change is desirable for personal success.
The agent of change has to start with an honest appraisal of themselves as a person. At the very start you should ask yourself what your strengths and weaknesses are. The agent of change is honest about everything that they see. Try to become more than just an ordinary person. The agent of change accepts no limitations in their life. To become an agent of change is your mission, do you accept it?
If you have ever behaved in an immoral or antisocial manner, you have probably spent some time reflecting on what you did. The bad things we are all prone to doing from time to time can affect the view of our own self image. Accepting yourself does not mean accepting the negative behaviour and continuing to do it. On the contrary, accepting yourself involves accepting when you need to change. Accepting yourself makes you more likely to learn from your mistakes and act in a constructive way.
The key is to become constructive not destructive in your approach to change. In order to overcome destructive or socially unacceptable behaviours , you need to do the following:
Take personal responsibility for your bad behaviour. Rather than deciding you’re just a bad person who has not control or responsibility for your actions, accept that you are doing something bad. As an agent of change it is up to you to take ultimate responsibility for your actions. You are less likely to start blaming others for your misfortune, and will look instead to positive action.
If you are willing to work hard and practice on your new skills, you will find it easier to accept yourself for who you are. Integrating self-acceptance into your life should be a daily process. Most people feel the way they think. If you think unhappy thoughts you will tend to feel unhappy and vice-versa. Meaning is attached to the names you call yourself. If you use abusive or harsh language to describe yourself all the time, then you are heading towards feeling very emotionally unhappy.
The more times you tell yourself something, the more likely you are to believe it. Fortunately, you can choose what messages you give yourself and, therefore, choose how you think and feel about yourself. The trick to remember is to give up on all encompassing negative labels. People often call themselves losers, idiots, good for nothings, simpletons, or imbeciles because of certain events or actions they have been involved in or done. This does not get to the heart of the problem and is very self-destructive.
Resisting self-abusive language means stopping with negative labelling and name calling.
Remember to Identify the areas that you need to change in and be specific. For example: John has two definite serious problems. First, he has an addiction and second he is stealing to support this addiction. Standing in between of these two bad behaviours stands shame and self-condemnation . If John can’t get over these two emotions, he can’t begin to tackle the vicious circle that his life has turned into. To move on in life in a way that contributes to the kind of world you would like to live in, assume personal responsibility and keep working hard on self-acceptance
About The Author
For a free video showing you how to overcome negative self talk visit www.confidence4sure.com
The author invites you to visit: http://www.confidence4sure.com
Article Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_7438.shtml
Decision making and change! An agent of change is someone who understands the importance of change to create a happy vibrant life.
An agent of change is someone who is happy to constantly adapt and shift their approach to problem to get a solution. An agent of change is someone who has the ability to counter any negative thoughts with new and improved ways of thinking. If you want to be an agent of change, you must become comfortable with yourself as an all thinking all changing being.
Becoming comfortable with yourself is essential for adapting to change and countering the negative aspects of life. You need to be able to forgive yourself for the mistakes, while learning enough to get something out of the experience. Every challenge you overcome results in you adapting, changing and growing. We are all part of a process of change and more change. A mature attitude to change is desirable for personal success.
The agent of change has to start with an honest appraisal of themselves as a person. At the very start you should ask yourself what your strengths and weaknesses are. The agent of change is honest about everything that they see. Try to become more than just an ordinary person. The agent of change accepts no limitations in their life. To become an agent of change is your mission, do you accept it?
If you have ever behaved in an immoral or antisocial manner, you have probably spent some time reflecting on what you did. The bad things we are all prone to doing from time to time can affect the view of our own self image. Accepting yourself does not mean accepting the negative behaviour and continuing to do it. On the contrary, accepting yourself involves accepting when you need to change. Accepting yourself makes you more likely to learn from your mistakes and act in a constructive way.
The key is to become constructive not destructive in your approach to change. In order to overcome destructive or socially unacceptable behaviours , you need to do the following:
Take personal responsibility for your bad behaviour. Rather than deciding you’re just a bad person who has not control or responsibility for your actions, accept that you are doing something bad. As an agent of change it is up to you to take ultimate responsibility for your actions. You are less likely to start blaming others for your misfortune, and will look instead to positive action.
If you are willing to work hard and practice on your new skills, you will find it easier to accept yourself for who you are. Integrating self-acceptance into your life should be a daily process. Most people feel the way they think. If you think unhappy thoughts you will tend to feel unhappy and vice-versa. Meaning is attached to the names you call yourself. If you use abusive or harsh language to describe yourself all the time, then you are heading towards feeling very emotionally unhappy.
The more times you tell yourself something, the more likely you are to believe it. Fortunately, you can choose what messages you give yourself and, therefore, choose how you think and feel about yourself. The trick to remember is to give up on all encompassing negative labels. People often call themselves losers, idiots, good for nothings, simpletons, or imbeciles because of certain events or actions they have been involved in or done. This does not get to the heart of the problem and is very self-destructive.
Resisting self-abusive language means stopping with negative labelling and name calling.
Remember to Identify the areas that you need to change in and be specific. For example: John has two definite serious problems. First, he has an addiction and second he is stealing to support this addiction. Standing in between of these two bad behaviours stands shame and self-condemnation . If John can’t get over these two emotions, he can’t begin to tackle the vicious circle that his life has turned into. To move on in life in a way that contributes to the kind of world you would like to live in, assume personal responsibility and keep working hard on self-acceptance
About The Author
For a free video showing you how to overcome negative self talk visit www.confidence4sure.com
The author invites you to visit: http://www.confidence4sure.com
Article Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_7438.shtml
Saturday, 12 July 2014
Ten Decisions Leaders Make Every Day
By Kevin Eikenberry
In the course of your day as a leader you are faced with many decisions. Some come in emails, some in inquiries, and some in meetings. Some you have time to consider, for some you will rely on input from others, and others you must make immediately.
There's no question, leadership requires decision-making.
The decisions described below are, in large part, a different kind of decision. These decisions are not thrust upon you; they are decisions in front of you all of the time. These decisions are typically decided subconsciously or by default likely because you've not considered them at all.
I'll share them with you and suggest a decision. Then you can decide your response.
Decide to focus.
Are you scattered in your approach and thinking? Are you disciplined to stay on task and move yourself and your team in the direction of your goals? Do you know the most important things you and your team need to be doing and thinking about? If you are consciously diligent about your focus, you may not like your answers to those questions.
Decide to trust.
If you want more trust in your working relationships, begin by being more trusting. This doesn't imply blind trust or trusting people to do things they aren't prepared for, but it does imply that trust is a decision. How much trust are you granting to others? Are you happy with this choice?
Decide to set high(er) expectations.
People tend to live up to - or down to - the expectations we have of them. Do your people know what is expected? Are those expectations not only clear, but aspirational? If you want improved performance both of these answers need to be yes.
Decide to lead by example.
People are watching you. They are watching what you say and what you do. The reality is you are already leading by example. The question is - is your example what you really want them to be emulating?
Decide to look for the good.
People grow from encouragement, a focus on their strengths and positive reinforcement. It is hard to share those ideas if you don't see the examples. Are you intentionally looking for what people are doing right?
Decide to create a positive environment.
Environment matters to productivity, job satisfaction, retention, collaboration, creativity and more. As a leader, you set the tone and are the most important regulator of the environment. What environment are you choosing to create?
Decide to engage.
Are you an absentee leader, leaving your team to "do their work"? Do people see you as a part of the team - a caring, participating member? You are not just part of the work product, you must be part of the social fabric of the team.
Decide to start.
Some things that aren't being done won't get started until you go first. That is the role of the leader. What needs to get going? What needs a push? What must you decide to begin?
Decide to stop.
The status quo will continue without your leadership. When did you last consider what no longer needs to be done? When did you last look at the work of your team to determine what work is no longer needed? More personally, what are you doing that is inefficient or counter-productive?
Decide to learn.
Being a continual learner is a choice. Are you pleased with your personal performance? Have you mastered your most important roles and tasks? What else do you want or need to learn? The best leaders are learners. What have you decided is next for your personal growth?
These are not all the subtle decisions available to you as a leader, but they are among the most important.
I challenge you to consider each one individually and make conscious decisions; decisions that will help you be a more effective and successful leader.
About The Author
Kevin is a bestselling author, speaker, trainer, consultant and the Chief Potential Officer of the Kevin Eikenberry Group http://www.KevinEikenberry.com.
The author invites you to visit:
http://www.kevineikenberry.com
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_8736.shtml
There's no question, leadership requires decision-making.
The decisions described below are, in large part, a different kind of decision. These decisions are not thrust upon you; they are decisions in front of you all of the time. These decisions are typically decided subconsciously or by default likely because you've not considered them at all.
I'll share them with you and suggest a decision. Then you can decide your response.
Decide to focus.
Are you scattered in your approach and thinking? Are you disciplined to stay on task and move yourself and your team in the direction of your goals? Do you know the most important things you and your team need to be doing and thinking about? If you are consciously diligent about your focus, you may not like your answers to those questions.
Decide to trust.
If you want more trust in your working relationships, begin by being more trusting. This doesn't imply blind trust or trusting people to do things they aren't prepared for, but it does imply that trust is a decision. How much trust are you granting to others? Are you happy with this choice?
Decide to set high(er) expectations.
People tend to live up to - or down to - the expectations we have of them. Do your people know what is expected? Are those expectations not only clear, but aspirational? If you want improved performance both of these answers need to be yes.
Decide to lead by example.
People are watching you. They are watching what you say and what you do. The reality is you are already leading by example. The question is - is your example what you really want them to be emulating?
Decide to look for the good.
People grow from encouragement, a focus on their strengths and positive reinforcement. It is hard to share those ideas if you don't see the examples. Are you intentionally looking for what people are doing right?
Decide to create a positive environment.
Environment matters to productivity, job satisfaction, retention, collaboration, creativity and more. As a leader, you set the tone and are the most important regulator of the environment. What environment are you choosing to create?
Decide to engage.
Are you an absentee leader, leaving your team to "do their work"? Do people see you as a part of the team - a caring, participating member? You are not just part of the work product, you must be part of the social fabric of the team.
Decide to start.
Some things that aren't being done won't get started until you go first. That is the role of the leader. What needs to get going? What needs a push? What must you decide to begin?
Decide to stop.
The status quo will continue without your leadership. When did you last consider what no longer needs to be done? When did you last look at the work of your team to determine what work is no longer needed? More personally, what are you doing that is inefficient or counter-productive?
Decide to learn.
Being a continual learner is a choice. Are you pleased with your personal performance? Have you mastered your most important roles and tasks? What else do you want or need to learn? The best leaders are learners. What have you decided is next for your personal growth?
These are not all the subtle decisions available to you as a leader, but they are among the most important.
I challenge you to consider each one individually and make conscious decisions; decisions that will help you be a more effective and successful leader.
About The Author
Kevin is a bestselling author, speaker, trainer, consultant and the Chief Potential Officer of the Kevin Eikenberry Group http://www.KevinEikenberry.com.
The author invites you to visit:
http://www.kevineikenberry.com
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_8736.shtml
Thursday, 15 May 2014
4 Tips to Staying Motivated in the Midst of Failure
By: Sakthivel Perumal
That's right. At one time or another they have flopped, fell short, missed the mark, struck out and goofed up royally. However, the difference between these people and the rest of the world is that when they failed, they made a choice to use the experience to better themselves...to become stronger.
Are you determined to reach your goal? Do you really believe you can achieve what you set out to accomplish? With determination and belief, you too can make the same choice to turn a failed situation into a winning one. How? By choosing to adapt a positive perspective and engage in edifying self-talk. Here are four opportunities to stay motivated in the midst of failure:
"The Only Direction is UP” or “It Can't Get Any Worse"
Feel like you've hit rock bottom? Don't beat up on yourself too badly. To experience disappointment, heartbreak, embarrassment and/or self-doubt is to be human. However, to wallow in this state for too long is downright destructive. Tell yourself that it doesn't get much worse than this point of failure and let yourself know that the only place left to go is "upward." Use the failure as motivation to start climbing back up. When you do this, you will see that instead of running from failure you will look it in the eye and overcome it.
"I Have a Chance to Do Better Next Time"
As long as you're breathing, there's always room for improvement. Choose to use your failure as motivation to do better the next time around. When you remember your goal and envision reaching it, you will be super-charged to find ways to develop yourself. For example, if you need to do better in school, make (and follow) a consistent study schedule. If you are intent on a promotion at work, take classes to increase your skill-set. No matter what the failed task consists of, you can use it to motivate yourself to get more done.
"Hmmm, I May Need to Change Direction"
Does it seem like you've come to a roadblock? Then the solution may just be detouring and moving toward your goal in a different way. When something does not work out as planned, you need to re-evaluate the route you are taking. So review the situation, re-group and get on a track "around" that roadblock. The track may be a different one, but it may also be a more successful one.
"This is Not the End of the Line"
Know this: everyone fails from time to time but failure is not the end of the line unless you allow it to be. You blundered, you tried, you failed and it hurts. Allow yourself time to grieve it but then let it go so that you can get back to the business of reaching your intended goal. Your goal IS your motivation. Remind yourself that the only positive option is to seek ways to turn the situation around. Then tell yourself that in the morning, you will begin again!
For more info please feel free to visit my web site at www.thehealthwealthhappiness.co.uk . Thank
Motivational training site allows learning from well-known self-help and other celebrities as personal development coaches. Your Unique Personal Power To Magnetically Attract Abundant Health, Bountiful Wealth, At Health Wealth
About The Author
Motivational training site allows learning from well-known self-help and other celebrities as personal development coaches. Your Unique Personal Power To Magnetically Attract Abundant Health, Bountiful Wealth, At Health Wealth happiness we care deeply about your success. Have perfect life partner,
The author invites you to visit: http://www.thehealthwealthhappiness.co.uk
Article Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_9097.shtml
That's right. At one time or another they have flopped, fell short, missed the mark, struck out and goofed up royally. However, the difference between these people and the rest of the world is that when they failed, they made a choice to use the experience to better themselves...to become stronger.
Are you determined to reach your goal? Do you really believe you can achieve what you set out to accomplish? With determination and belief, you too can make the same choice to turn a failed situation into a winning one. How? By choosing to adapt a positive perspective and engage in edifying self-talk. Here are four opportunities to stay motivated in the midst of failure:
"The Only Direction is UP” or “It Can't Get Any Worse"
Feel like you've hit rock bottom? Don't beat up on yourself too badly. To experience disappointment, heartbreak, embarrassment and/or self-doubt is to be human. However, to wallow in this state for too long is downright destructive. Tell yourself that it doesn't get much worse than this point of failure and let yourself know that the only place left to go is "upward." Use the failure as motivation to start climbing back up. When you do this, you will see that instead of running from failure you will look it in the eye and overcome it.
"I Have a Chance to Do Better Next Time"
As long as you're breathing, there's always room for improvement. Choose to use your failure as motivation to do better the next time around. When you remember your goal and envision reaching it, you will be super-charged to find ways to develop yourself. For example, if you need to do better in school, make (and follow) a consistent study schedule. If you are intent on a promotion at work, take classes to increase your skill-set. No matter what the failed task consists of, you can use it to motivate yourself to get more done.
"Hmmm, I May Need to Change Direction"
Does it seem like you've come to a roadblock? Then the solution may just be detouring and moving toward your goal in a different way. When something does not work out as planned, you need to re-evaluate the route you are taking. So review the situation, re-group and get on a track "around" that roadblock. The track may be a different one, but it may also be a more successful one.
"This is Not the End of the Line"
Know this: everyone fails from time to time but failure is not the end of the line unless you allow it to be. You blundered, you tried, you failed and it hurts. Allow yourself time to grieve it but then let it go so that you can get back to the business of reaching your intended goal. Your goal IS your motivation. Remind yourself that the only positive option is to seek ways to turn the situation around. Then tell yourself that in the morning, you will begin again!
For more info please feel free to visit my web site at www.thehealthwealthhappiness.co.uk . Thank
Motivational training site allows learning from well-known self-help and other celebrities as personal development coaches. Your Unique Personal Power To Magnetically Attract Abundant Health, Bountiful Wealth, At Health Wealth
About The Author
Motivational training site allows learning from well-known self-help and other celebrities as personal development coaches. Your Unique Personal Power To Magnetically Attract Abundant Health, Bountiful Wealth, At Health Wealth happiness we care deeply about your success. Have perfect life partner,
The author invites you to visit: http://www.thehealthwealthhappiness.co.uk
Article Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_9097.shtml
Tuesday, 4 March 2014
The Anatomy of a Leader
By Kevin Eikenberry
There is no perfect leader; leaders truly come in all shapes and sizes. Doctors know the same about their patients, yet they still study anatomy – to understand the basic workings of body parts, their roles and how they function together. While the bodies are different, the anatomy is the same. Similarly, though the style, approach and specific skills of leaders are different, the anatomy is the same.
With this post I thought I would share my perspective on the most important body parts for all leaders, at all levels, in all situations. Here then, in no particular order, is the basic anatomy of a remarkable leader.
Feet. People want to be led by those who lead by example. The best leaders walk their walk. They do the right things for the right reasons and are willing to be observed as an example.
Hands. The best leaders are willing to roll up their sleeves and go to work. While they have their own work and priorities, they are willing to help their team when needed. They humbly bring their skills and experience to these situations in a helpful, not overbearing or controlling, way.
Fingers. The best leaders have a soft touch and can keep their fingers on the pulse of the organization. While they rely on other senses from other body parts, they stay in touch and their proximity and presence makes a difference for their team members (and the results they achieve).
Shoulders. The best leaders know that while much responsibility can and should be shared, they also understand, as did Harry Truman did, where the buck stops. Their shoulders are broad and strong, willing to support that responsibility and allow their team and organization to thrive.
Eyes. The best leaders notice what is going on around them. They watch and notice. Their ability to see what is in front of them is important, but their vision stretches beyond that. They also have excellent distance vision – they can see farther ahead and can help others see what they see as well.
Ears. The best leaders use their ears to listen, not just hold up their glasses. They listen to Customers, they listen to peers and their bosses, but most of all they listen to their people. They realize that to engage others they must encourage their input and engagement, and then they must stop and truly listen.
Lips. Good leaders must be good communicators. Whether speaking to a group, or to any individual, they must learn to speak in ways that messages are both sent successfully, and also received. The best leaders though, also know when to shut up and rely on their ears to improve their effectiveness and communication success.
Head. Good leaders are smart. They are continual learners and consistently and intentionally work to build their skills and knowledge. Since they know that being a great leader is a journey, they get on, and stay on that path. They use their head to think through problems and make reasoned decisions based on facts as well as feelings.
Heart. Leadership is about leading others – which means there is an emotional component to the role. People follow people that care. People want to be led by people who believe in them, and the organization’s mission. No leader can be great without a big, strong heart.
Leaders are human beings first – and while all of these body parts are important to all of us as humans, to leaders they perform these important additional roles. Think about your anatomy in this way and you will be challenging yourself to become the leader you were born to be.
If you would like more support on that part, take my leadership gift and become a part of the Remarkable Leadership Learning System.
About the Author: Join leaders from around the world as a member of the Remarkable Leadership Learning System. This system includes two complimentary months of that unique system as part of Kevin Eikenberry's Most Remarkable Free Leadership Gift Ever today at http://MostRemarkableFreeLeadershipGiftEver.com. Kevin Eikenberry is a leadership expert and the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a learning consulting company that helps Clients reach their potential through a variety of training, consulting and speaking services. You can learn more about him and a special offer on his newest book, Remarkable Leadership: Unleashing Your Leadership Potential One Skill at http://RemarkableLeadershipBook.com/bonuses.asp .
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=1854278&ca=Leadership
Image courtesy of Vlado FreeDigitalPhotos.net
There is no perfect leader; leaders truly come in all shapes and sizes. Doctors know the same about their patients, yet they still study anatomy – to understand the basic workings of body parts, their roles and how they function together. While the bodies are different, the anatomy is the same. Similarly, though the style, approach and specific skills of leaders are different, the anatomy is the same.
With this post I thought I would share my perspective on the most important body parts for all leaders, at all levels, in all situations. Here then, in no particular order, is the basic anatomy of a remarkable leader.
Feet. People want to be led by those who lead by example. The best leaders walk their walk. They do the right things for the right reasons and are willing to be observed as an example.
Hands. The best leaders are willing to roll up their sleeves and go to work. While they have their own work and priorities, they are willing to help their team when needed. They humbly bring their skills and experience to these situations in a helpful, not overbearing or controlling, way.
Fingers. The best leaders have a soft touch and can keep their fingers on the pulse of the organization. While they rely on other senses from other body parts, they stay in touch and their proximity and presence makes a difference for their team members (and the results they achieve).
Shoulders. The best leaders know that while much responsibility can and should be shared, they also understand, as did Harry Truman did, where the buck stops. Their shoulders are broad and strong, willing to support that responsibility and allow their team and organization to thrive.
Eyes. The best leaders notice what is going on around them. They watch and notice. Their ability to see what is in front of them is important, but their vision stretches beyond that. They also have excellent distance vision – they can see farther ahead and can help others see what they see as well.
Ears. The best leaders use their ears to listen, not just hold up their glasses. They listen to Customers, they listen to peers and their bosses, but most of all they listen to their people. They realize that to engage others they must encourage their input and engagement, and then they must stop and truly listen.
Lips. Good leaders must be good communicators. Whether speaking to a group, or to any individual, they must learn to speak in ways that messages are both sent successfully, and also received. The best leaders though, also know when to shut up and rely on their ears to improve their effectiveness and communication success.
Head. Good leaders are smart. They are continual learners and consistently and intentionally work to build their skills and knowledge. Since they know that being a great leader is a journey, they get on, and stay on that path. They use their head to think through problems and make reasoned decisions based on facts as well as feelings.
Heart. Leadership is about leading others – which means there is an emotional component to the role. People follow people that care. People want to be led by people who believe in them, and the organization’s mission. No leader can be great without a big, strong heart.
Leaders are human beings first – and while all of these body parts are important to all of us as humans, to leaders they perform these important additional roles. Think about your anatomy in this way and you will be challenging yourself to become the leader you were born to be.
If you would like more support on that part, take my leadership gift and become a part of the Remarkable Leadership Learning System.
About the Author: Join leaders from around the world as a member of the Remarkable Leadership Learning System. This system includes two complimentary months of that unique system as part of Kevin Eikenberry's Most Remarkable Free Leadership Gift Ever today at http://MostRemarkableFreeLeadershipGiftEver.com. Kevin Eikenberry is a leadership expert and the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a learning consulting company that helps Clients reach their potential through a variety of training, consulting and speaking services. You can learn more about him and a special offer on his newest book, Remarkable Leadership: Unleashing Your Leadership Potential One Skill at http://RemarkableLeadershipBook.com/bonuses.asp .
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Saturday, 3 August 2013
The Dying: Not Just Patients, But Teachers
There is a useful thought experiment that we should all perform every now and again called the rocking chair test. The idea is to think of yourself, much older than you are now, sitting in your rocking chair on the porch reflecting on your life and considering what you could have done better and what are your regrets. The idea, of course, is to determine to take the necessary action steps now so that you don't have these regrets later in life.
The video clip below of Danielle Zeder really brings this into focus. As she says, 'When people hear I enjoy Hospice nursing, they say "Oh my God, how can you do that, it's so depressing!" Actually, it is the complete opposite. People faced with their own mortality are usually the most insightful life teachers. Who better to absorb life's valuable lessons from than those who are facing the end of their own journey?'
This video is about five minutes long.
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Shut up, I can't hear myself think
By James Kyle
Several years ago I was living outside Fresno in the countryside, towards Yosemite in fact, which quickly became one of my favourite places on the planet. At the time I was attending the University of Santa Monica and we students had been directed to carry out an exercise in connecting more deeply with ourselves. In the first instance I thought I would fulfil this exercise by being more focused on sitting in silent meditation on a more regular basis. I thought this should be reasonably easy to accomplish as I was living in the middle of the countryside on 30 acres of land. My universe quickly gave me feedback that this was not the way forward, as my first few attempts at silent meditation on the balcony were interrupted by construction noises of a new neighbouring farm home to one side of my house, and on moving to the other side of the house, being then faced with a loud radio being played by some other neighbours working in the fields. I took this as a sign that I was not on the right track and started to rethink how else I could meaningfully fulfil this exercise.
I then realized that a fruitful interpretation of this exercise which would be more meaningful to me personally would be to address the lack of silence in my mind - to address the mental chatter that goes on in my head for most of the day. So for the rest of the month I chose particular situations to practice a form of moving mediation in which my intention was to focus my entire awareness on whatever activity I was involved in at the time, and to use this as a means of seeing if I could quiet my overactive intellect. The three areas I chose specifically were listening to music, eating and jogging. All I can claim is that at that point I made a start on this challenging process. And I did find it very challenging. It was a powerful lesson to me to see just how easily my mind would take over again and again and that something as simple as focusing on a favourite song for all of three minutes or eating just one meal without accompanying mental chatter was so difficult. This in turn fed into my continuing resistance to the overall process. However I do think that this was a productive exercise for me to carry out, and that an important seed was planted - a deeper appreciation that focusing on this kind of moving meditation is an important way forward. This kind of process is such an important key to quieting the mind to facilitate more self awareness, by reducing the distraction of the all too obtrusive non-stop mental chatter.
There was a specific significant win for me shortly afterwards that indicated I was making at least some progress. I was driving in my car and had just came off a freeway around a long curving off ramp. Although I had been driving in the US for quite a while, I was not familiar with this particular exit off the Fresno freeway, and I mistakenly stopped at white line that was indicating a pedestrian crossing rather than a stop line. The next thing I heard was car brakes being slammed on behind me. The car did not hit me which was fortunate as irrespective of my error it was obviously going far too fast for that steeply curved exit ramp. At the next set of traffic lights the car drew up beside me and the woman driver started screaming and swearing and threatening me - it seems road rage had definitely arrived in Fresno. The significance of this interaction was that there was not one moment when I hooked into this woman’s emotion. I stayed calm and purposefully showed no reaction to what she was saying, knowing this would only inflame her further. I did not go into self recrimination. I did not move into outrage at her shouting at me. I did not buy into her definition of reality. My mind stayed peaceful and in that silence I just let her anger wash over me accepting that this was her reality but it did not have to be mine. This was a very significant personal experience of the power of a quiet mind.
So I leave you with this thought. A quiet mind helps you to avoid buying into other people’s realities: the truth of your reality is always to be found inside you.
Several years ago I was living outside Fresno in the countryside, towards Yosemite in fact, which quickly became one of my favourite places on the planet. At the time I was attending the University of Santa Monica and we students had been directed to carry out an exercise in connecting more deeply with ourselves. In the first instance I thought I would fulfil this exercise by being more focused on sitting in silent meditation on a more regular basis. I thought this should be reasonably easy to accomplish as I was living in the middle of the countryside on 30 acres of land. My universe quickly gave me feedback that this was not the way forward, as my first few attempts at silent meditation on the balcony were interrupted by construction noises of a new neighbouring farm home to one side of my house, and on moving to the other side of the house, being then faced with a loud radio being played by some other neighbours working in the fields. I took this as a sign that I was not on the right track and started to rethink how else I could meaningfully fulfil this exercise.
I then realized that a fruitful interpretation of this exercise which would be more meaningful to me personally would be to address the lack of silence in my mind - to address the mental chatter that goes on in my head for most of the day. So for the rest of the month I chose particular situations to practice a form of moving mediation in which my intention was to focus my entire awareness on whatever activity I was involved in at the time, and to use this as a means of seeing if I could quiet my overactive intellect. The three areas I chose specifically were listening to music, eating and jogging. All I can claim is that at that point I made a start on this challenging process. And I did find it very challenging. It was a powerful lesson to me to see just how easily my mind would take over again and again and that something as simple as focusing on a favourite song for all of three minutes or eating just one meal without accompanying mental chatter was so difficult. This in turn fed into my continuing resistance to the overall process. However I do think that this was a productive exercise for me to carry out, and that an important seed was planted - a deeper appreciation that focusing on this kind of moving meditation is an important way forward. This kind of process is such an important key to quieting the mind to facilitate more self awareness, by reducing the distraction of the all too obtrusive non-stop mental chatter.
There was a specific significant win for me shortly afterwards that indicated I was making at least some progress. I was driving in my car and had just came off a freeway around a long curving off ramp. Although I had been driving in the US for quite a while, I was not familiar with this particular exit off the Fresno freeway, and I mistakenly stopped at white line that was indicating a pedestrian crossing rather than a stop line. The next thing I heard was car brakes being slammed on behind me. The car did not hit me which was fortunate as irrespective of my error it was obviously going far too fast for that steeply curved exit ramp. At the next set of traffic lights the car drew up beside me and the woman driver started screaming and swearing and threatening me - it seems road rage had definitely arrived in Fresno. The significance of this interaction was that there was not one moment when I hooked into this woman’s emotion. I stayed calm and purposefully showed no reaction to what she was saying, knowing this would only inflame her further. I did not go into self recrimination. I did not move into outrage at her shouting at me. I did not buy into her definition of reality. My mind stayed peaceful and in that silence I just let her anger wash over me accepting that this was her reality but it did not have to be mine. This was a very significant personal experience of the power of a quiet mind.
So I leave you with this thought. A quiet mind helps you to avoid buying into other people’s realities: the truth of your reality is always to be found inside you.
Saturday, 6 October 2012
Failure (Part 3)
By: James Kyle
The
first tool in reframing our approach to "failure" is awareness. In this context especially awareness of Self talk.
Just being aware is a tool? Yes! Consider the rich spiritual tradition of
meditation techniques such as Zen mindfullness. This is not trivial - simple
awareness practiced with honesty and consistency can in itself transform our
lives.
First
of all: Be aware of self criticism
Then:
Reframe your self talk.
"I have not failed. I've
just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Edison
"We are not retreating - we
are advancing in another Direction." General Douglas MacArthur
On one level you may think this is playing with words but
on another level if you really get this, you start to hold reality a different
way in your consciousness - remember we create our own maps of reality which in
turn determine our experience of our reality.
The
second tool is acceptance, especially self acceptance. Without full self
acceptance we move into denial then awareness is not possible. Awareness and
acceptance work in harmony together because we also use awareness to move out
of self judgment and into deeper levels of acceptance. And yes, this is a
choice we all have - we can choose not to be judgmental towards ourselves - the
first step is to be aware of the judgment. Realize that at times we put
ourselves down in ways we wouldn't dream of doing to anyone else. Instead we
can choose to be kind to ourselves. Also learn to see things in perspective -
often we laugh about something terrible that happened a year previously - Here’s
a thought: why not start laughing right away.
As
F. Scott Fitzgerald said, "Never confuse a single defeat with a
final defeat."
The
third and final tool is to get into the habit of taking stretches out of your
comfort zone. For many people public speaking is a big stretch. At first this was certainly true for me. But guess what, I stepped out of my comfort zone and what was challenging became fun - and a useful skill as well. Also in my past, despite
serious health problems at the time, I persevered in learning how to scuba dive
and was rewarded not only by the experience of diving itself but also increased
self respect by not allowing myself to be limited by circumstances.
Someone once offered me this magic phrase: if you can’t you must. I now apply it in many different ways in my day to day life. In the early days when giving speeches in public I found this challenging. However I choose to see this as a opportunity to grow and learn new skills rather than something to be avoided. What would challenge you? Bungee jumping, rollerblading, sky diving, salsa dancing, art, stand up comedy, acting. I encourage you to learn that it is safe to move out of your comfort zone and as a consequence that it is OK to make mistakes.
The
secret to taking stretches like this is to see them as adventures in learning.
If we allow ourselves to be a beginner and a learner, then failure transmutes
into feedback on our current learning assignment. Then one day it strikes us
why don’t I take this attitude to my entire life and see all of my life as a
journey of learning. And in this way we come to realize that mistakes and failures
are simply the universe’s way of providing us with further learning
opportunities - and we see the world through new eyes and all judgment
disappears.
I will leave you with this final thought and something to always
remember: "A winner loses more often than
losers."
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