“If you are not getting better you are almost certainly getting worse.”
Rick Pitino
Today I wish to share just a few ideas that I have been thinking about over the last couple of days. As we contemplate these ideas and perhaps apply the lessons in our life, I believe we will more fully reach our potential and be successful leaders and people.
The first thought is that so many of us live for yesterday or tomorrow that we fail to realize we are living our lives today and that today will soon pass us by. I know many times I want to hurry and get through the day for hope of a better day, a less busy day, a less stressful day, a better weather day, a more exciting day, etc. Pretty soon we realize though that today has passed us by and that we did not accomplish what we hoped to. Often we realize too late that we’ve spent our time on less important things than we had hoped to or planned to. We thought about being a good parent, or starting our own business, or volunteering in the community, a returning to church, but instead of doing it, we wait for the perfect moment which never came. By pushing through today, and focusing on tomorrow or yesterday we fail to fully appreciate and take advantage of today—I think this is a bigger problem in humanity then most of us care to admit or realize. We must live for today!! Are we living our life today the way we always hoped to? Are our dreams coming true? We must understand that TODAY we are living our lives and that TODAY is the only day we have to reach our goals, fulfill our dreams, and do what is very most important to us for tomorrow will never come.
The second thought is the fact that it is impossible for us to “stand still.” What I mean is that in every moment we are either moving forward toward our goals or backward. Every moment of every day our simple choices are helping us to be better than we already are or worse. Thus, it impossible to just stay still or remain neutral or linger in one place or retain one state of mind. For the most part, it is very difficult for us to realize how a simple decision will impact our life but they all do!! No choices are neutral or at least very few are if any. For this reason we must constantly strive to make those decisions that will move us forward, that will help us progress that will help us live our dreams today!! For success really is the culmination of very wise yet very small choices made consistently over time.
I hope these two thoughts have caused us to think and reflect on how we are living our lives. Are we taking full advantage of today and are our simple choices leading us forward toward success? I believe that truly living for today and ensuring our choices are helping us progress will greatly increase our ability to reach our full potential and become successful leaders and people.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Built to Last
When I first read Good to Great by Jim Collins, I instantly had the desire to read his first book called Built to Last and after many years, I finally did! And although I believe Good to Great in its entirety is a better book, some concepts in Built to Last are extremely valuable for all businesses and for all individuals as well. These principles when applied will help us achieve enduring success in life. Below are the top 4 ideas and concepts found in the book that I believe can help us reach success.
#1 The Power of the ‘AND’
The power of the ‘AND’ comes from the idea that we can be two contrasting things at the same time. For example, I can be extremely disciplined and extremely flexible at the same time or I can be level headed and a fanatical at the same time. Too often many of us settle for the ‘OR’. We believe that we have to choose between this ‘OR’ that, or that we have to find a balance between two contrasting extremes somehow. We fail to realize or believe or strive to have or be both. Companies and individuals who embrace the power of the ‘AND’ realize that being good at two different extremes is not only attainable but often necessary for long-term success. Different situations call for different abilities and as we embrace the power of the ‘AND’ and dismiss the fallaciousness of the ‘OR’ we will find success.
#2 The Power of the Core
So in exercise programs these days it seems the idea of focusing on strengthening the “core” is very popular. Likewise, the authors of Built to Last emphasize over and over again the importance of strengthening and preserving the core of a company. In the book, the core refers to who we are, why we exist, what we live for, our vision, values, and what we hope to become. In business, and I believe in life, we must protect this core at all costs. Sure practices, strategies, methods, programs, rules, policies etc. may change (and often need to) but the core can never change because the core is who we are and gives us meaning. When businesses or people try to change the core or ignore the core, or forget to strengthen and protect the core, they fail. Thus, we must always remain true to our core which includes our values and ultimate vision in life. Because without the core, our purpose for existing becomes nearly obsolete. This simple concept is the most central theme and probably the most powerful idea found in the book.
#3 Go Back to the Basics
The authors of the book believe there are basic, fundamental principles that must be applied at all times to be successful and I agree with them. Simple things such as the value of honesty, hard-work, persistence, and discipline never go away. These fundamental concepts have with stood the test of time and always produce success when practiced consistently. So, when we find ourselves looking too deep for a secret formula or an easy solution to our problems, we often must simply remember the basics that always lead to success.
#4 Get Out of the Comfort Zone
Finally, the book inspires us to get out of our comfort zone. Too often we settle for comfort over greatness and many times without realizing it. Staying in the comfort zone is dangerous because it does little to stimulate our progress whether for a business or an individual. In fact, great companies establish systems to eliminate complacency and create discomfort. I believe if we do the same in our personal lives—meaning we seek ways to create discomfort and force ourselves to stretch and grow—we will obtain higher levels of satisfaction and success. Thus, we must avoid getting too comfortable because when we do, our ability to progress is significantly reduced.
Believing in the power of the ‘AND’ and the core, focusing on the basics, and getting out of our comfort zone are all meaningful principles found in Built to Last that I believe will help us achieve greater success in life. As we apply these ideas, we will grow and progress and more fully reach our potential as leaders and as individuals.
To see how I rated this book click here.
#1 The Power of the ‘AND’
The power of the ‘AND’ comes from the idea that we can be two contrasting things at the same time. For example, I can be extremely disciplined and extremely flexible at the same time or I can be level headed and a fanatical at the same time. Too often many of us settle for the ‘OR’. We believe that we have to choose between this ‘OR’ that, or that we have to find a balance between two contrasting extremes somehow. We fail to realize or believe or strive to have or be both. Companies and individuals who embrace the power of the ‘AND’ realize that being good at two different extremes is not only attainable but often necessary for long-term success. Different situations call for different abilities and as we embrace the power of the ‘AND’ and dismiss the fallaciousness of the ‘OR’ we will find success.
#2 The Power of the Core
So in exercise programs these days it seems the idea of focusing on strengthening the “core” is very popular. Likewise, the authors of Built to Last emphasize over and over again the importance of strengthening and preserving the core of a company. In the book, the core refers to who we are, why we exist, what we live for, our vision, values, and what we hope to become. In business, and I believe in life, we must protect this core at all costs. Sure practices, strategies, methods, programs, rules, policies etc. may change (and often need to) but the core can never change because the core is who we are and gives us meaning. When businesses or people try to change the core or ignore the core, or forget to strengthen and protect the core, they fail. Thus, we must always remain true to our core which includes our values and ultimate vision in life. Because without the core, our purpose for existing becomes nearly obsolete. This simple concept is the most central theme and probably the most powerful idea found in the book.
#3 Go Back to the Basics
The authors of the book believe there are basic, fundamental principles that must be applied at all times to be successful and I agree with them. Simple things such as the value of honesty, hard-work, persistence, and discipline never go away. These fundamental concepts have with stood the test of time and always produce success when practiced consistently. So, when we find ourselves looking too deep for a secret formula or an easy solution to our problems, we often must simply remember the basics that always lead to success.
#4 Get Out of the Comfort Zone
Finally, the book inspires us to get out of our comfort zone. Too often we settle for comfort over greatness and many times without realizing it. Staying in the comfort zone is dangerous because it does little to stimulate our progress whether for a business or an individual. In fact, great companies establish systems to eliminate complacency and create discomfort. I believe if we do the same in our personal lives—meaning we seek ways to create discomfort and force ourselves to stretch and grow—we will obtain higher levels of satisfaction and success. Thus, we must avoid getting too comfortable because when we do, our ability to progress is significantly reduced.
Believing in the power of the ‘AND’ and the core, focusing on the basics, and getting out of our comfort zone are all meaningful principles found in Built to Last that I believe will help us achieve greater success in life. As we apply these ideas, we will grow and progress and more fully reach our potential as leaders and as individuals.
To see how I rated this book click here.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
STRESSED OUT!?
In today’s modern world, more than perhaps any other period in time, we are overburden, over bombarded, and over whelmed with things to do. This constant avalanche of items on our to-do-lists causes us unnecessary stress, fatigue, and often feelings of hopelessness which greatly reduces our ability to be effective and productive. In fact, according to some studies, over 1/3 of Americans report living with “extreme stress”. So here are a few ideas to help us relieve the stress, and maximize our potential.
#1 Focus on Today
Too often we worry about yesterday, or tomorrow causing us to fail to focus on today. It is impossible to change yesterdays’ worries. Thus carrying them around day to day is a heavy burden. Equally difficult and unproductive is to dwell on tomorrows’ concerns. The most important day for each of us is today because it is the only day we have some control over. Putting aside the worries of yesterday and tomorrow will allow us to more fully maximize today’s opportunities. If we can learn to live for today, we will experience much more success in life.
#2 Cut the Fat
Too many of us, often without realizing it, waste too much time. Whether watching our favorite TV shows, participating in social networking sites, or simply surfing the internet, too many of us waste our precious time on things that do not matter most to us. Now you may be thinking, this is not me. However, do you know how much time a week you spend watching TV, or cruising the internet? Really, do you know for sure? If not, keep track of it. Time yourself each time you begin watching TV or “facebooking” to see how much time you spend each day. I promise you that most of us will be surprised when we do this exercise. And only by knowing the time we spend on less important items in our life can we effectively determine if and how much fat we can cut. In the end, I believe each of us has some fat to cut that will allow us to better utilize our time and energy on what matters most to us.
#3 What is the Worst that can Happen
For most of us we can get caught up worrying about all the little things that can or may go wrong that really are not that big of deal. In order to overcome this, we must think in worst case scenario. For example, I may stress all day that I won’t have enough time to get the laundry done. Looking at worst case scenario though if I don’t get the laundry done tonight it does mean I won’t get to wear my favorite shirt tomorrow (which is what I’d prefer to do) and instead will have to wear my green one but is that really a big deal? Sure not wearing my favorite shirt may not be ideal but hey, the worst case scenario is something I can handle. Many of us spend our lives worrying about minor items that when truth be told, the worst case scenario is something we can effectively deal with and is not worth stressing over. And in the end, we will realize that even the worst case scenarios happen less often than not.
#4 Prioritize and Plan
Planning and prioritizing is important. We do not have time to do it all. Very few of us have Superman like capabilities thus trying to take on the world is an impossibility. Therefore, prioritizing what is most important to you then doing that first will result in a happier and more satisfying life and will reduce the stress. Additionally, just because something is “urgent” does not mean it is important. For example, I may feel it is urgent that I clean the kitchen because I have guests coming over tonight however though not seemingly urgent I may feel that my daughter is down and that I should probably talk to her. Thus in this situation I may forego my need to clean the kitchen to impress my guests and instead spend some extra time with my daughter which is a higher priority to me.
#5 Be Flexible
Once we’ve come up with a plan we must be flexible. Things are constantly changing and that is part of the fun in life if we learn to embrace it. When you plan, it cannot become so restrictive that again we fail to do what is most important. Having a plan is important and will help us maximize our time and energy however also being flexible when necessary with the plan will help us reduce stress in our lives.
#6 Do the Best you Can
Finally we do not need to try and be perfect but we should try and do the best we can. We will make mistakes. We will be stressed out at times. We will waste time, forget to plan and prioritize, dwell on non-consequential worries, and live in the past or future at times and that is ok. If we can follow these suggestions to the best of our ability however and continuously strive to improve, our stress levels will go down, our feelings of being over-whelmed will lessen, and our satisfaction and success in life will increase.
#1 Focus on Today
Too often we worry about yesterday, or tomorrow causing us to fail to focus on today. It is impossible to change yesterdays’ worries. Thus carrying them around day to day is a heavy burden. Equally difficult and unproductive is to dwell on tomorrows’ concerns. The most important day for each of us is today because it is the only day we have some control over. Putting aside the worries of yesterday and tomorrow will allow us to more fully maximize today’s opportunities. If we can learn to live for today, we will experience much more success in life.
#2 Cut the Fat
Too many of us, often without realizing it, waste too much time. Whether watching our favorite TV shows, participating in social networking sites, or simply surfing the internet, too many of us waste our precious time on things that do not matter most to us. Now you may be thinking, this is not me. However, do you know how much time a week you spend watching TV, or cruising the internet? Really, do you know for sure? If not, keep track of it. Time yourself each time you begin watching TV or “facebooking” to see how much time you spend each day. I promise you that most of us will be surprised when we do this exercise. And only by knowing the time we spend on less important items in our life can we effectively determine if and how much fat we can cut. In the end, I believe each of us has some fat to cut that will allow us to better utilize our time and energy on what matters most to us.
#3 What is the Worst that can Happen
For most of us we can get caught up worrying about all the little things that can or may go wrong that really are not that big of deal. In order to overcome this, we must think in worst case scenario. For example, I may stress all day that I won’t have enough time to get the laundry done. Looking at worst case scenario though if I don’t get the laundry done tonight it does mean I won’t get to wear my favorite shirt tomorrow (which is what I’d prefer to do) and instead will have to wear my green one but is that really a big deal? Sure not wearing my favorite shirt may not be ideal but hey, the worst case scenario is something I can handle. Many of us spend our lives worrying about minor items that when truth be told, the worst case scenario is something we can effectively deal with and is not worth stressing over. And in the end, we will realize that even the worst case scenarios happen less often than not.
#4 Prioritize and Plan
Planning and prioritizing is important. We do not have time to do it all. Very few of us have Superman like capabilities thus trying to take on the world is an impossibility. Therefore, prioritizing what is most important to you then doing that first will result in a happier and more satisfying life and will reduce the stress. Additionally, just because something is “urgent” does not mean it is important. For example, I may feel it is urgent that I clean the kitchen because I have guests coming over tonight however though not seemingly urgent I may feel that my daughter is down and that I should probably talk to her. Thus in this situation I may forego my need to clean the kitchen to impress my guests and instead spend some extra time with my daughter which is a higher priority to me.
#5 Be Flexible
Once we’ve come up with a plan we must be flexible. Things are constantly changing and that is part of the fun in life if we learn to embrace it. When you plan, it cannot become so restrictive that again we fail to do what is most important. Having a plan is important and will help us maximize our time and energy however also being flexible when necessary with the plan will help us reduce stress in our lives.
#6 Do the Best you Can
Finally we do not need to try and be perfect but we should try and do the best we can. We will make mistakes. We will be stressed out at times. We will waste time, forget to plan and prioritize, dwell on non-consequential worries, and live in the past or future at times and that is ok. If we can follow these suggestions to the best of our ability however and continuously strive to improve, our stress levels will go down, our feelings of being over-whelmed will lessen, and our satisfaction and success in life will increase.
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