Go for the gold...

Winning, or being the best at anything, is hard: it takes work and discipline. Like opening hotels: the teams of employees I worked with on those launches loved it and talk about it all the time. Like the workshops my partner and I conduct: our clients spend time in them discovering how to be more effective managers. Like completing a strategic plan: business leaders that do that come away with greater clarity about where they’re going. Like being the best in your business: a friend of mine works tirelessly to be both a great business person and human being and he outpaces his competition. Like building a dream home: one of my neighbors here at the Lake is doing that by himself and designing in all the things he wants. These and so many other endeavors occur every day and the people doing them well are always strong and methodical: strong in their beliefs and intent, and methodical in following a strict plan. That’s what it takes to be a champion, or great, today.

Alberto Juantorena (b. 1950): Cuban runner who is the only athlete to win both the 400 and 800 m Olympic titles and was a two-time Track & Field News Athlete of the Year 

Try it; you might like it...

It takes courage to go new places and try new things: it’s always easier to go where and do what you know.  The key, it seems, is to be curious about the things you know little or nothing about. There are probably lots of restaurants that you’ve never tried: it’s easier to go into someplace you know, and where they know you – like Cheers. And people: walking into a room full of strangers presents all kinds of obstacles and worries; it’s not  easy to introduce yourself to a stranger. Or starting a new job: it’s confusing at first and then it all becomes familiar. And lifestyle options: we all have our own habits that are hard to break or change. I’ve experienced all of those changes, and more, and I confess I was nervous about all of them. But, if you’re fearful about anything new you’ll probably be too hesitant to try… and you might miss out on some really cool opportunities.  Be curious about and open to the options that present themselves to you today.

Elizabeth Gilbert (born 1969): American Author

You're not alone...

Ever worry about something in the middle of the night (or day); tossing and turning and struggling to find the answer to a problem? Like: finding a new job, not being good enough or worthy, completing some complex process at work, worrying about a friendship gone bad, finishing homework that’s due tomorrow, understanding a complicated and confusing assignment, not being as good as your or others expect, having disagreements with friends or family, finding answers to personal problems… and so many more. Here’s what I do when this happens to me: I get up, calm and quiet the struggle in my head, write the problem down on a sheet of paper and edit it until it makes sense, think about who I can talk to and what I would say to them, drink a glass of water, and then go back to bed. Stop struggling with the struggle and don’t think you’re alone: while most everyone has something they’re worried about, there are  supervisors, counselors, mentors, family, friends, and other professionals to talk to who can help you think these kinds of things through. Don’t give into worry and doubt on your way to doing great things today.

Sean Covey (b. 1964): American business executive, author, speaker, innovator and President of Franklin Covey Education

Take a leap of faith...

Fifty years ago, this week, Neil Armstrong became the first human to step on the moon.  As a 10-year old, I remember President Kennedy challenging us to achieve that goal, and thinking how nearly unbelievable and unattainable that sounded. The decade of the 60s was filled with so many other news shattering events – civil rights marches, Kennedy’s assassination, Vietnam, drugs, Nixon and his resignation – that Kennedy’s goal seemed to fade into the background.  But then, on that July morning, we watched with wonder, awe, and pride, as Armstrong said “ that’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”. Kennedy’s challenge resulted in so much more than a man on the moon: it’s possible that all the technological advancements of these intervening years can be traced to that effort. Caution, while good, must give way to prudent development and advancement. And while caution is safe, it’s not the only thing we are built for. Don’t be afraid to take prudent leaps today.

William Greenough Thayer Shedd (1820 – 1894): American high Calvinist and one of the most notable systematic theologians of the Presbyterian church

Sing out and sing along...

My life has been influenced and inspired by folk music: so, it was a special treat to attend a Peter Yarrow concert last night here in the Adirondacks. As part of the popular Peter Paul and Mary musical group, he has been singing about the importance of conscience for nearly 60 years: last night was no exception. His message was both simple and universal: be tolerant and open, there’s room for all in our diverse and complex world. Music and song are powerful ways to communicate and it was apparent that P,P&M used their voices and tunes to make known what, without them, might never have been heard.  People of every age and background were in attendance and all enthusiastically sang these words from “This Land is Your Land”: ‘this land belongs to you and me’.  If we can all remember that everyone is important and has much to add to our discussions and directions, the world will truly be a better place. Try delivering that great message to your pre-shift meetings today.

Robert Bresson (1901-1999): French film Director

Join a team...

I’ve recently been getting comfortable at my Adirondack summer home, opening up for the season and renewing my love of being in those mountains. While there, I continued working remotely with others to revise and refine my dream of producing a new type of online management training classes. Knowing it would take more, I flew to Taos this week and worked with a small team of really talented and committed people to produce our first class: while a description of the format and style is for another time, this message is about the recognition that alone we can do so little while together we can do so much. It took a team to finalize the script, design a simple set, and produce what I hope will be the first of many unique online classes that will surprise, disrupt, and exceed the market’s expectations. Most of us dream of doing things, big and small, and yet we often fail to finish them (for all kinds of reasons). Work closely with others to overcome obstacles and inertia, and find ways to realize your dreams today.

Helen Keller (1880-1968): Author, Lecturer, Activist

Success takes hard work...

We’ve all wished that something would happen, work out, or be perfect: but wishes alone don’t make it so. Achievements of any kind – whether World Cup soccer championships or completing projects at work, take shared purpose, hard work, dedication and teamwork to be successful. We’ve all seen professional sport’s teams plan extensively to draft a ‘franchise’ player who can ensure a championship: sometimes those selections work out, and sometimes they don’t. On paper they seem to make sense, but there’s so much more that goes into winning, completing, or succeeding: unity and success can’t be willed by mere declarations. They take planning, the coaching, flawless execution, drive, practice, team chemistry, and a little bit of luck. Nothing this good comes without a lot of hard work – more than is ever planned for or thought possible. Don’t be surprised when the best laid plans don’t work out as expected: there are too many variables, too much competition, and too much you can’t plan for. Do what it takes to create the unity needed to help you be successful today. 

Theodore Bikel (1924-2015): Actor, Musician, and Political Activist