Don’t Be Reasonable #193 Excellence requires discipline. When you don’t have discipline, you get sloppy. When you get sloppy, you fit right in with the mediocrity the status quo fully supports. We were watching the post-game show after the Vikings played recently when the legendary Chuck Foreman (#44) made this statement about excellence “when you’re playing (the game) at a…
Own, Not Run #192 In a recent podcast with @shannonkmiles, she referenced a statement her coach made to her and her husband as they embarked upon starting their business. When they both cashed in their 401K to start their business, they began their entrepreneurial journey with sage advice from their business coach which she carries forward today. Bryan Miles and…
Playing Whack-a-Mole #190 If you’ve ever seen a game of Whack-a-Mole, you understand the sense of anxiety it creates. When it’s time to hit the moles, they seem to accelerate faster than you can react and it causes stress. Metaphorically speaking, this can be what a day in the life of any leader can feel like. I had a Whack-a-Mole…
Filling the Space We Have #189 I bought a new truck recently. It’s larger and newer than any car or truck I’ve owned. It’s technology with wheels, a very lovely ride, and has an amazing sound system. What more could I want, right? Not so. I don’t like how big this truck is. I am learning to drive differently than…
A Safe Space #188 Making it safe for people to tell you the truth is a muscle worth building. We all brush by opportunities to open the door and talk about deeper subjects, difficulties, vulnerabilities, and open wounds every day. When my Mom was in her years declining from Alzheimer’s, I longed to have deeper conversations with people about how…
Motivation is an Inside Job #187 A goal is not enough. It’s important, but it won’t motivate you when things are tough. How do you find your mojo if you really want to attain something but your mood isn’t supporting you? You can use external means: Great music, a quote, YouTube, a book – all for inspiration Work with someone…
KISS #183 Life seems to ebb and flow, to speed and relax. It could be seasonal, work or personally related. As the holidays approach, it certainly seems many people’s lives accelerate with events and festivities packed in all at once to celebrate the season. It happens every year, yet many people seem exhausted, irritable or challenged with the pace. Slowing…
Overwhelmed or Grateful? #182 What I’ve noticed is my life never really slows down. I’ve lived in the illusion that most of my world will correct itself once I get “this” or “that” happens. It could be an event, a series of events, a project, a set of tasks, a string of travel, family events, the holidays, or celebrations. It…
Don’t Wait #181 If you want something, do you wait for it? I don’t. In my twenties, when I wanted a job, I met with the owners of a small training company and expressed my interest in working for them. They told me they couldn’t afford to hire any employees at the time. Though I was disappointed, I began to…
An Experiment #180 Imagine a day (or more) without your phone. What’s your first reaction to that suggestion? If it’s a strong, negative reaction, know that you’re addicted. When I work with teams, I ask for a device-free environment. It’s not always popular. However, it does create an environment for maximized success. Try it. See if you can forgo your…