#successtotd

  Temper public proclamations about what you are going to do with getting it done.  Plan, Do, Check, Act. Plan the work: Outline what needs to be done to get to where you want to be Do the work: Execute thoughtfully, be as agile as you can Check the work:  Monitor, Measure; Find and Fix; document results Act: Apply what you have learned and modify how you continue to move forward The week is not over, get after it today! Read the full article

An enabling factor here is clarity of what you are working towards. Clarity of your ultimate goal, the interim goals and beginning each day with a checklist of a few things (not a laundry list) that you will complete that day will move you forward.  The compounding effect of that discipline is amazing. Read the full article

Pause for a moment and give thought to “that thing” you have always wanted to do.  You know, “that thing” that comes to mind every so often.  "That thing" that fills you with sublime hope and brings forth that Charlie Brown ear-to-ear smile. What often happens after that magical moment?  Typically a thought process where we rationalize why it cannot be done.  Practice something new.   Resist going DOWN that track and go UP a different track.  Begin to journal two things: 1) What it is about “that thing” that energizes you?  2)  What would be different about your life if you achieved it? Do that each time “that thing” comes to mind and let that begin to give life to your plan of getting it done. Read the full article

I recently reflected upon my time schedule and couldn’t help but notice how rigid I had become over the years. Up at 4 AM, working out by 4:30 AM, reading in my office by 6:15 AM and so on.  I rarely allowed for an exception, almost like it was non-negotiable.  Those were things I put in place and maintained without much flexibility to “play.” I am learning to change the rules, be balanced and play more.   Play with your significant other, your children, broader family and even by yourself (e.g. gaming, puzzles, whatever you like to do).   It’s healthy and we don’t get the time back. Have a great day! James Read the full article

When I was a young manager, I was taught to coach performance issues on the basis of “skill or will” as a starting point.  Does the person have the “skills” to do the job?  Does the person possess the “will” (e.g. the juice, the motor, the resilience, etc.) to push forward and get things done? There is a more important question that needs to be asked first, “does the person have the desire?”  Desire, by definition, is a strong feeling of wanting to have something.  While some are naturally gifted, “skills” can be obtained and to a certain degree, “will” can be coached, coerced or faked for short term success.  However, desire is at the root of a person. Leaders that genuinely engage with their team members to understand and nurture that desire will see better performers.  Conversely, those seeking the right career or business venture that lean into desire versus obtaining skills and faking the will are likely to see longer-term success. Have a great week! James   Read the full article

  Positioning can make the difference of having the wind in your face or at your back. Those are muscles we need to build.  Skills that help us cope, pursue with resilience and overcome obstacles an invaluable.  Those are muscles we need to build to get better. As we know, any skill overused becomes a weakness.  Balance those skills discernment and assessment, making a conscious choice of how much to invest, particular when the wind is blowing fiercely in your face.  Add to your assessment the opportunity to re-pivot and have the wind at your back. Read the full article

We are sometimes prone to believe that "no news is good news."  That's not true if you want to develop yourself. Seek out people that will provide you with feedback.  Substantive, constructive and actionable feedback is critical to your success. Read the full article

When you exchange “good morning” greetings with my good friend Steve Williamson and then ask him how he is doing, his response is always the same, “I’m doing great, I woke up!” It’s easy for us to take for granted that we woke up this morning as we can sometimes feel bombarded by life's challenges.  If you’re reading this, that means yesterday is in the history books and today you have a fresh opportunity to remedy, recover, pursue and claim your victory. Go get it done today! Read the full article