Do You Have A Couple Of Minutes

The saying: "I wish I knew then, what I know now," pays great hommage to the idea of figuring things out.  We acknowledge that we've learned a great deal and figured out many things over time that would have been very useful earlier on in life.  When we begin to truly understand that life is a constant series of figuring things out that leads to growth, greater opportunities, and expanded experience to draw upon, we are able to lead more fulfilled lives.  But we must allow ourselves the opportunity to be able to figure things out that have meaning to us, that allows us to be joyful, that allow us to have a positive and lasting impact.  When we realize that life is about figuring things out, we can anticipate the learning and opportunity that is to come.

So live with the knowledge that life is a journey of increasing our wisdom and knowledge by compounding upon all the things we must figure out.Give yourself the time and space to figure things out - it's what we were all meant to do.

Making decisions can range from small things like which grocery line to stand in to bigger things, like what investment to make on behalf of a client. One thing is for sure and that is that decisions can be challenging.  But why is that?  Usually decision making seems difficult when we must decide between what we see as two bad choices or two good choices.  In one instance, we feel like there is not a good option and in the other case we feel like no matter what option we select we will be missing out on something. 

However, sometimes the hardest decision is really about taking the action we know we need to take that will likely lead to some change and discomfort. It is at these times that being clear on our values and vision will serve us well when aligned with our commitment to the plan and goals we have for our lives or organization.  When we are able to evaluate our options in reference to our plan, goals, values and vision, it can help validate the decision we need to make and the action we need to take.  When we fail to consciously make a decision, that in itself is a decision.  When we leave decision making to others, that means we are entrusting all that comes with that decision to them as well.

So, as you have the ability, best to be intentional when making decision.  Whether is be a personal decision or a business decision, take time to make sure it is aligned with your goals, vision, and values.  Remember, that while many decision result in change, change is the path to growth and to your future. 

Advice 4 of 5: Understand the cycle of something first before implementing changes.

In my various leadership roles, I have had the opportunity to see many people eager to make change Or significant contributions, when they initially  join an organization or group, or when they take on a new role.  

I've found it's best to learn about the organizational culture and how processes impact one another before making changes.  You can understand the cycle of a process by asking the right question of the right people OR by observing the cycle of a process.  It's also important to understand owners and stakeholders of a process.  There are processes that may have been very beneficial at time of implementation, but that may have become obsolete or irrelevant over time with other process and technology changes. 

Finally, getting buy-in on changes to be implemented is very helpful. It helps to get buy-in on your proposed changes, when you know the existing process and how it will be impacted with the newly proposed change/implementation.

So before you rush in with all your great ideas, understand the existing process and cycles, in order to successfully manage change.

Advice 3 of 5 is to say Yes to Opportunity, no matter how it may be disguised.  It has been my experience that some people miss opportunities because they say "no" or avoid the short term opportunities that will propel them in the long run. However, it has also been my experience that many successful people have an eclectic experience that serves them well in terms of skill set and connections because they have said yes to opportunities, that may not have appeared linear or even as opportunities at the time.

When you are able to say yes to opportunities that provide experience and exposure, it demonstrates your willingness to be a part of something bigger than yourself.  it also demonstrates your willingness to grow. 

When you say yes to opportunity, this does not require that you eliminate the boundaries you have set for yourself.  The boundaries you set for yourself should intentionally allow room for growth.  Saying yes to opportunities should not be in opposition to your long term plans.  Remember, opportunities for growth and learning that can be applied, are not in opposition to your growth.  Keep in mind that opportunity  and the long term impact of saying yes, may not always initially be apparent.  However, if the ask has the ability to teach you a new skill, help you develop positive relationship, respectfully and reasonably support the success of an an individual or organization, then the ask is likely something worthy of your yes - until you determine otherwise.

So todays advice is to be thoughtful when responding to opportunities, as those opportunities may be meant to propel you forward

This second piece of advice has been helpful for building relationships and being able to use and grow my skill sets.  I call this "Shake It Off and Learn."  In life, there will be more imperfect situations than perfect ones. When we get tied up in the emotion of a situation so much that it causes us to demonstrate regrettable behaviors, it does nothing to serve us.  However, when we give ourselves permission to Shake Off the things that don't serve our learning and growth, we can intentionally look for the learning to be gained from any situation.  Sometimes what we "learn" can seem like an insignificant reminder versus something that is inspirational and enlightening.  Sometimes we may learn something new that doesn't seem to have good application at the moment. But hold onto that learning, as it may be a key to future understanding or something meant to be shared with others for their benefit and growth.

In my experience learning has been around how to do or not do something, processes to follow or revise, personalities to understand and influence , understanding the culture of a group of people, and understanding about myself and my areas for growth and development.

So, when something seems to be getting the best of you, Why not try to Shake It Off, and see what can be learned from it to help you move into more of your fullness.

This week, I'd thought I'd share some advice I 've found to be helpful.  

So let's start by talking about responsibility.  Specifically, that you are responsible for you. You can embrace that responsibility and control or you can give it to others, it is up to you.

Being responsible for you, means you are responsible for figuring out what you need, what you want, and how you will work toward it.  This doesn't mean we can't get help along the way to figure things out, but it does mean we take individual responsibility for work on what we want for our lives.  Being responsible for ourselves also implies we don't give others responsibility for the things that we must manage ourselves for long term fulfillment.  Others can not bring us personal contentment, fulfillment, or joy.  Those are all things that are dependent upon us taking responsibility for our mind and related thoughts and actions.  We must take the time to look inside to find contentment, happiness, and and identify boundaries that align with what we have decided we want for our lives. In short, we must take responsibility for ourselves.

When we don't take responsibility for ourselves, we leave things undone or we leave them up to others.  Worse yet, by not acknowledging and taking responsibility, we fail to build or realize a strong foundation for personal fulfillment, contentment, and success.

So today's advice - it to "Take Responsibility for You."  Take time to figure out what allows you to be content, joyful, and successful and then you cant take responsibility to lead your life accordingly.

The fifth life lesson I take from marathons is that where there is a will, there is a way.  Many people run marathons for a variety of reasons.  Some marathon runners are professional runners, others come from every walk of life to conquer the physical challenge of a marathon.  Some run as individuals, some come in groups, some come in memorial, some come on behalf of a cause, some are on a quest...the reasons people race are individual.  However, marathons are not for the uncommitted.  Those who run marathons to finish the race have a determination and will to finish.  They have purposed in their minds to finish this physical feat of endurance.  And this reminds me, that if we have a mind to do something, we can find a way to get it done.  Getting it done can look different, it could start with finishing, go to beating a previous time, or maybe get competitive within an identified grouping of people.  The big lesson is that we will have opportunities to do challenging things and we can find a way to do them and in doing so, we can help remind others what is possible.

The 4th Life Lesson and reminder I take from Marathons is that each marathon has a prescribed course.  It is important that the course is identified, and it is important that participants follow the course in order to actually receive the recognition for finishing the race.  No matter where you run a marathon the distance is always 26.2 miles.  The course for marathons may vary in the conditions of weather or inclines, but they are always 26.2 miles.  When runners try to take a shortcut to the finish line, they get disqualified from the race.  This is a reminder that no matter what, we must put in the work and follow the course.  Some may run the course faster than others, but as long as you run the full course you can get credit for finishing.  Sometimes in life we like to find shortcuts, but in many cases there is no substitute for experience and for following the prescribed process.  So, try to understand the course, look for the markers, stay on course, take it as fast or as slow as you need to, keep pushing toward the finish line, stay on the course and with persistence, you will get there!

Life Lesson Number 3 that I have learned from marathons is that it takes effort of many people with different responsibilities to make the marathon a possibility.  There are always people in supporting roles for who we can be grateful.  Besides those running, there are organizers, spectators, people helping to register participants, provide hydration, set up the course, people to assist in the event medical aid is needed, people providing security, and many others. As we journey through life, there will be many people that play roles in our race and likewise we will take on different supporting roles for others. All of these roles are important to help provide a supportive environment for one another and create a positive experience.  Those roles are active on race day, but they are also active in the obscure days before the race.  Think of all the people who had a part in helping to clothe the racers and helping to create participant bibs with numbers, participant ribbons and medals, pulling together hydration supplies. We must recognize that each of our contributions matter and that sometimes we give and sometimes we receive.