The future starts today…

Like some of you, I had LOTS of time at home alone this past weekend because of the winter storm (did you know it had a name?? Helena…go figure!)  So that meant lots of time to think, reflect, plan and even brainstorm. I made it a productive weekend, in spite of the fact that I didn’t leave my house for three days!

One quote I stumbled upon over the weekend was by Pope John Paul II.  “The future starts today, not tomorrow.” That really spoke to me Saturday and inspired me to make some serious changes in my life. I can’t really share them with you yet, but as soon as they are in place, I will let you all know. It’s gonna be big. EPIC even! I do ask for your prayers as I continue to work through some details.

What will you start today to change tomorrow? I can’t wait to see what 2017 holds for each of us! Thanks for coming along this ride with me.

Oh one more thing… I have a completely new website to share with you – I’ve been working on it for a few months and it’s finally live! Most of you know I am very active in Rotary… so be sure to visit www.rotarygeek.com to learn more about what I do. You’ll also get to meet some of the amazing Rotarians I meet all over the world in my new blog, Rotary Geek Of The Week! Take a look & let me know what you think?

Spoiler Alert…There is no box…

I’ve never been a big fan of that phrase “think outside the box.” To me, it implies that you’ve been thinking INSIDE the box, or even worse, that you HAVE a box. I prefer to believe there is no box and instead I just think bigger, better, bolder and braver than ever before.

I can’t even count the number of times I’ve heard that phrase in seminars, classes and workshops. Too many to count. Probably the same for you. But I promise you’ll never hear me use it when I speak or when I teach.

Don’t get me wrong…I love to be creative. I pursue that love through writing, speaking, planning special events, organizing my wardrobe and accessories, and even decorating my house. But I’ve never been one to follow the status quo in any of those categories.

Catchphrases like “thinking outside the box” are examples of how we routinely tell people to be creative yet we use clichés whenever possible.  Doesn’t “thinking outside the box” literally mean to do something other than the obvious? #Irony

Next time you’re tempted to use a cliché in conversation, consider the alternatives. Forget there’s a box (throw it out) and come up with your own unique ideas!

Keep On Keeping On

So just when you think you’ve hit rock bottom and can’t cope with anything else negative in your life…be prepared. Something bad is bound to happen. Sometimes it will be really bad, and sometimes not as bad as it seems. The point is, don’t ever assume that nothing else bad can happen.

The important thing is not what happens to you. It’s how you respond to it. I’ve been tested a lot lately. More times than you even want to know or would believe if I told you.

But no matter what, I’m determined to hang in there and have faith…to be strong and believe that everything will work out in the best way possible. Let’s be clear – it may not be how I would prefer things work out. But it’s not really up to me, is it?

I have to believe that I haven’t come this far to only come this far.

So don’t let negativity or frustrations or stupid things hold you back. Keep the faith. Believe. Hang in there. Look to those people in your life that you trust and count on, and let them be there for you. That’s not easy, I know. But try it. Let them bear your struggles, your concerns and even your fears.

And keep on keeping on my friends. I’m here if you need me!

Put Me In Coach…

Football season is finally in full-swing, and for some of you that may not be important. (I don’t fully understand that, but I can accept it…) But whether you cheer for a favorite player or school, or just couldn’t care less about tailgating, fight songs, defensive coverages or mascots, you certainly still understand the value of working as a team.

For a football team, the leadership falls on the shoulder of the coach. And if the team is to be successful, the coach must coordinate his other coaches, support staff and players so they can work together. He does this by setting goals, scheduling preparation time, consistently practicing necessary skills, and building character.

These attributes aren’t just for athletic teams though. The same is true in your business life as well. Have you evaluated your skills lately to see how you perform as a coach or team member? Leaders aren’t just in the “head coach” role. We all have the potential to be leaders if we are willing to offer our motivation, talent, resources and commitment to the task at hand. It is equally important to be a key player on your team.

Good players inspire themselves. Great players inspire others.

Consider the teams you’ve been a part of…not necessarily on the field, but even in the office or in your community. Did you make a winning play or remain on the sidelines? If you truly want to move forward – as a leader or as a productive team player – it’s time to get into the game.

Your team needs you.

 

Making (& Accepting) Change

Most people are afraid of change. Maybe it’s the fear of the unknown or maybe it’s just a certain comfort level we associate with the status quo.  Either way, we must accept that change is a necessary part of life.

Why is it that if we come upon a detour on the highway, we take the new route (a change in direction) immediately. But if we are faced with the possibility of a new job, relationship or place to live, we allow stress and anxiety to take over. More often than not, we weigh our options again and again, invite self-doubt to enter our minds, and struggle with acceptance of what could be growth more so than change.

Several times a week, I get notifications on my phone of upgrades and improvements to several apps I use on a regular basis. Without hesitation, I click “install” and the new software is updated.

For those of you who know me well, you know I am rarely without my phone or laptop. Technology is my co-worker. I know I’m way too dependent on it, but it’s a way of life for me. But ironically, I never question the need to update (change) the apps or software that I rely on daily. I am confident these changes will simplify or improve my life.

Why then do I question other changes in my life that could make things easier, more pleasant, or more productive?

If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.

This week, I vow to embrace change rather than complain about it. When faced with the possibility of change this week, how will you respond?