JULY 2, 2021
GET HAPPY BY GROWING
We have talked in past remarks about being coachable in life. Yes, you might be the coach but that doesn’t mean you are done learning. We ALL have so much more to learn and experience in growing WHO we are and WHO we are becoming in this world. Once you have a shared vision, have connected with your team members, are present in building strong relationships, and celebrated what’s awesome, then we need to reflect on the many choices we have in life. You see, we always can choose how we want to respond to any situation. Not just some of the time or when it’s convenient, but ALWAYS. Of course, it is human nature to forget that fact, or choose to give up our response-ability by criticizing, blaming, or arguing with reality. (Choose love over hate) Which is why it is SO important to practice embracing everything that life throws at us. Both the good and the bad. (Amor Fati) When we resist life, we shrink. When we embrace life, our power grows. The same goes for anyone that we work with. No matter what happens in our (their) lives, we want to embrace it and use it as fuel for growth. Find those that you can grow together as a team. It will be much more rewarding.
We have talked in past remarks about the fact that “obstacles” are the way. (See Ryan Holiday’s book on “The Obstacle is the Way”) And EVERYTHING is the way. This is exactly what is needed to GROW into the next best version of ourselves. (Make good choices) There will be NO growth without some pain along the way. Don’t take the same road as everyone else. Take your own road. It just might be the “Road Less Traveled.” (M. Scott Peck) Too many of us choose to get comfortable and just exist. (“If you are not growing you are dying”) Mastering the GROWTH mindset is critical in getting out of our comfort zone with ACTION. This will assist us in learning and growing. How are you growing today? Try building on a good character and not just your reputation.
Growth happens just outside of our comfort zone. If we push ourselves just a little more than we think we can do, we hit a new cycle. I see people reach a plateau in their lives and just want to live in that valley because it is SO comfortable. But if you are a mountain climber, then there are many mountains just on the edge of the plateau that may be calling you. You will need to have the wisdom, self-mastery, courage and love to take on your mountains. To move towards what we are capable of being, we need to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Take some courageous action. Do something every day that makes you uncomfortable, so that it won’t scare you tomorrow. (See our Daily 7) This means you will have to embrace failure along the way. The road to success will always have failures along the path. Be willing to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes. If it is important in life, NEVER give up. Once you master it in your own life, model it for others and then look for the next mountain. For those you work with and for your family and friends, you had better be willing to hear the word “No” as many times as needed to find the people excited enough to say “Yes.” Failing or hearing “NO” may be a sign that we are growing and stretching.
Finally, there must be intense TRUST. Confidence in yourself, your spirit, (Attitude) and your creative action. Look for those people who can help you think outside the box. They are out there and it is your job to find them and learn from them. (Mentors come to mind here) Try something different. Remember, you will get the same results doing the same thing over and over again. (Duh) Trust yourself. Rather than carry the victim mentality (“I can’t do that”) try using the “Creator” mentality. (“We can do that together”) Creators like to enter the unknown. They are adventurous. True confidence isn’t about knowing what the outcome will be. (Anyone can be a great Monday morning quarterback) Being creative is what brings about innovation and new ideas of how to “skin the cat.” Be a little more curious rather than being cynical in entering the unknown.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day; “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you are climbing it.” Andy Rooney