The Voice

Do you watch the television show, The Voice?  It is a talent show to find the next great singer. While there are similar shows on the air, this one has a different selection method than the others.  The judges have their backs to the contestants and evaluate them only by what they hear.  They don't see their clothes, body language, hair color, height, weight, etc.  What they hear determines what they do next.  It takes incredible focus to block out distractions and listen for what matters most to you.  Do you know the key voices in your life?  If not, how can you identify them? Who are they and when do they speak?

• The Voice of Reason - When you feel angry, frightened, or insecure, ask yourself what happened to make you feel that way.  Listen to the voice of reason for the answer.  Your feelings may be justified.  Something or someone may have wronged, threatened, or offended you.  However, your response needs to come from a place of reason rather than emotion.  Calmness diffuses chaos.  Think before you act, while you are acting, and after you act.

• The Voice of Wisdom - It is common to seek advice from others that have succeeded at what you are trying to do.  While this is a smart tactic, don't discount the wisdom that can be gained from those that failed.  Knowing what went wrong is just as valuable as knowing what went right. Wisdom wears many faces.  Don't miss it because it looks different than what you expected.

• The Voice of Belief - There will always be doubters around you.  Some of them may even be in your inner circle.  Make sure their input is balanced by those who believe in you.  Belief is a powerful motivator and confidence booster.  When you hear that you can complete what you started, it helps you keep going when you are tempted to stop.  The faith of others feeds your will and determination to reach your goals.

• The Voice of Change - It may be hard to change your environment, approach, or team.  There is a comfort level associated with routine and familiarity that can be beneficial for you.  But you must be careful that you don't become so attached to what you know that you are unable or unwilling to explore what you don't know.  Change is essential for you to thrive mentally and physically. 

• Your Inner Voice - While external voices can serve as a guiding force for you, they are no substitute for your inner voice.  You are the ultimate voice of reason, wisdom, belief, and change for you.  When there is no one around to speak to you about a situation, you must be able to speak to yourself.  Develop your inner voice to support your needs by recognizing the consequences of your actions.  Trust yourself to make the right decisions.  You won't always be right, but you will gain experience to help you and your inner voice for the next time. 

Leave a comment and share what voice has helped you recently.

 

From Here to There

Have you ever been asked a question about where you want to be in 3 years?  Or 5 years? Or even 10 years?  Do you have an answer?  Do you have professional goals?  Are there personal objectives that you want to achieve?  How do you plan to get from here to there?  The letter "t" is the one difference between here and there.  These 8 "t" steps will help you make progress on your way from here to there.

1. Time - Some things cannot be rushed.  Allow a reasonable amount of time to meet any requirements for your end result.  Don't try to lose 20 pounds in 10 days.  Conversely, procrastination hinders purpose.  Don't continually delay the beginning of your next chapter.  You must turn the pages to reach the end of the book.
2. Training - Stop relying on your charm, personality, and natural ability. All of those things are very important to your success.  However, make sure you're qualified for what you are pursuing.  Sometimes your qualifications will be the key to open the first door. Then you use other things to remain in the room and get access to other doors.
3. Tenacity - You may fail and have setbacks along the way.  Don't give up and don't quit.  When someone tells you no, they are refusing that particular request or approach.  That doesn't mean you are being rejected.  Find a different way to get what you need.  
4. Trail - Take advantage of the path that others have established.  You may need to take detours along the way to accommodate your individuality.  But don't ignore the lessons learned from others.  They can save you valuable time.
5. Target - Be clear about what you are trying to do and where you are trying to go.  It's hard to hit a moving target.  It's okay to change your mind about how you will get what you want or even why you want it.  However, you should be consistent regarding what you want.
6. Thanks - Appreciate the small steps on your journey just as much as you appreciate the big steps.  Don't overlook the people, opportunities, and lessons that assisted you along the way.  Gratitude builds relationships.  Relationships are the foundation of success.
7. Turns - Rarely will there be a straight path from where you are to where you want to be.  There will be twists and turns along the way.  Each turn provides an opportunity to re-evaluate priorities and meet new people to help you.
8. Tolls - There is always a cost associated with growth, movement, or development.  Be prepared to spend time, energy, and money to reach your destination.  There is a familiar saying that there is no free ride.  Don't be discouraged by pauses and delays.  Pay the price and resume the progress toward the finish line.

Leave a comment and share what "t" will help you get from here to there.

Blank Check

How much are you willing to spend to achieve your dreams?  What is the budget for your goals?  What is the payment for your potential?  Do you know the value of your voice?  It is hard to put a price tag on your success if you measure it in dollars and cents.  You need to write yourself a blank check to pursue what will fulfill and motivate you to be and do your best.  The term "blank check" usually means unlimited funds.  However, think of it as a plan to overcome obstacles, maintain focus, and build your brand.  These 3 blank checks may help you.

1. Check In 
• Visit the places that represent where you want to be.  Make connections that will recognize that you belong on and add value to the team.  Get off the sidelines and join the game.
• Use your name with care.  It establishes your credibility.  Attach to it to people and things that represent stability, productivity, and excellence.  Fads fade and trends end, but legacy lasts. 
2. Check Out
• Do your homework, research, due diligence, etc.  Observation is a key tool that provides context to actions.  What you see contributes to your boundaries.  When you are able to watch something happening, it confirms that it can be done.  It is possible.  What you hear influences your confidence.  Words carry weight.  The right encouragement lightens your load and relieves stress.  The wrong criticism can cause you to anticipate failure.  
• Leave stagnant situations, unproductive environments, and endless excuses behind.  Doubt defeats development.  Gratitude guides growth.  Hesitancy hinders harvest.  Panic postpones progress.
3. Check Up
• Your vital signs will help you determine the best approach, or strategy, to get what you want.  Know your temperature. If you are cool, confront the challenges of the day with resolution and confidence.  When you are hot (frustrated), proceed with caution.  Anger and annoyance are natural emotions.  Use them as a mirror to examine what you can change to minimize their impact on you.  What is your pressure threshold?  Pressure magnifies everything.  Do you thrive in high pressure situations?  If so, use that to your advantage.  If not, that's okay.  Make sure you are connected to someone that excels in that area and can help you develop that talent.
•  You can't do everything yourself.  Delegate, but validate.  As others agree to help you reach your objectives, don't assume that you are their top priority.  Ask questions and confirm that your expectations are being met. 

Leave a  comment and share the blank check you will write this week.