I love the term face-plant. I should, I've recently become the undisputed master of face-planting. Sure, it's not the title I was hoping for...but, one must accept reality and deal with it.
Reality
That's where I have the most trouble...I don't do well with 'dealing with' face-plants, despite my apparent world-class ability to pull them off with unparalleled consistency. The unique skill that I have developed is that I only execute on said face-plants at the most inopportune times.
Yes, I can tell you're envious.
How can he be so effective one moment, and yet have the steely nerve to fall completely flat on his face the next? I wish I could explain it friends.
I REALLY wish I could explain it.
But, alas...
Pity Party
Of the various strategies I've attempted to overcome this massively annoying trait, the proverbial pity party has been a go-to for some time now.
And it's been a failure each time...as in..
every.
single.
time.
Thus, I'm heading down a new path. One that I hope will allow me to, as all great champions should, pass the torch of 'undisputed' along to the next unsuspecting soul who has no idea what is about to hit them.
The path you ask?
Reflection.
Self-examination.
Prayer.
How About You
What is the secret to removing this awful title? How have you battled your missteps and mistakes and come through better than ever?
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
pic
You're asked a question in a big meeting and your mind goes blank.
You completely forgot to follow up on an issue and the information is due in 5 minutes.
You realize you are in over your head with an assignment and have no idea where to turn...paralysis sets in...and your credibility begins to evaporate.
Keep Breathing
Now before you do something rash like quit your job because you don't think you'll be popular anymore and won't have any 'friends' at work consider these points:
- you're not going to die because you've hit a rough patch
- you actually can do the work if you remove some of that self-talk clutter from your mind and start attacking the issue one little step at a time
- you can reach out to your colleagues for help...that's what real colleagues do...they help each other
Now Focus
Once the wave of anxiety has washed over you...and you've decided that your entire career is over and there is no hope for you professionally...
...get your head back on straight and start building your plan.
What needs to be addressed immediately? Write it down. Map out the deadlines and the resources you'll need to get there.
Who can help you? Who also has a vested interest in this issue being executed successfully?
Find those people. Talk with them. Write everything down.
Breath Again
Think about how your mind has shifted. You have now documented a preliminary action plan, have connected with important internal resources to get the necessary results, and most importantly, are now back in charge.
This can not be overstated. Your mood will change. Your confidence level will change. And, by the way, the results will change dramatically from where you started.
Breath.
Focus.
Execute.
How About You
Is it going to be hard sometimes? Yes. Is it going to be embarrassing sometimes? Yes. Is it going to be worth it? Absolutely.
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
pic
...and I think I might be the biggest one.
Ouch.
Not Me
Sometimes I feel like I've mastered the art of identifying what is wrong with everybody else in the world. Corporate leaders, politicians, colleagues, companies, acquaintances, and on and on...
What the heck? Since when was I appointed King of the World?
Um, never.
So what is driving that occasional burst of energy that builds up inside and plays out as a rapid fire stream of negative self-talk?
Do I truly see how others are struggling?
Sometimes.
Do I also misinterpret what is happening because my lens is fixed so tightly?
Sometimes.
Do I need to learn to pause, and understand "why" something is happening before I react?
All the time.
Definitely Me
Pushing ourselves to not only be more humble and patient is one thing. Challenging ourselves to literally be a better person is a far different story. How we move from 'today' to our improved 'tomorrow' feels like a long process.
But there are steps we can take to get there. Focusing on a positive outlook (which I try hard to do); starting a journal to help us understand the 'why'; and...
...putting ourselves second. When it's always about ME...I can't focus on anyone else.
How About You
How do you ensure that 'you' don't get in the way of the people and circumstances you deal with each day? What works? What doesn't? It matters, right?
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
pic
"Despite everything you think you know"
Yeah, we're all geniuses now that we have cool job titles, right? We always know the best path forward.
Sure we do.
"You're ruled by a ruinous pack of lies"
How is it going...blindly following along whatever you are told?
Why?
"You are born to serve"
You do remember that you have power, right? You make a difference. You're not a corporate slave.
You're a leader.
"A one use battery"
Despite the notion that everyone is expendable, it's not true. Actually there are leaders who have the other leaders running to them for help.
"This is all we are"
In fact, we are so much more.
"Nothing to become"
Too late...we're already something special.
"Way past the point of no return"
Now is your time. Don't let the moment pass...don't let anyone stand in your way...go get it.
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
pic
inspiration
