Ready To Go

I'm ready to go.

It's Not About the New Year
Identifying goals, resolutions, or whatever you prefer to call the "beginning of the year lists" can be fun, inspiring, and confusing all at once.

Are we supposed to have lists? Yes we are!

Is there something special about the year flipping that should move us forward differently than the rest of the year? Not at all, but it is a wonderful reminder that we need to keep pushing...keep challenging ourselves...keep getting better.

It's Not About Being Completely Ready
One of the great misconceptions of personal and professional life is that we shouldn't jump into anything unless we are fully prepared.

That is crazy talk.

Getting started is important.

Making progress is important.

Taking risks, evaluating, and adjusting are all important.

Waiting around for the perfect moment is simply fear manifested for all to see.

How About You
What's on your list this year? What is holding you back from jumping in? If you need to talk it through, reach out. You can do it!

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Faith, Values and HR

Wait, what?

I know what you are thinking. We can not talk about our faith in the workplace! That's crazy talk! We are going to get complaints, the employees will be in an uproar, and we might even get sued!

Um, let's just slow down here for a minute.

Leave Your Personal Life at the Door
Have you ever heard this phrase? Have you ever said it to an employee? When was the last time you walked into work and shut off every single part of your life outside of work?

I know the answer. Never, that's when.

Regardless of your faith perspective (if you have one) this seems like one of the most absurd (and candidly embarrassing) management messages to send..."leave your personal life at the door."

Our lives are not broken into convenient little pieces.
There is no work/life balance.
There is only life balance, and our faith is
a big part of that journey.

Live the Values
If we pause for a moment to consider what most of our corporate values say (and let's be honest, most are very similar) they focus on treating people well, doing good work, living with integrity, etc.

Hmmm, those sound curiously similar to the core tenets of most world religions. 

So, as we ask our employees, our leaders, and ourselves to 'live the values' of our organizations in everything we do; are we also asking everyone to shut off their faith that implores us to 'live that faith in all we do' at the same time?

I'm no longer buying that premise. How does one pray each day, participate in the life of their faith community, and then walk into work and turn their back on all of that because "it's just business?"

That simply does not make any sense.

How About You
Will I now be preaching the gospel during team meetings? Of course not. 

But will I pretend that I don't have faith, or act as if I'm such a "good man of business" that faith and values don't really matter? Absolutely not.

What is your take? I know this is a complicated and important issue.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Rising

Some candid stuff today...and a quick 'cut to the chase.' 

I've been doing a lot of introspective work lately. As in a L O T.

Old Habits Don't Help
Turns out my world-class skill of compartmentalizing every facet of my life turned out to be a flawed strategy. Oddly enough, as I was writing this post an incredible thread blew up on twitter discussing...well...men struggling with being human vs. some sort of fake persona that is completely unrealistic and unhealthy. Whoa! That hit close to home!

So, my personal deep dive is in full swing. 

Doing the Work
It's hard work.
At times it's humiliating work.
In the end, I hope it will represent a meaningful change on many levels.

No, I'm not hitting the bottle or having a mid-life crisis. I am simply pushing to be my best self, so that I can be the best person possible for those around me.

How About You
What challenges are you facing (or perhaps hiding from?) Are you hoping to find the courage to push yourself to a whole new level..to a new quality of life? 

As for me so far...it's been totally worth it.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Finding My Way

I'm not exactly sure when it happened, but I've found myself in somewhat of an awkward place. 

Professionally, I have a terrific job with a company that is being recognized in the industry and growing fast. I love human resources work...it just matches everything that I believe is important about the life and success of an organization. 

That all sounds pretty good, right?

But...
Somehow, though, a cynical view has snuck up on me. 

I don't like that. 

I don't want to be someone who complains about the complainers. I don't want to sound like the angry guy who is just another know-it-all. I don't want to be someone who isn't living the way he truly wants to live.

So...I'm doing something about it. A huge part of my personality is based (often times as the brunt of jokes) on being overly positive. Sometimes even missing the reality of a situation because I refuse to see anything but the positive side!

That personality trait...that I have relied on to carry me through for so many years...has become a bit more elusive lately. 

I don't like that either.

Getting Focused
I'm going to dial-in more than ever to what used to be my default reaction, to an intentional, thoughtful response to the world around me. 

Staying positive has to be the starting place. 
Staying positive has to be my go-to style. 
Ending positively has to be the way.

Maybe this all sounds hokey. Probably true. But for me, taking a proactive approach to how I live my life versus my "life living me" is essential. I've taken big steps in my health, faith, nutrition and fitness. Now it's time to lock down the last and most challenging part...

...my mindset.

How About You
What has become elusive in your life? What behaviors have crept in that you want to lock down? Don't be afraid of confronting them...you can do it!

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Ruthlessly Eliminate Hurry

The pace. 

My pace...the hectic, busy, sometimes chaotic whirlwind of life can be a bit much at times. Easy to complain about, right? And also, easy to be thankful for in a world with so much pressure. 

Something More
Amidst the noise, deadlines, expectations and overloaded calendars is something else waiting for us. However, we often don't notice this opportunity because we're always "in a hurry."

When we find ourselves asking if all of this craziness is worth it, I wonder if we also ask how we might offer ourselves in a different way? 

That's right. I'm talking about exploring new ways to contribute.

Stop and Listen
Before we can understand how we might contribute beyond our "busy day full of responsibilities" we must first stop. Simply stop for a few moments, and listen. 

What is your heart calling you to do? 

Who has been whispering in your ear about making a change and adding value in ways you had not previously considered?

How will you eliminate the "hurry" in your life, so you can focus on the most important things? New things? Life-changing things?

How About You
Investing a few moments...or a few hours...to just stop and listen could have a profound effect on you, and those around you. 

Do you have the courage to even give it a try; or, will you quickly glance at your To Do List and hurry along to the next task?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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I Walked Alone Into a Fight

Community - a unified body of individuals

Team - a group of people with a full set of complimentary skills

Network - an association of individuals with common interests providing mutual assistance

Friends - one attached to another by affection or esteem

Colleagues - a fellow worker or professional

Family - all the descendants of a common ancestor

So Much, But...
We have lots of words that represent the resources available to us in life, and these resources come in various forms. 

Ranging from close family relationships, to our loosely defined networks (think 3rd level on LinkedIn) it would appear that we have an endless amount of support just waiting to be tapped when times get tough.

Untrue.

While we do have extensive connections across many places, platforms and people; we fail to appreciate one of the most obvious facts of our journeys. 

We ultimately travel alone.

Not Bad News...
Now before you click out of this post and move on, consider the following...

...there is a reason communities, teams, networks, friends, colleagues and families are in our lives

...there is a reason, that despite feeling alone, we actually are not alone at all

Are you with me?

When you feel the pressure of your corporate life dragging you down.
When you feel like your career has stalled.
When you feel like the personal stress and strain are too much to bear.
When you fee like it is all just...too much.

Remember that although we technically travel alone, we have been provided with an amazing group of fellow travelers to share our journey.

What do you think?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses. 

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inspiration

Pulling a Fast One

NEWSFLASH! - "I'm trying my best!"

In My Head

Despite what I think sometimes...

Despite what others want me to be...

Despite the pressure I'm under to be everything for everyone...

Despite the self-talk that occasionally tries to 'go negative'...

Despite the change in the world that is bad...

Despite my blind spots that miss all of the good things in the world...

Despite what I thought should happen...

Despite my failings...

Powering Through

So, instead I think differently..

So, instead I accept that I can not be 'that' person...

So, instead I accept the pressure and go for it anyway...

So, instead I battle my self-talk, and win the argument...

So, instead I take action against the bad...

So, instead I challenge myself to see more clearly...

So, instead I embrace what is happening...

So, instead I accept that I will struggle, and improve...

How About You

What do your battles look like...sound like...feel like? Even though I am part of an amazing community, there is always the internal struggle that is part of what makes each of us unique, and crazy, and special all at the same time.

Sometimes it can feel as if life has pulled a fast one on us. But the reality is that life is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. All we have to do is...try our best. 

Life is good!

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

Deciding to Win

Consider your situation right now...personally or professionally. 

Have you achieved your goals? 
Are you hustling with a company that you love? 
Have you found a sense of inner peace...with all of the successes and failures and near-misses and disappointments and noise that are part of "peace?"

Hoping to Win
It's funny how our early dreams of future lives...filled with hope for personal satisfaction and professional success...somehow never seem to get to an end point. It's as if we can...never...quite...get...there...regardless of how hard we (have convinced ourselves that we continue to) try.

There is a tired, but accurate phrase, that says 'hope is not a strategy.' However, it appears to be one of the most common forms of self-evaluation, self-esteem, and overall measure of one's worth.

I vote that we use hope as part of our thinking, but pursue a different path when it comes to actually getting things accomplished.

Deciding to Win
Now consider your situation again, but this time let's use a different lens. One that is not based on workplace hustle, personal bliss, or finding the perfect job. Instead, let's take an inventory of what you have accomplished over the last couple of years.

What bold moves have you made in your career?

How does it feel to be on the other side of major life decisions that caused so much stress, but are now behind you?

What else is different now, but you were in such a hurry to focus on the next thing that you've forgotten how much of a difference you've made?

How About You
As it turns out, winning is not a place, or title, or partner. Winning is what you decide it is. So, will it be the endless pursuit of...pursuing? Or, will winning be something entirely different for you?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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New You? No Chance, Right?

This is not a New Year's resolutions post. Here's why...I don't think you're going to keep any of yours. January 1st has nothing to do with changing your life.

I'd rather talk about a hardcore commitment story. It's about someone who struggled with weight, self-control, their career, and self-esteem.

Until that someone decided to completely commit to a new life.

Early Excuses
In the beginning it wasn't hard to justify the behavior. When you're young you can bounce back from bad food choices, lack of exercise, and being undisciplined at work. The excuses come easy, and there is always 'plenty of time' to get back on track.

Along with the excuses came professional highs and low, and a waist line that seemed to follow. At some points reasonably fit...and at others...well...not so much.

Manic Excuses
As the realities of getting a bit older set in, the hyper-focus on fitness took control (in a bad way.) The workouts, without regard for injury or fatigue, became the norm. So did the pain from overuse injuries. Again and again and again.

As the self-esteem went down...the weight went back up.

Surely this must be bad luck! Or life's cruel twist? But there was more to come. 

One day, most unexpectedly, a phone call came through describing a dire situation. Not soon after, the Father was gone at 61. This was a devastating loss which sent this cycle into overdrive. Food, excuses, training, injury, low self-esteem.

Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat.

How About You
I'm happy to report this person is doing extremely well today. A complete and total commitment to a new way of living was not just necessary, but required.

The focus on eating clean, training hard, a disciplined approach to work, and respecting the limits of what one's body can handle (usually) are now part of a consistent and high energy approach to life.

In short, I'm doing better than I have in years.

So, as you look forward, regardless of the date on the calendar, I hope you too will find the balance, discipline, and drive to dominate every part of your life. I believe in myself now...and I believe in you too.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Selves We Cannot Forgive

I don't know about you, but I put a lot of pressure on myself. I'm not sharing that as some sort of martyr-type-play. I'm just stating a fact. Maybe you feel a similar level of pressure?

Perfection
Do you like your work to be 'just right?' I do. I like the thinking, planning and execution to be on point. As in, perfectly on point. The world is so quick to judge even the most minor error that, for me, striving to make everything perfect has become the norm.

It's a good strategy actually, except for one minor point.

Perfection is impossible.

Forgiveness
The challenge of striving for something (perfection) and never achieving it (reality) sounds bizarre. 

Yet why do so many of us espouse this approach as reasonable? I've seen the nonstop barrage of blogs and articles that proclaim how wonderful failing is for us. 

Well, let me telly something, I hate failing. I don't care if I've made an inconsequential typo in a meaningless tweet.

I hate failing.

However, I have also forced myself to learn to do something new. It took a long time to balance this new skill without lowering my expectations of perfection. It's called forgiveness.

"I am unwilling to strive for anything less than perfection; but I am also now forgiving myself if I know I've done my absolute best and fell short."

How About You

Does the pressure of being the perfect spouse, or student, or leader become too much sometimes? Are you in the 'Perfection Club' with me where the rules dictate that we must torture ourselves with every little failure? Perhaps it's time to try developing a new skill that allows you to aim high and forgive yourself at the same time?

It made a big difference for me.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Then Everything Changed

"I felt like I was the ultimate brand champion for my company. Then suddenly...the economics didn't make sense anymore and I was gone."

"Everything was on track for so long. But then I realized things were just wrong. How did it all get so messed up?"

"I was a rising star. Everything I touched turned around and was a big success. But one day I was called into the office...my position could no longer be supported."

"I had worked so hard for all of it...my career, my personal life...all of those crazy lists of goals over the years. Now, this happened."

Unlimited Potential
Some people just seem to have it all together. They have great jobs, full personal lives, and seem to be involved in the coolest projects. I'll admit I've been jealous of those folks over the years. It all looked so exciting.

But real life doesn't always match the action we see, right?

When you believe there is no stopping you one day...and the next day you feel like you've hit a brick wall...even the strongest among us can fall into a bit of a tailspin.

Back in the Game
The old adage that one door closing usually means another door opens is not only over used...it's true. The key issue here is not about opportunities though. In fact, the "doors" have absolutely nothing to do with it.

The reason this phrase has lived on for so long is because people...at their core...are resilient as hell.

We are driven to succeed. We not only deal with setbacks, we use them as an energy source to take things to an even higher level of success both personally and professionally. We attack our future. We make all of that "action" that we dreamed about for so long become our reality.

We. Make. It. Happen.

How About You
Think about the times life has dealt you an unexpected twist or turn. Did you fold up and drop out of sight forever?

Of course you didn't. You dusted yourself off...got a little pissed...and kicked that 'new door' down.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Finding Freedom

What's holding you back from doing what you really want? Who or what is standing in your way?

Money? 
Status? 
Responsibilities? 
Comfortable routines?

Maybe it's time to...
- try something new
- take a risk
- stop accepting that things will always "happen" to you
- consider a fresh start 
- quit your job
- start writing
- stop playing politics
- follow your crazy dreams
- tell the naysayers and loud mouths to shut the hell up
- stop being a door mat 
- be fearless
- stop making excuses and live your own life for a change

Maybe it's time to find your freedom.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Bahahahaha

Sometimes work can be...well...funny! I thought I would take a little break from the normal energy I pump out on leadership and laugh a little (at myself) today.

#SHRM15
So, I was fired up to be part of the #shrmchro event and to be a #shrm15blogger. I flew to Las Vegas...stood in line in the hot sun behind 450 others at the airport for a cab...and then waited forever in line again to check in to my hotel.

Except I didn't book the hotel properly ahead of time and had no room!

Podcast
In my previous role I launched a podcast that I absolutely loved hosting. As I prepared for the first show I was a bit nervous. I had all of my questions typed up so I would be ready.

Except I ran through my questions in the first five minutes and had to improvise for the remaining twenty-five minutes!

Time Zones
I now work in a role that has me communicating constantly in multiple time zones. This should not be difficult. 

Except I am now the master of the double-booked calendar for no other reason than I apparently can not tell time!

How About You
Have you made any gaffes lately that make you step back and laugh at yourself? Candidly, in the moment these mix ups might not seem very humorous. Looking back now, I think they are a good reminder for me that I'm not that special after all.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Almost Honest

What would happen, if...

- we honestly spoke about our successes

- we honestly discussed the issues we were struggling with

- we honestly shared when we lack self-confidence

- we honestly described our frustrations about the world of work

- we honestly told our colleagues how we feel about them

- we honestly shared how it is impossible to be all things to all people all the time

- we honestly let someone know how important they are to us

- we honestly did something we’ve always dreamed of doing

- we honestly lived the life we want to live

- we honestly told the truth..to ourselves

I wonder what that organization would look like?

I’d love to hear form you.

No Excuses.

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The Enemy Inside

"I'm running from the enemy inside..."

I go through periods of time when life seems to be moving so fast, hitting me from every direction, and at a pace that could be considered too much to handle. Some might even think that retreating and shutting down would be a reasonable response.

Except I've recently discovered I'm not wired to let all of that action become a distraction. What happens though is probably not a sustainable response...even by my somewhat skewed  - shall we say 'uptempo' - view of the world.

Overdrive

When life hits me hard...I hit back. It takes a variety of forms ranging from working harder, writing more, working out multiple times per day, eating even more clean than I already do, and thinking bigger about the future.

 

So I've been processing about whether or not my "charge into battle" response makes sense or not. The deeper I go with this...the more I'm realizing that I don't retreat...ever. Candidly, I don't think moving 100 mph every day is necessarily the best plan. Was I always this way?

"...looking for the life I left behind..."

When do my mind and body rest? When do my big plans, punishing workouts, and obsession with every gram of food (literally) get put to the side so I can rest and recharge?

What is the proper response when you are accustomed to handling things in a certain way?

Habits Are Hard to Break

I'm not going to lie. I am absolutely dialed in to going full throttle when challenges come at me. I need to find the balance between an all out epic battle with life; and instead, pivot and use downtime for my mind and body as an intentional strategy.

Always getting fired up about kicking ass when life is in your face may sound cool, but sustaining a constant battle-ready mindset just doesn't work 24/7.

"...these suffocating memories are etched upon my mind..."

How About You

What do you do when life comes at you from all sides. Have you figured out how to take some time each day to collect your thoughts and regroup? Or, is it an all out epic struggle for supremacy?

"....and I can not escape from the enemy inside..."

For me, I love the battle, but I'm going to start integrating some downtime too. It just might help me kick life back even harder than before.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Rising

I'm lucky. I know it too. Sure hard work and taking risks significantly increases your chances of being lucky...but I know I'm just lucky anyway.

Pressure
It didn't always feel that way. There were periods of time when the future was so unclear I thought I would never get through the fog. The pressures of working in the modern world just seemed to grow and grow...

- new technology
- new ways to work
- new leadership expectations
- new employee problems
- new beginnings

...and the list goes on.

Do Something
One of the most effective strategies I discovered as I was wandering through the fog, unsure and doubting myself, was this...

Do something. 

We can always freeze up and question ourselves about our own competencies, our ability to lead, or whether we are "really cut out for this or not."

You are cut out for your job. You can make a difference. You can realize the vision you have in your head. But you must take a step forward. One step is all it takes to regain your confidence, momentum, and energy.

How About You
If you're feeling the pressure more than ever remember that action is the antidote. You've already thought about these issues long enough, it's time for movement. You can do it....even if you don't believe that you are up to the task. Go for it today. Who knows, you might end up feeling just as lucky as I do.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Bow To Your Master

Master - One who has control over something or someone.

You're Not the Boss of Me
I don't know about you, but I am very comfortable convincing myself that I am in charge of my life. I wouldn't use the term control freak, but I should. You should too. 

Don't kid yourself...we work hard, we focus on doing what's right, and are sure that if things were done the way we believe they should be done, all would be right with the world.

You know I'm right.

The challenges we face each day are based on the messages we receive. Expectations from bosses, colleagues, employees, partners, friends, society...and the most difficult...ourselves...impact how we think about the world and our place in it.

Who really makes the decisions in our lives?

Many Masters
Perhaps we need to accept the fact that we don't really have the control we so passionately strive to achieve? Maybe the world does rule us...not the other way around? We all have our unique list of responsibilities, desires, hopes, and pressures that push our days (and minds) to the edge.

I don't think that's going to change anytime soon.

Not all of these masters in our world are bad, but they sure do seem to complicate things, don't you think?

How About You
We have many influencers in our lives. Most of them are there to support and connect with us in a variety of ways. Sure, there are always going to be those dark voices that tell us to conform, or follow the rules every time regardless of whether or not those rules make sense.

Here's the great part of the story. You only have one master...you. Don't let the other pressures, people and expectations of the world get in your way. Forge your own path, and make the difference you know you can make.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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The Expert In You

As it turns out, I wasn't born with experience. In anything. 

I made my way through high school and college...still no experience. I stumbled in to the world of work and tried to find my way. I didn't have any experience at that point either. So I jumped in to graduate school...clinging to a little tiny speck of real life.

Confidence
I did have one important thing...lots of confidence. It's not that I wasn't intimidated by those around me with years and years of experience. They offered perspectives on issues that I didn't even realize existed.

But I listened...and learned...and wanted more.

So, I figured that if it was going to take me a lifetime of learning to become an "expert" I might as well dive in and try my best right out of the gate. So I did. I tried new things. I took risks. I used tools that other people thought were a waste of time in meetings (remember when PowerPoint was new and cool?)

My confidence never wavered, even if the those around me thought I was wasting my time.

Opportunity
One of the unexpected outcomes of being both confident and willing to take risks is that good things happen. For me those good things meant new jobs with expanded responsibilities. 

Even when I took a risk on an operations role that was eliminated a year later, I knew I had made the right decision to go for it. How many HR leaders have actually spent any time in an operations role? 

I've continued to take risks...BIG ones! But each was worth it. Even when others simply didn't see the value because they had not allowed themselves to open their minds to the modern world of work. 

It's okay. We all get there eventually...maybe I'm cursed being on a different schedule than others.

How About You
Do you have the potent combination of confidence and risk inside of you? I think so. It creates opportunities for those of us willing to see them. It opens doors that a few years ago we might not even have seen right in front of us. It can make all the difference.

I'm no expert...but I do know that life is too short to hold back. Take a closer look at your world...and go for it.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses. 




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