Showing posts with label stereotypes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stereotypes. Show all posts

Monday, March 10, 2014

Under the Influence

Today I'm going to share something about myself that some of you may not know. It's such a part of who I am, that I don't remember being anything but this way. It's been both a blessing and a burden at times, but mostly it's simply...me. First, a little set up for what I need to disclose.

Talking to Myself
For many years I've used personal mantras to help manage my life. In particular, I've used them to help manage the "self-talk" that we all have running in our heads throughout the day. (Everyone has that self-talk thing going...right?) Two of the most important personal mantras of mine continue to have a huge influence in my daily life.

No Excuses. - This is one of my favorites (obviously!) To me it represents a level of commitment, a willingness to power through difficulties, and to raise my personal level of accountability much higher than what I might have thought was originally possible.

Work Hard, Play Hard. - This one plays out in every aspect of my life. My career, my fitness routines, the music I listen to, and my personal passions.

Everything.

Adrenaline
The impact of my personal mantras is that I realize I have a deep affection for adrenaline. The intensity of pressure, deadlines, too many priorities, taking risks, trying new things, and conflict in my work life are often draining. Yet I seek these things out routinely. I can't stop...and quite frankly, I don't want to!

The influence...the rush...of adrenalin has fueled my life, including my leadership style for many years. Is that a good thing? I'm not sure. Sometimes it has allowed me to push past old stereotypes, take necessary (albeit scary) risks, and make a difference. 

At other times it has been something that overpowers those around me. That's not fair to them...but my reality is...I'm an adrenaline-rush guy.

How About You
What drives you? Is it work...taking risks...a personal passion? Or, have you settled into a comfortable routine that doesn't include any adrenaline? If things have slowed down in your world, you might consider kicking things up a notch. You'll never know what is achievable if you never feel the rush.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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