Sunday, December 28, 2008

Why Talent is NEVER Enough

As I watched the Dallas Cowboys get their you-know-what kicked today, the only thing that made it somewhat palatable was the fact that I was watching them lose while on vacation - in Aruba. But the gentle Caribbean breeze, the swaying palm trees, and the clear, blue ocean could only do so much to ease the pain. How could a team with so much talent perform so badly?

Professional sports is no different from any other industry. Just because the talent is there, it doesn't guarantee that success will follow - as the Cowboys so convincingly demonstrated today. With all that skill, what else could they possibly need to ensure success?

As a life coach, I work with talented people all the time who have not been able to reach their professional goals. So, the question becomes - why?

I think there are a few additional ingredients you need to add to your talent and skill to increase your chances of victory. These include commitment, passion, the willingness to work, synergy, and a continued effort to develop.

Commitment - the ability to stay the course when times are difficult and obstacles come your way.

Passion - an unyielding, powerful, compelling feeling that drives you to relentlessly pursue your goals.

Willingness to work - goals, hopes and dreams are great, but if you aren't willing to put in the sweat equity, you can forget it. It's called work for a reason.

Synergy - cooperation, working together for a common purpose or benefit. You can never achieve success without the help of others. If you are team of one - you will lose.

Continue to develop - even Tiger Woods has a coach. The minute you think you have nothing else to learn is the minute you lose. Get a mentor, coach, or hey, just listen to your boss every now and then.

So what was the problem with the Cowboys? How could they get stomped 44-6 against the Eagles? I'm sure ESPN will tackle this question over and over and over and over...well, you get the picture. But my personal opinion? No passion. No synergy. And that will put in the loss column every time.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Week 16 - Who Controls Your Destiny?

It's week 16 in the NFL. Crunch time. Various teams are not only playing to win a spot in the post-season, they are watching other games, figuring out which teams have to win or lose to help their chance of getting in. For example, check out this scenario (see if you can keep up!)

The Vikings fumbled seven times against the Atlanta Falcons, losing four. Those turnovers, along with a host of other mistakes, did them in and left Minnesota hoping for a Green Bay victory over Chicago Monday night. Should the Bears win that game, the Vikings would need either to beat the New York Giants in their regular-season finale or hope for a Bears loss the same day at Houston.

On a more personal note, I had the unfortunate experience of watching my Dallas Cowboys lose to the Baltimore Ravens last night, relinquishing control of their playoff destiny. Not only were they no longer in control of whether they would see post-season play, they had to depend on the Washington Redskins to win to help them out.

Now, for anyone who knows anything about sports rivalries, there is no love lost between the Cowboys and Redskins, and while I secretly hoped the Redskins would win, I couldn't root for them. But here we are, week 16, hoping the Eagles would lose to the Skins. We had put ourselves in a position where we were depending on someone else to deliver our victory.

What about you? Have you placed your destiny in the hands of someone else? If you're not sure, ask yourself a couple of questions. Do you say things like:

  • If he or she was more supportive I could...
  • If my boss would do more to help/encourage/train me I could...
  • If I had more time I would...
  • If that wouldn't have happened last year, five years ago, ten years ago, things would be different now.

If you're guilty of any of these, or something like it, it's time to take back control of your destiny. Who has control over your finances - your career - your relationships? If you think it's anyone but you, you've relinquished control!

Don't live your life sitting on the sidelines, watching as others control your destiny. Get in the game, call your own plays, and take responsibility for your success. After all, that's the only way to guarantee your victory.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Do Something Different - NOW

I spoke with a good friend today, James Cooper, who launched his speaking/consulting business about the same time I did. Years ago, we sat in workshops polishing our skills with some of the best in the business. Now, we both have managed to create wonderful businesses where we get to inspire, coach, and help people design and create a life that fulfills them.

One of the lessons we've both learned over the years is that when things aren't going your way, you can't wallow, worry, or fret. You have to decide to DO something. And 9 times out of 10, you have to do something different. And 10 times out of 10, you have to do it NOW.

My entire coaching and consulting platform is based on "Getting Radical", which encompasses that entire concept of doing something different - NOW.

When I wanted to get fit - I did something radical by going to Utah for 4 weeks and then coming back and joining a workout group that has a leader who refuses to let me fail.

When I wanted to provide a platform for women to gain information, strategies and tools to help them succeed, I created the "Get Radical" Women's Conference.

What about you? What can you do differently - NOW - to change your situation, your circumstances, or your state of affairs? It can be a small step or a huge leap - but it must be something. Don't wait for a new week, a new month or a new year. Now is the time.

Not sure what it means to "Get Radical"? Here's what it means to me:

“Get Radical” is a Call!

A call to become bold and courageous enough to depart from the usual, expected or ordinary in order to take charge of your professional and personal life. A call to live with purpose and passion in all that you do. A call to experience fulfillment and contentment in your family life and in the business world. A call to enjoy the fruits of your hard work and reward yourself with some fun!

“Get Radical” is a Challenge!

A challenge to step out of your comfort zone and explore new possibilities. A challenge to get the skills, education, and information you need to make smart choices when going after your goals. A challenge to set aside fear and replace it with faith and courage. A challenge to step out of doubt, uncertainty and hesitation and onto the path to success!

“Get Radical” is a Lifestyle!

A lifestyle dedicated to continuous improvement in your finances, career, relationships, health and wellness, and fun! A lifestyle that understand the importance of investing in one’s self to continually learn and grow. A lifestyle that embraces the philosophy of selflessness – being willing to share with others by giving back!

So, tell me, (really, leave a comment!!), and let me know what you are going to do different - NOW!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Doing What You Hate...and Loving It!

Things have been hectic since my return from Utah from what is now The Biggest Loser Resort - getting back into the swing of things, catching up with clients, and planning the 2009 "Get Radical" Women's Conference. But, I knew if I wanted to continue with my fitness goals, I had to find a way to stay focused.

A friend told me she trained with a small group with a trainer that was a former NFL player. I thought this would be a great way to stay consistent with my workouts - so I signed up. I went for my first session ready to work. Two hours later - I decided that this man was a complete lunatic. Running, lifting, abs, weights. I didn't think it would ever end. Those 2 hour hikes in Utah suddenly didn't seem so bad!

But working out with him the last couple of months has taught me a few things. First thing I realized? I hate exercise. No if, ands, or butts about it. Utah was great because I was on an adventure - taking in the outdoors, meeting new people and having my meals prepared and served to me. It was wonderful. But now? I'm in a gym, three days a week for about 2 hours working out with a trainer that has ZERO sympathy.

Pushups, pullups, situps, running steps, sprints on the treadmill, 100mph on the bike, squats, lunges and weights - all with very little rest. Each day I go to the gym, it's a challenge. I know I'm going to sweat. I know I'm going to be challenged. I know every part of my body is going to burn. I know I'm going to be watching the clock from the moment I get there until it's time to leave. But, I keep going. Why? Because working out has taught me a couple of other things.

I hate exercise - but I love the way I feel when I'm done. Who would have thought that I could do curls, calf raises, or leg extensions with heavy weights? Who would have thought that I could run 8 flights of steps and not pass out (or have my legs give out)? Each time I think I can't - at the end of the session - I did. And the sense of accomplishment is a natural high!

I hate exercise - but I love the way I look. My clothes fit better and I'm stronger than I've ever been - and getting stronger.

So, I've decided that it's not so bad to do the things you hate if it can produce some things you love.

Will it be hard? Yes. Will you need to stay focused? Yes. Does it require commitment? Yes. But it's worth it.

What is it that you hate to do but know that it will give you the results you want? I challenge you to just do it.