Control the controllables

“You have power over your mind, not outside events.  Realize this and you will find strength.”  – Marcus Aurelius

It’s not circumstances, but how you respond that makes the difference.

How are you responding to what happened recently?

The Audience Effect

Eyeballs optimize.  

Imagine people were watching you all day.  Wouldn’t you behave and do your best?

You’re on stage today.  Show them what you can do!

Waiting on you.

When you change, your life will change.  Unless you change, nothing will change for you.

Good or bad, you are causing it.

What do you want?  Be the cause.

Luck, Chance and Hard Work

When I work hard I increase the chance of good things happening.  When I work smart I get lucky sometimes.  When I take advantage of luck, I get more chances.  When I get the chances, I work hard and smart, and sometimes it really works out…

Life = Time

Lifetime.

Life-time.

Life= time

You may not realize it until your time has run out. 

Time is the most precious commodity. Don’t squander your opportunity – and that is right now.

Good enough?

In many areas of your life being “good enough” and doing “good enough” work, is ok.  But avoid glaring weaknesses or problems, that can derail you.   You can’t be really great in all areas and to try consumes lots of time, especially in trying to perfect your weaknesses. 

But in YOUR area – how you make your living or your unique talent – don’t settle.  Be great at it – and then get even better.  This is your gift to yourself and the world.  In that, be the very best you can be.

Be Consistent

You don’t have to be the fastest, smartest or strongest to win. Your superpower can be consistency.

When I was in a 34-hour dirt bike race, at any point if there were an inquiry “what are you going to do now?”, the answer was always “keep going!”  

Don’t worry about how much farther there is to go.  Enjoy the habit of moving forward consistently in the right direction.  When people know they can count on you, they will be part of your environment that helps you be consistent.

Day in, day out, consistency wins the race.

It doesn't work well when you do that?

Stop doing it.

The Think Daily Pledge

I adapted this from “Joshua’s Pledge” on YouTube.  I hung it where I see it in the morning and recite it every day.

Today is gonna be a good day.

I thank God for waking me up today.

I’m going to read or listen, so I can learn, and be the leader God has created me to be. 

Today I’m empowered with the tools to be successful, within my company and throughout my community.

I apply myself daily, I study.  I ask questions when I don’t understand.

I ignore all negative influences, including the media, and people who don’t believe in my vision.

When I’m confronted with a problem or a conflict, I think before I react.

I’m extremely proud to represent my team, and be the next generation of high performing leaders.

 And I know, if I just help enough other people get what they want, I will get what I want.

I accept responsibility, and love the challenges.

Let’s go!

What are you encoded for?

There are things we don’t do well, things we do well, and then there are things our mind (and perhaps body) are just made for.

What do you have a special talent for?  What comes easy and doesn’t feel like work?  What are you “encoded” for? 

Find out.  It is a gift to you, and your gift to others.