...Two to Go!

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."

Henry Ford  

 

Happy Friday!   "People...who need people...are the luckiest people in the world." (Barbra Streisand can sang!) I know, I know.  Just two days ago, I told you to ride solo in Pursuit of Your Greatness.  I told you that it doesn't make sense to try to convince people that something you "feel" will work warrants their support and involvement.  At the same time...you need people. The great paradox of life; while you have to begin alone, you can only finish with the help of others. The great challenge? Finding and engaging the people who are called to be part of your team. As a child, like many of us, I loved the Wizard of Oz (I could have used the Magnificent 7 as well...but fewer folks have seen that one!).  As I got older, I could see so many rich metaphors between Dorothy and how she built the team that helped her become successful.   Since you are familiar with Dorothy's story, let's use the strategies and techniques she used to build a successful coalition;   Tell them where you are going.  Provide details including challenges.  Relay them   with passion, enthusiasm and confidence.  You inspire others with your images of the future. When you articulate your vision, be sure to describe the future in detail with vivid words and metaphors. Make your ideas and strategies more concrete via sketches, step-by-step action plans, or mock-up models so that others can readily grasp your intent.   Tell them what's in if for them. A brain, a heart...some courage.  The things they get have to be more than just wages to "pay the bills" - that is an employee not a strategic partner.  You need to get to the heart (yes, I know!) of what will motivate them.  Most startups don't even pay their core people for years because they all see the bigger picture payoff.  You have no right to expect help if you don't provide a proper motive.   Establish each persons strengths, weaknesses and let that help define their role.  Surround yourself with specifically talented people who are eager to put your vision into motion. Some will have gifts you don't.  Delegate and trust them to do their part.  Accountability will keep everyone honest to the process.  They will feel exhilarated by your trust and use of their talents, and you can harness their energy to propel the vision toward reality.   You now have the beginnings of a strategic alliance, a team...a Mastermind Group...ah, next time!   One down...two to go!    Pursue Your Greatness...until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

One down...!

"One man with courage is a majority." Thomas Jefferson

The last few days, I have  talked to several people who have set big goals for themselves.  I asked them what they needed in order to make it happen.  In different forms, each one of them said they would need help and support of other people.  The problem...the people closest to them had doubts. Most of us know what it is like to be challenged by people around us, who, even when well meaning, are dousing water on the fire of our desire. That is normal.  Agreement is a great thing, but real agreement is hard to come by. Ever tried to get 5 people to agree on where to go to lunch?  At some point, the debate between Italian, Chinese and Mexican has to stop and someone has to get in the car, start driving...and lead.   You want people to believe in something you just declared and a declaration is not enough for someone else to join in with faith.  People rally around people who know...and who do.   Get to know your ideas.  Before you share with your key people, take time to think about the goal.  The more time you spend considering your ideas , the more vivid your ideas will become. The more vivid your ideas, the more persuasive you will be when you express it to others.   Start doing.  People rally around people who are going somewhere, who are in motion. 　Those demonstrating faith...with action.  An idea or goal devoid of action is less than an empty promise or idle wish.  Movement is faith in demonstration.  Actions speak louder than words.   Ride solo.  For a season, you will have to believe alone, but begin taking the necessary steps.  As you begin to dig all others will see is a hole.  For a while, only you will know you are digging with purpose.  Eventually, people will ask, "What is that hole for?"   Then (and only then) you can tell them your mission and purpose.  Some will be spectators, some haters and others, cheerleaders - you need them all.  From that crowd will emerge those that are connected to you in purpose and they will join in.  Then the power of agreement can do its multiplicative work in helping you get there faster.   "...If two of you agree and can harmonize together, anything and everything you may ask will come to pass and be done for you..." Matthew 18:19 (excerpt from Amplified Bible)   For now, you are fine going it alone.  One is not the loneliest number...it is the number of great beginnings.   Begin.   One down...    Pursue Your Greatness...until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

Move the Needle!

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."   Walt Disney

Happy Monday!    For many, this is the first working day of 2015.  How are you going to make this New Day different than all the others?   Can I make a suggestion? Move the Needle!  I just looked at my list of goals for the year and then the things that I had to get done to accomplish them.  I also looked at my "daily life" calendar at all of the things that would pull me away from doing the things related to my goals.  I must admit, I had a bit of overwhelm as I could see that my renewed commitment to Pursue My Greatness was about to be challenged immediately by my day to day life.   Can you relate? I want to challenge you to Move the Needle.  Even if just a little bit.  Over time, the compound effect of your efforts will allow you to look back and see the thing as DONE!  It reminds me of Andy Dufresne in one of my favorite movies Shawshank Redemption.  He dug a tunnel from his prison cell to freedom.  Each day he took a few bits of stone and rock from his cell in his pocket and emptied it in the prison yard.  It took him 20 years to dig his way to the life he was dreaming about! Brandon, I don't want to wait that long.  Then what are you waiting for?  Do something, anything, today toward your purpose.  You will build momentum, see progress and feel satisfaction that you are moving the needle.   Pursue Your Greatness...until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!