Last week, I had the pleasure of running another leadership development program for a longtime client in Shanghai. It was a great group of participants, who all came to participate and learn.
During the first day, we talked about personal and company values. At dinner, we discussed the company values, and a participant, Simon, said about passion: “You know, I used to have passion but now I am older and I somehow lost it…..”. I was admittedly a bit surprised as this young man was still young, and it turned out that he was 32 years old.
Based on his initial statement, I asked a couple of questions to get more clarity and it became clear that Simon was busy trying to get a lot done without any real focus or clarity of the end goal.
Based on his initial statement, I asked a couple of questions to get more clarity and it became clear that Simon was busy trying to get a lot done without any real focus or clarity of the end goal.
“Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.” – Vincent Lombardi
At that point, I asked one of my favorite questions:
Simon considered the question, and made it clear that he is here to WIN. He just did not know how….
I gave Simon some homework, which he was supposed to do every evening. I asked him to write a list of 3 things that he appreciates about his life. He was also asked to write down the most important learning of the day.
The daily exercise would help Simon refocus and get grounded. He did his homework and on the last day, we reconnected and I asked Simon to answer this question:
Are you here to WIN, or are you here not to LOSE?
Simon considered the question, and made it clear that he is here to WIN. He just did not know how….
I gave Simon some homework, which he was supposed to do every evening. I asked him to write a list of 3 things that he appreciates about his life. He was also asked to write down the most important learning of the day.
The daily exercise would help Simon refocus and get grounded. He did his homework and on the last day, we reconnected and I asked Simon to answer this question:
What is ONE thing that YOU really really want to create in YOUR life right NOW?
Simon decided on one area, where he has since created a specific goal. For the next month, he will be focusing on this specific area to make as much progress as possible. Just ONE area! Simon will also continue to reflect on his life every evening and write down 3 things that are great about his life.
Why am I sharing this story? Because many of us get lost in your busy lives and we forget why we are really here and what is important to us. The exercise that Simon did is simple and straight forward yet very powerful. You can do it too!
“No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated and disciplined.” - Unknown
Why am I sharing this story? Because many of us get lost in your busy lives and we forget why we are really here and what is important to us. The exercise that Simon did is simple and straight forward yet very powerful. You can do it too!
You also have a choice. It often helps to step back, get grounded and refocus on just one priority. When we try to do many things we often get a lot less done. The key is focus.
“Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you'll win. Channel your energy. Focus.” – Carol Lewis
In addition to writing this entry, I have created two short videos, which address the topic in this entry. The videos are both on YouTube. The first video can be found here and the second video is here. It is the intention to make more videos, which will also be posted on this blog.
In the meantime, decide whether you are here to win or not to lose. The answer has a significant impact on how you will live your life.
In the meantime, decide whether you are here to win or not to lose. The answer has a significant impact on how you will live your life.
Keep Inspiring!
Happy Days!
Coach Bay
1 comments:
I agree with you. Finding an area that really interests me and focusing on it always reinvigorates me.
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