What Anchors Hold You Back?

Our limiting beliefs often determine if we succeed or fail.  It may be failure in a single instance or area or it may be an inability to reach our potential in life.  Today we are exposed to many things that create limiting beliefs.  Wouldn't it be much better to talk about how we can create better outcomes?

I was fortunate to learn much about work and life from my Dad.  Additionally I always seemed to find excellent mentors.  I learned many lessons from my mentors, my father and through self reflection.  Here are a handful.

While seeing a movie about Vince Lombardi in school there was a portion about being on time.  Lombardi believed that you should always be a minimum of 15 minutes early.  I strived for that most of my life.  Even now, I am never late.  I decided that was the beginning of making a good impression in the workplace.

My Dad always taught me that other's may be smarter, faster, stronger, etc, but, nobody should ever be able to work harder.

Go to your strength.  I was in a new position and a bit over my head.  I was placed in the position because of 1 particular area that I was always successful with.  A friend noticed my stress and reminded me, "Do what you do best and what your were put here to do." 

Nothing can stop me but me.  Another similar ideal of mine is that it isn't over until I quit.  

At the end of the day, when you are ready to go home, there is always something else that you can do.  It may be something that you have put off, a phone call to a client, making sure that you have a plan for tomorrow or tidying up your desk/office.  Look around, reflect and close the day strong.  

We have an obligation to pass our lessons onto other and I have always been cognizant of that.  I always inspired my team to be better than I was and invested heavily in helping them maximize their potential.  I had no fear of being replaced.  Leadership is about getting the most out of others.  I loved to surround myself with future leaders.  Let's all strive for that and help them meet their potential.  

Wow, That's Expensive!

I keep seeing indications that it is difficult to hire.   Actually, that fact is kicking me in the pants and beating me on the head!  I bet that you are feeling it too.  

I recently walked into a McDonald's restaurant.  Signs were posted on the door offering to hire 14 year old employees at $15 per hour.  I have friends in the restaurant industry that are reducing their open hours because they can't hire staff.  Target announced plans to cover the cost of tuition, fees and books for part time and full time workers.  Walmart, Chipolte & Starbucks have similar programs.  

Sysco CEO Kevin Hourican recently explained during an investor call that they are being forced to delay or "pause" deliveries to many customers due to lack of drivers and warehouse help.  How would you like to explain that to your Board of Directors or direct supervisor?  Do you think that those customers aren't finding other vendors?  Do you think they are coming back?

 The fact is that hiring educated and skilled staff is even more difficult.  What are you doing to improve your hiring practices?  It is readily evident that the status quo is failing.  

Everything Matters

On Sunday I received a call from a close friend.   Ray was calling from the hospital, awaiting surgery later this week to have his stomach removed due to Cancer.   Ray lives 2500 miles away yet we have remained friends since I left Pittsburgh in 1983.  He was always the strongest man that I know, physically imposing and mentally strong.  Thinking of him in a hospital bed and unable to eat or drink is such a contrast of what I know Ray to be that I was stunned.  

During our conversation I was at a loss to offer anything comforting.  I just felt powerless and I am sure Ray needed or wanted more than that from me.  After hanging up I began to beat myself up.  Why haven't I called more?  It was easy to avoid due to the time difference but now that excuse rings hollow.  Now that the shock has passed, I will be the friend that Ray needs.  

I've had similar emotions in the not so distant past.  I was in a hospital bed awaiting surgery for a stent in my heart on Christmas Day, 2013.  More recently I was treated with radiation and injections for prostate cancer.   Both times I felt weak and helpless, not just physically but mentally.  With too much time and uncertain outcomes I focused on the things that I should have done better.  The list was long each time.  My promise today is to often refer to this entry and recognize that everything that I do matters, to quit having excuses for not being a better friend, husband, father, coworker, employee, or member of my community.  I hope that you reflect upon what I have written so you too can live a rich life without those regrets that really seem to come at some of the most crucial periods of our lives.

In closing I ask that you pray for Ray to have a healthy recovery, adjust well to the changes that he will have to make and that between now and his surgery tomorrow that he is free from fear and feels the love of God. 

The Tragedy of Afghanistan

Regardless of your political ideals one has to grieve for what is happening in Afghanistan.  Innocent people are being slaughtered and our government failed to anticipate the realities of our withdrawal including the danger to our own citizens.  Before going any further I encourage for you to pray for our citizens safe return, for the heroic members of our armed forces who are there to save them, for the innocents in Afghanistan and for our leaders to find better solutions for this country.  

Some of the rhetoric surrounding this situation is astounding, especially the idea that the Afghanis haven't fought for themselves.  Since the beginning of the conflict 66K members of their military & police have died along with 47K civilians.  Without our support they have little chance against the Taliban.  The plight of women & children is particularly disturbing and it appears that we have made no plans to help brave Afghan citizens that acted as guides, interpreters and more who are sure to be slaughtered with their families.  

Now we must stand as citizens of the world, as Americans and as righteous people and insure that our government takes actions to save our citizens, to prevent the slaughter of innocents and to protect those that served and protected the members of our military during our 20 years in Afghanistan.  

Peter told us in 1 Peter 4:10: As each has received a gift, use it to serve on another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.  

We have received many gifts as American Citizens.  Let's use our influence with our elected leaders and let them know that what is happening is unacceptable and that the must fix this immediately to spare every innocent life possible. 

Shhhhhhhh!

Do you post your opinions in other conversations on Social Media?  Do you voice your opinions to acquaintances, even if the subject matter is sensitive?  I understand that as Americans that we are proud of our 1st Amendment Rights, especially when we want to be heard but maybe not so much when someone else wants to voice their opinions.  

Yesterday I had my annual physical.  The conversation turned to Covid vaccines & masks.  I wear my mask when required and have my vaccines.  As a matter of fact my question about the booster prompted the conversation.  My doctor mentioned his frustration with the un-vaccinated and the mask-less.  We have become friendly over the years so I wasn't put out but others may be.  As someone that has the ability to influence behavior I am not sure his frustration was the best approach in a professional capacity.  You see, there is little opportunity to influence when you voice frustration.  I asked him how he deals with the un-vaccinated to try to better influence them and while frustrated he had no specific plan.  I believe the patients may sense his frustration even if he doesn't use those words.  

I had a long drive home.  You see, I feel so strongly about my doctor and his professionalism that I drive 250 miles round trip to see him since he moved several years back so I am not commenting without much thought and I will continue to see him.   During my drive I began to consider how I influence others.  I have a sarcastic sense of humor.  Many of my friends appreciate it but what about those that don't?  How do I earn the privilege of influencing others?  Influence, unlike free speech, is a privilege not a right.  I decided that I do many things right being active in the community, volunteering at Church, helping others, belonging to Service Clubs and more.  The only question is, do my words get in my way?  From the Bible to modern teachers like Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Les Brown etc. we are taught that nobody cares what we know until they know that we care.  That's a concept to focus on in our daily activities, showing others that we care.  It starts with listening and trying to understand other perspectives.  

What Are You Thinking About?

I think most of us understand that what we eat effects our health.  I also believe that what we consume in the way of information, who we associate with,  behaviors that we observe and past life experiences influence our thoughts and our outlooks.  From writers like Rhonda Byrne (The Secret) to sales trainers like Tom Hopkins and motivational speakers like Tony Robbins it is well accepted that our outcomes are influenced by our attitudes and that mastering those will make for a more satisfying life.  In the Bible we are told in Philippians 4 verse 8 "... whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things"

I have a first hand experience to relate.  Early in my career I was promoted to a new position in a new office.  I wouldn't admit it, but rather quickly I recognized that I had taken on something that I wasn't quite ready for.  There was a particular set of problems in the office that I was well equipped to handle.  I was 22 years old with only 2 years of experience.  My entire staff was at least 10 years older and skeptical of the "young pup."  One of those was a manager that had been recently demoted.  He noticed my change in body language and pulled me aside and said, "Whatever is wrong, just go to your strength."  I did just that.  I shut out everything else and plowed ahead on the biggest problem quickly turning things around in this troubled branch that had been destined to close due to lack of profitability when I assumed control.  This change in attitude, prompted by a stranger that became a lifelong friend served me very well & I reflect on this lesson any time that I am troubled.  

My advice for you is to find ways to consume positive information.  Avoid negative people (at home, work and social media), turn off the news, read inspirational books, associate with those that have lofty goals, talent and ambitions and don't let anyone cause your attitude to be anything less than confident and inspired.