Motivation Monday

Some people drag into Monday, others are excited and recharged, ready to get started.

Everyone is different. Everyone has their own needs and reasons to do what they have to do to earn a living. Many people simply want to be part of the team, they want to make a difference, and what is important to them is evidence of making an impact. Making an impact is critical for me. Regardless of the hard work, regardless of the risks and rewards, making a positive impact is what really motivates me for more.

It’s Monday and I’m motivated – are you?

- DEG

Destiny – You’re in Charge

“It’s just the way my life turned out, not everyone can…”

You are in control of your own destiny. If you are not satisfied with your current situation either personally or professionally (or both) the good news is that you have some control over your fate. The easy road is to blame others, you justify your lack of success or your current position in life as the fault of someone else. A belief that others control your fate is the wrong approach to creating your destiny.

Acceptance of the idea that you are in control of our own destiny should be the first step you take towards making a difference for your life. You have the ability to make it happen, the ability to make good choices, and the power to celebrate small wins while on your road to success. Many people believe that luck and timing are the key factors, and they play a role, but persistence is most likely the difference between those who achieve success and those who merely dream of it.

Take charge of your destiny – start today!

- DEG

Positive Impact

“You have a bad attitude!”

In our lives we all have some responsibility for our attitude. Nearly every day someone, a client, a workshop participant, or even someone in a retail establishment will mention to me the negativity that they feel from other people. We all make decisions everyday and one of the most important decisions we can make is our outlook on what today will bring. Our attitude and how we approach other people often has a lot to do with how our day will turn out.

“I was fine until I saw Adam!”

We often place blame on others around us; and frankly, yes, those people could have something to do with our negativity. What if we role reverse the scenario? Who is to blame?

Every day we have an opportunity, we have an opportunity to have a positive impact on people. Make an impact, make a ripple, and spread out positive energy to those around you!

Will you have a positive impact today?

- DEG

Personal Strategic Plan

The date is March 6, 2015, just three short years from now. Barring any unforeseen circumstances you will wake up as always and start your day. Do you have any idea where in life you will be or what you will be doing? Many people do not, and suddenly one day they wake up and realize that 5, 10, 15, or more years have passed.

Most successful businesses go through a strategic planning process. In very small businesses this may be somewhat informal, but most businesses need a plan. They often start with a process known as a SWOT analysis, analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Do your personal SWOT.

It is March 6, 2015 – where are you?

- DEG

Let’s Be Honest

Most people are reaching for something more, some barely dare to dream about it, others make it happen. Those who make it happen have the drive and the ability to push through any barriers that threaten their success. Self-confidence is a big factor, and while some people settle for the idea that they don’t have enough self-confidence others go out and get it.

Self-confidence can be built; often it is built by taking small risks. One small risk that ends in a new accomplishment builds you up for another risk, and another, and so on. Let’s be honest though, sometimes our risks end in failure. This is what separates the dreamers from the achievers. Those who take a risk and fail learn more and come back better than before. Setbacks don’t bring them down; they refocus and use the experience to bring them up. It’s not about luck, it is about desire.

Those who really want it will achieve it!

So let’s be honest – do you want it?

- DEG

Visibility vs. Credibility

Many leaders contemplate how visible they are in the scope of their area of influence. Have you considered visibility as compared to credibility? Both visibility and credibility are recognized as forms of positive influence or power in leadership roles. Visibility results from behaviors that are physically visible, typically considered to be external attributes. Credibility on the other hand results from behaviors that give a person influence and are typically considered internal attributes.

As leaders the goal should be to master the art of being both seen and heard. Be both visible and credible. Successful leaders master behaviors that allow them to be both physically seen by others and have appropriate influence on others. Leaders who master the balance of visibility and credibility are trusted and believed in by others.

How visible and credible are you in the scope of your leadership role?