Be As If You Are

In life and in business there are always first times.

I remember my first wrestling match in 9th grade on the Junior Varsity team. My coach told me I looked nervous. He was right! I was so nervous I wanted to go hide. He gave me a small key to success when he said, “act as if you are a state champ.” Well, I could do that. I wasn’t sure what would happen when the whistle blew but I could look good. It must have worked, I won 7-4.

When I was 28, I had to run my first Dale Carnegie workshop. If the workshop went well up to 6 individuals might enroll in my upcoming public class. I tried to get someone else to run the workshop. I had never conducted one and sure didn’t want to blow it. No one was available. I had to do it.

I arrived an hour early and sat in my car in a panic because this would be my first time. I then remembered Mr. Carnegie’s words, “if you act enthusiastic you will be enthusiastic.” I could do that. Then, I remembered the words of my junior high wrestling coach “act as if you are a state champ.” Well, I got out of my car with enthusiasm and renewed confidence. This company was so lucky because the best Dale Carnegie workshop presented on planet earth was just about to happen in Chambersburg, PA this very morning. Yes, great things were about to happen.

After 20 years, I really don't remember too much about what went on in that workshop. I do remember two clear results.

1. All six potential class members enrolled.

2. I never again asked someone else to run a workshop for me when I was available.

When you train and commit yourself to being the best that you can be at what you do on planet earth you will exceed expectations, yours and others!

Put another way. . . .

Be it!
Act like it
Think like it
Feel like it
Look like it
Speak like it

What are you going to differently to today to “Be it?”

Life Lessons on a Bike

It was hot. I was tired. My legs hurt and I was wondering, “How did I get myself in this mess”? It started out as a dare. Then it seemed like an exciting adventure. At the end of day one I just wanted to throw in the towel, call my Dad and go home. My challenge? I was attempting to ride my bicycle across the United States of America. It was day one, and I was only 35 miles into my 3237 mile trek!

I learned two lessons that summer as I rode my bicycle from Solana Beach, California to Rehobath Beach, Delaware: “gear down” and take life one day at a time.

The first lesson, take life one day at a time:
On May 28th, our first day, I was convinced that I would be riding for the rest of my life and panic set in. By taking it one day at a time, even one hour at a time the daunting task began to seem possible as the miles, mountains, Great Plains, Mississippi River went by. The Ohio Valley, the West Virginia Mountains, our Nation’s capitol and then the final road into Robeth Beach, Delaware on July 4th came and went. Yes, it was fun. The accomplishment was even greater. Knowing that I did something that for most people would seem impossible to do, by taking life one day at a time.

The second lesson, “gear down”:
The reason I was in so much pain the first day is that I wanted to be the first to the top of the hill. I want charging up in high gear. Yes, I made it and was totally spent. As I learned to “gear down” it took a little longer but I was rested at the top and could enjoy the vistas. “Gearing down” allowed me to be consistent, avoiding the highs and lows that would have certainly derailed my journey either through discouragement or injury.

I know we live in challenging times. Here are some tips to get to the top and enjoy the vista.

1. Live and enjoy each day.
   
2. Realize that tomorrow will come, be present today!
   
3. Remember there is a difference between fore thought and worry thought.
   
4. Finally, “gear down” to increase your efficiencies and over all effectiveness.

These tips allow us to enjoy the trip and not be blinded by the final destination.

I have discovered a little secret in life that I will now share with you. No matter what you do, hiring the right person, closing the challenging sale, sweeping the floors, or riding your bike across the dessert in 120 degree heat. . . . .

Stay focused on what you can do rather than focus on what you wish you could do.

How to Ignite Your Personal Development Plans (PDP)

Does this sound familiar: we spent all this time getting all excited about doing the analysis and then writing the plan and dreaming about what might, could, should happen, but then. . . little if anything is ever implemented.

I have recently been involved in some high level executive coaching and this is a common frustration at their level and below.

Here is the challenge. . . options are limited. Basically your choice is to engage in one or more of the following activities:

1. Self-directed learning opportunities
2. Experiential learning opportunities
3. On–line learning opportunities
4. Educational learning opportunities
5. Training in competencies

To do any of the above you need to be ignited! None of the above activities will happen just because you have a great PDP (Personal Development Plan).

You can not change directions sitting still, you've got to move!

Dale Carnegie has been in business for 97 years. Moving people, by building confidence and courage, to do what they do not want to do. Remember the old sage Albert E. N. Gray who said "successful people form the habits of doing things that failure do not like to do."

Be ignited, take a Dale Carnegie Course this summer. Has time been your excuse? Then enroll in our new and exciting three day immersion course today. . . I dare you!