Posted on December 04, 2010 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.
Vince Lombardi said, “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” In the research for their book, “The Power of Full Engagement,” Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz stress that managing one’s energy is the key to peak performance.
“The importance of physical energy seems obvious for athletes, construction workers, and farmers. Because the rest of us are evaluated by what we do with our minds than with our bodies, we tend to discount the role that physical energy plays in performance. In most jobs, the physical body has been completely cut off from the performance equation. In reality, physical energy is the fundamental source of fuel… It lies not only at the heart of alertness and vitality but also affects our ability to manage our emotions, sustain concentration, think creatively, and even maintain our commitment to whatever mission we are on.”
My brother owns a dog who loves chasing after sticks, tennis balls, or whatever else is thrown into the lake we frequently visit in northern Minnesota. There is nothing like the joy in that dog’s eyes, and the enthusiasm in his pant, as he anticipates “the throw.” And after a few fake throws (you have all done this to a dog) I toss a stick as far as my arm can throw. Then, like a bolt of lightening, off goes the dog, only to return a few minutes later with the stick in mouth, ready to do it all over again.
What I have discovered is that if I can keep that dog chasing sticks for a long enough period of time, he will eventually reach a state of fatigue where he is forced to quit. He just can not continue. And if this dog reaches this level of fatigue, he is usually done, not just for a few minutes, but for the rest of the day. He will just lay there and sleep with the stick hanging out of it’s mouth for a long, long time.
Our bodies work in the same way. If our bodies are allowed to reach a certain level of fatigue, we end up being tired and worn out – not just for a few hours, but for a number of days. In this go, go, go – action packed world in which we live, you need to carefully manage your energy to maintain the fortitude and resilience needed to pursue your goals. This involves keeping your life in balance. Balancing your need for rest and renewal with the need to work and execute well.
A few thoughts on managing your Energy:
• Energy is the currency of personal and professional success.
• You choose your energy – just as you choose your attitude. You must take personal responsibility for your energy level.
• High levels of “emotional energy” are derived from: Clarity of Purpose, Daily Focus toward that Purpose, Authentic Passion, Laughter, and Meaningful Relationships. High levels of “physical energy” are derived from: A Healthy diet, Proper Rest, and Regular Exercise.
• Your level of Emotional Energy and level of Physical Energy are interrelated. They feed off each other.
• It’s all about managing your time AND energy. You need to focus on, and develop habits that maximize both.
• Don’t waist your emotionally energy on people who don’t care – on people who just don’t get it… “Don’t let anyone walk through your mind with muddy feet.”
Posted on November 26, 2010 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?
• You’re not motivated, feel burned out
• You’re distracted, off-focus
• You’re not following through well
• You’re not getting the results you seek
• Deep inside you want to be doing something else
• You’re blaming others, the economy, bad luck, “the system”…
** In general, do you feel your life is spinning in a mediocre existence?
Here are a few thoughts that may help…
First of all, being mediocre does have its advantages. For one, you get play it safe and not look foolish. You get to avoid risk, and safely hang within the crowd. Yet the problem is, a mediocre life is boring and requires you to bury your dreams and potential.
** Excellence is derived when we embrace the change and growth needed to attain a breakthrough level of performance, and is supported by the following mindset:
1. Embrace Stress and Discomfort. Any challenge that demands your best will create stress. The key is to view discomfort as natural and necessary for growth. Like diving into the deep end of the swimming pool for the very first time – willingly enter into the discomfort that accompanies change and strategic growth – instead of playing it safe in the shallow end where all the little kids hang out…
Be willing to push through barriers. Learn to balance stress with pre-set times of recovery.
2. Let go of Preconceptions. Change demands we embrace new paradigms and new ways of thinking. Be prepared to accept (and make) the personal and corporate changes that growth demands. Let go of what you think you know and be willing to embrace something anew. Stop being an “expert” - choose to be a novice. Remain open and curious. When you think you already know the best methods and strategies, you close yourself from the ingenuity of your own creative mind, and the creative mind of those around you.
3. Know what you really want. Have a clear understanding of what your passions are, and what you want your life to stand for and represent. Points 1 & 2 about stress and change will only drain and de-motivate you if you do not really care where the stress and change is leading you to. Working hard toward a goal will leave you unfulfilled – if that goal does not align with where you personally want to go as well.
** Excellence is derives from feeling passionate about a goal or cause, where you then able to align your God-given strengths in support of that cause, while embracing the personal growth and change needed to attain the goal.
Excellence reaches beyond what you think is possible – and it will be your belief, passion, and alignment of strengths toward that goal, which allows you to reach a new level of excellence.
Posted on November 10, 2010 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.
In their book, “Soar with your Strengths,” Clifton and Nelson share the example of how the Chinese have long been able to hold the Olympic gold medal in Ping-Pong.
At the 1984 Olympics, when they again captured the gold medal, the coach of the Chinese team was asked by a reporter, “Tell us about your team’s daily training regimen.”
“We practice eight hours a day perfecting our strengths.”
“Could you be a little more specific?” asked the reporter.
“Here is our philosophy: If you develop your strengths to the maximum, the strengths become so great it overwhelms the weaknesses. Our winning player, you see, plays only with his forehand. Even though he cannot play backhand, and his competition knows he cannot play backhand, his forehand is so invincible that he cannot be beaten.”
And so it is in our lives... Though we all need to properly manage our weaknesses - it will be as we continually develop and utilize our strengths that we will make the most effective and efficient progress toward our dreams and goals. Each of us have specific abilities, which if understood and leveraged, will enable us to quickly advance in almost any area of life, including our effectiveness as a leader.
In what ways are you developing your strengths lately?
Posted on November 05, 2010 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.
Being assertive, in the proper setting and situation, is a great advantage – especially when it comes to your career and reaching your potential. After all, most supervisors do not care about the kind of tie you have on, or how well you make coffee. They are interested in, and are likely to remember, if you are a person who wisely and consistently shows initiative.
Whether in your career, working on a hobby, or personal goal – learning how to take initiative is the first step to achieving grander goals and attaining your highest ambitions. Taking initiative truly opens the doors of success…
**When showing initiative, remember these truths:
1) Taking Initiative Does Not Equate To Being Aggressive.
Many people make the mistake of thinking that showing initiative, or begin assertive, is the same thing as being aggressive – thus they hesitate to step out. While being an “aggressive” person can backfire on you big time – wisely and boldly showing initiative will open doors and quicken your ability to attain your dreams and goals.
Being aggressive is mean. On the other hand, being assertive is about proactively facilitating growth in yourself and organization.
2) Your Initiative Rests On Self-Confidence.
It is hard to consistently show initiative when you lack self-confidence. And the foundation for building your confidence is belief – Belief in yourself, your dreams, and what you can become.
3) Initiative Benefits Every Area Of Life.
Therefore, in your spiritual, physical, social, and mental life – work to boldly step forward by:
Seeking
Asking
Going
Moving
Apologizing
Loving
Confronting
Helping…
** Your choice to step out will pay rich dividends.
Posted on October 22, 2010 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.
“Everything can be take from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” (Viktor Frankl)
This fundamental truth cannot be dismissed. Though it may be a hard pill to swallow, unless we accept (at the deepest level) that we are 100% responsible for our lives, our potential will forever be held captive. And a person will only experience the fruit of Frankl’s truth if they have taken the time to develop the disciplines of “Self-leadership.”
“Self-leadership” can be defined as the capacity and commitment to take full responsibility for one’s life by exhibiting the discipline and behaviors needed to realize their potential. It is the antithesis of shifting responsibility for one’s happiness, satisfaction, or success to someone or something else.
** Therefore… How can a person increase their practice of Self-leadership?
1) As mentioned, the first step is to fully accept that you are 100% responsible for your life. While not denying the impact of the present or past on you – accept that you had a definite role in adopting whatever negative beliefs, attitudes, and self-concepts that may be imbedded in your life. Choose to accept that your future attitude, emotional health, and success are a consequence of your own choices and behaviors.
2) Monitor your self-talk. Watch what you are saying to yourself. Negative statements (verbalized or thought) will only lead you into a life of despair and fear – while constructive and healthy thoughts lead to hope, belief and truth.
3) When faced with a difficult situation, consciously ask yourself, “What would it mean to exercise self-leadership right now?” “How should I choose my response in this situation?” Asking these questions will create the space to be proactive rather than reactive.
4) Deepen your self-awareness. The more you know about your own needs, values, talents and strengths – as well as your stressors and blind spots – the more you can create circumstances that work for you – not against you.
5) Actively dream and visualize the future you want. While taking action is the ultimate expression of self-leadership, visualizing the future you desire is a powerful way to increase your motivation and courage. We all use visualization already – for our minds are constantly creating pictures… so why not use these mental images in a proactive way?
** Self-leadership is not easy in a world where most people are driven by the pursuit of pleasure. But the ability to lead yourself is the key to living a life of personal and professional success.
Posted on October 07, 2010 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.
Failing to Notice
The range of what we see and do
Is limited by what we fail to notice.
And because we fail to notice
That we fail to notice,
There is little we can do
To change
Until we notice
How failing to notice
Shapes our thoughts and deeds.
- R. D. Lang
Posted on August 11, 2010 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.
There are at least five key benefits of clarifying, and then living out one’s Purpose - or Calling in life:
1) Discovering your purpose gives deeper meaning to life. We were all created to live out a unique and meaningful purpose – and knowing that purpose will enable/empower you to bear with almost anything life throws your way. Hellen Keller wrote, “Many people have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”
2) A well-defined purpose simplifies life. A well-defined purpose becomes the standard to evaluate which activities are essential and which are not - by asking, “Will this activity help fulfill my purposes in life?” A worthy purpose simplifies.
Without a clear purpose, you have no foundation on which to base decisions, allocate your time, and use your resources. Instead, you will tend to make choices based on circumstances, pressures, and/or your mood at that moment.
3) A meaningful purpose provides focus. It is human nature to get distracted by trivial issues. If you want your life to have impact, focus it on your unique Calling – and never confuse mere “activity” with productivity. You can be very busy, yet still aimlessly wonder through your day, week, and life. A clear purpose will concentrate your effort and energy on that which is most important.
In addition, without a defined purpose, you will be temped to keep changing direction/jobs/relationships/churches, or other circumstances – hoping the next change will help find the meaning your life seems to lack.
4) Knowing your purpose motivates. Purpose produces passion, for nothing energizes an individual like a clear purpose. On the other hand, passion will dissipate when one is uncertain… It is usually
meaningless
work - not overwork - that wears us down, saps our strength, and robs our joy. George Bernard Shaw wrote, “This is the true joy of life: the being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.”
5) Your purpose will help define your lasting legacy. Many people spend their lives trying to create a lasting legacy. Living out your God given purpose will greatly shape what your lasting legacy will be. Choose your legacy by living out your unique Calling.
** So how can does one define their Calling/Purpose in life?
For at start, take a couple of hours and go off to some beach, park, or quiet corner restaurant booth and dig deep into your heart and write down your thoughts to the following questions:
• When am I most naturally myself? What people, places, and activities allow me to feel most fully myself?
• What is my greatest talent? What have I always been good at doing?
• What do I love to do? How can I get paid for doing what I love to do?
• Who are my most inspiring role models? Why is this so?
• How do I enjoy being of service to others?
• What is my heart’s deepest desire?
• What needs do I care about the most?
• What makes me feel most fulfilled?
• What have I felt called to do?
• What legacy would I like to leave?
* Some thoughts above revised from “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren.
Posted on July 29, 2010 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.
“We must not be afraid of dreaming the seemingly impossible if we want the seemingly impossible to become a reality.” – Vaclav Have
Robert H. Goddard, the driving force behind America’s early space programs, is today called “the father of space flight.” But when he first imagined that a rocket could be propelled through outer space, the New York Times ridiculed his dream, saying he lacked even “the knowledge ladled out daily in high schools!” With no atmosphere in outer space, and therefore nothing for an engine to thrust against, the NY Times explained a rocket could not move an inch. That was in 1920.
Goddard stuck to his dream, insisting, “It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow.”
In 1969, when the Apollo 11 mission reached the moon, the NY Times reconsidered its earlier scoffing and mocked itself in an editorial that included these words: “Further investigation and experimentation have confirmed the findings of Issac Newton in the 17th century, and it is now definitely established that a rocket can function in a vacuum as well as in an atmosphere. The New York Times regrets the error.”
** Psychologist Abraham Maslow said when we free ourselves from the constraints of ordinary goals and uninformed scoffers, we will find ourselves “roaring off the face of the earth.” That is what happens when we, by faith, step in the direction of our beliefs and goals, rather than allowing ourselves to be distracted by naysayers who are content to live a mediocre life.
** Stay focused, and move in the direction of your dreams. Do not let anyone belittle your dreams out of you – for one day they may owe you an apology for scoffing at your idea as well!
“The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.” – Arthur C. Clarke
Posted on July 12, 2010 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.
“I want to live while I’m alive…” - Jon Bon Jovi
The book “Toward The Final Crossroads”, is a biography of Howard and Edna Hong, who together translated volumes of book written by Soren Kierkegaard into English. They also founded the Kierkegaard library at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Just prior to World War II, Howard and Edna spent their honeymoon in Denmark, beginning their translations work while riding a tandem bike through Europe… Post WWII, they worked aiding war prisoners and refugees in Scandinavia, Austria and Germany.
On returning home to the United States, they were teachers at St. Olaf College and raised a family of eight children - both naturally born and adopted. One of the contributors to their biography described Edna as having great physical, mental and spiritual energy. At Edna’s death she wrote, “I feel weepy to think that she is no longer in the world, she was a vision of active goodness.”
Our own story is compiled in how we understand - and then make choices - at various crossroads in our life. In fact, every choice we make contributes to shaping and defining our life story.
Such is the power of choice. It can bring us closer to, or further from, our dreams. A good part of our waking day is spent in making choices. It begins as soon as the alarm goes off. Do we get out of bed or push the snooze button? Do we prepare for work or call in sick? At the job, do we work with excellence or goof off? Then all during the day we continue making choices as we decide what to do next. Do I tackle the most important task, or let myself drift into doing the mundane? Do I focus on moving forward, or settle for the least resistant path? Each decision leads us down the path of success - or causes us to remain sitting on a pile of mediocrity.
What kind of life are you choosing to live?
“Face the facts of being what you are, for that is what changes what you are.” - Soren Kierkegaard
* Adapted from an email sent to me from my mom.
