Coach’s Corner
What’s The Bravest Thing You Can Do Today
Bravery is not necessarily about heroism. For most of us being brave can be as simple as making that call that says “I made a mistake” or “I 
care”. It is the small things in our life that challenge us everyday and begin to pile up, presenting over time a physiological obstacle that appears daunting. One step at time, or one brave action begins to clear the deck for you and positively impacts all the people in your life at work and at home. Our being brave aligns our world, so that it works for us and the people close to us. So, “What is the bravest thing I can do today” is a worthwhile question to ask yourself each every morning.
Make tough changes. Feel good later!
The point is that the Positively Powerful right thing to do is stay in action about what matters to you. Feelings are great but don’t let them get in the way of your vision. If you feel “bad” focus out on somebody else, contribute to them then spend time developing your business network of support. Then reach out and make something happen, be it a cold call, a hot call, a new pitch. “It’s not easy but it is possible” is a good mantra to have.
Seth Godin advices “Repeating easy tasks again and again gets you not very far. Attacking only steep cliffs where no progress is made isn’t particularly effective either. No, the best path is an endless series of difficult (but achievable) hills.”
Our ability to take 
action is meaningful tough work a lot of the time. And not just any kind of action. If as a business person you spend all of your time working on volunteer projects, yes, that’s movement and contribution. However, are these activities easy and will they lead to the business profile that you want? Unless that’s your job, it’s certain that volunteering no matter how good you may feel afterward won’t pay the mortgage. And that reality feels awful. It will take action that may be uncomfortable and out of the box for you. Take the high hills as Seth says. Regardless of what your personality style is, it doesn’t matter. “If it’s to be, it’s up to thee.”
Now I’m off to put on my mountain climbing boots. I have some ground to cover and big hills to climb. Said in another way, “if it’s to be it’s up to me.”
Related articles
- Some brilliant thoughts that aren’t mine (thatguykc.wordpress.com)
Leaders look the part.
One of the opportunities to express ones leadership is to dressing to fit a new position. Whether it is moving from one senior level position to another or going to another organization, learn what the professional dress is for the place where you are or will be working. Notice what people at your level are currently wearing, check out their website or make a visit. Casual Fridays may not be what’s in. Better to dress slightly above what you see there than below. “Dress for success” is imperative if you want to be highly regarded. And that may mean dress jeans are the way to go. Or not. Find out. While we say, “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover” people still do. Kudos to my client who brought this to life with great style and panache.
Here’s an outfit that might have been appropriate back in the day.
You Must Define “Professional”
It’s great being liked by those you are managing but not at the expense of your customer, team or company. As the expression goes, “you pay your prices now or later with penalty and interest”. Once your direct reports realize that you have a higher calling – insuring that everyone has a job because the business was not put at risk by their actions – they will shift and get with the program. And isn’t that what you want anyway?
How are you doing separating the personal from the professional? Let me know if I can support you in being heard and getting people to respond in the way that you would like. Coach J.