I dedicate myself to...

Accomplishing a goal or succeeding in an endeavor depends on the amount of passion we have towards that goal or endeavor.  That passion creates the dedication to the cause which produces the attitude to never quit.  Wow that was an easy recipe for success.  The greatest challenge in many cases is the dedication.  It is the piece that puts the passion into action, that drives the attitude  when it waivers. 

Definition of DEDICATION
: an act or rite of dedicating to a divine being or to a sacred use
: a devoting or setting aside for a particular purpose
: self-sacrificing devotion

The definition of dedication is daunting.  From the reference to divine & sacred to the use of the words self sacrificing devotion.

• Noah was dedicated to pleasing God & saving his family.
• • • • • • • 
              
• Jesus dedicated himself to all of God's children by giving the ultimate self sacrifice.
• Could Stephen have saved himself from the fatal stoning he endured? His dedication to God wouldn't allow him to do anything contrary to that devotion.
• Gandhi's remarkable dedication to peace has been an inspiration worldwide.
• Nelson Mandela's dedication to justice for his people led to the strength to endure many years of prison and the courage to lead in the face of adversity.

• Martin Luther King's dedication to God and that we are all created equally and children of God, gave him the courage to persevere through criticism and persecution.
• Michael Jordan practiced his craft of basketball longer than any of his peers because of his dedication to be the best, fueled by the passion created when he was told he wasn't good enough as a teenager.
• Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, pioneers of our computer era, had very tough times to begin.  But, their dedication to the pursuit of their dreams was paramount in their success.
• One of my very favorite movies, the Pursuit of Happyness, tells the story of Chris Gardner.  A tremendous story of dedication and action.  

• Thousands of salespeople succeed daily because of their dedication to their families and their clients.
• Thousands of ministers through out the world inspire and serve daily because of their dedication to their God and to their neighbor

I could go on and on with examples of dedication in our world.  Historic, present day, Christian or in business the examples are powerful and show us the importance of dedication.  

To test your dedication today, do these 3 things:

1. Look at your calendar or schedule.  What is on it?  Is it full or blank?  If it is full, what is it full with?  If it is blank, why?  This examination will tell you what in your life you are dedicated to.
2. Look at your check book and/or bank account.  What are you spending your money on?  What does your budget look like?  Do you stick to a budget?  This examination will further tell you what in your life your are dedicated to.
3.  Over the last 30 days, make a list of:  People you spent time with, books you read, websites you spent time on, videos you watched.  How much time with each? Work related or family? Church related? This examination will tell you what you are dedicated to?

Our time, our priorities and our money.  Those 3 things are what we have control over.  We control them based on what we are passionate about, dedicated to and take action on. If you are passionate about your family and their well being;  that will be shown, in your schedule, your checkbook and the people, books, websites, videos you spend time with.  This can be a gut wrenching exercise, but a very productive one if you do it honestly.  After you do this exercise then compare it to what you feel you should be achieving and you may be able to diagnose a problem with some course corrections in the area of dedication and action.

We have such great examples of dedication in our history in our lives.  Look for them and be one of those examples of dedication for others.  Expect to Win!

Conquering Change

Yesterday's post on change was met with a vast range of response.  From those that embrace change to those that say with force "I HATE CHANGE".  It really doesn't matter how we feel about it, we have to deal with it.   How do we conquer change?  From my experience it takes a 2 phased attack - Plan and Execute.

Plan - Planning takes thought and research.  In order for a plan to be effective, it must come together with the end in mind.  What outcome do I want and why? Where am I at now? How do I get from now to the desired outome?  What new knowledge or skill will it take? Then build the plan step by step from where you are now to the desired outcome.

Execute - Action - Take the plan and put it into action.  Discpline, dedication and effort. Gain the knowledge and skill necessary to execute the plan.  Motivation comes from the passion to be successful in making whatever change and or achieving the goal you are trying to reach. 

Today conquer the changing landscape in your life, your family and your business by planning and execution.  Expect to Win!

Change .... Change .... Change

Something you can count on is that THIS will change, whatever this is.  I've used this phrase many times throughout my life.  I have repeated it to myself, to my children and most recently to my daughter who is the mother of a 3 year old and a one year old.  I have coached individuals in business to embrace change.  You might as well, it is inevitable. 
I don't know that business is changing anymore today than it has in the past.  But, I am certain it is changing and doing it fast.  Technology changes daily.  Communication is in a constant state of flux.  Audio, video, print, social media etc are all a part of the business landscape.  The key is not to fear the change, embrace it and adapt.  Reestablish the passion for your business and then the changes become welcome challenges.
Accept it and THRIVE in the changes.  Expect to Win!

On purpose

A very common word today is intentional.  I must say that I love it.  Living life or going after something on purpose or with a plan is intentional living.
                                  I have consistently coached individuals  against "winging it".
                                  That is the exact opposite of intentional.  Whether it be a
                                  sales presentation, following your passion or establishing
                                  a relationship, winging it doesn't work.  Winging it is not
                                 a sign of mastery or flexibility it is a sign of laziness and
                                 lack of commitment.
The intentional approach takes dedication and thought.  It truly is a big part of the recipe for success in whatever journey you are on.

Today be intentional and Expect to Win!

Lessons from Mom!

My Mom died a few years ago. She was 92 years old but still full of life.  She had been unable to stand or walk for a number of years, however she managed to get around in her motorized wheelchair and with very little help.  The things that truly brightened her days were her family, something funny and little animals.  She truly loved her children and grandchildren, unconditionally.  She got great pleasure from watching and laughing uncontrollably at episodes of Funniest Home Videos, Golden Girls or Red Skelton.  There was nothing better than to watch her pleasure from spending time with her "grandpups" or just watching a squirrel play on her balcony.

I learned so much from my Mom over my life, but I especially learned unconditional love, adapting to cirmustances with grace and the importance of looking for ways to be happy.

I encourage you to look for lessons in your life.  Expect to Win!

Get Started!

I just took a look at Brian Tracy's Quote of the Day ...

 "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

-- Johann von Goethe 

This time of the year many of us have thoughts and make plans to change, improve and chase our dreams. But, do we include in that plan ... STARTING?  Goethe said that beginning is bold.  How many new year resolutions fail because the person who made them never got STARTED?  Why is getting STARTED considered bold?

Here are 3 reasons why it takes boldness to get started on a big change or improvement or chasing a dream:

1. Fear of failure

          False Evidence Appearing Real 

   

    2.   Lack of belief in self

          

          I can't, won't or don't deserve it.  

   3.   Lack of belief in the change, improvement or dream

         Do you want it?  What is the reason for the change, the need for improvement or the 

         dreaming of the dream.

Ask the right questions and all 3 of these reasons can be overcome in a very short period of time.  Delve deeply into these 3 reasons and how they apply to you. 

 I encourage you today to be bold and get STARTED!  Expect to Win!