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!

     

Zig's Impact

Zig Ziglar made an impact on my life, like no other single human being.  The interesting thing is that I only met him once.  Through his books, recordings, podcasts, seminars etc Zig influenced my life as he did millions of others.  His love for the profession of sales, positive outlook and faith has been a great help to me and others that I have shared him with.  Zig has left the earth, but his impact is timeless.  I am so thankful for him and his commitment to excellence in all areas of his life and sharing that with me.

What should I focus on?

We have lots of things vying for our attention and our focus.  We have a choice to make moment by moment through everyday and that is what will I focus on?  They key when making this decision is to know what you have control over.  I coach salespeople and here is the key to success.

  # attempts/dials = contacts = sales  

There is only one part of this equation that I have direct control over and that is the #attempts to contact a prospect  i.e. dial the phone.  I have indirect control over contacts and sales by improving my skills, but my direct control is only over the activity I generate.  That is where I should be laser focus.
Determine what you have control over that helps you succeed and focus on it ... Expect to Win!

Appreciation

Today is another day of record heat here in Texas.  Also, here in Central Texas we are having record drought conditions.  It seems that it could become an easy habit to get really frustrated and negative.  However, we have so much to be thankful for.  I must think about my wonderful family, our beautiful home, our great friends, our business opportunities and above all my God and the hope that I have.  I am very thankful today.