Overcoming the Obstacles

As 2012 continues to fly by, are you on track to accomplish all of your goals by year-end? What obstacles have you encountered thus far? How have you overcome the obstacles? Or have you? It is easy to let an obstacle stand in the way of us reaching our goal.

An obstacle is defined as, “something that obstructs or hinders progress.” Obstacles are there to help us determine how important a goal really is. If it is truly important, we will overcome the obstacle and continue on the road to success or significance as SOS Leadership teaches. If it is not important, we usually set a new goal hoping that it will be easier to obtain.    

The late Paul J. Meyer once said, “Crystallize your goals. Make a plan for achieving them and set yourself a deadline. Then, with supreme confidence, determination and disregard for obstacles and other people's criticisms carry out your plan.” Obstacles can come in many forms. They can be other people, you, fears, or time. We cannot let obstacles stand in the way of us reaching our goals. We have to find the strength within ourselves to overcome them. Christopher Reeve once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

Over the next few days, think about the progress you have made towards accomplishing your goals. Think about the obstacles you have faced and possible obstacles you may still face. Make a commitment to accomplish your goals in spite of the obstacles. It will be worth it! Good luck on your journey. You can do it!

Why You Need to Ask Why

I came across this quote by James Allen yesterday, and it keeps replaying over and over in my mind:

"For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?" 

So what's the answer to these questions? I find that I spend a lot of time focusing on the whats and whens in my life, primarily these two questions -- What do I need to do? When do I need to do it?

When you have a lot going on, you often stay in this mode, living from the checklist. But remaining in the "what and when mode" is a dangerous trap, and it often leads to feeling stuck. The checklist begins to look overwhelming, and you can feel the burnout approaching.

It's important to understand more than just what needs to be done and by when. There needs to be clarity about the WHY. In an organizational context, most employee frustrations come from not understanding whys: Why are we doing this? Why is this change occurring? And often (especially when there's a lack of personal accountability), why me?

On a personal level, we also have to understand the reasons for our behavior, as well as the reasons for our procrastination and/or inaction. Why am I making the choices I'm making? Why am I not moving forward in this area? Why does this same task remain on my checklist week after week? Why didn't I accomplish this?

We need to seek clarity about our life's purpose and goals. When that clarity exists and our WHYs are clear, we not only know what needs to be done and by when, but we know why it's important and what will motivate us to stay the course. When we encounter obstacles along the way (and inevitably we will), we can get back on track by reminding ourselves why this goal matters. Truly, we can accomplish anything if the WHY is strong enough.

So ask yourself these four questions today:

Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?

Becoming a Leader is a Journey, Not a Destination

I recently spoke at a graduation ceremony for a group that was completing a year-long leadership program. I wanted to get the message across that becoming a leader is a journey and not a destination. Here’s how I did it:

I shared the story of my 2 year old grandson, Colin, calling to tell us that he “made poopy in the potty.” He was so excited to share this big news with his Nana and Pop-Pop, and we enjoyed hearing his happy shrieks and our daughter’s description of him dancing around the living room. Everyone was proud of this milestone! He pooped in the potty for the first time!

The question I presented to the group of leadership grads: Is Colin now potty trained?

They all answered, “No.” Of course not, right? He just took an important first step toward becoming potty trained, but he’s not potty trained.

In the same way, the graduates of the leadership program, and all of us, might be able to make poopy in the big potty, but it doesn’t mean that our leadership journey is complete. Becoming a leader is a lifelong process.

At SOS Leadership, one of our favorite leadership quotes is, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” (John F. Kennedy)  If learning and leading are so deeply connected, then we must be committed to lifelong learning if we aspire to be leaders. You are a leader now, yet you are always in the process of becoming the leader you are called to be.

Becoming a Leader is a Journey, Not a Destination!

What is Success?

There are many definitions of success out there, but the truth is: success means different things to different people. When I ask people what their definition of success is, the answers are as varied as the day is long. I often hear the following definitions of success: making a difference, health, financial security, independence, happiness, leaving a legacy, providing for my family, being loyal, wealth, recognition, raising respectful children, contentment, freedom, satisfaction, faithfulness, achievement, peace, and being respected.

The reality is this: defining success is a personal endeavor. You have to define what success means in your life. We often encounter trouble when we use someone else's definition of success or a societal view of success to measure what we've achieved. This typically leads to feelings of failure and self-doubt.

It is also important to realize that your personal definition of success will change over time. When you're in school, your definition of success is often vastly different than it is once you enter the working world. And if you have children, your definition can change dramatically as you embrace the responsibility of the child-raising journey. Various life events can alter our goals and attitudes about success.

In the book Seeds of Success: A Journey from Success to Significance, the message is to focus on understanding significance, which is defined as "success that matters to you." What makes your life significant? 

For many of us, we can spend the early years of life chasing success as the world defines it but we often reach a point on our journey when we realize that what we're seeking is significance. We let go of chasing someone else's definition of success and begin to define what makes our life significant. This turning point can change everything. It can enliven us to a life that is more full and peaceful. It can also help us to better align the way we spend our time with our true priorities.

Reflect on your own journey from success to significance. Where are you today? And where would you like be? What matters most in your world?

Goal Setting is a Way of Life

Setting goals and achieving them is a habit. When the goals process is practiced effectively, it becomes a part of your everyday life. It truly is a way of life.

In our Seeds of Success program, we share these ideas about goals:

• "Goal setting begins with an awareness of where you are right now and a desire to change the future." 
• "Goals are a prelude to action; they are a course to take; they are an expression of your strengths; they are an exercise of your desire for becoming a leader."
• "Goals bring out the best in you; they express your desire to achieve, to improve your life, and to be more effective, more productive, and more successful tomorrow than you are today."

In my family, goal setting has always been a way of life. My father, as a leadership development expert and coach, taught his children about goal setting from a very young age. In fact, I completed my first goal setting program when I was six years old! It's never too early to start! I recognize that everyone doesn't grow up learning about goals and being constantly encouraged to write down and achieve goals. But it's never too late to start! If you've never set a goal in your life or if you've been wishy washy about goal setting over the years, why not now? Start today. If you need more direction on how to get started, read this blog that includes seven steps for getting started on your goals.

If you have any questions or if we can support you in your goal-setting efforts, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Make today a great day!

Success is for everyone!

A speech I gave in 1999 at a national conference.

I have been around the leadership development industry my whole life and have learned from some brilliant minds. I began speaking professionally when I was seven years old. At that time I would speak to groups about self image and the importance of believing in yourself. I would also speak about the magic of teamwork. At times I would even talk about success.

Recently, I came across a speech I gave at a national conference attended by some of the top personal development minds in the country. I gave this speech (see picture) at the age of 13 just before the year 2000. For this blog, I thought I would simply let you read the thinking of a 13 year old boy who really didn't know any better. I hope you believe in the words below as much as I did then and still do now.

Success, it could happen to you!

What is the definition for success? It's not the richest people in the world or what happens when you meet the criteria. The definition is simply a result or an outcome. That basically means anyone can be successful. It's up to you. 

Now of course you need to look at the wheel of life and see what comes first in your life. How does your wheel roll? If you haven't experienced success in your life, this could be your year. What better year to be successful than 2000. This could be your best year ever. Why can this be my best year ever? Because life is about goals and choices and I Choose Success! What is your choice? Do you choose success?

I challenge you to make this your year and become successful. Anybody can do it. For all of you I would like to leave you with this thought: Remember you can have anything you want in your life, or be anyone you want in your life, if you focus on your goals, follow through on your plan, believe in yourself, and don't let other people or past circumstances hold you back.

If you're holding in things that are holding you back, let it out! Words can be the worst form of hatred of all. If you are thinking, I'll never be successful then you know what? You won't. If you do not believe in yourself than no one else will believe in you either. Believing in yourself is half the battle, the other half is following through  on your goals and always being yourself.

If you became successful because you were a different person then "you" are not really successful at all. At that point you have to face the facts and tell the truth. That will make you more successful just by letting the lies run free. 

I don't know what your goals are this year, but mine are to spend more time with my family, with God, and lastly on work. I love to work, but that is just how my wheel rolls. There are no detours, no stopping me. That makes me not only successful, but the luckiest man in the world. The past does not equal the future. Today is the starting point for the rest of your lives. The best is yet to come and success can happen to you!

Ed McHorse - A Leader Making a Difference

Last week Ed McHorse was honored by Front Steps with the Community Spirit Award for his many contributions to the Austin community, particularly in serving our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. Ed has been the president and guiding light of ECHO, the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, an umbrella organization formed to coordinate services to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Austin. 

Ed, a proud husband and father of three, is a lawyer and shareholder with Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody, P.C. In addition to serving as ECHO's Chair and Board President, he has also served Caritas of Austin, the Assistance League, Helping Hand Home for Children, United Way, and Northwest Little League. 

I've gotten to know Ed through my involvement with ECHO over the years, and I have personally witnessed his incredible servant leadership. ECHO has come a long way because he is a steady and deeply committed leader. In 2010 during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Ed was recognized by the Austin City Council for his contributions as an advocate for our homeless neighbors. In spite of the recognition he's received, Ed remains humble and constantly points to the work being done by others to advance the cause. 

When he accepted the Community Spirit Award, Ed shared these words of wisdom about striving to end homelessness in our community, "Ending homelessness is a matter of community willpower. We are going to solve homelessness through permanent supportive housing." He also reminded us about the stereotypes that exist about those experiencing homelessness, encouraging us to pick someone we want to help and talk to him or her. Learn that person's story and then share it. "Don't tell the story of the stereotype. Share a real person's story." 

If you want to hear more of what Ed has to say about homelessness, check out this video by I Live Here, I Give Here. 

Our community is a better place because of Ed McHorse. He is truly a leader who is making a difference!

Thought for Today: Mastering the Art of Living

The person who is a master

in the art of living

makes little distinction between

their work and their play,

their labor and their leisure,

their mind and their body,

their education and their recreation,

their love and their religion.

They hardly know which is which.

They simply pursue their vision of

excellence and grace in whatever they do,

leaving others to decide whether

they are working or playing.

To them, they are always doing both.

Lawrence Pearsall Jacks

Do you agree with this poem? Can you think of a time in your life when this rang true? What are the challenges with this mindset? In what ways does "mastering the art of living" align with your understanding of leadership? 

If you were able to bring more clarity to your goals, could you make this your reality?

Gr8 Leaders Testimonial

We are so excited to share more about our Gr8 Leaders Program, which we launched in early 2012. You can read the official announcement here. The Gr8 Leaders Program is a year-long leadership development program designed for busy professionals who want to grow and lead at a higher level. This elite group of like-minded individuals gathers monthly for a facilitated, interactive workshop that includes a leadership development component, confidential group coaching, and sharing of best practices. Each leader also commits to monthly one-on-one coaching with an SOS Leadership Coach.

In April we introduced our Gr8 Women Leaders Program, which provides a unique leadership development opportunity to women who are striving to balance their personal and professional priorities and achieve the goals that matter most to them. The program offers a support system for accountability and continuous growth. 

Courtney Goodings, Partner at Dunaway Public Relations, shared this testimonial about her experience in the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program: 

"I signed up for the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders program to advance my career and grow as a professional. What I have received is so much more. The SOS Leadership Team has helped me to assess my strengths and understand how to utilize them so that I may be the kind of leader people want to follow. 

As a working mother, another area of importance has been the constant struggle of balancing my career and home life. Amber Fogarty and the other women in the group have been a great resource and sounding board, giving me insight and ideas on how to improve and inspiring me to always do better. 

Through the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders program, I am gaining the skills to do more than just excel in my profession, but to grow as a mother, wife, friend, and person. The program has greatly exceeded my expectations, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for improvement in all aspects of their life."

If you're interested in being part of the next group of Gr8 Leaders, contact us today!