Prepare and Prepare Some More!

As I have evolved as a leader, one of the essential ingredients to my success has been preparation. Let's face it, leadership is not always easy and we all have moments where we get bogged down with unexpected tasks, emergencies, life, etc. However, when you keep preparation top of mind on what is planned and or in your control such as your goals, meetings, 1:1's, speaking engagements, projects, conflict situations...the list could certainly go on and on - you will find that despite it all, you will still handle whatever task(s) at hand with confidence and with poise because you did not compromise the necessity of being on your game and being prepared. Will it be easy? No! Will you have to get out of your comfort zone often? Yes! Will you feel like putting it off until tomorrow sometimes? Sure! I call that being human. Don't give up, stay focused and prepare, prepare, prepare.

Preparation yields results!

Leading into 2015

Like most, I am sure you have set your mind to achieve certain goals in 2015. In fact, setting a goal(s) is a key first step in actually achieving results. Despite how busy you get and how hard it can and will feel along the way, stay true to what you set out to achieve and crush it!  Remember, we are all leaders and when you accomplish your goals, you shine a light on others and actually spark inspiration even when you don't know it. Lead, lead, lead in 2015 and celebrate your successes along the way. One last thing, as you lead....GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT!

Breathing Space

It has been over a month since my last post and I have absolutely no excuses.  What I can tell you is that I have learned that when the cup begins to run over, it is necessary to create breathing space. As leaders, well being is something that we often times push to the side and it is important to remember that there is nothing healthy about lack of balance in our lives.   

Since my last post, I have experienced the loss of a sorority sister to suicide, a jury trial that involved a murder of a 21 year old female and her 5 month old unborn child, completed my first triathlon, continued living the "Soccer Mom" dream and executed 2 very critical meetings that required acute attention to detail.  Not to mention the countless number of additional meetings and commitments.

For me, my breathing space typically comes by way of family time, yoga, meditation, running and cycling....as well as, off phone/computer time by a certain time at night just to name a few. As my schedule continues to swell (with good things of course), it has helped me...or shall I say, forced me to look again at how my life is structured and re-prioritize where necessary. I would not trade my breathing space for anything and neither should you!

Before you leave, ask yourself...
How do I "intentionally" create breathing space?
Do I spend enough time with balancing my "whole life" or do I find moreso than not that I am focusing on everyone but not including myself in that equation?
If I could do at least 1 thing differently to create balance, what would it be?

The final question and possibly the hardest...
What is stopping me from achieving better balance?

Until next time.....BREATHE :-).

Blessing Those Who Blessed Others

You may recall the Live Your Dreams Out Loud post from a few weeks ago.  I asked readers to think about sharing their stories with hopes that it would inspire someone who may need to hear their story.  Originally I was going to pay it forward with one $50 Amazon gift card to the story that generated the most likes.  The opportunity for the gift card is now over but I have decided that each story submitted has "likes" beyond measure in my book. Therefore, the 3 brave authors who submitted stories will all receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card.  It's my pleasure to do this and I hope someone is equally touched and inspired as I was from the Live Your Dreams Out Loud stories submitted.

THANK YOU for sharing a piece of your life with the world!

Sincerely,

TMinor
Creator and author of Leading With Purpose, the Blog
#BeTheVerb

Reactions Matter

When you think about how to react or respond, remind yourself that reactions matter.  In fact, your reaction will leave a bigger impact than intent if not handled appropriately. You could quickly trump a good thing and or damage a relationship you have been working really hard to turn around.  Always remember that others are watching and often times learning from how you respond.

Memories of past experiences are not easily forgotten so make sure that you make interactions count and never forget that every reaction matters!

The Little Things

There was a tid-bit I picked up from a leader who I recently met through a conference.  I was totally amazed by his energy and his way of engaging a very large crowd and I said to myself, I have to introduce myself.  Fast forward almost 2 months later and we actually have an opportunity to catch up face to face.  We had a great time getting to know each other and discussing opportunities and as we were wrapping up he said to me, when is your birthday and for my office address?  You may say, so what…but the beauty in cultivating relationships really starts by also being conscience of the little things. Who doesn't love a birthday card or an email recognizing you on your born day?  Personally, I took a page out of his book immediately.

#LWP #BeTheVerb

Saturday's Nugget of Wisdom