Welcome back brew nation! It’s the “Friday Coffee Guy” coming to you with The Champion’s Brew, a weekly assembly of material I am reading, listening to, watching, or thinking about that is designed to equip and call you to uncommon leadership. I often add my own little spin based on my takeaways and would love your input as well. Any of the points especially impact you? Drop me a note at [email protected], or comment on the blog to keep the conversation going! I believe you will discover that the format is not only useful, but also that you can consume it within the time it takes you to enjoy your daily ‘brew’! Become a member of the Champions Brew Nation by subscribing here!!
Here is your weekly sip of what I have been reading, listening to or watching to equip me to:
- Think Positively – I am currently about 1/3 of the way through Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill. I am sure that at least a few of you have read it. For me, this is my first time through. The book was written first published in 1937 and is credited as one of the most influential self-help books ever written. I am enjoying the read although I do find myself having to re-read many parts. Regardless, I have already had many takeaways. In the chapter on Faith, the author suggests that the principle of “auto-suggestion”, which is defined as “the subconscious adoption of an idea that one has originated by oneself through repetition of verbal statements to oneself in order to change behavior. The principles states that if you fill your mind with doubt and unbelief in your ability to connect, your subconscious mind will translate it into the physical equivalent (depression, worry, fear, sickness). The opposite is also true, whereas you may rise to the altitude of achievement based on your positive thoughts, beliefs and self-talk. We have heard some form of this used in quotes many times over. The one I often hear attributed is “If you think you can or think you can’t, you are probably right. This principle is also illustrated in this 19th century poem from Walter D. Wintle:
Thinking
If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare note, you don’t
If you like to win, but think you can’t
It is almost certain you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose you’re lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow’s will-
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You’ve got to think high to rise,
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a price.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger of faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!
- Read More – I have committed to reviewing one law per week from John Maxwell’s 25th anniversary edition of the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. In its 25 years, the book has sold over 4 million copies! I feel like I have purchased at least 100 of them over the years to gift. It has been a significant influence on my life for sure and that leads right into the second law:
The Law Of Navigation
Anyone Can Steer the Ship, but It Takes a Leader to Chart the Course
For the team to be successful, long term, the leader needs to be able to see before AND farther than others. Good leaders are able to see through a different lens the “big picture” and not let the team get blindsided. The illustrations the author has in this case are extreme, no doubt as he illustrates the story of the Titanic and how the crew did not see far enough ahead to steer clear of an iceberg. The result of that violation of the Law of Navigation was 1,000 people lost their lives.
While you may not be steering a ship that weighs more than 52,000 TONS, it is important to chart their course. John shared an acronym to help leaders to chart the course: PLAN AHEAD
Predetermine a course of action
Lay out your goals
Adjust your priorities
Notify key personnel
Allow time for acceptance
Head into action
Expect problems
Always point to the successes
Daily review your plan.
Leaders, it is imperative that you plan ahead, to help support your team in avoiding the potential ‘icebergs’ that may be in their way.
Quote – “There are no limitations to the mind except those we acknowledge.”
What You Need to Do:
Call to Action: So, how’s your thinking? At the start of 2022, the mantra I chose at the urging of my friend, Dave, was #nolimitingbeliefs. That continues to be a muscle I need to exercise on a regular basis. I am glad to have people to hold me accountable to this. Do you have someone to hold you accountable to what you want to achieve? If not, maybe I can be that person. If you will make a comment about your challenges with positive thinking on today’s blog, or via email ( [email protected] ) , I will send you a link to set up a FREE 15-minute call with you to see if success coaching may be of value to you. What do you have to lose? Rather than asking yourself, “Why me?”, turn it around to a positive thought and ask “Why NOT me?”
I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Champions Brew. If you did, I would appreciate it if you would share it with someone who might enjoy it as well and ask them to subscribe! I will make sure they automatically get this email every week.
Until next time think positively, read daily, PLAN AHEAD and Grow Champions!
P.S. – Are you a podcast fan? Maybe the Uncommon Leader podcast is for you. Are you interested in being a guest on the Uncommon Leader Podcast? Do you have a story to tell? Email me [email protected] and let’s have a chat and set
One Response
John, thanks for another great Champions Brew.
I am reminded that being an introverted thinker can be a plus and sometimes a minus. I have a strength in this area that sometimes turns into a weakness. That is something that I need to be mindful of as I go through my day.
As you point out about charting a course versus steering the ship… steering is just work. Figuring out the strategic piece isn’t for everyone. Effective leadership means knowing where and when to go.