Take charge of your actions and decisions that generate lasting impact on those around you.
Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
Grab your favorite coffee cup, sit back, relax, and get ready to sip on some enriching and thought-provoking content that will equip you to thrive in all areas of your life:
- Uncommon Leader Insights – In my profound conversation with Kelsey Lensman on Episode 103 of The Uncommon Leader Podcast, I discovered transformative insights that I’m excited to share with you. Here are my three insights from our conversation:
- Choose your Hard: Kelsey’s commitment to Mission 48 reminds us of the growth found in rising to challenges. Stepping out of our comfort zone is integral for personal development, as Kelsey’s pursuit of 48 grueling fitness competitions across 48 states in 48 weeks exemplifies. Engaging in tough tasks can offer unmatched self-realization.
- Cultivate your Mindset: Kelsey’s journey underscores the crucial role of our thoughts and beliefs in achieving the remarkable. Shifting our mentality from perceived limitations to unbridled potential can redefine the magnitude of what we can accomplish.
- Clip your distractions: Kelsey’s 21-day fast from social media highlights the power of intentional priority management. Extricating ourselves from distractions and investing our time in pursuits aligned with our goals is essential.
These takeaways are just the tip of the iceberg from our chat. I strongly urge you to listen to the full episode to hear more of Kelsey’s lessons and stories. Also, you can connect with her at her website.
Stay tuned for more engaging episodes of the Uncommon Leader Podcast, where we continue to unlock the wisdom of exceptional leaders and empower you on your leadership journey!
Are you aware that The Champions Brew explores various topics that I frequently coach and consult on with other leaders and organizations? If you or someone you know is seeking to elevate their business or personal life from underperforming to uncommon, I would love to connect with you and discuss 1:1 or group coaching, as well as performance consulting. In fact, click the following link to schedule a FREE CALL to explore how coaching could benefit you and your team. Let’s work together to unleash your full potential and achieve your goals
- Think Positively – Have you ever been captivated by the artwork on silent auction in hotel lobbies? This week, as I perused the collection, one piece stood out: Theodore Roosevelt on a horse, accompanied by his inspiring writing, ‘The Man in the Arena.’ It reads:
“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming, but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
This powerful message resonates with leaders like us. It reminds us that we miss 100% of the shots we don’t take and urges us to step into the arena. We mustn’t fear making mistakes or falling short. Instead, we should strive, maintain our enthusiasm, and stay dedicated to our work. Let’s embrace Roosevelt’s call to action and lead with courage, knowing that even if we failed, we failed by trying. So, leader, are you in the arena?
Quality #16 – Responsibility
If You Won’t Carry the Ball, You Can’t Lead the Team
In Chapter 16, Maxwell outlines the subject of Responsibility. To me, Responsibility is synonymous with being Response ABLE – the ability to choose how we respond to life’s circumstances. We have the power to decide whether we take ownership of our actions or fall into the trap of playing the roles of hero, villain, or victim.
Choosing excellence becomes a powerful motivator, and those who strive for excellence must embrace responsibility. As the saying goes, ‘When an archer misses the mark, he turns and looks for the fault within himself. Failure to hit the bull’s-eye is never the fault of the target. To improve your aim, improve yourself.’
But how can we improve our sense of responsibility? Here are three key steps:
- Choose boldly – As leaders, we often falter when faced with challenges. Instead of persisting, we may set low standards or even give up altogether. Remember, failure is inevitable, but persistence is optional.
- Reflect regularly – Take a moment to reflect when things aren’t going as planned. Ask yourself, ‘What part of the problem am I?’ Blaming others only deflects responsibility. Remember, when you point a finger, three fingers point back at you.
- Grow continuously – If you find that you’ve set high standards, maintain a positive attitude, and work diligently, yet still fall short of your desired outcomes, it’s time to equip yourself further. Consider taking classes, reading books or blogs (like the Champions Brew!), listening to podcasts, or even seeking the guidance of a coach. Take the necessary steps to improve and grow.
Always remember, responsibility is a choice. Embrace it, and watch your leadership soar to new heights.
Next week: Security
Quote of the week: “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.” – Theodore Roosevelt
What You Need to Do:
Call to Action: By recognizing that we have the power to choose our responses, we shift from a passive mindset to an active one. We understand that we are not at the mercy of external factors but rather can shape our own outcomes. This mindset empowers us to take charge of our actions, decisions, and the impact we have on those around us. What decision do you have to take responsibility for today?
It’s an honor to be your trusted “Friday Coffee Guy”. Each week, I’m excited to provide yet another round of curated content that I’ve been reading, listening to, watching, or thinking over. The purpose of the Champions Brew is to inspire, equip and encourage you to become the uncommon leader you were designed to be. I am so grateful for your decision to invest a few moments with 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, Go 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 something up!!
