The Champion’s Brew is 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 drink of what I have been reading, listening to or watching to equip me to:
- Read More… AND – I came across an article from Entrepreneur magazine this week entitled “Improving Your Ability to Learn Means Leaving Your Comfort Zone” – I am often challenged by this concept of “leaving my comfort zone”. I actually get very comfortable in my daily rituals. But, I think this article makes some valid points:
- Don’t just rely on books… find a trusted mentor – Fair enough. I am an advocate of being a reader. I think that specific authors can become ‘mentors’, even if we don’t know them, personally. But it is easy to get ‘comfortable’ with those authors. I love when people share books with me that challenged them to get ME to think differently. I attend a men’s study group when I am not traveling, and I love to hear different perspectives from those in my peer group. So, listen to people who have been successful in areas you want to grow.
- Spend time with people who are different from you – For me, this is about spending time with people who will speak truth to me. It is easy to fall into a rut of spending time only with people that think like me or affirm me regularly. What I really NEED is feedback from people who see my blind spots.
- Take time to reflect – Self-reflection is critical. What is going well? What could be going better? In business, life, relationships, etc. Do you schedule regular ‘reflection’ time? It can be very rewarding. It doesn’t take long. 15 minutes per week can be powerful.
- Embrace challenges – To me, this is about mindset. Last week’s Brew talked about self-confidence. But, even deeper than that. Would you be OK if you failed? I read about some great failures this week. Abraham Lincoln was never elected to office until he became president. It took NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt 20 tries before he won the Super Bowl of racing, the Daytona 500!
- Keep stretching yourself – When was the last time you did something for the first time? – Sounds like a country song to me… Oh wait, it is! Click here. I really like Darius Rucker. “Let yourself go… follow that feeling.” You will appreciate it.
- Exercise Daily– Is it important to do weight training as we get older? Hmmm…. Dr Gabe Mirkin discussed the benefits this week:
- Recent studies suggest that lifting weights can help to prolong your life (Brit J of Sprt Med, published online February 28, 2022). An analysis of 16 studies including almost 480,000 people, 18 to 98 years of age, found that those who spent 30 to 60 minutes per week in strength training had:
- 40 percent lower risk of premature death
- 46 percent lower risk of heart disease
- 28 percent lower risk of dying from cancer
- Aerobic exercise for 2.5 hours per week had a 20 percent reduced chance of dying from heart attacks and all causes
- Both strength training and aerobic exercises had a 30 percent reduced rate of death from cancers and all causes
- Recent studies suggest that lifting weights can help to prolong your life (Brit J of Sprt Med, published online February 28, 2022). An analysis of 16 studies including almost 480,000 people, 18 to 98 years of age, found that those who spent 30 to 60 minutes per week in strength training had:
Click here for more.
- Quote – “Simplicity is an inward reality that can be seen in an outward lifestyle of choosing to leverage time, money, and talents toward what matters most.” – Richard Foster — Whew… try that one on for size and stepping outside your comfort zone! I am really enjoying The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. Very challenging and I look forward to discussing more when I have finished it this month. I think I will bring Darrin Dick, campus pastor at Newspring Church in Myrtle Beach, on to the Uncommon Leader Podcast to discuss with me. He suggested it and I appreciate him.
What you need to do:
Call to Action: When was the last time you did something for the first time? Are you challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone?
I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Champions Brew. If you did, I would appreciate it if you would share it with a friend 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!
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!!
