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:
- Read More – This week, I finished reading Success is Not an Accident by Tommy Newberry. I have already talked about a couple areas of this book, and I really think it was a great read. This book was first published in 1999 and I came across it as a result of reading another one of the author’s books, the 4:8 principle. I really think the author hits the nail on the head on in ‘defining’ success. He states: “The most successful people in the world are those who take the time to figure out exactly WHO they want to become and WHAT they want to achieve. THEN, they invest the hours of their days in activities consistent with those ideals.” The principles in this book are simple… but as I have said before, don’t mistake simple with EASY. Here are the choices that the author outlines in the book that a person must follow to be successful:
1) Choose success
2) Choose who you want to Become
3) Choose to write down compelling goals
4) Choose to invest your time wisely
5) Choose to get out of your own way
6) Choose positive visualization – I was especially challenged by this chapter and one line I underlined, highlighted, and starred because it was so timely and relevant to me as a parent was “Responsible parents must envision their children today as successful adults they intend for them to become.”
7) Choose a maximum energy lifestyle
After each of the seven choice chapters, Tommy has reflective questions and assignments designed to elevate your choices.
I can see me reading this book again and using it as a reference. It’s 223 pages jammed pack with challenging thoughts. I dogeared over 10% of the pages and highlighted/underlined at least 50% of the pages. I will be going back to review the many notes that I took.
- Worry Less – This week, I found myself worrying over a big financial investment in myself that I was considering. Often, I want to have all the answers and 100% guarantee before taking a risk. I am sure many of us have experienced this before – It’s better known as “Analysis Paralysis”. Wikipedia defines this as “when the fear of either making an error or forgoing a superior solution outweighs the realistic expectation or potential value of success in a decision made in a timely manner”. Then, I saw a post from Ed Mylett at the top of my LinkedIn page and I just knew it was a nudge… It read:
“If you must know everything before you act, you run the risk of leading a life filled with a lot of nothing in it. Not making a decision and not acting are forms of deciding and doing. When you wait and wait for the right moment, those opportunities frequently disappear into thin air. And what would have been the experience of a lifetime often turns into a regret later.
Instead, learn to take measured chances. Teach yourself to be OK with the unknown.”
(WHOA. Read THAT AGAIN!!).
Teach yourself to be OK with the unknown. When you ACT, you’ll find the answers and many times, the answers will blow you away at how spectacular they are!”
So, I made the decision. I acted. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but hopefully you will see it in my personal growth over time. Let’s do this!
- 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 Influence
Leadership is Influence, Nothing More, Nothing Less
It really is that simple, and it is that difficult. Too often, we (society, in general) define leadership by a title. But all that a title does is buy you a little time as a leader. With a title, people follow you because they HAVE to. But, if you do not have influence, your title will not last long! You can have a high-profile career, a million followers on social media, or thousands of people that like your posts, but that doesn’t make you a leader, it makes you popular! Social influence doesn’t become leadership influence until the people following change their behavior or act as a result of the interaction with the influencer. In the chapter, John talks about the influence that Mother Teresa had as the leader of the Missionaries of Charity. No doubt that her influence changed behaviors despite her small stature and limited positional authority – earthly authority, that is!! Bottom line, if you can’t influence people, then they will not respond to you. And, if you can’t get people to respond to you, then you are not a leader.
- Quote – “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.”
What You Need to Do:
Call to Action: What decision are you waiting to act upon? Do you need to sign up for that coach to help grow your skills? Do you need to make that doctor’s appointment that you keep saying you need to make? Do you need to seek help to stop a bad habit? Make the decision. The answer may surprise you and you may lessen your worry. “Who of you by worrying can add a dingle hour to your life.” Luke 12:25
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 eat healthy, read daily 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!!
