Hi Friend
What a wild week of weather. I’m sure wherever you are, it was cold! I can’t remember the last time I ran in 11 degree temperatures. I’m still on my running streak. As of this morning, it’s 22 days in a row. I think it will conclude this week, because of my upcoming travel schedule. I did have some revelations that I determined I couldn’t have had, unless I had persisted this long.
The other notable experience was my trip to Las Vegas. I spent an evening and day with Scott McKain. He’s a veteran in the speaking business with 40 years experience. He started in his early 20’s. He has stories about Zig Zigler, Jim Rohn and Tony Robbins. It was fascinating to hear how someone has navigated this business their entire life.
His core message is about being distinct. He’s written several books and spoken all over the world. I have a high regard for him and respect what’s he’s accomplished.
I was there for a business strategy day I won through the NSA Foundation auction. He did not know me prior to our visit. I sent him five objectives I wanted to discuss throughout the day. Before arriving, he took the time to watch my Ownership Culture Message. He was both gracious and challenging.
Before I ventured to Vegas I determined to be open and embrace whatever he recommended. What’s the point in spending money and going through the effort if I wasn’t going to implement his suggestions? I didn’t realize he’d threaten my very identity.
Accepting suggestions for change is hard!
I won’t bore you with the details, suffice it to say, his perspective and invitation to consider differently was unexpected. Hmmmm, unexpected is not a weighty enough word. Startling might be more accurate. So much so, after my return, I’ve been talking to friends to get a second/third/fourth opinion.
When was the last time you were invited to something? Christmas or New Years Eve party? Someone’s house for dinner? Out to a play or concert? On a date? Were you excited or annoyed by the invitation?
Invitation Appeal
The person/people, location & experience.
Does it give or take energy?
Is it new or familiar?
Peripheral obligations before or after?
Does it lead to something more?
All of us dread invitation-remorse. Accepting an invite and then spending the days leading up to it questioning or regretting why we did! Why is that? The unknown experience is competing with the known routine. Yet to be invited is an honor. Someone, somewhere believes your presence at their thing, whatever it is, will make it or them, better! Wow.
Being invited to consider a change is similar. Our first response is to resist. Our second is to offer all the reasons it’s not really a good idea. Our third is pointing out what we’ve been doing has gotten us here, not recognizing it may not take us any further. Of course the fourth is to articulate the lack of certainty the change will actual produce.
Instigating Ideas
1. Invite someone to do something with you.
2. Consider where you might need a change.
3. Ask someone to evaluate your life.
Everyday we wake up is an invitation, isn’t it? To be, become, regress or remain. I’m grateful these opportunities aren’t either/or. You and I can attempt, implement, take steps towards and experiment all while moving forward.
What’s interesting is that Scott actually invited me to consider five or six different aspects about me and my business. All but two, I immediately accepted and embraced. One I’m adjusting a bit and the other one I’m wrestling with. That’s the beauty of consideration. It dares us to look closely, contemplate deeply and clarify singularly.