Hi Friend
This has been the most active week of 2020! Headed out for Baton Rouge last weekend for an AMAZING two-day virtual conference I got to produce Tuesday & Wednesday. I had some friends join me as keynote speakers, while I hosted. It was better than expected (and I thought it would be pretty great). Then I made my way to Orlando, where we faced our greatest challenge: two physical location (Orlando & Cincinnati) with live audiences in both, plus a virtual audience joining in. Also keynote speakers in both locations (I was one of them). It was complex. Fortunately, we pulled it off without any major technical challenges – a miracle!
This morning I’m sitting in Sarasota getting ready to be the final keynote speaker for an event here. I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about the complex conference yesterday, because it’s still going on today and I’m zooming in when I can, as the host. It’s a lot. I love it. I mean, really… I LOVE THIS KIND OF COMPRESSED PRESSURE while doing what I’m good at!
We’ve been working on the details of this week for literally seven months. With two of the conferences shifting dates more than once, how they all landed in the same week, is rather wild. It’s like I’m a one-man-band touring in my rented mini-van with all the gear. Traveling with a portable studio that lets me and others access the world is so 2020!
Have you ever met someone who was living their dream? It seems mystical and momentary, yet so appealing. This trip has been better than that. Not that fulfilling dreams isn’t fascinating and compelling. However, what I’m experiencing feels different. I’m simply adhering to the plan we designed and it’s working. Like… just as we planned. THAT sensation is exhilarating!
Executing plans according to design is better than a dream coming to pass!
Granted when dreams come to fruition it is usually because lots of schemes have been put in play. I’m over here doing my job – which is kind of a dreamy job – and I’m enjoying a depth of fulfillment that is rather significant. But it’s not like I had a dream to drive across the country in a van setting up and tearing down a video studio. 😆
I’m waking up here in Sarasota feeling like this past week has been a dream. Why is that? And how can I create this phenomenon more frequently?
The Wonder of Plan Enactment
Reach
Risk
Relate
Ready
Results
REACH. What I’m doing on this trip is relatively new to me. I was willing to accept the challenge believing I could grow into what was required. To say I’m playing up is a bit of an understatement. Yet, that’s what’s so glorious. I reached for it and achieved it. It hasn’t been easy.
RISK. My client of the complex conference told me two days before we went live “Greg we’re betting the ranch on you.” 😳They are a franchisor and these were their franchise owners they bring together annually. It needed to go well. The level of “reward” wasn’t going to change, but because it was such a risky venture – I’ve never done that specific kind of scenario before – when it went well, the depth of satisfaction is hard to describe.
RELATE. As much as I’m the one who makes these things up and am visible, I couldn’t do it without strong relationships in my life. Nicole and Sarah have been ESSENTIAL for these events actually working. My brother pulled set up/tear down and all day duty in Orlando. My friends came and spoke. It can look like a one-man show because I’m who is seen, but I find it very assuring knowing I have people around me who can utilize their talents to execute on the plan.
READY. I couldn’t have done this last year. I wasn’t ready. Building my home studio office, spending more time speaking into a camera before the pandemic hit, gave me the experience that led to this place.
RESULTS. It’s worked. It has been excellent. It has surpassed expectations. If this one wasn’t true, I suspect everything else would lose luster.
I find this writing rather humorous. I am touting PLANNING! I mean, of all things?! I like spontaneity, making stuff up, figuring it out as I go… Yet, this gooooooood feeling I’m living in this morning is because a lot of details were covered and I’m following the script we put in place. Bizzare.
Instigating Ideas
1. Write down one thing you are reaching for that’s beyond you.
2. Put a structure with details to an idea.
3. Identify a dream that would sever you better as a plan.
4. Are you really risking anything?
This has been a remarkable week. I’m super grateful. I’m looking forward to making more plans in 2021!
I dare you to put something on the line that if it does or doesn’t go well has real consequences. I would love to hear what kind of plan you enact that taps your skills and relationships in a way that personally challenges you. Please Share.