Leaders read & consistently learn. \u00a0In looking at the most successful people who positively influence our world we know this to be true. \u00a0They challenge themselves, take risks, follow curiosities & stay connected with their passions to make a difference. \u00a0Their examples are everywhere & are an essential part of closing the loop on living purposeful lives to benefit others…giving back! \u00a0Actionable leadership keeps us engaged with answering two key questions; What are we doing for others? & How do our actions impact them?<\/p>\n
Had the good fortune recently of carving out some time to finish a book that has made a quick impact on my life; “Triggers” by Marshall Goldsmith. \u00a0Saw a post advertising his book on super sale & immediately downloaded it. \u00a0 It took a couple attempts\u00a0to get momentum but once commitment was in my corner it was engaging.<\/p>\n
The most powerful aspect of this book for me was that of self questioning. \u00a0Had heard about this technique from one of his VLOG posts & had been only half-heartedly going through the motions of daily questioning. \u00a0He states that “active” questions make the most difference because of how they frame the responsibility. \u00a0They typically start with something like this…<\/p>\n
“Did I do my best to…..”<\/p>\n
As you no doubt notice right away, the responsibility lies on us, not with anyone else. We have to reconcile how we\u00a0did with whatever challenge we’ve chosen to put\u00a0intent behind. \u00a0Happiness, engagement, goals, good deeds, positive thinking, listening, medical appointments, exercise, healthy habits, relationships; anything.<\/p>\n
He dives into many things; aspects of self-discipline versus self-control & that we don’t improve without some structure & follow-up. \u00a0Great stuff but the habit of questioning ourselves to stay focused can be the structure needed to get better at anything.<\/p>\n
Two tools here, daily & hourly questions. \u00a0Suddenly it dawned on me that to make progress personally the daily questions were not enough. \u00a0Had the self-discipline to start something new but lacked the self-control needed to affect positive change. \u00a0Hourly questions were the answer!<\/p>\n
We all carry a powerful tool around in our pockets every day that can help, our phones. \u00a0Soon after finishing the book, I decided to set 12 alarms from 7AM to 7PM every day & re-wrote\u00a0the label asking the active question I most needed help with. \u00a0Bam! \u00a0After the first few hours a noticeable\u00a0shift was beginning to happen with my state of mind. \u00a0How could something so simple be so powerful? \u00a0Then this quote popped into my head…<\/p>\n
“The utmost in sophistication is simplicity.” \u00a0-Apple<\/p>\n
One caveat from Goldsmith here; if we\u00a0don’t want to improve, no structure or person can help, only we\u00a0make that\u00a0choice for change. \u00a0It was time for me, so it’s working. \u00a0Also, in my studies in the field of education a professor noted a study that indicated it only takes 90 repetitions of anything to start a habit. \u00a0Good or bad, it’s our choice once again.<\/p>\n
What’s my struggle? \u00a0Becoming a better listener & always positive. \u00a0It’s too easy for me to just “wait to talk” since I love an audience & not engage my brain on what’s being said, mannerisms, etc. \u00a0Also, when I focus on being positive it quiets me literally & figuratively. \u00a0In carpenter terms I’ve “measured twice & cut once”. \u00a0The struggle is real but I’m doing something to inch toward a better me.<\/p>\n
The takeaway here is that we can be our own coach! \u00a0Asking ourselves the hard questions about what we need to stop doing & start doing instead can be the catalyst. \u00a0The successful journey to a more happy life lies in all of us! \u00a0The example we are for others can make a profound impact each and every day, we just have to make the choice. \u00a0It’s not really about us but it starts there & grows into serving others by our willingness to let go of all the stuff that doesn’t really hold value.<\/p>\n
The person that emerges from this simple but powerful tool will yield a better you. \u00a0Jump in, the water is fine!<\/p>\n
All the best,<\/p>\n
Karl<\/p>\n
PS \u00a0His book has an accompanying App for daily questions you can tailor to your needs. \u00a0Works great, just search “Daily Questions” in the app store! \u00a0Nope, don’t work or have an affiliation with Goldsmith.
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