Your best just got better

Are you sitting with the "right" people?

Put the right people in the room [or, at the table] and amazing things happen.

Last night after work here in London, 5 of us went out to dinner and quickly the conversation went FROM "tell us about California," TO "let's brainstorm ways we can produce educational programming for the bank in a way that engages more learners?"

Jodi and I took the opportunity to share many of the programs we've been involved with creating over the past three years. In fact, just last weekend we were co-presenters during some sessions at PresentationCampLA - a GREAT example of what happens when you "put the right people in the room."

Last night's dinner was very exciting for three reasons:

1) More groups are willing to experiment with "what could be." This is exciting, as we can capitalize on both traditional and "new" learning models to engage more associates in the learning and implementation process. For example, I can take my practice with "Bloom's Taxonomy" of lesson plan building, and add in my own understanding and use of Twitter as a learning tool.

2) It's ok to have a "not perfect" idea. One of the special things about having dinner with people I have a history with, is they know that my idea-generation ability is pretty expansive...Give me a couple of hours, with the right people at the table, and we'll create many more ideas than we could ever implement!

3) And, finally (an extension of #2 above), when I DO pick something to do...Watch out: It will get done! It's amazing when we take the opportunity to Stop...Reflect...Consider...Act...Assess.

So, we'll be back in London in September (and Zurich) and in between now and then A LOT more travel (check out the schedule on the right side of our newsletter page...) as we're partnering with more learning organizations.

The good news about being "learning consultants" is that each group we work with benefits from ALL we see going on out there (and...There is a LOT going on...).

What is a person to do? (if they have some free time...)

As many of you know, I'm a faculty member at WealthBridge Connect.

Since I teach over there, I thought I'd also do one of those other things I do best...learn! With one question, I reached out to as many other faculty members as I could find, and asked them a simple (and significant) question:

"If someone has "down time" resulting from a slowing economy, what could they do to get ahead?"

I read several responses, and even talked to a few people as we discussed our theories of what the spring and summer would turn into as far as professional potential and work-life balance issues are concerned.

One of the emails I received from Jay (below) really meant something to me. Over the past four "jobs" I've had, leaving three of them came as a result of me looking out and realizing, "There's something more I could be doing."

Where did that feeling of "something more" come from? Believing Jay's advice (before I'd ever heard it!

This may be the best time to look with fresh eyes on what has become status quo and see incredible opportunities! Jay McChord (WorkplaceBuzZ)

Since about 1991, I've focused on creating and then experiencing the opportunities I heard or learned about. Ways that I've done this (and encourage clients to do around the world) include:

1. Attend a course, speech or workshop. Get out there, and get in there to create the learning opportunity you need to make things up and make things possible.
2. Learn to read faster. I know, I know...I'm still a book-reader. Sure, I have an account at Audible.com, I own a Kindle, and I have hundreds of audio programs on my iPhone (literally...Hundreds!)...I still enjoy holding a book. What made it even MORE enjoyable was learning to read at twice my old speed.
3. Invite people who are wwwwaaaaayyyyyyyy smarter than me to coffee, breakfast, lunch, drinks or dinner. It's amazing, people may not have time to sit in a conference room and talk, but most everyone will make a 15-minute window of time available over coffee. Some of the most intersting, informing and inspiring conversations have been with people I bought a 3 dollar coffee for while visiting out-of-state.
4. Add to a journal. Write. More. Things. Down. Enough said...

Here's a challenge...Over the next 5 days, create 3-4 windows of time (10-30 minutes, that's all) and do something for you...something that might bump you ahead!

How I got "started" as a writer/author...

Here's a request...and, below, my response...

I see your post on the articles you are submitting. Would you mind sharing how you are able to do this? How did you get your start? Thanks!

I won't charge down the path of telling you the whole, long, story...In a nutshell...

 In the early part of 2000, a mentor introduced me to Lou Tice's work in Seattle...The Pacific Institute. There, Lou had been teaching/talking about the concept of "mindset, self-talk, and affirmations" going back 20+ years as a high-school football coach. Seems he connected a few things together...

1. How someone thinks.
2. How someone acts.
3. How someone talks.
4. How someone thinks.

The way I understand it, it's a big, huge cycle. So, if I want to change how I act...I gotta change how I talk. If wanna change how I talk...I gotta change how I think.

There's a point, I promise.

In April, 2000, I decided to "think of myself" as a writer. I did "writer-like" things. I started filling up journals. I subscribed to writer's magazines. I bought books on writing. I talked to writers, and I went to conferences on "how to be a writer."

Weeks after this process started, quite serendipitously, I met an editor of the Los Angeles times. Within a month, my first article was published, within 3 months, 5 articles total had been placed.

Since then, I continue to do things that "writers" do, and...Lo and behold...I'm looked to as one of them!

The next milestone...A book! Yes, my father, Craig P. Womack, and I are co-authoring a book and we'd love you to visit the site and sign up to receive news as we approach our publication date! You find find out all about it here: www.ThePromiseDoctrine.com.

What will you put OFF for now?

What are you going to put off, so you can get on with "the rest" of you life.

The Rest: All that is left to come
The Rest: The break between what is left to come

Let the process of WHERE you are map to where you are going...are GOING.

If there is going to be anything different about being there, make it ok that you're doing something differently now.

Arrive early, it's worth it...

Attending a seminar in the "next little while?" Here's a reason to arrive early!

Years ago, I reported to a manager (ok, he was the school principal, and I a rookie teacher in two departments - social sciences and foreign language) and he had a motto:

If you're on time you're late. If you're early, you're on time.

Of course, over the 4 years that I worked in that district, I realized that what he was really teaching us was promptness and preparedness count. That's a lesson I still take with me today.

1. When I travel to an airport, I arrive 80-100 minutes before flight departure time.
2. When I meet people at a restaurant I always call to confirm the meeting time an hour or two ahead of time.
3. When I go to a race, I'm always there 30 (or more) minutes before registration starts.
4. When I go to a seminar or coaching session, I am always (and I mean ALWAYS) there early.

Let me focus in on that last one...Seminars.

I teach 'em, I live 'em, I still go to them any chance I get. In the past, I've arrived early enough to meet the presenter and find a "great" seat to do my learning in/from throughout the session. Memorable seminars flood to my mind as I think back on how many times I've learned from people who actually knew me just because we'd had a couple of conversations the morning of, or day before, the seminar.

I ask every client who hires me to encourage the seminar participants to go to our website, my blog, the Facebook or LinkedIn group pages...Even to do a "Google" search on my name, Jason W. Womack. Over the years, I've had people come up to me before the seminar even starts and talk about a book I wrote about, a program I presented the week/month before, even ask me about a race I finished recently!

Preparedness and promptness...Think about getting somewhere early in the next week or so, and notice what you notice!

What do your time management methods say about you?

I'm cautious when I tell people about my own time management methods, and how I have enough time and energy to get it "all" done. The benefits are so incredible, and yet people seem to "excuse" my results with explanations:

      "Oh, you don't have kids...just wait..."
      "You're still young...just wait..."
      "You don't work for my boss, you don't know what stress is..."

Implied in each one of these is that if I had all they had, I would not do this much. Everyone in history has had the same amount of time; the same number of minutes in a day, hours in a week, weeks in a year. I've learned in the past 3 decades that it's not so much about managing my time. Instead, I manage my focus, my attention and my priorities; then, the right things happen, "at the right time."

Some of my self-management mentors are: Nelson Mandela, Lorraine Monroe, David Allen, John-Roger, and  Anne Lamott. There are others, but when I think of these people I think of folks who are indeed "too busy" to get anything done; yet consistently and consciously, they put their attention and intentions on the line. These folks just may be the busiest people on the planet!

Managing time is, for me, about matching my "attention" with my "intention." Let me say what I'm going to do, promises to my self and others, and then complete those agreements in the time that I promised...that's being productive, and that's lowering stress.

Here are 4 ways I look at time management:
- what I did yesterday ... past
- what I'm doing right now ... present
- what I'll probably do tomorrow ...future
- what I could do tomorrow ... the unknown surprise, an opportunity, new possibilities

In my day-to-day interactions I want to make ensure that I have enough time to work on the area that speaks to me most clearly at each moment.

Admiral's Cup, 2009 (sprint distance triathlon)

Admiral's Cup Triathlon - Sprint Distance
30 MAY 2009
400 meter swim / 12 mile bike / 3 mile run
Air Temp: 64 / Water Temp: 50 / Wind from NW / Ocean Current toward SE
2009 Admiral's Cup Triathlon Race Results by EternalTiming.com

 I've always thought it would be amazing to have a "race report" written before, during and after a race. But, as I'm nowhere NEAR a professional athlete, the day after will have to do! Below, just a couple of pictures of the event, and a little (I promise, just a little!) commentary about the connection I see between performing on the field, and performing in the workplace. Please click on each picture to see it a little bit bigger. (Send me an invite to Facebook, and you can see more commentary on each photo!)

 

Since starting to race as an "age-grouper" competitive triathlete in 2001, as well as starting the path toward owning and operating my own consulting firm, I've found at least four connections to performing on and off the actual "field."

Right Mind: On the way to the event, I "rehearsed" the course in my mind several times. I'd completed this race many times over the past few years, and knew "most" of it. When we arrived, and listen to pre-race announcements, we learned they had changed the run portion to be a 2-lap, out and back twice, route. With the swim and the bike the same, I was able to quickly and effectively visualize this new run course.

I do a very similar activity before each coaching call, on-site coaching program and seminar. (In fact, I also visualize submitting an article, if that's what I'm working on!) I have found this to be an extremely powerful process...To see it before I see it! (For the intro to our last OjaiInstitute TeleSeminar, click below!)

See It Before You See It 01

Right Equipment: Gear makes a difference...It just does. I've got PLENTY of tri gear, and I admit I'll probably buy some more before the year is over. There is just something special about setting up in transition area and believing that I do have quality equipment, sized right, maintained properly, and ready for the race. I like to "forget" about the gear I have, and just work.

This is why I wrote the book, "Maximizing Microsoft® Outlook®." You see, too many people let their tool / gear / system slow them down. The moment you have to "think" about whether or not the tool will do something (or, worse, when you get frustrated that it DOESN'T do something!) you slow down. Your attention is compromised, and your performance drops.

Right Support Team: I wouldn't want to race alone; a team makes (more) things possible. I like to arrive to my races early enough to set up, and then spend a few precious moments with friends and family who come down to support me through the day. Years ago I read several books by Steven Covey, and even went to a few seminars. One of them talked about making "deposits" into an "emotional" bank account. During the race, I want people yelling my name...Before and after I need to let them know how much I appreciate them.

The "mentoring" program I started for clients years ago works as an 8-week "check-in" process that uplevels their work/life game. The people who are attracted to this process always realize within 2-3 weeks how critical it is to have people "on their team." (Or, as Jim Collins says, "on the bus!")

Right Results: I'll always remember the time I was talking to a 6th grader at a race years ago. He was there to watch one of his brothers race...When he found out I too was competing, he turned to me and asked, "So, are you any good?"

It's a good question to ask yourself when you look in the mirror in the morning. "Am I any good?" It doesn't matter what the subject is, just ask yourself and see what happens. On the way to the race yesterday, I was focused on Placing in the top of my bracket. I had heard they were only giving awards to the top two athletes in each age group, so that gave me one of two chances to earn the medal.

All the training, mental visualization, gear and support paid off. I had a good day, placed second, and am already getting ready for the next race!

Woo Hoo

!

When is your time to do nothing? What do you do then?

While presenting a seminar in London for a group of senior leaders in Investment Banking, one of the managing directors asked about simply taking time off to do nothing.

It's a good question. In fact, it's so important to study, I'd like to invite you to take out a pen and paper and make a list using this prompt:

If I had an hour, this afternoon, to do nothing...I would:

______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________

Chances are you'd do something; I mean really! Read a book, walk the dog, glance through a magazine, call a friend, send an e-mail, take a nap, watch TV, ... Something.

Ya see, here's what I've found: Most people don't want more time to do NOthing. What they want is the ability (and capability) to switch off from what they HAVE to do, and get to what they WANT to do.

Up until now, they've labeled that as doing "nothing." In fact, it's really about doing "something."

Years ago, I learned from a mentor of mine - my dad - just how important it is to have a list of things that could be done "if I had the time." It was a lesson he started teaching me in high school, interestingly enough while I was going out for the baseball team!

Here's the lesson in a nutshell: There will be times tomorrow where you will have a break "in between." In between calls, meetings, your commute, waiting in line, etc. Have, as an option, one of those things handy that you "wish" you had time for during the normal "day-to-day" balancing act of life and work.

Take it from me, this is how I "find time" to train for triathlon, build friendships, study for my "next" credential, relax (yes, have some 10-60 minute relaxation "things to do" as well on that list!).

Please share in the comment section below!

What "time zone" are you managing right now?

I'm cautious when I tell people about my own time management methods, and how I have enough time and energy to get it "all" done. The benefits are so incredible, and yet people seem to "excuse" my results with explanations:

      "Oh, you don't have kids...just wait..."
      "You're still young...just wait..."
      "You don't work for my boss, you don't know what stress is..."

Implied in each one of these is that if I had all they had, I would not do this much. Everyone in history has had the same amount of time; the same number of minutes in a day, hours in a week, weeks in a year. I've learned in the past 3 decades that it's not so much about managing my time. Instead, I manage my focus, my attention and my priorities; then, the right things happen, "at the right time."

Some of my self-management mentors are: Nelson Mandela, Lorraine Monroe, and  Anne Lamott. There are others, but when I think of these people I think of folks who are indeed "too busy" to get anything done; yet consistently and consciously, they put their attention and intentions on the line. These folks just may be the busiest people on the planet!

Managing time is, for me, about matching my "attention" with my "intention." Let me say what I'm going to do, promises to my self and others, and then complete those agreements in the time that I promised...that's being productive, and that's lowering stress.

Here are 4 ways I look at time management:

- what I did yesterday ... past
- what I'm doing right now ... present
- what I'll probably do tomorrow ...future
- what I could do tomorrow ... the unknown surprise, an opportunity, new possibilities

In my day-to-day interactions I want to make ensure that I have enough time to work on the area that speaks to me most clearly at each moment.

Put yourself "there," before you need to be there!

Well, I definitely was inspired last month in chatting with Chris Lieto - professional triathlete. I reached out to him a month or so ago, after reading some of his advice and training ideas in an issue of Triathlete magazine.

My "request" was to get him to share some of the tools, tips and techniques he used in preparing for AND performing in this amazing sport. I especially wanted to hear his advice on how to keep "my mind in the game."

We had about 15 minutes to talk on the phone, and I walked away with some GREAT ideas to try over the next few races.

One of the stand-out prompts - nothing new, but for some reason makes a LOT of sense right now - is to "image-in" racing next to someone much more successful than me. Then, as I go through the different events, to look over and ask: "What would _____________ do right now?"

Of course, the more I know about each athlete (thanks again Chris!), the easier it will be to race alongside them. So, I'm really lookin' forward to this triathlon season...It's going to be a series of different races, that's for sure!