2 Questions to Ponder

 We have 11 days left in the year. As you know my penchant for journaling and reflection, I want to challenge you today with two questions to close out the year. 

 

I came across this article on Saturday. 22 Lessons Learned in 2022. To be quite honest, it humbled me. I would have to think long and hard for ‘a’ lesson learned in 2022…let alone 22. Am I not being observant enough? Am I not reflecting enough? Has my curiosity diminished? All questions that swirled through my head as I read the article.

 

How about for you. Can you name 22 things you have learned this year? If not, how many can you name? If none, how come? 

 

Lastly, the other question I have spent quite some time lamenting: as we close the year, and usher in a new one, What do you want to be different next year? 

 

I challenge you to really dig deep into this. Identify what you want to be different. Begin with the end in mind. Develop the plan. Then, get after it. 

 

I hope you have a great week before the break. Be intentional with your time. Beat yesterday. 

 

I am in your corner. Win the Day- pja

 

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GOOD

 My youngest son can sometimes be a bit of an Eeyore. Yet, from an outsider perspective, most would agree he has a right to wallow. He has severe food allergies…and has battled this for his entire life. Most times he is a battler…yesterday, he was having a down day. 

 

Holidays can sometimes be a bit harder for him…he doesn’t get to enjoy the foods like we do. And, most times, he feels like an outcast as he watches what others eat and enjoy. 

 

As he was sharing his struggles with me- he was visibly upset. My advice back to him…as he told me how life isn’t fair: ‘Good.’

 

His reaction was probably like most of yours right now…he about exploded. “How could you say that to me dad?!”

 

I then showed him this video. Take the 1:04 to watch it. With the right mindset, it is a game changer. 

 

It didn’t solve all his problems. But it changed his frame of mind. And, he got up- and got after it. Like he always does. 

 

Today- Tomorrow- This week- things may not go your way. Life may not go your way. Good. Drive On. And get after it. 

 

Hope you have a great week – I’m always in your corner. Win the Day- pja

 

 

When things are going bad: Don't get all bummed out, don't get started, don't get frustrated. No. Just look at the issue and say: “Good.”

 

 

*Bonus Track: Prior to my interaction with David last night- I had intended to write to you about starting your New Year’s resolution on 01DEC rather than 01JAN. Everyone starts on 01JAN. You are a leader. Leaders set themselves apart. 

 

Time to Read: 59.54 Seconds.

The Turkey Trot

I was never much of a hunter. Nor was my dad. But we always went out. We hunted turkeys for years. Not only did we never see one in the woods, we never even heard them. After each unsuccessful hunt, my dad would tell me how brilliant turkeys are…one of the smartest wild animals he would say. 

 

I was getting out of my car last week at the ESC. Lo and behold, 4 turkeys literally walked about 10 feet from me. They then walked/ran/pranced around the parking lot. I just stood and watched them…wishing my dad was here to see them now. 

 

You could tell they were disoriented. They would start to run in a certain direction…only to be stunted, and try another direction. After each unsuccessful ‘run’ at freedom, a new leader would emerge. Even though they were all jakes, there was not an alpha male among them. 

 

If you take a look at the attached picture, it is a great depiction of the predicament they were in. No leader among them. And, none of the four had any idea which way to go. 

 

This is such a great reminder- and reinforcement of what we are called to be as leaders. Cast a vision. Know where you are heading. Walk in boldness and confidence…even when you face road blocks. 

 

And, perhaps most importantly- if you are leading, and no one is following, you are simply out for a walk. 

 

Be an eagle today. Not a turkey. Have a great week of leading and loving. I am in your corner- pja

 

“Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful.” ~William Shakespeare 

 

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Think Like a Leader

 So my last post was well over a year ago...but I am back. :) Here we go...

This past weekend, my brother shared this quote with me…and has really got me thinking- and, truth be told, humbled me. 

 “Leaders think and talk about solutions. Followers think and talk about problems.”

 Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the things that are ‘wrong.’ Yet, as Leaders, we are called to a higher standard. The challenge starts with us, individually and collectively. If we change our mindset, focusing more on solutions rather than on problems, we step towards the best version of ourselves. 

And, as we chart our course this year on creating the type of culture and climate where everyone thrives, this quote lays a critical, foundational piece. Imagine a team committed to solutions rather than problems. 

 

Have a great week- Get after it- and Win the Day- pja

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