Rest - Not Just A Luxury - A Necessity

I took some time off last week and offered no thoughts for my usual Monday Morning Minute. To be honest with you, I had nothing to offer.  To put it in more honest terms, I was exhausted.

For the last 6 weeks or so, I’ve been engaged in completing a book that my publisher had been waiting on.  The book was a second edition of a book I wrote several years ago. 

The first edition was written in 2016, it was widely accepted and adopted by schools, colleges and trade schools across the country and around the world introducing students to electronics.  The idea to enhance the original text was originally proposed in October of 2017 with a revised concept and framework set in place February of 2018.

From that point, it took almost a year to the date to rewrite, enhance and generally improve on all fronts what was an already excellent text.

The month of January was the final push with hours upon hours of time spent putting the finishing touches on the book prior to being sent to press.  I am thankful for the countless people throughout the last few years who commented and offered constructive criticism of the original text as to the best of my ability I tried to integrate those changes and ideas into the new text.

The final weekend was very long and arduous and by the time last Monday rolled around, I was mentally and physically spent.  I literally had nothing to offer.

I needed rest.

Rest is an integral part to life.  When God created the Heavens and the Earth, take note that on day 7 he rested.  I think this is an important point that gets overlooked far too often as we continue to allow our lives to get busier and busier.  And while the idea of “being busy” is a topic I may address at another time, the fact is for most of us we will schedule a whole lot of items that we allow to fill our calendars but how many of us are intentional about scheduling rest?

I spent a good part Tuesday of last week at the publisher making final revisions and getting proofs signed off on so that the book could get on press.  But after that I intentionally spent a few days getting rested and recharged so that I could hit the ground running today.  My first phone call upon leaving the printer was to a friend that I had neglected for a while so that we could grab lunch together.

The challenge I pose this week is simply this, are you taking the time needed to allow yourself to rest?  It sounds a lot easier than it actually is in execution.  Taking time and being intentional about allowing yourself to rest is not an easy thing to accomplish.

Being busy is easy.  There is always something that can/should get done.  My experience has been that when I take the time to rest the things that need to get done not only get done, but typically get done better than if I had allowed a tired self to do it.

What things in your life either personally or professionally suffer because you are so tired and unrested that your effort isn’t what it should be.  Would a period of rest help to change that trajectory?

If taking a period of rest is not currently part of your daily/weekly/monthly plan make today the day that changes.  I can promise you that your productivity will increase when you rest first.

(Did you know you can get Monday Morning Minute delivered to your inbox every Monday morning?  Go to PSCoachTN.com and register to have Monday Morning Minute waiting for you each Monday as you start your work week.)

It's Easy to be a Critic

I watched the Super Bowl last night.  I’m not a huge sports fan, if I watch 2 games a year outside of the Super Bowl thats a lot.  But I always enjoy watching the big game.  The fact the Patriots where back again certainly heightens my enjoyment of the game as I have for all intents and purposes been a Patriots fan my entire life.

As I watched last night I and then listened the commentary this morning both of the game and the commercials that go along with it - I realized that everyone is a critic of something.

And sure, have the ability to offer an opinion is something all embrace, may I suggest that an opinion is different from criticism - and most of what I heard today was bleak criticism fashioned as opinion.

Can I offer up a idea?  Most of us simply do not have the skill or talent to either play or coach at the level the LA Rams and New England Patriots play at.  So for any of us to second guess, or - wait for it - “Monday Morning Quarterback” our thoughts about what should have occurred is quite frankly ridiculous.

It’s a fact.  WE - and yes, I’m speaking to me just as much as you - aren’t world class athletes that can take the beating those players take while making the plays those players make.  Sometimes it just hurts watching the abuse their bodies endure so that we can criticize the decisions they make while playing the game.

But I want to develop this idea a little further in that aside from the game itself, we tend to all have an opinion regarding the much hyped (overhyped?) commercials.  But once again, is it possible that our opinions disguised as criticism are not only wanted, but needed.

Hundreds of hours go into the strategic planning that make up a Super Bowl commercial.  Creative decisions meant to sway and influence the viewer go into the careful messaging and crafting of each commercial.

Some are home runs, er touchdowns, while others fail to make the grade.  I get it - that is why we get to have an opinion.  But take it a step further and recognize the time and talent that is behind the scenes of the messaging being presented in the commercials shown during the big game.

This thought has been stewing all day with me and frankly has served as a challenge for me this week.  Outside of the criticism masked as opinion I want to ask this very simple question.  

Are you willing to put yourself out there in a creative way or does the threat of criticism mean you play it safe?

It is a tough question.  I get it, odds are you aren’t in advertising or professional sports, but within the arena that you have influence.  Are you content to sit on the sidelines while others call the shots or are you willing, or perhaps do you consistently put yourself out there and lead with ideas and concepts that you know others most likely are critical of when you aren’t around.

Leadership is funny in that way.  Some of the best leaders out there use their own transparency  and vulnerability to create ideas that while initially laughed at ultimately turn out to be ideas we all embrace later in life.

They don’t allow the naysayers and critics to hold them back rather demonstrate leadership by consistently leading and challenging those around them.

Are you that kind of person and if not, why not begin this week.  Don’t let the opinions of others hold you back from being the person you know you can be.

This week live like there are no critics and don’t be afraid to let your creative side shine.

(Did you know you can get Monday Morning Minute delivered to your inbox every Monday morning?  Go to PSCoachTN.com and register to have Monday Morning Minute waiting for you each Monday as you start your work week.)

Insanity - Different Results Are Possible

You’ve heard it said a thousand times if you’ve heard it said once, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.”

Would it bother you if I pontificated on that idea for a minute this week, and ask a couple questions that just might hit a little bit too close to home?

How many of you made a resolution to start the New Year?

How many of you have stuck to that resolution?

How many of you even remember what it was that you resolved to do for 2019?

January is just about done.  We are already 1/12 of the way through 2019.  A few days into February will see us 10% into the new year.

But I’d wager a guess and suggest that any resolution you may have made has long been set aside as old habits return.  Complacency is easy.  Routine is routine, and I’d agree is normally the less resistive path.  And of course, there is always next year - you’ve already given yourself a pass for this year.

Change is hard.  No argument whatsoever.  Change is hard.  Change is uncomfortable.  

May I suggest something to you.  Despite the fact that change is hard, being intentional and doing the things you resolved to at the beginning of the year can yield real meaningful change that can affect the rest of your life.

If insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different outcome - wouldn’t change be the opposite?

If you are not content with the direction your life is taking you, why not make today the day you institute real meaningful change that will change the course direction of your life?

Here’s the thing I know to be fact.  You don’t need to wait until some arbitrary date - like New Years day - to make a resolution that will affect the rest of your life.

What it takes is a real intentional plan that moves you from where you are to where you want to be.  That plan isn’t always easy to come up with, but thankfully there are people out there who can help move you in the right direction.

There is a reason some of the richest smartest most successful people in the world engage with coaches.  If it works from someone of that stature, it is reasonable to assume it will work for you. 

This week my encouragement is simply this - if you haven’t engaged with a coach (Life Coach, Career Coach, Business Coach, Health Coach, Fitness Coach etc.) and started that journey towards a new refined you, GET ENGAGED.

And if you don’t have a coach you are working right now, I humbly offer my services for your consideration in your quest to make 2019 and beyond the best possible years yet by making you the best possible you.

Don’t wait until next year to start what you can start today.  Make that your first resolution of the rest of this year.

(Did you know you can get Monday Morning Minute delivered to your inbox every Monday morning?  Go to PSCoachTN.com and register to have Monday Morning Minute waiting for you each Monday as you start your work week.)

If You Are Going to Play - Play to Win

About a week ago I was talking with my wife regarding a client I have and I made the comment that in working with a particular employee there that they were simply “phoning” it in on a daily basis.  Being the start of a New Year - the client wanted specific new procedures in place as a ways to move the company towards stated goals for 2019.

Breaking the staff into 3 different teams we met for lunch to introduce the 2019 objectives and to set expectations for each team so that they knew what was expected of them in the effort to meet or exceed the stated goals.

During lunch I was quite surprised by how much push back came from one particular employee.  Going into the lunch meeting I knew in the past that this employee ran either really hot or really cold - sadly really cold showed up on that day.

After the initial goals were laid out and the employee had a chance to voice all the reasons why they felt it couldn’t work - I shifted the direction of the conversation to discuss what would occur if the plan as presented did work.

The reality is this employee is not unique, we all face similar challenges each and everyday.  Challenges that in our own minds we can start to justify as to why it may not work, or why we shouldn’t do something.  The status quo is a comfortable place to be - change is hard.

The challenge becomes simply this, if you are going to get into the game, why not play to win.  Granted, you may not think of your work environment as a game, but the fact is it is an arena that consumes a tremendous amount of you waking hours.  Since you have to be there anyways, why not give it your all and look for ways to win.

Years ago I remember reading a sales book that suggested the best salespeople are the ones who work first thing Monday all the way through late Friday afternoon in an attempt to create business.  The point was this, while others spend Monday mornings recovering from the weekend and Friday afternoons planning for the weekend, a great salesperson is looking for that competitive edge to propel their numbers past others.

Not only does that extra effort normally translate into increase productivity - in most cases it helps the work day go quicker as well.

I have tremendous respect for people (and business owners) who are intentional about setting forth goals that they want to see met during a specific period.  My client spent 2 months evaluating where the business was currently, where they wanted it to be at the same time 12 months later, and what steps where necessary to see that occur.

As lunch wrapped up the overall tone shifted from a “I can’t” attitude to a “I’ll give it a try” approach.  Although I know they aren’t all in on the owners plans yet, being willing to give it a go will prove beneficial.  

Like playing a game, you may not believe initially that you can win - but once you get going you realize that you just might have a fighting chance of winning causing you to put your all into seeing that realized.

If you are going to play - play to win.  Seems simple enough, doesn’t it?  Why not live your life to win?   

(Did you know you can get Monday Morning Minute delivered to your inbox every Monday morning?  Go to PSCoachTN.com and register to have Monday Morning Minute waiting for you each Monday as you start your work week.)

Take A Minute to Thank Your Trash Man

Do you remember the old 80’s hair band song that stated in part, “...you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone...”?  While that song is not typically thought of as a Christmas song, during the week of Christmas that song played over and over again in my head as I lamented the fact that I no trash can outside of our home to put trash into.

On the Friday before Christmas we had scheduled to have the windshield on my wife’s car replaced as she had been hit by a pretty nasty stone while driving to work the week prior.  The technician who came to the house to install the windshield dropped the windshield as he was attempting to install it cracking it.  We both felt terrible as he had to return to his shop to get a new windshield to finish the job.  We had several appointments and obligations so we asked him if it was alright if we left, leaving the car unlocked so that he could finish the job upon his return.

We didn’t get home until late that evening - so it wasn’t until the following morning that I noticed that our trash can was no longer curbside in front of our house.  I commented that maybe the windshield technician had moved it to the side of the house, but upon further investigation - my trash can was gone.

I immediately attempted to call the trash company, but they were closed given the weekend - so no resolution could be reached until Monday, which also was Christmas Eve.

It wasn’t until I lived without a trash can that I realized how much I appreciated having a trash can to put all of our household trash into.  Forget the fact it was a holiday week and as such our trash output was higher than normal - the simple fact of not being able to take a bag of trash from our kitchen to the outside trash can was turning into a dilemma.  

Throughout the course of the weekend, we improvised, burning in our fire pit as much of the paper trash as possible limiting the items that could not be burned, but still the bags started to pile up on the bag porch.

Monday morning I was able to speak directly with the trash company learning that when the truck picked up our can on Friday, the arm released the can into the back of the truck and that there was no way to retrieve the can safely.  The representative stated that we would have a new can delivered in the next few days apologizing that the Christmas holiday meant several days of delay.

Two days after Christmas we came home to find a shiny new trash can in our driveway.  It was truly a sight for sore eyes.  Up until that point in time, I had never really given much thought to a trash can, but living without a trash can revealed just how much something as insignificant as a trash can can be in a persons life.

More importantly than that - although I’ve always made a point to thank the trash men when I’ve seen them picking up - just how much their service was to our family was made abundantly clear during the week we lived without that trash can.

My challenge this week to you is simply this.  What thing(s) in your life do you take for granted never giving it a second thought that if it were gone, you’d truly miss?  In our household, going a week without that trash can revealed just how much we appreciated the service they provided.

Take sometime this week and say thank-you to the things and people that make your life easier and more convenient.  It will not only make those people know that you appreciate their service to you - but it just might make your day better as well.

(Did you know you can get Monday Morning Minute delivered to your inbox every Monday morning?  Go to PSCoachTN.com and register to have Monday Morning Minute waiting for you each Monday as you start your work week.)

Don’t Wait Until Next Year to Make a Resolution

We are officially 1 week into the new year - and most people who made resolutions this time last week have, statistically speaking, given up on them and reverted back to their old ways.  So whether the resolution was to lose weight, or eat better, perhaps join (or return) to the gym - the fact is we as people fail at the resolutions we make.

Why is that?  Well, for one, it takes intention to create a change.  Simply declaring that you are going to start eating healthier does not change the food you put into your body.  Clearing out the junk food from the pantry and refrigerator replacing it with healthier options is a required first step on that journey.

Losing weight is the same thing.  Although on a very basic level, losing weight is easy - eat less than what your body burns in calories everyday - the fact is it is not easy.  I for one love sweets.  When I’m engaged in a weight loss period I am intentional about the food that is brought into the house.  My whole family becomes defacto participants in my goals simply from the standpoint that I’m the one who typically does most of the grocery shopping for the house and as such I choose not to allow items that might tempt me to come into the home.

And don’t get me started on that gym.  I often joke with close friends that I have a gym membership, and I on an average day drive by that gym at least twice.  Driving by is great, stopping in and getting a workout however takes discipline.  I don’t enjoy the gym, but I also know the consequence of not getting several workouts in during the week.

As we embark on the first full week of 2019 I want to challenge you by asking this question:  What changes would you like to see accomplished in your life during the next 12 months?

I know we all gravitate to the high level simple choices, weight loss, eating better and exercise.  But beyond those, my encouragement to you this week is to really spend sometime reflecting on the changes you want to make in your life.

If you had a blank piece of paper in front of you and could draw out your life that you want for yourself, what would be there that isn’t currently part of your daily routine?  

Once you have identified those item(s), what steps are needed to start the process to get you there.  Ask yourself, are you willing to spend another year where you are at not moving yourself forward towards goals, dreams and desires that you have for your life.  If the answer is “NO” to that last question, make today the first day of your new “you” and make a resolution to change.

Life is hard, there is no argument there.  Change is harder.  It is so easy to become complacent as our lives that start out as a rut quickly turn into a grave.  Sadly, NONE of use are getting any younger, and even as you read this (and I write this) we all are closer to our final act than we were the day before.

For me, knowing the clock is ticking makes me want more.  Knowing I am on a countdown clock that is not having time added to it inspires me to seek to do the things I want to accomplish in life.  

In the last few years I’ve added some pretty aggressive resolutions to my list.  One of those resolutions was made at the beginning of 2017.  It is a 3-year plan to take one of my businesses and prepare it to be sold.  It was deliberate, it was intentional, but most importantly it was bigger than what I by myself could accomplish.  So along with my partner in that business, we created a plan.  To this day, a white board hangs in our office that counts down the months.  

As of last month, (which is month 24 of 36) we have engaged with a company that is interested in acquiring the business.  What is unknown at this point is where that conversation will lead - however what I can tell you 100% as fact is simply this - that conversation would never have occurred if a plan (resolution) wasn’t put into place at the beginning of 2017.

So this week I challenge you to start looking at making resolutions that will have a meaningful impact on your life.  Working with a Life Coach is a great way to see those goals accomplished.  Having someone who not only works with you, but can hold you accountable sets up the opportunity for success.

And at the end of the day, isn’t being successful something we all aspire to?

So go ahead, let’s ring in the New Year right by making resolutions that will make the life you are living the best possible life there is.

(Did you know you can get Monday Morning Minute delivered to your inbox every Monday morning?  Go to PSCoachTN.com and register to have Monday Morning Minute waiting for you each Monday as you start your work week.)

It’s Not About A Tree - It’s About A Baby

Merry Christmas! 

I never get tired of uttering those words to people.  It is a phrase that is universal in its ability to unite and bring a smile to the face of others.

As I write this I realize it’s the 11th hour - crunch time.  Last minute presents and shopping and preparations come together to create what I trust for you will be the best Christmas yet.  As the meals get prepared and the packages unwrapped I want to encourage you to take a few minutes this year and reflect on what Christmas really means and how it truly serves as the basis for life changing opportunities for all who believe.

2000+ years ago, God sent His son to earth.  He was tasked with taking on the role we all share in, being human.  As a baby his birth was anything but glamorous, but His purpose, His goal - this baby they called Jesus - came to this earth to save us from the sins and ultimate punishment that we deserved.

Truer leadership I know not of.  Truer sacrifice I cannot recall.  With a purposeful, intentional deliberate plan, that baby born in the manger in Bethlehem knew that one day he would suffer and die so that we all can be saved.

Christmas is a lot of things to a lot of people - but I encourage you this holiday season stop and reflect for a few minutes as to what Christmas really means.

It’s not about a tree, it’s not about the presents, it’s not about family gatherings or holiday parties or secret Santa presents.  It’s about that baby who came as a living sacrifice for you and for me.

The best present you can gift yourself or the ones you love this holiday season is a relationship with Jesus Christ - my Lord and Savior.  If you don’t know or aren’t sure - I implore you to ask.  Inquire.  If not of me, of those around you who know the truth.

There is nothing wrong with celebrating and getting excited about Christmas.  My heart melts watching the excitement my kids have each Christmas morning as they open their presents.  But I’m even happier knowing that they know the truth, that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Do you know the truth this Christmas season?  Yeah, signs that say “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” are really cliched - but THEY ARE RIGHT.

Jesus is the reason for this season.  And the greatest present you can gift yourself and others is the saving knowledge that when you die - and yes we all will die - that you will wake up with Jesus in eternity.

Take time and accept the ultimate gift and make this Christmas your best Christmas ever.

Merry Christmas friends.

(Did you know you can get Monday Morning Minute delivered to your inbox every Monday morning?  Go to PSCoachTN.com and register to have Monday Morning Minute waiting for you each Monday as you start your work week.)

“...too many cooks spoil the soup...”

The past few weeks have been transitional weeks for me in that I am relocating one of my businesses from my converted garage to a storage unit a mile from my house.  For the last 15 years, my home has also served as my office which by default means it served as a warehouse as well.  The business has around 20,000 different line items in stock at any given time, and while they are all very small computer parts, storing that many items does take up a lot of space.

In making this transition it has been important to not only keep business going and the items ordered by customers shipping, but keep some semblance of order so that once the different boxes are moved they can be found again when a customer needs that item.

Over the weekend the kids and I headed to the storage unit and worked for a few hours putting stuff in order in preparation for this next chapter of business.  Not only was it incredibly fun getting an opportunity to hang out with my kids, but having the chance to work with them brought an immense joy.  Even though at 12 & 9 they may think they have it all figured out, the reality is they don’t - and answering questions that they asked as to “why” things were done the way they were was fun and even a bit challenging.

Both kids respected the fact that I was the one leading the project.  The man with a plan.  The move wasn’t a simple pick up and just move it ordeal, it has been carefully executed in stages.  It reminds me of one of those puzzles we all had as kids, where 1 piece was missing and you had to maneuver the other pieces around to get the puzzle completed.

But here’s the thing that really stuck out to me.  A plan was necessary to get the job done.  During the past few weeks we’ve had multiple people come help.  Those people don’t have any vested interest in seeing the job done right, they are there solely for a paycheck - and there is nothing wrong with that.  What they did however was need a plan.  They relied on the direction and planning that I had laid out.

And when the plan wasn’t being executed correctly or not going as originally planned, they had an opportunity to stop working and wait while the plan was revised.  Had each person who helped simply moved boxes without any intentional planning, customer who placed orders for specific products would be delayed in getting their orders as we tried to find the new locations that the product was moved too.

The crew that help was directed to ask many many questions along the way.  They were there to help, not to make decisions.

Life is like that a lot though.  Last week we talked about “Servant Leadership” and how important a trait that is in a good leader.  That same principle was at work during the move, but at the same time making sure those who came to work knew what they needed to get done and how to do it was paramount to the success of the move.

As a leader it is important to know when to assert your authority and when to yield.  There is nothing wrong with asserting authority, especially when you may be the expert in the room.  At the end of the day, the job still has to be done and the leader is accountable to the team to insure the job was done right just as much as the team is accountable to the leader.

Going back to the cooking analogy I titled this post with, if you added salt to the soup and the person helping you added salt to the soup odds are you will end up with a salty soup.  Knowing when to yield, knowing when to communicate, knowing when to lead will always create a better environment for you and your team.

Better environments create better finished products.  So whether its moving boxes to a new location or cooking soup for others to enjoy, be aware of your role and embrace it with all that you have.

(Did you know you can get Monday Morning Minute delivered to your inbox every Monday morning?  Go to PSCoachTN.com and register to have Monday Morning Minute waiting for you each Monday as you start your work week.)