We live in an unstable world, and that fact is becoming more apparent and more personal every day. By any measure—economic realities, global events, your health, job security, or relationship status, to name a few—we observe and encounter a harsh reality.

Nobody really knows what is going to happen next.

Uncertainty abounds. But, while this reality seems amplified at the moment, it has always been the case. Even with the most extensive preparation and due diligence, you will never be able to remove all doubt and claim complete certainty about an anticipated outcome. That is an undeniable fact of life.

Embrace Uncertainty

How you experience life is dependent upon your relationship to the unknown. If you are curious, expectant, and hopeful, your experience will reflect that. You will be more resourceful and in command of your response to external circumstances.

Uncertainty can be unnerving.

If, however you are fighting the flow of change at every turn, you will experience a barrage of undesirable circumstances that are happening “to you.” When we adopt the role of victim, we relinquish control of our inward and external responses to reshape events for the better.

I believe we need to embrace uncertainty and take an active role in creating a life and a world that, while still unpredictable, is positive in nature, evolving for the better, and shaped by our powerful words and actions. While you can never completely control the outcome, you can greatly influence it.

Take the Right Risks

Uncertainty is undeniable, and to navigate through it, we must accept certain risks and reject others. Largely, this is an intuitive process, but the term “risk” means that the potential downside is quantifiable. When you focus on “uncertainty,” you will be overwhelmed, because it is an ambiguous and all encompassing term. But a “risk,” by definition, is measurable and finite.  You can consider a risk, compare it to the potential rewards and benefits, and make a decision about your next move.

The Ratio of Risk and Reward

Risk is relative, and it is entirely a matter of perception. One person would think nothing of free-climbing a 100-foot cliff, while another is fearful of leaving his own home. Most of us are somewhere in between. The key is to become aware of your own attitudes toward risk and to be willing to turn aversion into acceptance for a meaningful reason. When you have a meaningful reason to lean forward—when you are aligned with a persuasive purpose—discomfort transforms into excitement.

Here’s a quick risk assessment that will help you get past emotional reflexes and shift your perception. Answer these questions, relative to the choice or circumstance you are contemplating.

•    What is the immediate best thing that can happen?

•    What are the long-term rewards?

•    What is the worst thing that can happen?

•    Is the worst thing acceptable? Can I live with it?

•    What is the likelihood that the worst thing will happen?

•    What preparations and precautions can lessen the likelihood of the worst-case?

•    How effective will they be?

•    Is the reward worth the risk?

Risk Assessment Formula

Think of this as a mathematical Risk Assessment formula:

BT + R ≠ (WT – A) × (L – P)

Of course, the values for each term (as defined below) will be subjective. That’s the point. You can use this process to clarify your thinking, estimate what these aspects of risk and reward mean to you, and then arrive at a more informed and reasoned decision.

BT = Best Thing. On a scale from 1 to 50, with 1 representing a small positive outcome and 50 representing a “dream come true” scenario, how would you characterize the immediate impact of your best-case scenario?

R = Ongoing Rewards. We’re going to use this number to beef up the “best case” side of the equation. This represents the ongoing benefits you will gain into the foreseeable future. They could be tangible, monetary, and concrete. Or, perhaps the rewards are less tangible but equally significant, such as a boost to self-confidence or self-esteem. In a business case, this could also represent your market position or future potential business. Again, pick a number from 1 (very minimal long-term impact) to 50 (maximum long-range benefit).

WT = Worst Thing. This time, use a scale from 1 to 100. The number 1 indicates a non-issue and 100 means “total devastation.”

A = Acceptability. This will be an adjustment to the “worst case” side of the equation. Use a scale from 1 to 50, but with the higher number being positive: 1 means that this is not acceptable at all (it would be really hard to recover from a negative outcome) and 50 indicates that you could recover from this without much difficulty, even though it would initially have a negative impact.

L = Likelihood. This is represented as a percentage (or as a decimal) that the worst thing will happen (.10 means that there’s a 10 percent chance of it happening). Be as honest and objective as possible.

P = Precautions and Preparation. This is an adjustment to the likelihood percentage. If you were totally prepared and took the necessary precautions, by what percentage would that lower the likelihood of a negative outcome?

Notice that this equation does not have an equal sign between the two sides. It has a “does not equal” sign, because the chances of the reward and the risk being equal are miniscule at best. Instead, one side will always be greater than the other. The results will vary, of course, depending on the unique circumstances you face.

When the reward side is greater than the risk side, the best thing that could happen plus the potential long-term rewards are greater than the worst-case possibilities. Perhaps this is because the worst thing that could happen really isn’t that bad, or the likelihood of it happening is extremely low. Here, the situation really isn’t as risky as you may have first perceived it to be. Go for it!

Here are some real-world examples to help you understand how to use the risk-assessment formula.

Reward Greater than Risk Examples

First example: Getting on an airplane to travel across the country. The worst thing, in this case an airplane crash, would be horrendous. Yet the likelihood of it happening is extraordinarily small. Thus, the reward of being able to quickly get where you are going outweighs the adjusted risk.

Or maybe the worst thing is substantial, and maybe even likely. Yet there are things you can do to minimize the risk with precautions and preparation. And the potential reward is enormous—the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, for example. In this situation, you might find that the best thing and the rewards associated with it are still worth the risk.

Second example: Investing a significant amount of money and time in order to start a business. You could easily lose it all, which would have a huge initial negative impact. But in time, you could recover. The potential rewards of doing what you love and gaining enormous satisfaction and experience may make it a worthwhile and admirable endeavor. Again, acceptable risk is subjective, as is the magnitude of the successful outcome.

If the worst thing that can happen is devastating and intolerable, and it is a likely outcome, then that side of the equation will be greater than the reward side, and you should avoid the risk. It’s simply not worth it.

Risk Greater than Reward Examples

First example: Engaging in questionable activity (such as a shady business deal or creative accounting) for a potential profit or enhanced level of status or success. Even if the chance of being found out (the risk) is relatively low, the potential devastation would ruin your career and your reputation. Also, the fact that the potential reward would come at the cost of your principles would greatly diminish its worth. This isn’t an appropriate way to “make yourself uncomfortable.”

Second example: Riding your bicycle off the garage roof in order to make an audition tape for the next “Jackass” movie. (Any action that starts with the words “Hey, watch this!” probably falls into this category.)

If you were to run the numbers of such a stunt, it might look like this:

BT = 4 (a small shot at fame and a chance to embarrass yourself nationally)

R = 2 (long-term reward: “Hey . . . aren’t you that idiot who was in that movie?”)

WT = 98 (broken bones, paralysis, or other serious injury

A = 10 (You would likely recover but have some lingering pains and the footage to prove it.)

L = 60% (of serious injury)

P = 10% (Helmets, pads, and a positive attitude can help only so much.)

Best-case equation: 4 + 2 = 6

Worst-case equation: (98 – 10) × (.60 – .10) = 44

6 < 44

Analysis: Keep your feet on the ground, pal. Don’t you wish all of life’s decisions were as easy?

Into Action

1.    Embrace uncertainty as an undeniable, exciting opportunity-rich reality.

2.    Determine what you truly want and how you desire to grow.

3.    Use the risk assessment questions to fully understand the measure of your uncertain next steps.

4.    Measure the risk against the potential rewards, factoring in the best and worse cases, and the likelihood of potential outcomes.

5.    Take the risks that are right for you, and take an active role in shaping your future.

You can never eliminate the risks of life. Besides, where is the fun in that? You can, however, better understand the risks before you and decide to accept or reject them for the right reasons. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, become empowered by the possibilities that await you!

With encouragement always,

Dan

It’s official. Training starts today. I have accepted the challenge to race in the Muddy Buddy Bike and Run on June 20, 2009. The Muddy Buddy is a 10k race through the woods, on bike and on foot, featuring “Survivor-type” obstacles and a finishing crawl through a mud pit. These fun events happen all over the country and benefit an excellent cause – The Challenged Athletes Foundation. Learn more at the Muddy Buddy Website and watch the video below from last year’s race.

So what does this have to do with you?

Accepting challenges, of all sorts and sizes, is the way we maintain a powerful and purposeful orientations to life. Challenges enable us to grow and inspire us to transcend our present limitations or circumstances. We can deny and forestall those challenges, or we can accept them.

It may be time for you to accept a new challenge.

When we accept a new challenge, something truly spectacular happens. We engage new forces and resources to help us prepare for and complete our intended goal. We engage a wide range of emotions – excitement, fear, uncertainty, and empowerment. Ordinary events and circumstances take on new characteristics. Our focus becomes sharper. Growth happens.

Your Choice

The Muddy Buddy example is a fun physical challenge and an opportunity to add a new dimension to my relationship with my wife, who will be my partner for this event. She strapped on sneakers and went for a jog this morning, and we are already tossing around ideas for costumes (watch the video, and you’ll understand).

This might be something you want to do, as well. But more, likely, there are other things happening in your life that will provide the necessary push you are looking for. Perhaps yours will be a:

• Physical Challenge – such as a new workout goal, or replacing a damaging habit with a healthier one
• Mental Challenge – learning a language, completing a course, mastering a new subject
• Professional Challenge – completing a project, finding a new job, attaining a certification
• Personal Challenge – handling family circumstances, developing new friendships, repairing old ones
• Spiritual Challenge – growing spiritually, practicing prayer or meditation, or taking a mission trip

The choices are limitless, and they are YOURS to make. We must be off balance in the direction of our desire in order to make something meaningful happen. Off balance on purpose!

Let’s Inspire Each Other

Here’s what I want you to do. Tell me about your challenge by posting to the comments section of this blog post. What do you intend to do, and when do you intend to do it? You can also send me a private email via dan@danthurmon.com, which I will reply to. But if you write in the comments section, you will inspire others as well! We are all in this together, and by voicing our commitments, we will undoubtedly help one another stay focused and determined to complete what we’ve set out to do.

Into Action

1. Start with Purpose. What are you really trying to accomplish in life? Why is it important? How are you growing toward the person you hope to be?

2. Pick your Target. Just choose one new challenge, small or large, which you are ready to commit to. It could be something you’ve been intending to do for years, or it could be a brand new thought. Perhaps it’s something you are already doing, but are ready to commit to a new level.

3. Say “Yes” to Start the Process. Accept the challenge and tell me about it, or express your intentions to other people in your life whom you trust and respect.

4. Leverage your Resources. After you commit, new resources will become available, internally (because you are focused and emotionally engaged) and externally, as you will notice new opportunities around you. Use those factors to your advantage to sustain and grow your commitment and keep your momentum moving forward.

5. Follow Through. There will be many tests along the way, especially as you near completion. Just continue making strides and remember your reasons for accepting the challenge in the first place. Ask for help when you need it. Rest to renew your strength. And continue.

Today is different because of the challenges we have accepted. And every day we renew and confirm our commitment. By taking responsibility for the direction of your growth and initiating action, you reclaim control of your destiny. The challenges are still challenging, but they are more manageable and more rewarding … because they are yours.

With encouragement always,

Dan

Are you stronger today than you were a year ago?

A month ago?

Yesterday?

It’s not even the end of March, and already 2009 has been a year of significant challenges. It seems that everyone I know is facing a sizable “test” of some sort – physical, emotional, or economic threats. These trials can certainly shake our foundations, ignite our fears, and inflict pain and hardship on our daily lives.

Yet there is a “Gift to the Grind,” if we are willing to allow and recognize it. Individually and together, we are becoming stronger.

Getting Stronger

Increasing your strength – physically, mentally, emotionally, morally, or spiritually – is a predictable process. Sure, the “tests” will be different for all of us, and may arise unexpected (or even unwelcomed). But, we can count on the fact that we will always face struggles, experience set backs, be humbled, recover, and be strengthened as a result.

“Getting stronger” is about growth. Over time and through deliberate effort, we develop the ability to withstand greater demands and handle them with more certainty and ease.

How do you build muscles? It’s a simple, two step process. You must first use the muscle beyond its current capacity. Then, give it some time to recover. Both steps, training and recovery, are essential to growth. In fact, it is a fool proof plan. Once the muscle is pushed beyond its current limits and given the opportunity to recover, it will regain its previous capacity … and then some. It will be better, stronger, and more resilient than it was before the work out.

This phenomenon is called supercompensation. Not only will the muscle compensate for the increased workload, but it will supercompensate, going beyond the previous mark. The reason for this is that your body, in order to protect itself, is anticipating the likelihood of another test. It wants to be ready for that challenge, so it recovers beyond the previous level of capability.

This approach to training works to increase not only your physical strength, but also your mental, emotional, and spiritual capabilities. In order to grow in any of these areas you must deliberately expend a taxing, beyond-the-limit effort. You must be off balance in a direction you choose and exert yourself fully – often to the point of failure. Then, once you have “broken down” your muscle (or your belief of what is possible), you need to experience a “recovery period” to rest, rebuild strength, and allow new patterns of thinking and action to take hold.

Training (fatigue), Recovery,  and Supercompensation –

All three phases are necessary.

Adding resistance

As I look at the snapshot of today’s circumstances, I see a lot of fatigue and considerable pain. Many of our systems are broken – physical systems, environmental systems, economic systems, and cognitive systems (systems of thought). These personal and universal systemic challenges require a new commitment to understand them and transform our approach so that we can handle them successfully.

By consistently taxing our physical or mental powers to the point of failure, we tell the body (or the mind) that there is a requirement for more resources – strength, stamina, or capability. Then, through the required period of recovery, we experience growth beyond our former ability. We will become better, day by day, if we accept the challenges, apply ourselves, and grow.

If you feel as though you have reached a “plateau” in your ability, and that you are not getting stronger, you need to add some resistance. Try something harder. Tackle more difficult challenges – or more complicated concepts. Stretch your thinking. Stretch you body. Stretch your talents to their breaking point.

Then, allow the time to recover and grow.

We’ve become a “quick fix” culture, so I realize the approach I am advocating may be unpopular. Many of us want instant gratification and the postponement of discipline, hardship, and pain. But the approach that has proven most successful (and will ultimately allow us to transcend these circumstances) is one of daily discipline. Ultimately, gratification results from consistent and persistent effort.

Into Action

Make the tough choices. Apply yourself to the challenges by giving all your physical and mental effort. It is only when those resources are exhausted, and you take the time to rest and recover, that you will become stronger, smarter, and more capable. And that’s a true satisfaction that is far superior to the false promise of a quick fix.

What is the thing that you desperately need to do? Do it now. Do it with all your strength. Spend yourself completely, and prepare to be supercompensated.

Wishing you strength,

Dan

Welcome to 2009

And the new version of the Action Mail Newsletter. This year, we have many exciting new resources in the pipeline for subscribers, so stay tuned. I look forward to your feedback on the new (and developing) danthurmon.com.

The year of “Off Balance” 

As you are already well aware, 2009 is going to be a wild ride! We are living in historic times: A precarious and battle scarred economy, world wide attention on our new President and the actions of Congress, thousands of jobs lost on a daily basis.  

We’ve never been more Off Balance.

What are you going to do about it?

As we stand at the crest of 2009, ready to ski, sled, crawl, or tumble headfirst into uncertainty, what are your expectations for this year? For most of my clients and the people I know, the answers to that question are “measured,” at best, including:

“In this economy, we’re just struggling to stay alive.”

“2009 is going to be awful. We’re already focused on 2010.”

“We’re not going to participate in the recession.”

I work with a diverse list of clients, in many different industries, both Private and Public sector. Most are experiencing some degree of downturn, ranging from unexpected bumps to total devastation. 

Some sectors are thriving. But even those who remain successful are experiencing a “wake up” by association. We all gasp at the events and news reports of job losses, plummeting portfolios, schemes, and scandals and wonder “What’s next?”

The Perfect Storm of Uncertainty. You are here.

The “perfect storm” of uncertainty – economic, geopolitical, and personal issues taken together – leave
 us all unquestionably “off balance.” But are you “Off Balance On Purpose?” Do you feel emboldened by the changes, or are you shaken to the core?

We can’t remain spectators. The world has enough singers in the “Hallelujah Victims’ Choir.”

The truth is, you can’t control or even predict the waves that threaten you. But you can steer the boat. Your boat.

To regain a sense of control, focus with greater conviction on the positive aspects which you can manage and improve. I believe that this year is a sensational opportunity to go back to basics and strengthen the fundamentals that contribute to your long term success. 

Fundamentals

To weather the uncertainty that lies ahead and make the best use of time and resources, I propose that you and I make this the year to return to (or reinforce) the fundamentals of success.

Every day, you lay the groundwork for your unfolding success story. What you choose to do now, at this moment, will determine how you handle adversity, and how you are positioned when new opportunities materialize down the road. 

It’s not about the weather. It’s about the whether – Whether or not you are willing to take action.

Into Action

Make 2009 your year to:

1. Develop Daily Discipline – What are you doing every day to sharpen your ax, improve yourself (Exercise is free), or create a new opportunity? I don’t mean a once in a while effort, or a heroic, desperate,  “Hail Mary Pass” approach to change. What do you do every day to prepare for the opportunities that await you? 
2. Build Relationships – With so many people in need of help, support, and friendship, this is an important time to focus on helping others. Make it part of your purpose to care for those in need, and you’ll benefit immediately (from the joy and fulfillment), and for years to come (due to the lasting relationships you’ll foster). 
3. Embrace Sound Business Practices – Now is the time to get back to basics, with regard to your finances. Make value based decisions. Conserve costs where you can. Leverage your resources, and make the most use of what you have.
4. Go to School – During this year, learn something new. Become a beginner again. This is an important time to remain humble and become more skilled or more knowledgeable in your chosen field.

As the year unfolds, I can guarantee there will be new opportunities, as well as unexpected challenges. 

That’s life! The question is, will you be ready to capitalize on the opportunities? Will you be prepared to handle the challenges?

The answer to those questions depends upon your approach to fundamentals.

Let’s get to work.

Your partner in action,

Dan 

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

I have an urgent message for you to read and absorb before you complete your work week and take off to enjoy the holidays. It’s all about your personal portfolio – the stocks and bonds which are absolutely critical for your long term prosperity, security, and joy.

Let’s face it. The value of stocks and bonds has been clobbered, sending many people into a spiraling funk as they gasp at their dwindling account balances. If you are experiencing a pain in your assets, a case of dividend desperation, or even a full blown episode of portfolio panic, then you need this information. Trust me.

Dan’s Sure Fire Stock Picks

Stock, as you probably know, is nothing more than an ownership position – a tiny piece of equity – an investment of resources which you secure, hold, and (hopefully) benefit from as it’s value appreciates. The ownership I am advocating, however, is the ownership of ideas that will sustain and uplift you.

In these turbulent economic times, I enthusiastically recommend that you increase your position when it comes to gratitude, love, and an expectation for a positive and hopeful future.

BUY – The idea that we are in a time of transition and the ultimate result will be a world that is wiser, more efficient, and more accountable for providing real value. Buy the notion that you are a part of this transition. Your thoughts, words, and actions matter. In fact, they are a critical part of the solution.

SELL – Negative assumptions, projections, and blame-based conversations. They serve no positive purpose and only agitate others and foster resentment and anger. Liquidate your holdings of fear. Check your balances – the balance of positive versus negative thoughts. When a negative notion enters your mind, ask yourself if it provides real value. If not (as is usually the case), let it go. Sell it immediately. Also, get rid of your need to have everything, and get back to the basics that help you build a positive future.

DONT SELL – Yourself short. Perhaps we should suspend “short selling” altogether! Don’t sell others short. Don’t lower your expectations or standards. Don’t compromise your beliefs or goals. Don’t short sell your heartfelt purpose, regardless of what naysayers and skeptics may say.

HOLD – The ones you love, even closer than before.

Taking Stock

Take stock in what truly matters in your life. This is, after all, the season of Thanksgiving. Take stock in what you have, what you treasure, and what you are able to give away to others.

Strengthening Bonds

Strengthen the bonds with family and friends, and partners. Have a conversation that goes beyond the typical “face work” of interaction and penetrates to a genuine, person-to-person connection. Listen, and learn things about the people in your life. We build stronger bonds by listening than we do by talking. 

Strengthen your bonds by being generous with your “stock,” or your supplies. Share what you have with those less fortunate. Because, even when you are low on stock, there are others who are out of stock. Take stock, and give.

I believe that strong bonds stem from bold and real connections. When you enter into a conversation, resist the temptation to steer toward fears, gossip, or other negative conversation topics. Rise above that easy choice and, instead, share kind comments, hopeful sentiments, and positive fuel for thought.

Into Action

Now, go stock up on laughter, bond with family and friends and have a prosperous and loving Thanksgiving holiday.

Dan

Greetings from beautiful Kalispell, Montana

I’m spending a few days near Glacier National Park to combine a mastermind meeting (with a couple of friends and colleagues) and a speaking engagement on Wednesday.

On the way here, I made a flight connection in Salt Lake City. Once our plane landed, then taxied to the gate, I jumped into the aisle and prepared for the sprint across the airport to the commuter prop plane that would take me onward. As we waited for the aircraft door to be opened, the Delta flight attendant spied my desire for a quick escape, and asked me a question:

“Sir, is this your final destination?”

I responded, “My final destination? I certainly hope not!”

Read the rest of this entry »

Lights. Camera. Action!

If your life was a movie, what genre would it be – comedy, tragedy, mystery? Something else?

I choose “Adventure.” Everyday the plot unfolds to reveal unexpected twists, new challenges, and fascinating characters. My adventuring companion, my wife Sheilia, shares the spirit and belief that our life together is the stuff of adventure. In fact, we even had the theme to Indiana Jones played as the exit music for our wedding! And the fifteen years since that day have delivered a story to rival any Hollywood fabrication.

Read the rest of this entry »

By many measures a case can be made that “times are tough.” Gas is expensive, competition is fierce, investment markets are soft and unpredictable. Many individuals (perhaps even you) use these conditions to explain why it seems increasingly difficult to survive, much less thrive.

Yet other people – you know them or have seen them in action – always seem to do well, regardless of the outside circumstances. They maintain a solid stream of work and manage their finances. In addition, they are persistently happy, upbeat, and positive, even as news reports from every angle proclaim drastic downturns and historically high hurdles to overcome.

Do you want to be one of the “bulletproof?” Wouldn’t it be nice to repel negativity as effectively as a windshield freshly coated with Rain-X sheds water drops? (Incidentally, if you don’t know this product, consider this a bonus tip – try it.) You can become similarly resistent to life’s unexpected downpours, if you will simply…

Become Irreplaceable

 You are unique, imbued with amazing talents, sparkling insights, and passionate interests. Does the world recognize your potential? Do you?

If your job performance, products, services, or ideas are simply on par with the rest of what is out there, you and your work are replaceable commodities. Others do it – and some do it better than you. You know this, which fuels the fear that you might be “found out,” replaced, outsourced, or made irrelevant. From this posture, you can’t possibly peform at your best.

On the other hand, if you view your life and your work as “one-of-a-kind”, you will release the baggage and fear, and rise to a new performance standard, defined by you. Refuse to be compared to what is “out there.” Validate and develop what is “in there.” Turn irrelevant into irreplaceable.

You are irreplaceable (to your employer or clientele) when:

• You turn anticipation into execution – Think beyond the present requests, needs, tasks, and demands. Seeing “what’s next” is an important quality, but “irreplaceable” comes when you not only anticipate the future but act upon it. When your employer or client learns that you thought ahead, anticipated a challenge, problem, or opportunity and then acted on their behalf to mitigate the risk or maximize the potential, you become irreplaceable.
• You go beyond what is expected – Job descriptions are inadequate. Strive to “defy description.” This means understanding the purpose behind your profession, the need that makes your job necessary, and the tremendous service you provide. Go just a bit further than others are willing to go (or capable of going), and you will stand out by far.
• You become a “mashup” artist – “Mashups” are new combinations of familiar ideas. The invention and originality comes from pairing diverse concepts, skills, or offerings. The term literally means that two things are “mashed up” into one. In technology and music, it means using existing material to create derivative works (What would happen if we took that Tchaikovsky symphony and combined it with this Hip Hop groove?). In similar fashion, when you combine two ideas, skill sets, or talents that are at the core of who you are, you create something irreplaceable. Nobody else can do it, because it is the essence of you. This is the key to my personal story – combining my passions for performing and motivation. I’m not simply a speaker or an entertainer. I am both, simultaneously. I am convinced this “mashup” keeps my calendar full and provides a flow of inbound interesting opportunities.   
• You handle the small stuff – Don’t leave the details to chance. Handle them. It’s the little things that will make or break your success.
• You become self sustaining – When it comes to your personal energy, motivation, and accountability, you need to bring it with you. Be the person others look to for strength and support. Become the best version of you.

Into Action

1. Reevaluate – What do you do? Why you do it? What are your sharpest skills, greatest interests, most indispensible talents? Are you a commodity?
2. Redefine – Redefine excellence, on your terms. Rewrite your job description so that it could not be performed by anyone BUT you. Create a mashup of two or more of your talents, inventing a new role or new capability that excites you and delivers something special, rare, and useful to the world.
3. Recommit – Go a step beyond the expected. Deliver more than what you are asked for. Turn your knowledge and belief into action, and become the “go to” person that others rely upon and cannot do without.

When you become irreplaceable, the “tough times” are when your value shines the brightest.

With encouragement always,

Dan

Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should

As you engage life, I know it seems as though you are in constant motion. Even when you are at rest, your mind often is projecting the next scene onto your mental movie screen, anticipating what’s coming and how you’ll handle it.

Life is an off balance proposition. But it can be a situation where you feel in command of the circumstances, like an expert surfer on the cusp of a powerful wave, harnessing nature’s forces with purpose and confident action. Or, it can feel like you are paddling furiously, face down on your board, as the brutal waves repeatedly flatten you.

The dilemma, I think, comes down to two components: Capability and Capacity. What you experience on a daily basis – flow or frustration – is a result of whether your capacity and your capability are in sync.

Capability – the quality of being capable, physically or intellectually; ability; skill; talent .

Capacity – the ability to receive, hold or absorb. The maximum amount that can be maintained.

These words are often used interchangeably. But as you can see, there is an important distinction. I believe we can benefit from a quick “reality check,” relative to our present capability and capacity.

Capability

What are your greatest skills and talents? Are you living up to your potential?

Are you “in over your head,” attempting to perform at a level that is, at this stage, far beyond your abilities? Or, are you bored by what you are doing, because it demands less than you are capable of delivering, physically or mentally?

We all have many capabilities – areas in life where we naturally excel. We are led to these because they spark our interest, turn our heads, and elicit an emotional response. They “feel right.” The emotions inside us trigger an action, a desire to engage these projects and opportunities – to further stimulate these interests because, deep down within us, we know we are capable.

Our emotions and instincts are doing their job – alerting us to our potential. Yet, without restraint, these instincts can overwhelm us. We become tempted to say “yes” to all the options (even when our plate is full) and we feel resentful or unsatisfied because we cannot do it all. Our instincts are in search mode, but they need a check and balance. Attempt to do it all, and you will quickly reach a point of diminishing returns. Attempt to do too much, and it becomes difficult to do everything well. You’ve reached full capacity.

Capacity

Have you passed the point where you can “receive, hold or absorb” more information or experiences without negative consequences? Are you operating at (or beyond) your limits?

We get to this point for a number of reasons, including:

• Our feeling of self worth is tied to our capabilities.
• We experience a need to control – to do it all ourselves.
• We try to prove ourselves to others.

There are Some Things You are Great at … and Should Stop Doing Immediately.

How do you know when to stop? Here are a few possible reasons to consider. Even though you are great at a particular task or pursuit:

• It isn’t necessary – doesn’t need to be done.
• It doesn’t contribute to your long term health and happiness.
• Someone else can do it.
• You need to improve in other areas.
• Your best is yet to come.

Your best is yet to come. What is your highest capability? Will you be able to get there, or are you unable to absorb any more? Only you can answer that question.

Into Action

1. Determine your greatest capabilities. List the ones you know and the ones you suspect are yet to come.
2. Are you less capable than you should/need to be? What skills or knowledge do you need to acquire? Close the gap – read, develop your experience and find a class or mentor to show you how.
3. Determine what is restricting your capacity (for any or all of the above reasons). Figure out a strategy to stop it at the source – turn it over to someone else, hire it done, or simply let it go.

Both capabilities and capacity can be stretched. The more you do, the more you can do. But at a point you begin to do yourself a disservice and limit your potential. Instead, let’s stay ahead of the wave, on top of the board, and at the leading edge of our greatest possibilities – off balance on purpose.

Hang ten! Or better yet … eleven.

Your partner in action,

Dan

Got Green?

I speak at around 90 events each year, across a wide range of industries. This provides a fantastic vantage point from which to notice trends and common themes across the nation. Without question, the hottest topic today is “going green” or “sustainability.”

Increasingly, corporations and associations are recognizing the need to think, act, and promote in a manner that reflects environmental consciousness. This is an exciting and positive trend – one which is sure to escalate in the coming years.

Often, the enthusiasm to board the “green wagon” precedes understanding just what that means. After all, desire is a prerequisite for proactive change. In other situations, new policies or regulations mandate immediate action, and we are forced to adapt mid-step to new expectations.

But what does “sustainability” mean to you, personally?

I believe that in order for us to understand sustainable systems in a community, national, or global context, we must first approach the concept on our own turf – in day to day situations and life choices. You aren’t going to have a sustainable planet if you don’t have a sustainable life.

Is your Lifestyle Sustainable?

Is your current approach to life a sustainable proposition, or are you expending all of your resources without a plan to renew them? Simply put, “sustainable” means that your present day demands can be met and managed in a way that doesn’t compromise your future. Your day to day actions and activities should provide fuel for your continued growth, development, and progress.

Here are a few of the ways to consider sustainability in your daily life. You deserve:

Sustainable Health – What are you doing now to ensure you are healthy ten years from now? Here’s where your systems (habits are systems you have put into place) make or break you. This includes your purposeful approach to what you put in your body (food, alcohol, substances), how you move your body (exercise) and rest.

Sustainable Energy – Do you begin the day renewed and energized, or are you running on empty? Pursue sustainable health and you will have sustainable energy.

Sustainable Growth –Seek slow, steady improvement personally, professionally, spiritually, and physically.

Sustainable Relationships – Don’t “burn out” your friends, family, and colleagues. We want relationships that will last a lifetime.

Sustainable Interest – Is your head in the game? Are you interested in what you are doing now, and do you expect that to continue? If not, you need to change your approach … or your job.

Sustainable Cash Flow – It’s not what you make that sustains you. It’s what you keep.

Discipline is the key to sustainability. It takes concerted effort to utilize patterns of action that will allow you to have the life you desire NOW and for many years to come.Sustainability doesn’t happen overnight. It happens every night and every day.

Into Action – 6 Steps to a Sustainable Life

1. Balance exertion with recovery – expenditure with renewal. You require healthy amounts of both.
2. Feed the beast. You have a “beast” inside you, a hunger and purpose to create, learn and grow. Feed it by reading, learning, and surrounding yourself with exciting influences and people.
3. Payoff in the present. If you are postponing the rewards for “someday,” you are not going to be able to sustain the effort. Demand enjoyment, fun, and fulfillment as part of the package.
4. Shape your systems. Always seek to find more efficient and creative ways to streamline life. Be patient.
5. Conserve resources. Be thrifty, thoughtful, and thankful for what you have.
6. Form and preserve connections. It’s the relationships that sustain us most of all, so be friendly and encouraging to others, and expect the same from the people in your life.

I’m delighted to be one of your “renewable resources.” Expect to receive another Action Mail next month, and in the meantime, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you sustain your effort.

Keep looking up!

Dan