What do Prince and Notre Dame have in common?

Last week I had an opportunity to find out first hand, and both experiences got me thinking about the way people or institutions distinguish themselves and rise above comparison. Before we get to the “lessons,” though, allow me to share the story.

I have been a Prince fan since Purple Rain (1984). I mean, I really liked the album. The movie wasn’t bad. But the concert … oh, the concert. Once I witnessed that man command a crowd and pour out his talent, energy, and music to a live audience. Well, I was hooked for life.

So when my friend and performance partner, Philip Solomon, told me he’d been hired to perform with Prince at a private party in Austin, TX , I promptly persuaded him that he neededme in the show.

I know what you’re thinking: “A private party? Prince played a private party?” Yes, he did. This was a birthday celebration for an affluent couple (her’s actually) and about 300 of their friends.They spared no expense ensuring the event would not be outdone in the foreseeable future. They hired two bands, includingGrupo Fantasma (pictured) , the same group Prince performed with in a driving rainstorm during Super Bowl Halftime this year. One of New York’s most respected designers was retained to arrange the decor and visual elements. The food was incredible, of course, and every item you could think of was well planned and executed by a coordinated team of party professionals … superior attention to detail.

Attention to Detail

As part of the show, we were witness to the efforts of Prince’s production team. Long before the event started, we watched how they prepared the stage, perfected the sound and lighting, and handled the security and comfort of his backstage area (in true rock star fashion). Once he took the stage, Prince performed with detailed precision, his every action, motion, note, and gesture contributing to the visual and sonic spectacle. We watched it all happen from ten feet away.

Two days later, I found myself in a different scene entirely: South Bend, IN. The University of Notre Dame.

I was hired to speak on two consecutive evenings for the Executive Vice President’s Division. My audiences were men and women who handle everything from technology and communication to business operations, financial aid, maintenance and care of the campus, and thousands of other “details” that contribute to the distinctive and incomparable experience that is Notre Dame.

I was hosted by John Affleck-Graves, Notre Dame’s Executive Vice President, and his right hand man, Mike Seamon. The hospitality of John, Mike, and Mike’s assistant Ginger was extraordinary. They made every effort to make me feel comfortable, welcomed, and connected to Notre Dame’s mission and rich history. I toured the campus, played the golf course, and learned much about the University. My performances took place in the Joyce Center, the beautiful arena where the Fighting Irish play basketball. A fantastic team of technicians handled my lighting, sound, and staging needs with expert precision. Their attention to detail set the stage for two very special and successful performances.

Mike Seamon, who was also Lou Holtz’s personal assistant during his senior year, provided the inspiration for this Action Mail. To paraphrase Mike: “One thing I learned from Lou is, whether you are trying to win or trying to create a great experience, it is all about the details. You don’t have to obsess about details, but you need to address them. You need to handle them. If you handle the details, you do it one time, and everything else falls into place.”

What makes Notre Dame (a relatively small school, with only 8,000 undergraduate students) one of the most sought after and respected educational destinations? What keeps them world-class leaders in athletics, academics and operational excellence? It’s the same thing that has driven Prince’s successful 35 year career. It’s the same thing that will help you and me distinguish ourselves from the crowd: details.

Into Action

1. Get “detailed” about what you want to achieve. Identify details that will help you vividly picture successful achievements and realized dreams. Next, determine, in detail, whatspecifically will have to happen to get you there.

2. If you go a little bit further than others are willing to go, you will stand out by far.Take the time to address and handle the details in your life. That small investment of time and effort will pay enormous returns.

3. Once the details are covered, you can truly relax. Instead of feeling anxious or fearful that something unexpected might happen, you can delight in the knowledge that it’s covered. Enjoy the party. Enjoy the show. Enjoy your life!

I sure needed this message, and I hope you found it useful, as well. Now, I think I’ll put on my Notre Dame shirt, listen to some Prince, and think about the next steps of my life and career, with attention to the details.

Keep looking up!

Dan

I often wonder what alternate turns my life would have taken had I not learned to juggle.

At eleven years of age, I chanced to meet a skillful and kind performer named Mike Vondruska at the King Richard’s Renaissance Faire, and he offered me encouragement and instruction. Thinking back, it is extraordinary how that one event has shaped my life so profoundly. To me, juggling was much more than a passing interest or an amusing skill. Over time, it became my path to understanding performance, discipline, and how to excel when it matters most.

Learning how to face “showtime” and greet uncertain moments with hope and confidence is the real skill. Even after all these years, every presentation conjures the same raw emotions (fear, wonder, and exhilaration, to name a few) and I squarely encounter the first and most important lesson:

You Must Let Go to Get a Grip!

In juggling, as in life, you must be willing to release control in order to make something happen. Holding the objects in your hands is safe, but boring. The instant you launch those objects into the air, however, you create interest, expectation, and opportunity. It takes a willingness to let go and surrender to the uncertainty. At that moment, your skill, input, attitude, and attention enable you to craft a performance that is unique and real.

The Illusion of Control

Juggling isn’t about catching. It’s about making excellent throws. If your throws are on target, the catches are likely to follow. But even then, it is not a certainty. Countless times (in both practice and performance) I’ve had perfect throws bounce out of my hands, causing unexpected drops and the necessity to recover, compose myself, and try again.

We all like to feel that we are in control. In an uncertain world we grasp for any sense of suretyabout what will happen. But the truth of the matter is, control is really an illusion. No matter how much you prepare, practice, plan, or ponder, you cannot completely control the outcome. You can, however, greatly influence the process. Your ability to execute capably and handle the unexpected moments with resilience and resourcefulness is more dependent on your thinking than it is your talent. Some call it staying cool under pressure. I think it’s more about the ability to interpret what is happening around you and produce actions that are aimed at shaping the process in a positive way.

Getting a G.R.I.P. – Grasp Reality, Influence the Process

Guiding events toward a desired outcome is about making continuous, subtle adjustments. In order to recognize which adjustments are necessary at a given moment, you must have the right perspective. You must first “grasp reality,” and see the events around you as they are, without judgment or self deception. “Grasping reality” also means understanding your capabilities, your resources, and the obstacles threatening your efforts.

With an accurate picture of the real world situation, you can then understand how you can “influence the process.” Perhaps you can offer useful assistance, expertise, words of encouragement, past experience, a supportive smile, an attentive ear, an accurate observation, a timely question, or an unexpected answer. There is almost always an action you can take to influence the process in a positive way. Once you do, however, you must be willing to let it go.

Letting Go

Let go of the necessity to control everything. Expect an outcome, but let go of the expectation for it to happen exactly as you have it planned. It won’t! Let go of ideas, judgments, and behaviors that are no longer useful. Let go of negative emotions (resentments, fears, and anger). Let go of projects that just don’t matter. And let go of the things you can not influence at the moment.

Once you make a throw, it is out of your hand and out of your control. You must let it go, and shift your focus to the next task at hand. Busy people (and expert jugglers) move their focus from one action to the next, shifting their focus and energy and releasing the objectives that are, for the time being, out of their direct influence. The feeling of “being overwhelmed” stems from an inability to let go of the events and outcomes you can not control.

Into Action

1. What situation in life is causing you the greatest stress (or distress)? Does your frustration stem from a desire to control the outcome?

2. Let go of your attachments to exact outcomes. Understand that you are a participant in the unfolding events, but you are not the conductor of everything and everyone around you. Whatever happens, it will likely be different than what you presently envision.

3. Get a Grip. Grasp the reality of the situation. Honestly assess the circumstances, your capabilities, your resources, and your motives. What do you really wish to happen, and why? Then, influence the process. With love, kindness, assertiveness, and respect, exert your influence. Then, watch to see the impact of your efforts.

Until next time, keep your focus up and your throws on target.

With encouragement always,

Dan

It’s Masters Week!

Today the most anticipated and unique golf tournament on the planet begins in Augusta, GA. This is the “Journey to Mecca” for golf fans. From every perspective, this event is undeniably special in its appeal and disciplined execution. After all, this is Bobby Jones’ tournament. Jones’ playing ability and generous contributions reshaped the game forever, although he chose to remain an “amateur” his whole life. He felt that turning professional would tarnish his pure love for golf. To this day, The Masters retains that uncompromising spirit, unique in all professional sporting events for its reluctance to align exploit “commercial” opportunitites.

It’s also the toughest ticket in sports. An undisclosed number of tournament badges are sold each year to individuals who have long secured their standing. The early supporters of The Masters have renewed their badges for decades, passed them on in wills, and kept them well protected. When shared with family members and friends, tickets are always accompanied by clear guidelines. Guests know that if they break any offical rule (such as bringing a cell phone or camera on the premises), the owner of the badge will lose Masters privileges forever.

It is Impossible to Give More than You Receive

Last February, I was asked by my good friends Kathy and Dave McCullum if I would consider speaking at their church. They were launching a stewardship campaign and wanted me to deliver a message appropriate for the occasion. I happened to be hired to speak in Savannah, GA the night before, so it was possible to visit their Augusta congregation on my way back home. I told Kathy I would gladly do the program to support their efforts and join in the fellowship.

The theme of my program was “It is impossible to give more than you receive.” I shared stories of my experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, how I went to the Middle East with a desire to give something of myself, and returned home with treasures of experiences and memories. I spoke about a gift of vintage juggling clubs that was given to me by a stranger (who soon became a dear friend), and related how that single gift reshaped my career and touched the lives of thousands of others.

When I finished my presentation, the audience expressed their enthusiastic appreciation, which was all the thanks I needed. Then David took the stage and publicly acknowledged my efforts. “Dan came here to help us and give of his time and talent. To say thank you, Dan, we would like to give you a small gift.” He held up a gift bag, then reached in to produce an item.

“First, here is a coffee mug with our church logo on it.” I can use a new coffee mug, I thought.

“And here is a CD with music from our Praise Band.” Cool.

“And finally, here are two badges to a little golf tournament we hold in Augusta each April.” My jaw hit the floor.

That’s how I wound up at The Masters a year ago. Attending that tournament had long been a goal of mine, but I could never have anticipated how it would come about. What an unplanned and beautiful exclamation point to the message I came to affirm – it’s impossible to give more than you receive.

I’ll watch the tournament on TV this year, but I’ll be reliving my personal experiences: the breathtaking scenes of Azaleas in full bloom, the flawless greens and manicured fairways, the world’s best players producing their most inspired shots right before my eyes.

Into Action

1. Give. Give of your time, your money, and your talents. Give from what you love and what you are good at. Give without expectation.
2. Watch what happens as a result. Witness the impact of your giving. Notice the feelings you get as a result. 
3. Realize that what you can see is only a fraction of what really happens. Our giving creates ripple effects that go on farther than we can imagine, much less witness. You never know who ultimately benefits from your generosity, or who is inspired to help someone else.

Life is a gift. But in order for your gift to appreciate in value, it is not enough to appreciate the gift. You have to use it. Share it. Give it away. You’ll always receive more in return.

With admiration and gratitude,

Dan

Happy New Year!

Welcome back from your busy holidays. I sincerely hope that it was a time of rich connections with loved ones, rejuvenating rest, and meaningful reflection. If you are like me, though, you are probably ready to get back into “productivity mode.” Back to work. Back to normal.

This thought caused me to question: Just what is “normal,” anyway? So much of the frustration and anxiety we experience seems to stem from the fact that we are constantly being pulled away from what we consider known, normal, and predictable. At the heart of Off Balance On Purpose philosophy is the notion that this unsettled condition is the only constant in your life. Off Balance is the active mode of achievement, growth, and engaged living. This is a posture and reality that you must embrace and welcome. It’s normal.

A New Normal

As you start the New Year, you might envision some changes for your life that will promote better health, greater prosperity, or the fulfillment of your deeply desired goals and aspirations. I applaud and encourage you to follow through with action. And I wish to assist you with some tools to organizing your thinking so that your actions will be consistent and unforced. It is impossible to act in a manner inconsistent with your thinking. Personal improvement always begins with improved thoughts.

First, dismiss the idea of New Years’ Resolutions. They usually do not work. To learn a better way, you may wish to revisit last year’s message about New Years’ Evolution. Now that’s a realistic and organic path to positive changes.

Secondly, as you envision and plan for a new and improved version of you, whatever that may be, you must refocus your thinking.

A New Focal Point

We tend to focus on the change aspect, or a departure from the way things are right now. We ask: What must we do differently, stop doing, or start doing to change our conditions? This is scary stuff because, with this mind set, we become obsessed with new and foreign requirements and obligations. We are on unfamiliar ground, making demands of ourselves that are intimidating. This mind set plays against your strengths and sets you up for challenges anddisappointments.

Instead of viewing your goal as something that is distant from you and requiring the completion of many arduous and painful tasks, try thinking about it in a more empowering way. View your goal (the end result of your efforts – the desired outcome you are passionate about achieving) as a “new normal” for you. Your quest is not a journey into the unknown, but a return to the way you are in a “normal” state – the way things should be, naturally.

For example, if your desire is to lose 15 pounds by March 1st, you must see yourself 15 pounds lighter and view this as a completely normal condition. Your “new normal” involves eating in a way that you gain energy from your food instead of lethargy. Your “new normal” is someone who loves to move and exercise and does so regularly. Instead of hunting for the closest parking spot at Wal Mart, you “normally” part at the back of the lot, as you enjoy the extra walk and understand the benefit that physical activity provides you. You normally take the stairs instead of the elevator. You inwardly chuckle at the creative choices you make that reflect your normal condition – someone who loves life and loves health and becomes an inspiration to others who desire it.

Or, if your goal is to reduce your credit card debt and increase your savings, then you are ready for a “new normal.” You are becoming someone who normally comparison shops to get the best deals on items you really need. You are someone who doesn’t buy things that aren’t necessary and, instead, pays down the cards and debt. You inform yourself with the best information you can find, such as Clark Howard’s consumer advice, or Susie Ormand’s financial planning strategies. You are someone who seeks out additional revenue streams and enjoys the satisfaction of making responsible financial choices. You become the person others go to for ideas in these areas.

If this all sounds a bit fantastic, it is. But it works! It is absolutely the way we create lasting change, and have fun doing it!

Into Action

1. Define your new normal. Start with the statement, “It is now normal for me to _________.” Fill in the blank with your desired outcome. Then get specific and list all the behaviors that you will normally engage in to support that outcome. Have fun with this and go into details about what you think, how you act, and how you feel as a result of your new normal condition. This step will help you to experience the emotions and rewards before they even happen.
2. Identify your new peers and role models. What may seem like a stretch for you isalready a normal condition for someone else. It’s important for you to find these people and get to know them. They are your new friends, supporters, encouragers, and role models. You’ll likely discover a whole community exists to aid your efforts as you transition into your new normal. Accept their help and follow their example. 
3. Act “as if.” As I said earlier, your transition to a new normal begins with your thinking. But it takes action to manifest those thoughts into reality. Every day will present countless choices. Embrace each decision as an opportunity to take greater ownership of your new normal condition, and it will be yours before you know it!

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories. Feel free to email me, and I will respond personally. Here’s to a 2007 that redefines what is “normal” for all of us in new, exciting, transformational ways!

With encouragement always,

Dan

Welcome back from your Thanksgiving Holiday!

As you think back on the weekend and celebration, consider this question:

Was it restful, or stressful?

If we are honest, we can all admit that aspects of our “time off” actually added responsibilities to our lives. Perhaps you found yourself traveling with your family, entertaining out-of-towners, preparing meals, or braving the crowds for early bird Christmas shopping. The time went by too quickly. When you returned to work, the “to do’s” had stacked up. And now, you are more tired than you were last Wednesday. What should have been an energizing experience has left you depleted.

As modern Americans, we recognize the need for rejuvenation, but we want it NOW, just like everything else on our agenda. “Rest quickly,” could be our mantra. Of course, that won’t work. The only way to attain the benefits of rest is to allow it to happen with regularity. By choosing to rest, we improve our health and endurance, and we are more consistently productive every day. It is in the restful moments that we connect with our purpose and experience inspiration.

Inspiration

Inspiration is a fascinating subject to me. Where do we get our ideas? How do we glimpse new possibilities? And from whom do we gain insights and examples along our journey toward self improvement?

I believe inspiration is exactly like rest. It cannot be accomplished quickly or on command. Rather, we must arrange our life so that inspiration constantly surrounds us. We can make a few choices right now, followed up by bold actions, that will make your holidays (and every day) more inspiring.

Into Action

1.  Identify your sources of inspiration. There are many ways to “get inspired.” But what ways work best for you? Here are some options: Surround yourself with great people. Experience “inspired” art and music. Absorb spiritual teachings. Pray. Meditate. Read (or listen to) inspiring authors and uplifting speakers. Engage in physical activities or interesting hobbies. Which of these (or other sources) have worked for you in the past? What new ways are you ready to try?

2.  Schedule inspiration into your life in a variety of ways. Make a lunch date with someone you admire and can learn from. Use your “travel time” to listen to books and speakers. Plan a daily reading or meditation session (15 minutes is all you need) in the early morning or late evening. It won’t happen unless you make it happen.

3.  Clear the space you will need. In order to make time to choose inspiration, you may have to let go of other less useful choices. For example, in order to listen to audio books, you may have to forego the radio. To say “yes” to a new activity, you may have to say “no” to some other way you are spending your time currently. And (here’s the tough one) in order to surround yourself with inspiring, positive people, you may need to create some space apart from those who bring you down.

4. Ask for inspiration. Perhaps you are pondering what to do next in your life, searching for answers. Well, how do you get the answer to a question? You must ask. Ask yourself. Ask someone you respect. Ask God, however you understand Him, in a quiet moment of reflection. Unless you present the question and assume a posture of expectancy, inspiration may continue to elude you.

It is such a privilege it is to be one of the positive sources of inspiration in your life. Please know you can always contact me with questions, insights, and celebrations of your discoveries and accomplishments. I will respond and look forward to hearing from you.

Wishing you rejuvenation and inspiration on a daily basis! Your partner in action,

Dan

Three Shows

Every day you are engaged in performances, and your “shows” are the conversations, interactions, learning processes, and goals you experience. Here’s one of the most important lessons I have learned:

Every time you do a show, you actually do three shows. There’s the one you plan, the one you deliver, and the one you should have done (and think about later).

This understanding has been extremely valuable as I have built my career as a performer, certainly. But the application of this concept continues to serve me as an entrepreneur, a business owner, a parent, a spouse, and an evolving person.

You see, your “performances” may not take place on stages in front of audiences, but they certainly demand your best efforts. And this lesson applies to every interaction, meeting, conversation and goal you will have in your lifetime.

The First Show – The One You Plan

Without a plan, you have no basis for action. So, you must get specific about the outcomes you desire and way you will attempt to achieve them. Your planning may be extensive or limited. If you are undertaking a major goal or important presentation, you might formulate a written strategy. Or, you might just spend a few moments in thought prior to a conversation with a client, family member, or colleague. Because life is fast paced and unpredictable, we are often thrust into impromptu “performances” at a moment’s notice. Even then, it’s imperative that you take a moment to decide what you are trying to accomplish. “Winging it” without planning will result in ambiguous actions and arbitrary outcomes.

Perhaps you’ve watched the hit TV show “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” As someone who has studied and practiced improv, I can tell you that those performers, even though they are “making it up on the spot,” are in a constant planning process. They remain “one step ahead” of the audience because they are mentally processing new information, deciding on a strategy, and committing to bold action. Their performance is influenced by creative planning, countless hours of rehearsals, and skills refined through years of preparation.

The Second Show – The One You Do

When you step “on stage” and begin interacting with others, you have entered into a new phase. Your planning is in the past. It’s over. You must let it go. In fact, it can be said that once you plan a performance, you have successfully determined what is not going to happen. That’s because planning takes place in an artificial environment. As you execute your intentions, you interact with others, process new ideas you haven’t anticipated, and face unexpected setbacks and opportunities along the way. Your planning remains an underlying support system, one that bolsters your confidence and steers your actions. But, you cannot be married to your plan.

Allow something new, something unexpected to happen. That is the magic of performance. Even Broadway stars who rehearse a scripted show for months before opening night, take the stage knowing that the “LIVE performance” will be different than what they prepared. It better be, otherwise the show will fall flat, as the routine delivery of memorized words and movements. And the performers cannot know what that “new experience” will be until the show begins and the audience injects their energy, responses, and guidance.

An astute actor, or an engaged person, such as you, will embrace the uncertainty and gratefully welcome the “second show,” the one that happens live, in the presence of others. You will bring excitement, curiosity, and focused efforts to the creation of this world premiere performance.

The Third Show – The One You Should Have Done

This is the performance you think about in the car on the way home. It’s the “morning after” realiziation of what you should have said to your kids, your spouse, or your friend the day before. With 20/20 hindsight we understand and witness the show that should have been, could have been, or almost was, if we had only done or said one thing differently.

You might look at this as a negative experience, but I would tell you that this performance, too, is a vital and unavoidable part of the process. You see, only by reviewing our efforts and questioning what happened can we learn. Only by reliving the “third performance” can we hone our efforts, adjust our actions, and gain insights that will make the next show more successful. The input from this thought process will influence our planning. And so the cycle continues.

Some of the items captured will be positive “AH HA moments” when you said something just right. You may recognize an especially great way you handled a certain situation. Without taking the time to note this, you risk losing that moment and the possibility of repeating it, or improving upon it at a future time. Other lessons will be more unpleasant, as you review the less praiseworthy aspects of your performance. But you must see even this as a positive experience, an opportunity to recognize and plan a better approach for next time.

Into Action – Use this strategy for the next conversation you have today.

1. Plan - Decide in advance what you want to achieve. How will you go about it? What is the ideal outcome? How can you can create a positive connection with your “audience members?”

2. Perform - Planning is in the past now. Remain completely present in the experience and witness the creation of something special, new, and original. Shape and steer your efforts with the input of your performance partners, and make it an ensemble performance.

3. Process - Afterward, review what happened. What moments were were especially wonderful? Stress these in your follow up conversations. What didn’t work as expected? Why? How can you adjust your efforts in the future?

Wishing you show stopping performances that leave a positive impact on every audience!

Keep looking up,

Dan

Are You Flexible?

I’m 38 years old, but in “gymnast years” that’s about 87. You just don’t see many people my age who are willing and able to perform tumbling and acrobatics. Maybe that’s why I do it. I fully intend to turn back flips twenty years from now. And, I believe I will, if I can just stay flexible. This is my focus and my daily discipline.

The key to longevity is flexibility. This is true not only with regard to our physical abilities, but also our mental processes. Is your mind agile? Can you adapt to ever changing circumstances? Planning and goal setting are important, but every plan and each goal, once realized, will be different than you first envision.

True success and, I believe, joy in living, comes from simultaneously pursuing two objectives: First, you must decide what you want and move toward it. Second, you work with what you have and what happens, regardless of your plan.

Bending Without Breaking

The trees that survive the most violent storms arenot those that stiffen to the assault of the winds and weather. The true survivors, the ones who emerge intact and even nourished from the onslaught of rain, are the trees that bend without breaking. The majestic but flexible “Live Oak” thrives along the coastline, growing more than 100 feet tall, and living 200-300 years! These magnificent specimens live directly in the path of hurricanes and tidal surges. And that’s exactly where they do their best!

Just as some trees are naturally more flexible than others, to some degree this may also be true with people. Some individuals, perhaps, are naturally more adaptable.

Fortunately, we are not limited by our natural condition. You can improve your current level of physical and mental agility, if you will adopt the practice of stretching.

Stretching

Stretching means that you purposely extend beyond current limits. At any age you can improve your flexibility. Stretch physically, and your body will respond. Stretch mentally, and you will open gateways to new insights. But you can’t stretch once and expect to be flexible. Stretching must become a daily routine if you are to prepare for the inevitable storms of change.

Time for Action

1. Stretch Your Body. There are many wonderful books, DVDs and programs (such as yoga) to aid you. Make stretching a part of your morning and evening routines. You will sleep more soundly and awake more refreshed. Observe safety guidelines: Never stretch “cold muscles.” In other words, perform some activity, such as a brisk walk or jog to prepare your body for stretching. Stretch only to the point where you feel resistance, not pain. Hold that position for 20 seconds while breathing deeply. Stretch daily, and I promise you will experience noticeable results in just one week. Benefits include better health, reduced back pain, slower aging, and disease prevention. Now that’s return on investment!

2. Stretch Your Thinking. Open your mind to new ideas by reading challenging material. If TV is more your thing, try “Discovery Channel” instead of “Reality shows.” Learn something new every day. Question what you don’t understand fully, and expand your knowledge of what interests you. Your mind will never become full. Learning only increases your capacity for taking on new information.

3. Stretch Your Experience. We learn by what we do, so engage your world by taking action in new and exciting ways. Travel, and learn about different places, people, and cultures. Take classes in something you’ve always wanted to learn. Get involved at your church or in your community. Push the limits of what you can do. Remember, I never could juggle four balls well until I tried juggling five! In the same way, you should regularly try “the next harder thing” to improve your competence at the current level.

What an honor to be your stretching partner! Please e mail me to let me know if you need a push, and remember, the discomfort you may feel is temporary. But, the benefits of maintaining a flexible attitude, body, and mind will last a lifetime.

Keep looking up ,

Dan

Who’s your favorite “Action Hero?” Indiana Jones? Jet Li? Jackie Chan?

How about…. You?

This past weekend, my wife Sheilia and I journeyed to Charlottesville, VA to attend Action Hero Boot Camp. This unique event provided a fantastic opportunity to escape our ordinary surroundings and embrace unprecedented challenges.

We learned to crack whips, throw knives, shoot weapons, and sword fight. We performed staged combat, broke boards with our fists, walked atop slack ropes, and honed our instincts and awareness. We even starred in our own action movie and thwarted evil by completing the “Hero’s Journey Adventure Course!”

The hosts of Action Hero Boot Camp are my good friends Spencer Humm and John Davis (a.k.a. Hack and Slash). You may recall that I joined John and Spence on a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan last year to entertain our troops. In keeping with their philosophy of pushing limits and providing unique experiences, they launched Action Hero Boot Camp this year. After experiencing it firsthand, I predict that the annual event will thrive for many years to come. Simply put, it was awesome!

Not only is it the ultimate playground for grown ups, but I also found the learning substantial and the life application to be profound. Many times each day, we participants abandoned our comfort zones and embraced new challenges as exciting opportunities for growth. And each time we did, we learned that our capabilities were greater than we had anticipated.

Being an Action Hero is a mind set. It’s about understanding that your actions matter. Every day you have an opportunity to influence your world. You can choose to do so in a way that is positive, bold, deliberate, and even a little bit flashy. That takes commitment and a willingness to adopt certain practices.

Time for Action

1. You must do something you have never done before. Do so regularly. Trust me, you will never run out of new experiences or challenges. They don’t have to be wild or outrageous (although that sometimes helps intensify the transformational effect).
2. Practice safely. While the stunts we did appeared to be dangerous, they were not. We relied on expert instruction every step of the way. We built our skills slowly, following a progression that developed confidence as well as technique. 
3. Break through barriers. In order to muster the confidence to break wood with our bare hands, we first wrote across the board with marker, naming a personal challenge we intended to overcome. On the back of the board, we listed the rewards that would be ours if we followed through and bested the obstacle. “This is what you want,” Spencer said, showing us the rewards we had listed. “In order to get to these outcomes, you must first pass through this challenge [our obstacle]. Are you ready to do that?” Without fail, each person shouted “Yes” and broke through the mental and physical barrier.

We met many wonderful people at Camp. Some inspired me with their expertise and years of dedicated training. But others delivered inspiration simply by their willingness to embrace new challenges. Take Richelle. She had never done anything like this in her life. But, Richelle arrived with a purpose, deciding it was time for her to shake things up in her life, get uncomfortable, and discover something new about herself. Richelle tried and achieved all that I’ve previously described. She also learned to juggle. And (here’s the real capper) until Monday she had never so much as flown in a plane. Yesterday, she not only did that, but she jumped out, performing her very first skydive. Now that’s some record: one take off. No landings!

What are you ready to do? Take action. Be a Hero!

Dan