This weekend I lost a dear friend, a mentor, and a role model of the highest magnitude. John Goddard, world-renowned adventurer, pilot, author, and goal-achiever extraordinaire passed away Friday evening at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and six children.

I first learned of John when I was in college. His “life list” of 127 goals, which he authored at age fifteen, inspired me (and countless thousands of others) to elevate my own aspirations and put them to paper – then into action. His goals were extraordinary, including:

• Explore the entire length of the Nile River in a kayak (never before accomplished).
• Land and take off from an aircraft carrier (as the pilot).
• Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and The Matterhorn (and many other mountains)
• Learn French, Spanish, and Arabic
• Play flute and violin
• Light a match with a 22 rifle
• Milk a poisonous snake
• Read the works of the worlds greatest writers (extensive list)
• Become familiar with the greatest composers (another long list)
• Marry and have children
• Live to see the 21^st Century

To see the entire original, mind-blowing list, please click here.

What is so inspirational is not the scope of John Goddard’s ambitions, but the magnitude of his accomplishments. 120 of those original 127 goals, as you will see, are checked off of his list.  Others he had not yet achieved (He fell short of goal number 38, “Visit every country in the world” by just 30). But still hundreds more were added to the list along the way, pursued, and ultimately, completed. His life was a testament to continuous learning and insatiable curiosity.

When I began my speaking career in 1994, it wasn’t long before I started telling audiences about John Goddard. Then, in 2002 one of those audience members approached me and introduced herself as John’s niece, Renee. Shortly thereafter, Renee introduced me to John, via a letter. I spoke with John on the telephone, then met him on my next trip to California.

We were instant friends. In fact, John paid me the highest compliment by calling us “kindred spirits.”

What a privilege it is to have known this man, personally. We have been hiking together in the mountains near his home. He visited my family in Atlanta. We’ve even traveled together (to Egypt, on John’s 80^th birthday and the anniversary of his Nile river adventure). At the end of any of our conversations, in person or over the phone, he always concluded by saying “to be continued.” It was never “goodbye” with John, but “to be continued.” This was his way of saying that the adventure was never over, and that true friendships pick up right where they left off.

When I last saw John at his home, earlier this year, he was weakened greatly by his ongoing battle with cancer. Carol and he remained ever upbeat, loving, and generous with their time. Even in the midst of his struggle, he found a way to give encouragement and hope to me.

The last time we spoke was on the phone. The conversation was just a few minutes, and I can’t really recall any specific issues we discussed. What I will never forget, however, was the end of the conversation. He concluded by saying simply, “goodbye.”

Coming from anyone else, this word would be commonplace. From John, it was devastating.

May I pass along his greatest teachings to you? As you contemplate your own life adventure, please consider these lessons from one who lived his life so beautifully.

• Dream big. You can do far more than you think, but only as much as you believe.
• Write it down. When you put it on paper, you make it real, and attainable.
• Lift others up. John told me the very first time we spoke, “I’ve never met anyone I couldn’t learn from.”
• Love everyone. When encountering diverse cultures, opinions, or beliefs, seek first to understand.
• Live your principles and your faith. The achievements are irrelevant if you cannot take pride in the journey.

The list of what I’ve learned from John could continue for pages. I will always be grateful to have known, loved, and learned from him. I’ll miss him greatly, but will smile with joy when remembering his words, his voice, and his example.

Godspeed, John Goddard. And onward to the next Great Adventure.

To be continued.

This week’s excitement included the annual NFL Draft. Whether you are a devoted fan of college and pro football, or simply a casual observer, you couldn’t miss the hype, spectacle, and excitement about which players were chosen first, and by whom.

One by one, and round by round, teams availed themselves of their privileged “picks, selecting hopeful and promising talent to join their organization.

Once “drafted” these athletes could be certain that they would have:

• A new opportunity to succeed at a higher level.
• Supportive fans and teammates.
• Dedicated staff to train their abilities and coach them to excellence.
• A darn nice “starting salary.”

Catch my Draft

This process got me to thinking. We all have the opportunity to institute our own personal draft, of sorts. Today – and everyday – we are faced with decisions about how we will spend our limited dollars and finite time. We routinely choose “teammates” to be our business partners.  We select our friends. We surround ourselves with the “promising talent” we think will bring us the best advantage, experience, or chance for success and happiness.

Once we draft our team, just like the NFL powerhouses, we invest time, energy, and money in “developing” people and opportunities. It is a hefty undertaking running an NFL franchise … or running a life.

Getting Chilly from the Draft

Why is it we so often think that the next “right answer” or “turnaround opportunity” resides outside of ourselves? In order to break through, succeed, or be happy, we think, we must look beyond our abilities (or ideas) and entrust our future to other factors. Perhaps, instead, the right answer and the right “pick” is far closer to home. You could say the best “pick” is under your nose (sophomoric humor intended).

Pick YOU!

When it comes to a winning selection, who, other than YOU is more:

• Committed to your success?
• Personally invested in your future?
• Knowledgeable about your situation?

The answer to those questions: No one! This is why I advocate that you should “Draft Yourself!” Believe and act upon the undeniable truth that your BEST opportunities will be realized when you develop yourself. Choose to be better. Select yourself for the starting position, then:

• Develop your game plan. It takes strategy to succeed
• Move up to the next level. You’re in the big leagues now!
• Invest in your education and training. Commit to continuous improvement.
• Listen to those who will cheer you to victory.

This could be your best season ever. So as you scout opportunities and talent, be sure that you draft yourself in the very “first round.”

This week my wife asked me if I wanted a “vanity plate” for my car. Intrigued, having never had one before, I asked for details. We quickly learned that to receive a custom plate in the state of Georgia, you must pay a $90 initial fee plus an additional $50 per year. We opted for the standard plates. Vanity, it seems, is expensive!

Vanity and its Costs

This is true not only of license plates, but of vanity in all its forms. Vanity, self-importance, and conceit (three close cousins of costliness) will cause us to spend loads of money, time, and energy. When we value ourselves as “worthy” or “deserving,” we feel compelled to demonstrate our position of importance – not just once, but often! Like an insatiable beast, vanity is never satisfied. Over time, it will require ever increasing expenditures, such as:

• Material possessions.
• Clothing, jewelry, and other adornments.
• A newer or faster car, or a bigger house.
• Whatever it takes to stand out and be noticed, or to feel congruent with our inflated self-images.

Beyond the financial cost, think of the time and energy that is required to maintain an “elevated existence.” We work tirelessly to create results and appearances, then tell stories of adventure and accomplishment to all who will listen. We post, tweet, and share the proof with an ever-expanding (yet declining, in true connectedness) network of friends.

Consider this

The reason vanity requires such costly and frequent expenditures to survive: it doesn’t truly exist. Thinking that you are “all that” is an exercise in self-delusion. You aren’t all that, and neither am I. We are just people – real, flawed, fragile, emotional, quirky human beings.

We try to recreate ourselves in new, expensive, and more glorious images. Yet, none of it is real. Inevitably, our vanity, conceit, and self-importance, like a house-of-cards, will come crashing to the ground. We will all suffer hardships, joys, victories, defeats, sickness, and, ultimately, death.

Regardless what you pay, vanity, in the end, is not a smart investment. It serves no worthwhile purpose. And while it may provide a temporary satisfaction (or delusion), it may also prevent you from experiencing self-honesty and meaningful connections with those you love and encounter.

Starve the Beast

I like nice things. I enjoy “voting” with my dollars to invest in the products, services or companies that I view as valuable, high quality, and purposeful. However, when my motives for purchasing something are to elevate me, I sense a collision course with vanity.

I don’t think we ever completely rid ourselves of vanity. Part of our “humanness” is the fact that we defend and protect our own perspective as “right,” or “better.” But when you consciously decline feeding vanity, it will remain a small factor in your life.  And, in turn, you will be able to invest your energy, time, and money in a far more lucrative strategy.

Invest in Humility

For those who exalts themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:12

Humility pays big dividends. When you seek to lower yourself, instead of elevating your position, you will experience huge payoffs, including:

• An ability to connect with people more quickly and more deeply.
• Breakthroughs in relationships that may have caused you hurt and frustration.
• Self-honesty and the opportunity for self-improvement.
• Enjoyment of your present moments, instead of longing for something more.
• An ability to serve others and act with greater purpose.

In Conclusion

I’m not suggesting that we should all take a vow of poverty. I believe that we should pursue excellence, success, wealth, and health. We should live a life that is abundant! The trick is to, in the midst of abundance, stay connected to the reality that we are no better than others. I believe it is a spiritual issue – realizing that what you have is not ultimately yours, but a gift that flows through you. With that perspective, it becomes easier to stay connected to what matters most, and invest time, energy, and money in ways that pay real returns.

What do you get when you combine insightful and diverse artists, entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, speakers and storytellers? Before you answer, let’s add superior production value, a beautiful auditorium and 1,000 audience members who are eager to learn and participate. Oh, and you cannot leave out the talented team of volunteers who put hundreds of hours of thought and planning into putting on a one-of-a-kind thought-sharing experience.

The answer: TEDx PSU 2013.

I was honored to be included on the all-star panel of experts, and even more so when asked to be the opening speaker to kick off the entire day of learning.

Although this was my first TED event, I was certainly aware of worldwide impact of this phenomenal brand of learning. TED and TEDx events have become, in recent years, synonymous with cutting edge thinking and transformational experiences.

TED stands for “Technology, Entertainment, and Design.” But it has become an oasis for innovators, motivators, educators, and thinkers who come to present, hear, and discuss “ideas worth sharing.” The format is unique. Instead of hearing a few speakers for lengthy sessions, each presenter is given a small window of time (from 6-18 minutes) to present the best of what they can deliver. The result is a larger number of speakers (16 at this particular event) and a head-spinning array of topics and content. The buzz is palpable.

I was given one of the longer slots – 18 minutes. I chose to share my signature Off Balance On Purpose message, as well as a model for work-life integration that challenged common preconceptions. Due to the time constraints, the program had to be streamlined and targeted for maximum effect. Expectations were high, as was the intensity.

As an added bonus, I was able to share this experience with my son, Eddie (14). Together, we journeyed to Penn State, toured the college campus, spent a day with the team and speakers, rehearsing our talks and getting to know each other, and then another full day (yesterday) at the event. Eddie even joined me on stage during the presentation! What a thrill!

My program was very well received. The conversations afterward with attendees and organizers were immensely satisfying. But I’d have to say that my favorite part of the weekend was getting to spend time with the other speakers, discuss ideas, and be part of a team united to make this an incredible day. That aspect was truly special, and I will remember it fondly for years to come.

What made this event so unique is that everyone involved was focused not on what they would get from the experience, but what they could give. No speakers were paid for their time or contributions. No books were sold or promoted. We simply showed up to give our best effort and ideas in the hopes that they would resonate with people, give them value, and contribute to the positive evolution of humanity.

Big goals? You bet. Audacious ambitions? Absolutely. But then again, that’s TED for you: Ideas worth sharing and, potentially, capable of changing the world for the better.

What’s next? Now that the event is over, the talks will be edited and uploaded to the web. Those presentations are then broadcast (free of charge) around the world to learners, leaders, and TED devotees. Stay tuned for updates.

As I continue to study high level performers of sports, arts, and business, I am more clearly seeing how ascending to the level of a “master” in any discipline is a multi-phased journey. While we may seek shortcuts to becoming great, and there are ways to expedite one’s progress, there is no circumventing a universal process of growth.

In addition, the singular commonality of all outstanding performers is that once they reach the next level of mastery, they choose to continue onward. In contrast, those who are content to rest at their current ability or understanding immediately halt the process of improvement. It is a choice all of us make in our respective fields – to consider ourselves “accomplished” and therefore, done, or to renew our commitment and claim the status of a “work-in-progress,” with endless opportunities to learn and grow.

Level 1 – Cognitive Understanding

At this introductory level, we seek answers to how and why certain behaviors or ideas are essential to excellence. We may research the topic, talk with experts, or seek someone who has the knowledge we need to strive for excellence. In the beginning, we don’t necessarily know what works, or why, so we strive for understanding. Once we gain those answers we are knowledgeable, but still far from proficient, much less an expert to any degree. Interestingly, many people are content to just know what it takes, and they choose not to endeavor to embody these lessons, personally. Perhaps that is because it takes effort, requires failure (and, therefore, humility) to move forward. Or maybe we had an interest, but do not have the passion it takes to continue to the next level of learning.

 Level 2 – Basic Competence

During this phase, we move beyond understanding and into action. We begin to learn the skills and apply the knowledge we’ve learned. To do so, you must make attempts, make mistakes, and make adjustments to your efforts before you begin to make strides toward competence. In any sport, discipline, or skill set – be it sales, sailing or any salient undertaking – you reach an initial point, if you will persist long enough, where your efforts begin to pay off. The ability to apply and demonstrate your learning is a great reward for your efforts. And in the most general sense, you can begin to say you “got it.” Again, this is where many people choose to stop learning. A rudimentary ability to perform their intended skills is sufficient to consider themselves “accomplished.” For others, however, this basic competence ignites a deep desire to learn more and move toward more challenging learning and even greater rewards.

Level 3 – Mastering the Basics

There is an important distinction between knowing something and being capable of doing it sometimes, and to varying degrees, and truly “owning” the ability. Regardless of how quickly or slowly you reached Level Two, the skill is still something that exists “outside” you. You may be able to perform successfully, but only when you are focused and conscious of your decisions. At Level Two, you are still operating intellectually, applying your knowledge through conscious decisions. Only through sheer repetition, often over an extended period of time, can you move to level three, when you will have truly mastered the fundamental. This level of proficiency is also called “unconscious competence,” because you are literally moving the routines from the forward part of your brain (your cerebrum where thinking and decision occurs) to your mid-brain and hind-brain, where you are utilizing motor reflexes, visualization and perception. Of course, the time involved to make this shift varies from task to task, but negro-scientists agree that it happens due to increased repetition, somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,000 successful attempts. Therefore, to reach Level Three requires time, persistence, and genuine passion (more than simply interest) to realize.

Level 4 – Beyond the Basics

If you’ve made it this far, you are likely hungry for more learning and even greater skills and abilities. Mastering the basics isn’t enough for you, so you journey onward. Often, this means unlearning some of the initial skills and habits in order to transcend limits. You will likely get worse before you get better, as you go back to being a “beginner.” Some people reject this backslide and choose to just remain a Level 3 performer. But for those who persist and are truly driven toward excellence, the new challenges become rewarding, even before they are mastered, as they represent newfound and potential “elite” levels of success. Again, over time and through exhaustive repetition, we move from conscious competence (initial successes and focused efforts) toward unconscious competence, as even the advanced skills and concepts become second nature.

Level 5 – The Mindset of Continuous Improvement

By now, the learner understands a fundamental truth about any meaningful undertaking: The more you know, the more you realize you do not know. Instead of viewing this as a crushing or defeating realization, the elite performer is energized and excited for this prospect. And for those who adopt this commitment to excellence, a never ending, ever expanding, thrilling journey awaits.

As you contemplate your current status and accomplishments and imagine what you could become, remember this: The most difficult limits you will face in your pursuit of excellence are the choices – whether you will remain where you are comfortable or embrace the limitless learning that still awaits you.

In my line of work, I am nearly always entering a scene in progress.

The players involved know each other well, and their roles and stories are well defined. The circumstances are what they are – record years, promising futures, struggling turnarounds. But there is, regardless, a tangible understanding and agreement of “what is” shared by most.

Enter me, the outsider. Fresh eyes. Unknown value.  Speaker. Coach. Performer. Wild card. No one really knows who I am or, exactly, what I plan to do.  I love that aspect of this job. There is a freedom, an independence, an implicit trust that whatever I choose to say or do will be just what was required to suit the circumstances. I am rarely questioned or second-guessed. But is that truly a product of trust? Or is it more, perhaps, that no one really understands what I do?

When you are, like me, a professional speaker, constantly encountering new clients, new industries, and new events, every day is like your first day on the job. You are the new kid on the block. The unknown quantity. The hope that whoever hired you got it right.

That perception, or simply that reality, carries with it considerable pressure and a burden of proof. You have to “bring it” and quickly demonstrate your value and expertise. Not only must you look the part, be on time, conduct yourself with confidence. But you better deliver the goods.

You don’t get a second chance at first impressions.

I like that pressure. It’s not for everybody. But, it’s where I thrive. Hire me. Then trust me. Let me do what I do best. You won’t be disappointed. You’ll be a hero.

Do you remember your first day on the job?

How did you feel? Excited? Grateful? Hopeful? Ambitious? Hungry? Eager to prove you have what it takes?  A bit nervous, perhaps?

Very good.

Now a question:

Do you still feel that way about your job? About your life?

What if every day was more like your first day on the job?

If you were to approach every morning with that same appetite to learn and desire to shine, how different would your daily experience be? And how would that affect your performance?

Why not give it a try?

Pretend that today (or tomorrow, if you are reading this after hours) IS your first day on the job. Dress the part. Prepare to perform. Arrive early. Treat everyone with an extra measure of attention and respect. And, above all, be grateful for the job you have and the opportunity to contribute. Honor that opportunity by bringing your best effort, and don’t just do your job. Attack it. Expect great things – for yourself, your employer, and your company.

First day jitters? They’re good for you. Makes you feel alive. Engaged. Invested personally in what happens next. Take a deep breath, and congratulations!

You’re hired.

New Perspectives at Year’s End

Yesterday was a spectacular day in Haines City, Florida. Not only was it a beautiful, brisk and clear day, spent in the company of incredible, kind people. But we were also engaged in the most wonderful of pastimes: The Flying Trapeze.

Think of what would be your most fantastical playground – a place where you are surrounded by the most inspiring people and fun activities you could possibly imagine. What would your “ultimate playground” look like?

Mine looks like this:

As an active and acrobatic guy, I am always seeking to acquire new skills and new mentors.  2012 was the year I fell in love with the flying trapeze and became a friend and student of the legendary artist, Tony Steele. Expect to hear much more about Tony from me in the weeks and months ahead.

Today, the second to last day of the year, I reached a gigantic milestone in my progress by successfully completing my first flipping trick to the catcher: The backward layout. What a feeling!

First Catch – Ending the Year with High Flying Style

Trapeze is one of the most fun…  No, that is a gross understatement. It is one of the most addicting things I’ve ever done.  This may, in fact, be my mid-life crisis, which (fortunately) is totally cool with my wife.

The trick begins standing thirty five feet in the air on a board just ten inches wide. My catcher, John Zimmerman, is the owner of the trapeze rig. John’s company, Stunt Dynamics, routinely stages spectacular stunts for movies (many of which you have certainly seen) involving high falls, people set on fire, car stunts, and anything else a director can imagine. John calls the timing for my jump, so that we will be in sync at just the right moment. We missed the first one by inches, then nailed it on the second attempt. On a side note, John is 62 years young, making the combined age of our trick an impressive 106! Here’s the video:

My goal for 2013 is to complete a double somersault to a catch. I believe it is completely doable, and I can already imagine it happening!

Why Trapeze

For me, trapeze epitomizes one of my principle beliefs: You must let go to get a grip. It would be much easier to stand on the ground and be a spectator. But life is not a spectator sport. And the beauty and intensity of the trapeze beautifully parallels the uncertainty of life, change, and growth. You have to be “on it” or “in it” to feel the rush of excitement and the potential energy of the incredible possibilities.

This is not a sport without risks. But, truthfully, with the spotting belts and safety ropes it is more of a psychological barrier that must be overcome. And isn’t that the case with most of our challenges? The biggest impediment to achieving anything is a rigid, inflexible mind. We limit our potential with narrow conceptions about what is, should be, or could be possible.

I believe that the key to living a full, exciting, and joy-filled existence is to learn to thrive in these uncomfortable and uncertain moments. Embrace them, even though the scope of what you may be doing is beyond what you’ve previously experienced.

Letting Go

Letting go of a trapeze bar, or even the act of stepping off the board to swing, is at first, intimidating, but ultimately, immensely liberating! That is how it is with most of our “uncertainties.” Once we let them go, or stop defending them, we open ourselves up to all kinds of new possibilities. At the end of 2012, what is it that you might need to let go of? Perhaps you might:

• Let go of your past failures.
• Let go of your past successes.
• Let go of your limiting beliefs about what is possible.
• Let go of your need to be perfect.
• Let go of your need to do it all on your own.

Getting a Grip

When the challenge you are facing is beyond your current grasp, how do you bring it within your reach? Here are five keys to help you move (or swing) more gracefully through the process of change.

1. Study the Best. There is nothing more valuable than the wisdom of someone who has the experience you are lacking. A willing mentor will gladly share knowledge that has taken years to acquire. Or, you may model those you don’t know by reading, watching, and studying their stories and techniques.
2. Leverage your Experience. Even though you are about to undertake something new, there will be some aspects that are similar to what you have done in the past. Identify those similarities, to help you realize that you are not as unprepared as you may have thought.
3. Empower your Purpose. There must be a strong and compelling reason to undertake difficult change. Find it. Get specific about why your undertaking is vital to your life. And keep that front of mind as you enter uncertainty.
4. Master the Basics. In any undertaking, there are fundamental skills or concepts you must master. Spend considerable time with these aspects to build confidence and capability before you attempt something more complex.
5. Commit to the Process. You don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to be perfect in the beginning. In fact, you will likely fail many times before you see meaningful progress. Expect these set backs, and keep a long-range view of your objective. Learn from everything you do – what works and what doesn’t. And above all, persevere.

Celebrate your successes along the way (I caught the layout!), but don’t get complacent. It’s time to keep working, keep learning, and keep letting go … to get a grip on the next accomplishment!

Here’s to a New Year of thrilling possibilities and show-stopping successes!

Are you headed where you want to go?

As we approach the year’s end, it is certainly a time for celebration, rest and renewal. How I look forward to the days at home with family, and extended visits with loved ones less frequently seen. I find that I am resting physically, but also mentally, as if storing up new capacity for the upcoming challenges of the New Year.

But during this same stretch of time, I feel that it is vital for me and, perhaps, for you to do more than simply take our foot off the accelerator of life. We must also take some time to look at the map, measure our progress on life’s journey, and take another look at our short and long term destinations.

In my life and business, which are inextricably interwoven – a true latticework of activity – I am enormously blessed with this year of adventure, travel, connections, and opportunities. This year I made many new friends, worked with incredible partners, traveled to fantastic places, and delivered some of my best work to date.

And yet, I sense that my life and business are at a new crossroads, where in the coming year my team and family will elevate our reach and move boldly from the success we have enjoyed toward a new significance. What I desire strongly is to truly help people in meaningful and enduring ways to transform their lives and live with abundance, joy, and freedom. Of course, I will continue to deliver my keynote presentations, but beyond that, I want to continue to serve as a guide, coach, mentor, and example to the people I encounter, helping them implement what we learn together to make very real, lasting improvements to their lives.

And the most exciting part of it – we have a plan to make this happen! Stay tuned for more news as it happens.

I will continue to challenge myself physically, stretching my skills in new directions. For me, longevity, dexterity, flexibility and physical strength are an essential part of my makeup. As I get older, my intent is not simply to maintain my abilities, but to improve them. As I teach audiences, there is no such thing as “maintaining” one’s position in life. You are either going forward (growing, learning and improving) or going backward (declining and losing ground). Staying where you are is an exhausting exercise in fighting the natural progress of life.

2013 will also be the year of my third book! I am well along in the process of developing a new body of work, along with a good friend who is coauthoring with me. This will be a great new addition to the work that we do.

How about you? As you approach the end of the year, here are seven questions to consider:

1. Looking back on the year, what have you learned? What experiences, trials, lessons, and have successes have you experienced, and what lessons have you taken from these encounters?
2. How are you personally different now than you were at the start of the year?
3. Are you happy with the direction your life is taking? If not, why not, and what are you going to do about it? If yes, than how will you continue this trajectory and build on your momentum?
4. Are the things that were most important to you still as meaningful, or are there other ambitions that are more important now?
5. How do you want to grow/change in the coming year? Consider growth in terms of the five spheres of life: work, relationships, health, spiritual growth, and personal interests.
6. What are the actions you must initiate and sustain on a regular basis in order to accomplish those changes?
7. How must you restructure your daily activity in order to be successful in this pursuit?

The end of the year – any year – is certainly a time of reflection. We must make space and time to do that, instead of just continuing headlong in the direction we happen to be moving. Be honest bold and brave enough to assess where you are headed and make adjustments that will take you toward a more desirable, exciting, and purposeful destination.

I wish you the happiest of holidays, and joyous New Year, and the clarity and conviction to pursue your highest self.

Complete this statement: Tis the season to be ___________.

For many, unfortunately, the reality is that holidays are anything but “jolly.” In fact, during this time of year, negative emotions run rampant, as millions find ‘tis the season to be frantic, depressed, cash-strapped, guilt-ridden, lonely, exhausted, and generally overwhelmed.

Without a doubt, holidays cause us to be “off balance.” And that’s exactly their purpose. This time of year is supposed to be a departure from the normal routines of life and a meaningful season to focus on the traditions and people who matter most to us.

One of the primary reasons holiday occasions may “snowball” out of control (pun intended) is that we attempt to create, for ourselves or for others, a perfect version of what could be. The problem with that is that it is impossible to please everyone and satisfy unrealistic expectations. In trying to do so, we may spend enormous energy and money and experience emotional turmoil.

In the midst of “holiday madness,” it can be difficult to experience a sense of purpose. In order to readjust your alignment and adopt an empowering stance, avoid these common stress inducers and implement some of the suggested remedies for holiday stress.

Primary stress-inducers include:

• Shopping for perfect presents, and spending beyond your means.
• Hosting or attending holiday gatherings.
• Focusing on what you don’t have or wish you had.
• Becoming self absorbed and isolated from others.
• Over extending yourself with too many commitments.

7 Ways get back “On Purpose.”

1. Reflect upon the true meaning of the holidays, for you.
2. Simplify your plans and purchases. Less may actually be much more.
3. Pace yourself and get adequate rest. Avoid holiday burn out.
4. Stick to a budget and enjoy the holidays within your means.
5. Plan ahead so that you won’t become reactive and stressed out.
6. Instead of making this all about you and your family, volunteer your time to make the holidays special for someone else.
7. Focus on connections, not commitments. Stay in the moment.

Remember that how you spend your time demonstrates what you truly value. There’s no time like the present. And there is no present like your time. So lean forward, off balance on purpose, and create meaningful moments for yourself and for others.

Managing Risks Responsibly

Please watch the video for the full impact of this message. Transcript (and some additional content) follows below.

All jobs and endeavors contain elements of risk. By adopting the right approach, however, you can virtually eliminate worst-case scenarios and mange the risks responsibly to ensure a long and healthy career.

Being a professional performer, acrobat, and juggler of dangerous implements has given me an interesting perspective on managing risk.

From an outside perspective, this might seem like “daredevil behavior,” as if I am purposely inviting disaster. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Those who make their livelihoods in the business of “danger” are some of the most safety conscious people I’ve ever met. That’s because they must be.

High performers, specifically those who must embrace certain, very real risks in order to succeed, must be ultra aware of their environments. They must develop complete mastery of their skills. They must also learn how to avoid or minimize the most risky aspects.

What we are looking for is not just a one-time “stunt,” but rather a sustainable career. And longevity requires a different mindset and level of discipline.

• Understand the purpose behind your performance.
• Develop the knowledge and skills required to be successful.
• Identify the risks, consequences, and likelihood of experiencing those negative aspects. Would it be tolerable or devastating?
• Isolate the highest risk elements of a given task or skill, then learn as much as you can about those specific aspects.
• Learn essential skills in a safe environment, removing the most dangerous element from the scenario.
• Learn to fail safely.
• Adopt systems, routines and daily disciplines to reduce the caution factors. Remove the biggest risks completely and reduce the unavoidable risks to a minimum level.
• Never stop learning. Continuous improvement is a conscious choice.
• Rest when necessary.
• Develop a performer’s mindset of focus, precision, and execution.
• Go slow to go fast. Avoid rushing and instead, be certain that you are following a smart plan of action. Get it right the first time.
• Master the tools and the technology that will help you ensure safety.

Longevity requires a high commitment to safety and a dedication to ongoing education. I will not be successful in the future if I simply attempt to coast on my current momentum or past experiences.

The concept of “No Coasting” relates perfectly to one of my favorite pastimes: Off road (or mountain) unicycling. This sport (nicknamed MUNI, for mountain-unicycle) demands incredible focus and determination, as well as sheer physical effort. It is, obviously, not without risks. However, it is a great opportunity to illustrate how one can manage risks responsibly.

Clarify Your Purpose

The first step I suggested was to understand your purpose, or reasons behind your actions. In this case, I MUNI because:

1. It is a great way for me to hyper-train (train beyond my required performance levels) my skill of riding the unicycle.
2. It is an incredible workout, both up and downhill. No coasting!
3. It is actually safer in some respects than mountain biking, principally because you are traveling at a lower maximum speed.
4. It demands extreme focus, so offers a great “escape,” as well as a chance to hone powers of concentration and rapid decision-making.
5. Friendship – This is an activity I enjoy with a lifelong friend.

Identify the Skills Required

Balance (in every direction)

Strength (legs and core muscles)

Endurance (Cardio Vascular Fitness)

Heightened Awareness – Early Detection of Obstacles (roots, rocks, climbs, descents, creeks, and variable terrain)

Rapid Decision Making (handling each obstacle differently, according to the challenge)

Identify and Address the Biggest Risks

Injuries typically result from “unplanned dismounts,” including:

• Head injury 
• Strained or broken wrists (from catching yourself) 
• Hand injury 
• Strained or pulled muscles

It’s essential to maintain your equipment and ensure it is functioning properly. It’s also useful to have a complete First Aid kit handy, as well as a “buddy,” in case of any incident.

Learn to Fail Safely

Obviously, you wouldn’t attempt this sport if you had not first mastered the skill of unicycling on a smooth and level surface. But, beyond that, you need to learn to fail, that is, FALL in the safest manner:

You can anticipate the “unplanned dismount” and land on your feet.

Or, when you have too much momentum, you may end up having to “roll out” of your dismount. Let’s look at that again. You must make decisions quickly and react properly. Notice how I protect my wrists and head by using my forearms to take the impact.

Don’t try this at home!

What does this Mean to You?

In the same way I prepare, practice, and focus on each performance (whether on stage or off road), you can approach the risks inherent to your job in a safe and responsible way.

• First, Own the risks that come with your job. You are completely responsible for your actions and the outcome.
• Clarify the purpose behind your work. What is it you are seeking to do, exactly? Why is this important?
• Learn all you can about the nature of the risks that are a part of your job.  Read accident reports. Learn more than you think you need to know. And continue learning every day. Make that part of your daily discipline.
• Employ specific routines and strategies (as directed by your procedures and protocols) to eliminate the biggest risk factors AND reduce the other factors to their absolute minimum.
• Go slow and get it right. Understand that every situation is unique and must be thoroughly studied and understood.
• Take care of your self. Get adequate rest. Stay healthy and fit.
• Keep your head in the game. Injuries and accidents happen when you are distracted. So you must stay focused when you are taking on risk.

Follow these guidelines, and you are far more likely to stay safe and succeed as you take on even the most exciting challenges!