Action Mail Newsletter

 

Five Levels of Learning

Monday, February 18th, 2013
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, ...

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Letting Go to Get a Grip

Monday, December 31st, 2012

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 ...

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Safe Danger

Monday, October 1st, 2012

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 ...

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Connecting Your Commute

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

In the pursuit of “more” we find ourselves in constant motion.

In fact, we are spending an increasing amount of time inside our cars (or some other mode of transportation) on the way to somewhere. This isn’t, necessarily, a bad thing, but the question is:

Is your commute an isolated experience, or is it connected to what matters most in your life?

Work-life integration, or living Off Balance On Purpose requires us to see the connections that unite our moments and provide infinite opportunities to progress down the path of excellence. And the “path,” or route, or road, between our commitments, is often exactly the place where we can make ...

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The Myth of Multitasking

Monday, June 25th, 2012

Why "Doing it All" May be your Undoing

We often describe our attempts to be productive while engaging multiple objectives as “multitasking.” Yet this description is not only inaccurate, but it may even be perpetuating behaviors that will hinder your success. "Multitasking" was coined originally as a computer term, describing the ability of processors to handle (or appear to handle) more than one function at a time. True multitasking for computers was not achieved until the advent of the dual processor (followed by the multi-processor), which allowed different components to independently perform dedicated tasks. When it comes to human cognition, however, we don’t have multi-processors. Conscious thought is a singular experience. We cannot compartmentalize our brains to ...

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Hong Kong Happenings

Thursday, May 24th, 2012

New Destinations, New Discoveries, and a New Definition of Success

My four short days in Hong Kong have been packed with concentrated activity, rich friendships, and meaningful work. This, my first trip to this extraordinary place, has been the perfect blend of adventure, culture, business, fitness, and play. Allow me to share just a few highlights, and perhaps, some ideas that will help inspire action. I stayed at the Shangri-La Kowloon, which was also, conveniently, the place the AT&T meeting was held. This two-day event has crisscrossed the US, hopped to London (last week), and now reached the Asian Pacific. I have been truly blessed to be part of the faculty, offering a closing keynote on Day One to help their ...

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Performance Essentials

Monday, May 7th, 2012
My name is Dan Thurmon, and I’m a performer. Does this mean that I enjoy being on stage, the center of attention? That I embrace the heat of spotlights and am fueled by audience responses and applause? Well, yes. But it means much more than that. You don’t have to step on stage to be a performer. Even if you shy away from the spotlight, you may be one yourself. In fact, every one of us is called upon to perform; to shine; to deliver our life’s work and our best efforts. Our performances may be planned or spontaneous. They may last mere moments. Yet these moments – when we are engaged in the act ...

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Are You Idling?

Thursday, March 8th, 2012

Propel yourself forward with full-on commitment.

In my keynote performances, I use a six-foot unicycle to demonstrate how we can more effectively manage uncertainty and move through change. Watch the embedded video for a quick peek at that live segment. If you’ve been in the audience, you’ve seen me weaving in and out of tables and chairs, racing across the room in dramatic fashion to convey simple, but meaningful points: In order to move forward, on a unicycle or in life, you must intentionally lean your body forward, off balance, steering (and falling) into uncertainty. Once you are off balance, you are motivated to move, harnessing the energy that comes with change. It takes ...

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Find Space throughout the Season

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

And more fully experience and enjoy your holidays.

This time of year promises to be a “break” for us – an opportunity to relax, connect with loved ones, recharge our batteries, or deepen our faith. However, the reality can be far from our imagined or intended version of events. For many of us, the preparations and plans (decorating, shopping, making travel arrangements, and such) become added burdens to our lives. We must suddenly handle all of our usual tasks and responsibilities AND take care of holiday “to do’s,” as well. The downside of this is that we may lose the feeling of specialness, or the meaning and purpose behind our celebrations. My hope and plea is that you are able to find and enjoy, ...

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Soundtrack for Success

Sunday, November 20th, 2011
Off Balance On Purpose Theme by Dan Thurmon Click the Arrow (or link) to Play or the Down Arrow to Download  

Everybody deserves a motivational musical mantra:

a personal soundtrack that will pick you up when you are feeling down, or pump you up before your workday or big moment!

That's why I produced this song. Not only will it provide you a motivational, musical BOOST, but it will also keep you connected to a mindset and plan of action to remain Purposeful, even in the midst of Off Balance Moments. Enjoy it with my compliments! Load ...

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More from Dan Thurmon

Off Balance - On Purpose