Our daughters are on their way to Sol Vista ski basin to take their first snowboarding lessons. I'm excited for them ... they are young and resilient enough to learn the right way now and then enjoy it for years to come. The same is true whether it's learning to golf or play the piano. If you can master the fundamentals at an early age, you'll set yourself up for a life of enjoyment and improvement. The same is true in life. In a marriage, you set yourself up for success by learning to communicate effectively and handle conflict honestly. The sooner you do so, the better. In coaching a team, you set yourself up for success by practice, practice, practice. But not just busywork; practicing the right way to do it, every time. In leadership, you set yourself up for success by elevating the abilities of those around you.…
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"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we hit it." - Michelangelo Buonarroti, Renaissance artist. Are you aiming high or low?
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Today is January 1, 2012. After today, there will be 365 (thanks to leap year) days until 2013. You know what that means? It's time to start Christmas shopping (just kidding!). One of the things I'm reminded about with each new year is this reality: opportunities are everywhere. 2012 will hold opportunities that didn't exist in 2011 because the relationships, circumstances, or responsibilities needed didn't exist yet. You will make new friendships, perhaps get new neighbors, or take on new responsibilities at work. Each change, no matter how seemingly insignificant, will open the door to new possibilities. You may also discover opportunities that were there the whole time but you didn't notice them. They were there but your perspective was different. You will see potential in existing relationships. At work, you may find the platform to chase your dreams. But here's an important point: it is not your responsibility to…
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When it comes to celebrating New Year's Eve, I tend to follow the example of my dad: the best way to start the new year is with a good night's sleep. I don't believe there is anything magical about turning over a new calendar. That being said, I do believe that each new year is a great time to refocus, recalibrate, and renew. In our culture, we rarely set aside time for reflection. We rush. We hurry. The business of introspection gets lost in the busyness of life. As we approach 2012, will you spend a few moments, minutes, or hours refining your focus? Life is too short to live aimlessly. Without a clear sense of purpose, we surrender our effectiveness to the circumstances that surround us. Is that the best stewardship we can offer God? Will you also find time to recalibrate? If you're like me, you've probably recognized…
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I'm passing along a great article by Phil Cooke entitled, "Seven Things Every Leader Should do in the New Year." You may resonate with all seven or only a few. While it is written for pastors, there is something here for any leader. I personally resonate with 1, 5, and 7. Enjoy! ******************* 1. Start the project you’ve always dreamed of creating. The clock is ticking, and you’re not getting any younger. Remember the book manuscript in the desk drawer you’ve always wanted to publish? Or the radical new ministry you planned on the back of a napkin? Or the media outreach you always believed would change the community or city? Stop dreaming and start doing. There’s no better time than now. 2. Understand the power of a compelling brand. In a media-driven culture, a compelling brand is the key to breaking through the clutter and getting noticed by your…
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