No guts, no glory…

When I was much younger I was discussing business pursuits with an elderly English gentleman. I very much appreciated his direct and humorous way of looking at things as well as the experience he had in life. As we were talking about how to tackle something beyond your reach, I said “No guts, no glory”, he responded with the English version which is, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” He then proceeded to tell me several examples of how he and others reaped tremendous rewards by taking some calculated risks and having the courage to pursue their dreams.

I know many people who had a vision for what they wanted to achieve and allowed nothing to stop them from their dream. One person in particular referred to nay-sayers as “dreamstealers.” Not sure if he came up with that phrase on his own, but he sure lived that way. I watched him field criticism and take shots. He had to let it run off his back and move on.

What others think of us is important to most people and some are affected by the words of a stranger or co-worker more that those who are around them. The words from others or approval is important to some personality types, and can shape and mold them. What about the words of those around us and the positive attitude they bring to us. Why do think people are affected by others so much? Truth be told, we all like to be well thought of and respected and liked. But in the end, what does it really matter what someone else thinks of us? Someone we may never see again. Why do we emphasize it so much and magnify it bigger than it has to be or really is?

When you have are truly confident you won’t be rattled about by opinions of others and will stay focused on your goal.

· Your inner peace: For many, inner peace is a spiritual strength that comes from their personal faith. Peace is a sense of rest, inner quietness, and a lack of strife internally. This comes when we resolve internal conflicts and live up to the moral and ethical standard we’ve held ourselves to. It means we are comfortable with ourselves and are growing into the person we wish to become.

· Inner confidence: This comes from a belief in ourselves and our ability as well as a respect and the esteem that goes along with it. It doesn’t include someone who isn’t adept in a area and fakes it until he makes it. It won’t include those who are cocky or brag. You have seen these people, they are able, competent, willing to put in some effort and expect to succeed. They are determined to win, and prepare to do so. They love themselves, yet know their limitations. Most of all they believe in themselves and the task they have set at hand.

· Know who you are: Have you really sat down and thought about who you are? What kind of person are you? Somewhere, whether conscious or unconscious, we have a belief about who we are and It may not all be good. That’s why we need to figure it out. Truthfully, we have the ability to make that decision for ourselves. Its not a hand that is dealt to us that we are tied to. We shape and decide who we are and who we will become. When we get off course, get back on and align ourselves with that vision.

The biggest obstacles are the ones that we allow to stay in our way in preventing us from where we wish to be. We need to have the courage along with our vision and pursue our dreams no matter what others will say or think. Who cares anyway? Have the character to do what others are not willing to do and realize our dreams. Only you can do this for yourself, so make it happen every day.

Respect the Torch!

Control what you can, one great rule…

Some things are within our control, and yet others are beyond our ability to control. Personally, I am a firm believer that there is always something we can do to influence an outcome. We can prepare, plan, strategize, train, visualize, map out, and involve people who can help us get to where we want to be. And then there is the element beyond our control which involves others and their freewill.

One of the greatest freedoms we have is the ability to freely think, speak, and decide for ourselves. It is a God given right. This is, of course, within the confines of some basic morals common to all people. But nevertheless we have the power to decide. When trying to influence or persuade someone, it is imperative that we go about it the right way. What I mean by that is we should always endeavor to be objective and not have a self serving attitude. When this is our motive we will get a better and more equitable result all the way around. It is when people use power and money to serve themselves that they take short cuts and harm others and eventually themselves.

All of us at times persuade others on our ideas. Each of us has opinions based on what we have been exposed to and genuinely believe. Sometimes we try and sell our ideas to others. Other times family members may invite us to their home for the holidays and give reasons why we should go and what we will get out of it and how others will be affected if we choose not to attend. Let’s face it, we all persuade people at various times. We are all salesman.

The main key here is that all too often we have one point of view and don’t take the time to put ourselves in the other shoes. It’s when we do this that we will truly understand how the person across from you really feels. Before we can put on someone else’s shoes, we must first take off our own shoes. This gives us the privilege to be in their world and realize how something will affect them. See it from their point of view.

Some questions we may want to ask:

· How will this affect them?

· How would I react if I was them?

· What will this mean a year from now?

· Do I have their best interest or is it just my opinion of their interest?

· Why would they want to go along with this?

· Why should they care?

· What is in it for them?

· In the end, it is worth it?

These questions are generic, but they may help you see things from their point of view. The great key here is that we should endeavor to persuade from their vantage point. You cannot control what they will do, but if we put the time in, we will have a better shot at conveying to them, in terms they can relate to, how an idea or concept can benefit them. In sales, take the time to see a prospect or customer using the solution we proposed to them and how it will improve their situation. This will give you a better shot at effectively communicating in terms they relate to. So control what you can and don’t leave the rest to chance. Put on their shoes and walk around a little bit.

Ignite your passion.