It’s the time of year to set objectives, commitments and goals. And, if we’re not careful, this turns into a trap of thinking, “We’ll be great when…
…we get there.
…the economy works in our favor.
…we deliver our promised results.”
Of course, scheduling greatness (“…we’ll be great when…” is like scheduling your meals: If you don’t put it on your calendar, you’ll forget to eat. That’s crazy. You eat because you’re hungry – or because you’ve conditioned yourself to eat.)
That’s the trick with being great. Too many people think it’s an outcome, an effect variable, so they try to schedule when they’ll be great. (Then it’s too late.) Greatness (as an expression of realizing potential) is much more potent as a cause variable, as a resource. “We’ll be great now…
…so we get there.
…so the economy works in our favor.
…so we can deliver our results better and faster.”
Greatness is a mindset, a choice in our focus, and the ability to act upon that focus. Greatness is not something you go get – it’s something you deliver.
Rather than waiting for the conditions to be right, be great spontaneously. (And if you forget, schedule your reminder.)
We’re scheduling a spontaneous book release this month. On Monday, January 23, Degrees of Strength: The Innovative Technique to Accelerate Greatness hits the shelves. Only our A-Team members have access to read a SPECIAL Behind-the-Scenes “Degrees of Strength: A Journey” by author, Craig Ross. Join the A-Team by Jan 11 to read this rich, personal account from Craig and learn about his life-changing introduction to Steve Vannoy. CLICK HERE for FREE ACCESS. (If you’re already on the A-Team, no need to sign up again, we’ll send it directly to your inbox).
How will scheduling spontaneous greatness impact your work this week? Your comments are valuable to our entire community, share the below so other leaders can benefit from your good thoughts.
Cherish and count every moment, the time to DO and to be GREAT is NOW, create the conditions for greatness and success by focusing on the most critical task at hand then tackle the next and so on. Tomorrow is promised to no one.
Wise words, Ahmad. And the amazing thing is, when I use the approach you’re recommending, my “life satisfaction” goes way up, too. Thanks – and here comes a great ’12!
Currently working in a facility that is being closed, it seems strange to frame goals around when all of the inventory is shipped out, all the assets redeployed or sold and the lights turned off. My team is the perfect example of “being great now” being actively engaged and hitting timelines even though success will mean the end of their careers with the company. They deliver greatness every day and because of that, I know that they will achieve success even after they move on to their next careers.
Catherine – your note is a beautiful one because it reminds us to focus on what we can control. When we refuse to allow our circumstances (such as the painful closing of a facility) to define us – we better define our future. Thank you –
You all have added such inspiration to my day, helping me to focus on what I can control. I am one to clip and stick sayings and words of wisdom on my mirror to wake up each morning and go into my day with a positive thought in my head. My favorite is “Time is a very precious gift of God, so precious, it is only given to us ONE MOMENT AT A TIME.”