mindset – …my temporary assignment.

Outcomes

Semantics, marketing and social media trends seem to somehow rule each day. It might be something oriented to draw out the athlete hidden deep within us. Maybe it is a phrase intended to bring out the leader that resides next to that athlete. Perhaps it is self defense tactics involving toxic environments and others. Or, a call to reveal one’s true character.

Now there isn’t anything off about any of these approaches. Not that they do not have relevance, sustainability or the potential for permanence. There is value to each and everyone. From my perspective, it is just that for some reason they appear to be targeted to a very specific group. And as such, the potential impact of what is being presented, said and promoted becomes so focused on one thing, that other ancillary concerns and needs are totally missed.

So as a football coach a year ago, E + R = O was presented to the program. At first glance, some apparent math equation that in our circumstance happened to be geared towards our game and conduct within it. But then, I came across this approach within some of the corporate social media I read and write about. And even more so in things that involve leadership, character, achievement.

You name it, Mr. Kight’s foundation for making the life you choose is everywhere

But now, I have started to see it from an entirely different perspective.

You can gear up things that apply to very specific targets. To become known for a prowess that speaks to a very specific audience. Perhaps some KPI. Or, since you have developed these tactics that have the potential to embrace a much wider group, perhaps it can be presented as that first, then as a dollar oriented approach.

The event plus response equals outcome viewpoint literally applies to all aspects of life. Not just athletics, business, self improvement or any other interest of the moment.

It goes far deeper than all the above.

Imagine you encounter an event in your life that beckons an urgent response. Maybe it is a health issue. A relationship challenge. Spiritual collapse. Alcohol or drug abuse. A self destructive behavior you somehow made your own. Loneliness.

All in their own right, entities not designed to fit a marketing driven collection of buzz words, phrases and such designed to attract likes, clicks and impressions. But rather, to fit into something with an altogether different gravity and mass.

An event you now face, plus the response you choose to make and how that will eventually create the outcome sought.

We all face them. We all need to respond accordingly. And then, we need to either accept the outcome, go back and amend our response and continue this assessment until the event has been overcome.

Or just accept things and call in the dogs.

Events are never trumpeted, announced or heralded. Well, not usually. And the tenor of these occurrences should not determine the fealty of the way things are encountered, embraced or enjoined.

We need merely to respond in a fashion that produces what we ultimately desire to achieve.

Whether we acknowledge it or not.

So, while an event prescribes a certain response, it may not be within our grasp to do so at this moment. It may be timing, circumstance, presence, placement or an unwillingness to accept the need for change. A stubbornness born of seeing things through your well worn rose colored specs.

Though response to an event will ultimately equate to an outcome, events and responses may be ill equipped to produce if not properly discerned, honestly approached and embraced with an element of surrender.

If you can somehow adhere to this equation at this level, all other situations will follow suit, providing the genuine, warranted and desired outcome.

Remain present in the event. Be honest with yourself about the response that is required.

And make the outcome a source for life.

Doubt

Mr. Shakespeare once wrote: “Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”

Words which speak of an inner conflict common to us all. A hand to hand combat engaged from within. When aspirations to become and achieve come in conflict with the risk associated with escape from your current reality.

When dreams are overrun by a phalanx of “common sense” and the little voice that whispers “Yes. You can.”, becomes shouted down by, “What in the world are you thinking?”.

Yes, our doubts are traitors.

Made to betray our efforts, our commitments and our character.

Our doubts seek to cajole and finesse one into believing your best interests lay in accepting the security that might reside in the present instead of embracing the possibilities of what you can make to follow.

Our doubts twist events and circumstances so the only perspective is negative. Presenting an appearance that consequences are more evident and abundant than the opportunity that always resides on just the other side.

Our doubts are the comforting arm around your shoulder you seek when you fail – before you even attempt to try. They are the self generated distractions designed to let you off the hook. The white noise of rationale, excuse and drama.

James Allen once put it: “Man is made or unmade by himself; in the armory of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself.”

Yet we fail to realize that within that very same armory are housed the dies of your salvation, opportunity and excellence.

For man “…also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace. By the right choice and true application of thought….” (James Allen “A man thinketh”)

Doubt is ill suited to thrive when exposed to these elements.

Doubt dissipates under the brilliance of vision and aspirations.

Doubt will succumb to the intensity of purpose with intention.

Ultimately, doubt is excised by excellence.

So begin now.

Cast the dies that will forge your tools.

– Choose to live as “who” you see yourself being.

– Act as “what” you intend to become.

– Imagine you are already “where” you dream of going

Equip yourself to persist and persevere. Press beyond fear, dispense with the drama and accept expectations.

Allow that “you just know it” sensation to take hold, and embrace a level of faith that will enable you to overcome an inertia borne of skepticism, reluctance and doubt. All the while generating palpable momentum, a sustaining source of strength and a heightened level of confidence.

In a collaborative effort of thought, choice and deeds, each working in concert to affirm a blueprint of how you will conduct yourself and pattern your life.

So be true to yourself with a firm and resilient loyalty.

Never abide the treason of doubt.

Attitude

To epitomize attitude is often easier said than thought, understood and applied.

But attitude truly is everything.

In the right hands, a coach, mentor or leader can make attitude a powerful weapon of mass instruction. Instilling in others an awareness of its impact and how it can promote achievement and success. How it ripples ever outward. And ultimately, creates unanticipated growth.

Of all the things that we seek to control and temper throughout the course of our daily lives, attitude tends to be the one thing that is overlooked or taken for granted. Perhaps because it often requires more effort and perseverance than was ever anticipated. After all, it is not something that can be held, defined or KPI’d. It is only just attitude.

But then again, attitude is EVERYTHING. It alone belongs to and answers to us. It is a personal, business and life changer. If we can fully recognize and honor that.

However, more often than not, we choose to cede our authority to it. The wrong one. Allowing it to run rough-shod over us and others when we allow it. Attitude alone has the ability to transform any adversity into opportunity. Attitude provides one with the proper perspective regardless of the severity of the situation. It is our ally when we understand its goal. Enemy when we do not.

Attitude – good or bad – can go viral. It can become a highly contagious element. For good. And, for bad.

You must be willing and able to become the relentless source of a positive attitude for all. Not just for you. But for all.

And then?

Be willing to administer the vaccine should all negativity happen to turn it into a bad infection.

And be the cure.

Through your attitude.