Becoming Ironman, Success Through Laziness, and What if It Goes Right
PROGRESSION: September 2022
September was my first full month as a full-time executive coach. I’m learning a ton and having so much fun in the process.
When I launched, I set a goal to have a certain number of clients by end of year. I’m stoked to share that I hit that goal a few days ago. Huge thank you to those who’ve introduced me to friends or colleagues who wanted to explore coaching and to the several of you who’ve allowed me to experiment with various coaching techniques over the last few years (you know who you are). 😉
I often get asked about my ideal client. I want to work with interesting people who seek to have a massive impact on the world. That’s it. If that’s you and you’re looking for support in your journey, I’d love to chat.
Okay, let’s dive in.
Books, Articles, etc.
Roelof Botha Interview with Tim Ferriss (Podcast)
Roelof is the managing partner at Sequoia Capital and has invested in some of the top Silicon Valley companies. There were a lot of good nuggets throughout, and his personal story is fascinating, but I was most impressed by his positivity and optimism. He shared that when looking at startups he’s trained himself to look at what might happen if things go right. That’s where the magic happens.
Too often we ask ourselves the opposite question: what could go wrong? When I hear a new business idea or opportunity, my mind immediately jumps to the negative. I’ve begun training my mind to do the opposite. As I build a business, I’ve started asking myself, what if it goes right? Reframing the question helps me and my clients look for opportunities instead of gravitating to blockers. I’ve gone as far as to write that question on my whiteboard. What if it goes right?
Can You Be Successful While Being Lazy? by Khe Hy (Article)
The headline is a little click-baity but the content backs it up. I discussed energy management in last month’s email and it’s worth a follow up here.
Lionel Messi is one of the laziest soccer players. It’s true. He’s been mocked for over-walking. His “distance covered” stats pale in comparison to other soccer stars like Ronaldo. Yet he’s one of the greatest ever. That’s because he’s learned how to preserve his energy. He knows exactly when to to give it his all and when to hold back.
I think the phrase “how you do one thing is how you do everything” is garbage. Some things require max effort and you can’t possibly live your life running at full speed. No, this isn’t about doing a shoddy job on some tasks, it’s about operating in a consistent way that allows you to go all out when it’s needed most.
Born to Win: The Ultimate Seminar by Zig Ziglar (Audiobook)
Zig Ziglar was the OG motivational speaker. I bought this book years ago and recently dusted it off while driving with my 9 year old. We were headed to a baseball tournament and I knew he’d benefit from some positivity. After listening for 20 minutes I asked him how it was. He told me it was weird but I knew he enjoyed it. 🙂
Zig isn’t for everyone. His style and stories can feel outdated but he’s a master at helping people tell themselves positive stories.
We are what we consume. If you spend all day listening to cable news about how the world is going to crap, you’ll feel bad about the world and yourself. If you focus on positive messages you’ll gain a greater sense of control and develop a winning mindset. Whether it’s Zig or some other source, we can all benefit from filling our mind with positive, uplifting things.
Observations
Leadership Development Tool: Rest
Continuing with the habit of passing along leadership development tools I share with my clients, here’s an underutilized and underrated tool—rest.
I know, not that innovative on the surface. But I don’t know anyone who can sustain optimum performance without a rest practice. I invite you to find a few minutes of rest during your day (I prefer three deep breaths) and a longer period of rest once a week (I take all of Sundays off).
Becoming Ironman: Everything Went as Planned–Until It Didn’t
On Saturday, September 17 I set out to complete an Ironman triathlon. When this picture was taken, everything was going well. I had no idea what was about to hit me.
2.4 miles of swimming and 112 miles of cycling were in the books. All I had to do was run 26.2 miles. I was feeling confident. The afternoon sun peeked through the clouds. Then things got hard. Really hard.
Yes, I Paid My Kids to Read My Book
Years ago I wrote a career development book. I've often told my kids I'd pay them $10 if they read it. My 9 year old recently decided to take me up on the offer.
After reading it, he had a book report and needed to write 20 facts from the book. This picture is the list. He put it together 100% on his own and it cracked me up. 😂
Some of them are funny. Yes, I got called stupid. Yes, I had a blackberry (remember how cool those were?). Yes, Mike Robertson and I carried a mattress on our head down Broadway for 20 blocks during our NYC internship. No comment on #13. 🤷
Others facts are timeless truths and I hope they stick with him and all of us:
Learning doesn't stop when school ends
Networking is an important skill
Mentors can help you find a job and grow your career
Gratitudes
I’ve found power in regularly expressing gratitude so I’ll continue the habit. I’m grateful for my wife. When I was alone on the Ironman I knew she’d be waiting at the finish line. When I told her I wanted to leave my job to launch a coaching business she was my #1 supporter. She’s there for me every step of the way. She’s my rock. My anchor.
If you've read anything worth sharing I'd love to hear about it. And do let me know if there's anything I can do to help you.