Wends is THE BEST

It’s amazing what you can do when failure isn’t an option. You get
creative and find a way to succeed. While no one likes their back
against the wall, the truth is that it’s good for you every now and
then. It blocks your escape routes and forces you to make uncomfortable
decisions you might otherwise avoid.

Consider This:

One of the first questions I often ask my clients is, "What are your
goals in the next 12 months?" After some discussion we usually reach a
list of 2-3. I then ask them, "If you don’t achieve these goals in the
next 12 months, what reason will you likely give me as to why?" The
question usually catches them off guard - because I’m asking for their
excuses upfront. It’s sounds funny, but it exposes something we all do
at times. We outwardly commit to a goal while inwardly build a defense
in case we don’t reach it. We leave escape routes as an option. And we
undermine our chances of success in the process.

Try This:

To make sure you don’t fail in the pursuit of an important goal:
1. Make the goal clear.
2. Tell 1-2 people about it - preferably ones who can hold your feet to the fire.
3. Make a schedule to check in with them at least 1-2 times a month.
4. Tell them the likely excuses you’ll try to use when the going gets tough.
5. Tell them what you want them to say to you if you start using those excuses.
6. This process isn’t easy - but it works.

"If you’re not confused, you’re not paying attention." — Tom Peters

Contrary to popular belief, confusion isn’t a bad thing. In fact,
confusion can be a very good thing. It shows the gaps in your
understanding. Don’t shy away from it. Get inquisitive. Ask questions.
Use it to get smarter. Furthermore, realize that if you’re confused,
it’s likely that others are as well. And sometimes sharing your
confusion is an effective way to open powerful and productive
conversations.

Try This:

1. The next time you feel perplexed about a situation, share it with someone.
2. Ask for their thoughts (people loved to be asked for their opinion).
3. Listen closely for something you might be missing.
4. Repeat frequently - there’s no use doing all the thinking yourself - it takes too long and you only get one opinion.

Here’s a touching quote from Tony Parson’s One for my Baby (referring to his dead wife):

"Because she was beautiful, smart and kind. She was curious and brave. She had a bigger heart than anyone I have ever known. She was good at her job but her sense of worth didn’t depend on that job. I loved her for all those reasons. And I loved her because she was on my side. She was on my side without conditions, without get-out clauses. It’s very easy to love someone when they are on your side."

"A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner." — English Proverb

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting a man who, despite a severe
speech impediment, had become the top salesman at his company. It was
such an unlikely story that I asked him how he’d done it. He joked,
"with a lot of bruises and scars." He went on to say, "Not
surprisingly, the road was terribly tough for me. I was awful in the
beginning — and it lit a fire under me. It made me work harder than
everyone else. I resented it then, but I’ve come to realize it was a
blessing in disguise."

Consider this:

In life, it’s the rough patches that build your strength and
character. They test you. They make you dig deeper, think harder, and
risk more. Use them to your advantage. Don’t play the victim. Get up
and get creative. It’s what you do when the going gets tough that
defines you.

Try this:

When you hit a rough patch:
1. Don’t wish the ride was smoother - it’s not supposed to be.
2. Use the challenge to get smarter.
3. Tackle one thing at a time - don’t overwhelm yourself.
4. Keep smiling throughout.