Tag Archives: attitude

Pricing the Pickle

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Before we began, $60 per month seemed a little steep for a 6 year old’s karate lessons. My wife took our son to the first few sessions and came back with such glowing reports about the instructor that I had to go check it out for myself. Turns out the dude is very good… and not just at the butt kicking part. He smiles with the kids, learns people’s real names, places jokes in the middle of sessions for the parents, stays firm but friendly and gently employs an “evil pickle’” (a padded green baton) to test the children on their acquired techniques. It isn’t easy to maintain the attention, interest and respect of both 6yr. olds and also adults all while delivering REALLY good karate instruction.

There are defects in his business model to be sure but, I was reminded how personal, high quality and friendly leadership goes a really long way when setting value. Once I experienced the karate lessons I was happy to only be paying $60/mo.

*** Oh, and just so you don’t write this guy off as a fun, groovy kid teacher, I want to mention that his dojo wall is line with his world class accomplishments and articles from every major media source highlighting his personal accomplishments.

Look alive 35!

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“Look alive 35!”

That was a lot to process as the lady ran past me on mile 5 of the triathlon. First, I just got passed by a lady… again (which I am getting very accustomed to as there are many amazing female athletes that are putting me in my place). Second, her pace was amazing and it alone inspired me to push beyond what I thought I had left in reserve. Third, she just read my age and produced a quippy little rhyme under the pressure of time, fatigue and mental strain… I can’t rhyme on a very good day with all conditions being ideal.

More than anything though, her attitude inspired me. It cost her absolutely NOTHING to be the most standout athlete that I encountered over the course of almost 3 hours of competition. I wish I had the wherewithal to keep up with her through the finish and get her name OR even be able to just recognize her again if I saw her. Her simple words, tone and approach brought out of me something more than what I was giving before she came along. In fact, it was so inspiring that it didn’t even bother me that she just passed me and was definitely going to finish in front of me. I kicked it up to the finish line. How could I not?

Every day it costs me absolutely $0 to put forth a great attitude and exceptional energy. The only thing I need fight are my lazy tendencies to act & respond as I desire or as I feel. As a leader and as a person I want to be the caliber of individual that brings out the best in others at all moments. So… here’s to looking alive and bringing an attitude to the table that inspires, encourages, motivates and lifts up. Here’s to being the most uplifting and memorable person in the meeting, difficult situation and at the dinner table.

wins & losses

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why does a loss stick with us longer than a win?

the attitude of our organization, the traction for our cause, our followers & loyalists, our personal outlook – ALL OF IT – seems to be more attuned these days to things that go wrong vs. things that go right.

how often when you lose in life or in leadership were you actually putting forth a winning effort & strategy? i bet more times than not. however, the break didn’t go your way, the deal didn’t close and the effort seems to be for not — then you, like most of us, dwell on it.

a win these days is usually good over a beer that night or a ‘high-five’ [YES! i am a fan of the 'high-five'] around the office. but most times the grind immediately follows because we don’t want to get caught by our competition or by our egos.

we have to have a source (a person, an activity or both) to deal with the natural frustration that comes with losing – letting it out and blowing it off. however, as a leader, others are looking to YOU as the attitude of the organization & mission.

  • move on! (7 days or less)
  • let out the steam
  • evaluate what you could have done better - write em’ down so you don’t lose the lessons
  • acknowledge the good things in your approach even though you lost
  • celebrate better and long over victories
  • remind yourself that a positive attitude breeds positive attitudes – don’t you want those from others? 

wins & losses

Posted on by
1

why does a loss stick with us longer than a win?

the attitude of our organization, the traction for our cause, our followers & loyalists, our personal outlook – ALL OF IT – seems to be more attuned these days to things that go wrong vs. things that go right.

how often when you lose in life or in leadership were you actually putting forth a winning effort & strategy? i bet more times than not. however, the break didn’t go your way, the deal didn’t close and the effort seems to be for not — then you, like most of us, dwell on it.

a win these days is usually good over a beer that night or a ‘high-five’ [YES! i am a fan of the 'high-five'] around the office. but most times the grind immediately follows because we don’t want to get caught by our competition or by our egos.

we have to have a source (a person, an activity or both) to deal with the natural frustration that comes with losing – letting it out and blowing it off. however, as a leader, others are looking to YOU as the attitude of the organization & mission.

  • move on! (7 days or less)
  • let out the steam
  • evaluate what you could have done better - write em’ down so you don’t lose the lessons
  • acknowledge the good things in your approach even though you lost
  • celebrate better and long over victories
  • remind yourself that a positive attitude breeds positive attitudes – don’t you want those from others?