Category Archives: coaching

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Hurricane Sandy: Patience for Recovery

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My heart goes out to all the people dealing with the aftermath of the recent Super Storm Sandy.  The winds of the hurricane are gone but the echo remains.  I know the strain of this walk back to normalcy because of the recent tornadoes in Alabama.  While we were spared the wind damage, we sustained flood damage. To give you an idea look around your house and think of losing everything that is below your waist line.  Imagine all of your pillows, shoes, records, appliances and yes and your furnace and air conditioner completely ruined.  Now, imagine losing everything and having no answers about recovery.  We had members of our Boy Scout Troop lose their entire home.  So let’s pray for all of these people and towns; pray that they keep their peace during these trying times. Peace is what everyone involved in Hurricane Sandy will need.

Here is a letter I would write if one of my personal friends were in the storm:

I am glad that you and your family are safe.  God’s grace is evident in every situation.  Recovery will seem elusive because of the enormity of the storm and it may seem overwhelming right now.  There is hope if you are willing to be Patient.  Patience is weaving a pattern to achieve a desired outcome. With all of the chaos of assessing the damage and lose of you and your neighbors I urge you to make a decision. Make a decision on what outcome you desire.  While there are some factors to consider in regards to finances and personal preferences but your true focus should be on what do you want this situation to look like in a year.

 

Think big picture or your mind will get caught in the space of “what I used to Have/Do”.  Recovery is possible but restoration is up to a higher power.  You can recover your peace and joy, real soon.  Look to a brighter future that is free from your past.  I know you have a lot to do so I will send you another letter in a week to give you some more ideas on having the Patience for Recovery.

 

Dominate your actions, Dominate your thoughts, Dominate your world, tm

William J. Spencer, IV

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What is Consistency?

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What’s the most consistent thing that you experience?

 

Consistency:  steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc.:

I know I need work in this area, so I decided to do a bit of research. The first word of the definition is steadfast? If I use steadfast I think of never letting go.  Imagine a baby kangaroo holding on to its mother or a stream that flows forever constantly providing life. To be steadfast is to be strong and mortally committed to achieving your goals.

What do we admire about the character of Consistency?  Who is consistent and how did they get that way.  Consistent people do not allow outside influences to disrupt their thought pattern. If you are committed to an idea, that causes you to have a short sided view of the world, this is powerful.  Those that think short sided, ignite innovation.  Rebel against the trend, if it causes destruction.

Consistency, madam, is the first of Christian duties.
Charlotte Bronte

Three Actions that will increase your consistency

Forgiveness

You have to forgive your inconsistencies. Forgiveness allows for patience to stick, it acts as the glue on the tape of life.  Forgiving yourself opens your heart to explore the world.

 

Reflect on your core values

What legacy do you want to leave? Make your feelings a reality.  If you are true to what keeps you centered then you will not go astray.  Copy your goals and say them more often than you think you is necessary.

Change your routine to enhance your dreams

Let go and develop a consistent routine that includes the pursuit for your dreams and goals.  If your routine is not working alter your approach, but keep the same dream.  Expect greatness and use wisdom to consistently achieve your dream life.

 

Tina Turner’s song “Let’s Stay Together” strikes a tone for steadfastness.  If you can keep your commitments to relationships and values; you are counted among the consistent. Hang on to those things that are dear to you. As long as your hands don’t move you are consistent. Patience will support your consistent nature.

What traits do you possess that show your consistency?

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What kind of Ambassador are you?

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Be an Ambassador

  • Realize that you represent a higher cause
  • Your response or lack thereof must demonstrate control

 

Ephesians 6:20 For which I am ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The idea of an ambassador is fascinating because you represent all the power and honor of the organization you represent however you are not the focus of that privilege.  Whatever cause you represent whether it is Boy Scouts, a multinational corporation, a family or a country the cause is greater than you as an individual.  Realizing that you represent more than just yourself should add restraint to your regimen.  Your actions now carry more weight which is good when positive motives are in play.

When you are a diplomat you have to decide whether to use Hard Power or Soft Power. Here is a quote from my forthcoming book “Patience to Dominate”

While it is rational to stay patient and focused on your goal, there are actions and mannerisms that can be used to diffuse tense situations and still allow you to emerge victorious.  This method is termed, soft power.  Soft power is used in diplomacy to enhance relationships and still influence the current situation in your favor.

Conversely some negotiations require a drastically different approach.  This diplomatic approach is called hard power. Hard power is like and eagle spreading his wings to demonstrate his majesty.

When you are serious about your position on a matter or an end goal, many times, the thing that challenges you will have less leverage.   “Patience to Dominate” the book

 

Ambassadors have many decisions to make on behalf of those they represent. Patience is needed to decipher what course to take when presented with a situation.  In all situations control over your tongue, your gestures, your finances and your time articulate the position of those you represent.

 

 

2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

How will you be diplomatic today.

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Triple Crown Leadership – Miguel Caberra

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Miguel Cabrera has won the 2012 Triple Crown  for Major League Baseball. A feat that  very few men in history can lay claim. The attributes of a winning a Triple Crown in baseball can be applied to your life and leadership skills.

courtesy of the Bleacher Report

America’s national pastime as the first player in nearly half a century to win the triple crown, leading the American League in home runs (44), batting average (.330) and runs batted in (139).  The New YorkTimes, John Eligon 10/3/12

 

1. Miguel Cabrera had the best batting average so can you.

His team and coaches could count on him throughout the year to be consistent in his performance. You too can be consistent in all you do.  Doing what you are supposed to do has rewards.  When you are consistent you eliminate problems.

2.  Runs batted in show his ability to help others

Everyday you should look for someone to help.  Make it part of your mission to help others at work and home score. The world loves a team player even when it comes at a “sacrifice” to you. This is what Cabrera did by hitting so his team could score.

3. Have home run power

By being the home run champion Cabrera let the team and the opponents know that he was serious about moving forward.  You too can knock it out of the park if you work on what you are good at doing.  Look for something you do well and perfect that skill until you are a home run hitter.

I’m taking my time. I feel much more confident, and every day I feel like I’m getting better.
Miguel Cabrera

How are you developing your Triple Crown attributes?

 

 

 

 

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Patience requires obedience

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Chri.ChabotThis is an excerpt from a Course I am developing for Patient Leadership. The relationship between the path to patience and obedience takes a concentrated effort. The following principles shed light on what it means to have obedience in the world of Patient Leadership.

• To obey is better than sacrifice
• Obey your conscience
• Stick to your written goals even when large obstacles arise

The Creator puts parameters around to remind us of the need for obedience. As we mature we believe that we do not have to obey anyone. We proclaim that we have no master and our decisions are self-determined. One universal reminder is the demand of obedience to our bodies. These fleshly creations quickly let us know the limits and needs that must be obeyed. It takes patience to operate your body through proper rest, diet and meaningful exercise. This type of obedience must be demonstrated in our lives relative to acquiring The Patience to Dominate.

2 Corinthians 10:5-6
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

We must obey the code of conduct that shrouds our conscience. Obstacles may arise that will skew our actions away from set desires. The closer you are to fulfilling your destiny requires more obedience. Obedience is controlled restriction, sacrifice is forced removal. It is better to obey than to sacrifice.

Written goals are a part of obedience because life has an interesting way of adding distractions that function as masters. We must obey the goals we set so that the true call on our lives will manifest. We must obey the individual moral rules we set for ourselves. Trust yourself, trust what you have written and trust the Father.

Master your distractions.
If patience is our goal, obedience is our guide.

1 Samuel 15: 22
Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice

Is your life governed by obedience or sacrifice?

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Live your life from the Inside Out

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El Ojo – the Eye

I heard this first at my Toastmasters group by a wonderful orator, who “Lives his life from the Inside Out”, by the name of Jerome. I asked his permission to share it with you on this blog. Jerome has a magnificent baritone voice and his demeanor is that of a giant angle when you meet him it is hard not to hug him. His story is one of perseverance and inner strength. He exemplifies Patient Leadership. Jerome says there are three keys to focus on if you want to “live your life from the inside out.

1. Know what you are doing and early
To live life from the inside out you first have to know who you are. The best way to do this is to search your own inner Spirit to see where it meets with the Spirit of God that is inside of you. At this place you will find your compass. When you do this early the challenges will not sway your course.

2. Act on your own
Wanting agreement and help on life’s assignments is natural because we are social beings but there are some actions that demand personal courage. Only you and God know your true purpose and it is wonderful to act on your own. When you believe in your dreams others can see the light radiating from inside of you.

“Take the bull by the horns and run with it.”

3. Believe you are capable to handle anything that life brings you
The first three words, “Believe you are capable” should be a confession you make to yourself every morning. Believing you are capable is the highest part of achievement because it is the beginning. The Creator believed in you and gave you talent to perform the assignment He entrusted you with. You can handle anything that life brings your way because you know what you are doing, you know how to act on your own and you believe you are capable.

Jerome says if you find yourself asking, “What can I do to handle these challenges?” follow these three steps and “Live your life from the inside out”.

How will you can you use these steps to overcome your challenges?

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The London Olympics shows how to Trust your training

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London Olympics Gymnast Danell Leyva won a bronze medal at the London Games because he learned to trust his training. He and his father had a ritual that included a pull of the ears and a kiss on the head and then his father would say trust your training. This ritual struck me as wonderful on many levels. Here are three observations that you can use in your everyday life.

1. Having a relation with a Father-figure/Mentor is key to success

The man we saw jumping jubilantly at the London Olympics was Yin Alverez, Danell’s step-father. Which demonstrates that no matter what the situation there is someone there that can help us succeed. Find a mentor and submit to their teachings. The other unique thing is that Alverez was on the floor as Danell’s coach,I think this has a direct correlation to why he was the only man to have an individual medal.

2. Public affection strengthens bonds

These two men have no problem showing that they care for each other. You may not go as far as a kiss but think of the goodwill President Obama got when he and the First lady engaged in a kiss-cam moment. Let those around know that you care. Even a sincere direct thank you with a meaningful handshake goes a long way toward solidifying business relationships. One of the last things my father said before he passed away was “come over here and give me a kiss”. I still remember the quiet joy in his feeble eyes. Do not wait so long to show you care.

3. Trust you training

This is significant in all of our lives. The first thing you must do to trust your training is train. And I mean train consistently. To reach the London Olympics Danell Leyva had to train constantly. If you are going to reach Olympic status in your career or relationship you will have to train for your time on the big stage. The last reminder right before each event by Alverez cemented in his son’s mind that he was ready for this moment by saying “trust in your training”.

Please leave a comment on how you the London Olympics can inspire you to trust your training on a daily basis?

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The truth about Failure

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Blueberries from the Queen's Garden

The truth about Failure

1. Failure is not a person it is an event
a. Do not personify failure
b. Your character is not connected to the occurrence of failure

2. Failure is helpful
a. It helps us recognize our weaknesses
b. It helps us enhance our true talent

Do not Avoid failure, change your prospective, Examine your failure.
– Did you prepare?
– Did you have some coaching?
The path of success is through failure
Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently
Failure is a choice, that you do not have to make.
Failure does not define you.

Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success. Brian Adams

Burn the ships, so that you cannot return to failure. We are a dominant tribe.
1. The path to success runs through failure
2. Don’t camp at the green-field of failure.

Are you more afraid of failure or success?
We succeed.

Copyright William J. Spencer, IV 2012