Today’s thought is inspired after hearing Superintendent, speaker and author Joe  Sanfelippo speak about this phrase last week.  (He is a great follow on social media if you don’t already).
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What is it that you do for a living? 
How about your hobbies? 

Could the people that you come in contact with be influenced by you through one or both of those things?

The answer is obviously yes but so much of our influence is determined by how we see what we do.

Here is what I mean. You can apply this to whatever it is that you do.

I am “not just” an activities administrator.
–I am an activities administrator who can make a difference just like the mentors who helped and inspired me along the way.

I am “not just” a writer.
–I am a writer who writes to inspire at least one person per day just like the writers who inspire me daily.

The point is that you are “not just” anything.   When you use the term not just you sell yourself short of the impact and influence that you and what you do can have on the world you are in.

Instead of “not just” think about how you can be “just like” those that have inspired, or do inspire, you to be better.

You do what you do to thrive, not just survive.

You are who you are with unique talents, gifts and a purpose, not just a random thinking collection of bones.

You are where you are to make an impact, not just wander aimlessly through it.

You are unique, you are special and you are good enough.

You are “not just” anything.

Live out who you are with purpose and to make a difference as only you can.

I’m cheering for you.

#leadership #motivation #coaching
#bebetter #beblessed

In the movie American Gangster the character that Denzel Washington plays made the statement “the loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room.”

In several of the schools where I worked part of my duties was to supervise the cafeteria during lunch.  I saw that statement play out time and time again.

Adults display the same behavior though too.  Some can be loud while others live life with a quiet confidence.  You can think of several right now on both sides.

How do you display a confident attitude? Realize that your talents and your abilities are yours and yours alone and you can use them to make a difference in the world you live in.  In fact, I would argue that the world you live in needs you to use your talents and gifts to make it a better place.

Be your own cheerleader.  You don’t need to rely on validation from others.  You can trust your talents and when you trust your talents more opportunities will present themselves to you as well.

Be confident and let your actions, talents and gifts speak for themselves.

I’m cheering for you.

#leadership #motivation #coaching
#bebetter #beblessed

Our attitude not only has an impact on how we see and approach our day but it also has an impact on our leadership and the interactions we have with those we are leading and even those that we may be meeting for the first time and developing relationships with. Every interaction. Every relationship.

Everyone can have a bad day or a bad situation. These are temporary. A negative attitude is usually a state of mind and a choice.

So, what is your reaction to the bad day or situation? Do you choose to dwell there or do you choose to look for a way to turn it around and make it a productive and positive experience.

Be a leader and person that sees a way through the day to day trials to live and lead with optimism and positivity.

It’s your choice and it’s one of the most important choices you will make today.

Be Positive!

I’m cheering for you.

#leadership #motivation #coaching #bebetter #beblessed

Have you ever a person who seems to always have the answers?  Let me rephrase that statement to this.  Have you ever met a person who thinks they always have the correct and possibly only right answer?  Yes, me too. 

The next question is do these people act on what they say or do they just talk a big game?  Here’s the deal though. We’re not responsible for them and what they say or don’t do. We are ultimately only responsible for our words and actions.

To truly be an effective leader we must be willing and make sure that our leadership is more than words and there are actions attached to our leadership.

Become intentional with the doing.  Apply what you know and above all do. 

I’m cheering for you.

#leadership #motivation #coaching
#bebetter #beblessed

When I was coaching basketball there were many conversations with players who weren’t playing as much as they wanted to.
I often referred to the phrase “you’re one sprained ankle away from getting major playing time.  Keep working and be ready.”

While we shouldn’t wish ill will on people for us to get an opportunity to show what we can do, the point of the statement is that we need to keep working to be the best that we can be so when we get the chance we’re ready.

What chance do you want?
To lead?
Be a writer?
More responsibility at work?
Whatever it is that you want you need to keep working at daily.  Control what you can control. Your attitude and your effort.

The fact is that too many people become disgruntled, upset, feel cheated and feel that they will never get a chance so they whine, complain and blame others for their circumstances and/or they just pack up and walk away. 

Remember that your greatest opponent is yourself.  It is not the person playing more minutes, the person who got the promotion  or the person who got the raise with that promotion.

If you are distracted by what others are getting instead of you and not focusing on giving your best effort every moment of every day then you may not, no, you will not be ready to give your best when your best is needed.

Stay ready. You don’t have time to get ready when you’re chance presents itself.

I’m cheering for you.

#leadership #motivation #coaching
#bebetter #beblessed