Detached From the Outcome

You really want the job. You are qualified, the phone screen call went well, you nailed the first interview, and waiting for the results of the second. You can hardly sleep. You know it’s yours. And then the call comes in – they made another choice, they picked someone else, you didn't get the gig.

Sure you’re upset, but is your desire for the position any different now because you didn't get it? On the surface, you may begin to poke holes in the company, how dare they be so stupid, they made the wrong choice, and actually you didn't want that job anyway, you’re way better off without it.

Attached to the outcome

The reasons you applied in the first place suddenly shift because of their decision. But if you look harder and ask yourself one deep honest question, you may understand something important. Are the reasons you went for it still valid?

This is hard work. We want what we want when we want it, but as you and I know, sometimes it doesn't go our way. The job, the relationship, the car loan, the fill in the blank. We go for it yet don’t get it. Do we keep going for it elsewhere or give up?

I have been writing on this site since 2008 with no need to know who reads the content. It's not for any other reason than to share my thoughts and write. I'm detached from the outcome. It has created some incredible personal and professional relationships along the way but it's still not the reason I'm here.

Keep making goals and dreams

If we are authentic and honest about what we want, the outcome may still go our way. In fact, most of the time it will. But it's hard not to try and force the result.

It’s much tougher with people we care about but no one can be told how to feel or what to do without their permission. So being secure in how we feel is detached from their response. It’s clearly easier said than done.

Something to think about the next time we wonder if the results are tied to our goals.
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Kneale Mann | People + Priority = Profit

aspire

Name. Living. Difference.

mo • ti • va • tion 
The process of giving someone a reason for doing something.
Webster

There is an entire industry focused on it, thousands of websites catering to it, millions of conversions discussing it, conventions modelled toward it, but what is motivation? What gives us a reason for doing something that will move us to our desired goals?

“If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.” 
Abraham Maslow

There are many motivating factors to life. Maslow called it the Hierarchy of Needs which include; food, water, shelter, intimacy, and safety. He also wrote about self-actualization which is more intangible. We use words like potential and passion when describing how we can be our best.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Steve Jobs

Here’s something you may want to try. Find a moment today to write down three words; name, living, and difference. Think of them as steps in your life.

Make a Name 

Write down all the things you want to do, to become more recognized in your field. It’s not about fame – few make that a priority – it’s about appreciation. I haven’t met anyone who claims they want to be known as the worst at what they do, so write it all down – even if it feels uncomfortable.

“An object that is at rest will stay at rest unless an external force acts upon it.”
Isaac Newton

If you want to be the best investment advisor in your firm, write it down. If your goal is to serve the best burgers in town, write it down. If you wish to create a charity, write it down. If it's something that has been nagging you to try for years, write it down!

Make a Living  

This goes beyond paying the bills. That's a paycheck. Few avoid getting stuck by money (or current lack of it) on their way to a living but we’re dreaming for a bit so go for it. Don’t let your current situation slow you down.

When this draws to an end, I doubt either of us will be tallying up the possessions we had in our life. We will be focused on the experiences and perhaps the chances we didn't take.

Make a Difference 

Write down all the things you do and want to do that will make a difference in others’ lives. These don’t have to be grand gestures – in fact, the small ones are often the most powerful. You don’t have to raise millions for disease research or build the new wing on the hospital.

“If you can't get a miracle, become one.”
Nick Vujicic

How do you want to make a difference in someone’s life? How do you want to give back and help others? The challenge remains for us to take the actions in order to make a name, make a living, and make a difference. I don't know many who focus on the name part, but there's no reason we can't make a living while making a difference.

Let’s take our three steps right now.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership Strategist, consultant, writer, speaker, executive coach facilitating performance growth with leaders, management, and teams.

earthpm

A Month of Ideas

On Twitter every morning I post a thought, quote, or idea. Sometimes it's deep, hopefully most times it's valuable.

Here’s are the highlights from January 2013

Today is the first day of the rest of our year. Let's make it a good one! Never underestimate the power of moving on from the past. Schedule you time every day.

When do you plan on getting to all of those "it can wait 'til January" items on your list? Yes you can. If someone says you can't, it means they have no interest in helping you so move on. The best way to accomplish a task is to start right now.

Your time is valuable, spend it wisely

Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work. (Vince Lombardi) Your ideas are requisite. If you want more value, create it. Are you offering your opinion or your help? Never underestimate the power of letting stuff go. Finding someone to disagree is easy.

Leadership begins with desire

If we are the grand sum total of our experiences, how will you improve your number? Free is often not the best price. Stop putting off your ability to realize your dreams.

Don't let others decide where you take your life. Lend a hand today. No is easy, how requires effort. What will you stop putting off and get to today?

It begins with an idea but action predicts the outcome.

Kneale Mann