The Secret to Better Performance

Picture a blank sheet of paper. Notice how fresh, clean and crisp it appears. We can do whatever we want with it: We can ball it up; we can scribble all over it; we can take notes; we can tear it in half; we can make a paper airplane. The possibilities are endless—the only limit is your imagination. OK, now apply this to your business. Think of new possibilities with a “blank-sheet-of-paper” mindset.

How does your blank sheet of paper look now? More importantly, how do you want it to look and what will be your first steps in addressing the piece of paper? Now, let’s pretend that the paper represents your personal efforts or the efforts of your organization. What can you do differently to improve your personal and professional performance? Where does your time go? Are you happy with that? What needs to change and why? How many of your employees are A-plus quality and irreplaceable? If the answer is “some,” why do you settle for that?

When you embrace this type of mindset, you view things in new ways. You begin to define the moment instead of letting it define you. You begin to expect the unexpected, which can give you a huge advantage in business, as you are proactive. So, how many things (that you have not thought about in regard to our rapidly changing world) should your blank sheet include for 2016 and beyond? Nothing, a few things or many things? As you read this post, are you longing for the glory days when you did not have to change? (You know, the same ‘ol, same ‘ol?) If so, then ball up your paper and throw it away. But please do not contact me, because I am not interested in hearing why things cannot happen; I am quite interested, however, in discussing how to make things happen. If you want to improve badly enough, you will find a way; if you don’t, you will find an excuse. Trust me, I have seen it countless times.

I love connecting with the person who is scribbling and making notes—right now—on this blank sheet of paper, or the person who feels inspired to do something after reading this post. You see, such people are willing to try, though it’s possible they may not know where to start. And, guess what? That’s fine. Think of sayings like, “When eating an elephant, take one bite at a time” or “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Yes, that means we have to begin something, somewhere and try.

Character and growth simply are not about getting better, but are about having the courage to make the time and commitment, and to take the first step. Character is in the trying to grow. OK, the challenge is out there. Email me or send a tweet to me and let me know one important thing you have added to your blank sheet of paper.