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IMPRESS OR IMPROVE?

Shandel Sutherland • April 18, 2024

DRESS TO IMPRESS

How many times have you heard, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” Or now that you’re a grown-up, “Make sure you dress to impress!” While these simple little sayings are common in our everyday vernacular, they likely hold little merit in a person’s top-of-mind decision-making process. 

If most of us are being honest, it is not hard to revert back to making assumptions about someone or something based on how they look or act. However, instead of looking at someone, determining how you want to interact with them, and then acting accordingly. What if you were more focused on being helpful?


CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

What if, as a society or work culture, we were more focused on improving each other!? To be clear, I am NOT highlighting that one should go around as if they were the doctor with a prescription pad prescribing how everyone should think or act. But I am very much suggesting that people move away from attempting to impress and instead repurpose their energy into improving them.

Let’s refresh ourselves on what exactly “improvement” is…

im·prove·ment| imˈpro͞ovmənt | noun
• an example or instance of improving or being improved.
• the action of improving or being improved.
• a thing that makes something better or is better than something else.

In short, focusing on improving others, whether personally or professionally, comes down to leaving something or someone better than when you first got to the scene. And to use a personal example, sometimes my best form of “continuous improvement” whether with my business partner, my spouse, my kids, friends, neighbors, etc. is me simply LISTENING. A novel idea isn’t it!?

Many times listening is the most helpful way that I can improve people. Counterintuitive, I know, but the more you think about it, the more that notion rings true.

Think about improving our respective workplaces (especially since many of us are in our homes), communities, and relationships and how life would be more enjoyable and fun if we begin focusing more on this adaptation to continuous improvement.  Let’s stop trying to impress one another and instead improve one another.


IN SUM

Now is where I will practice what I preach.  If you do not have a proven method for getting things done, below is a game changer of a tool, if you use it that is! This tool will help you improve your daily satisfaction and productivity.

This tool is called the “Fourteen-Forty Framework.” You might be thinking, “Fourteen-Forty Framework!? That seems odd and a random title for a tool." Yes, except, how much time do you have on any given day? You have exactly 1,440 minutes.

This framework is a lot like bowling with bumpers.  It ensures that you keep the big picture in mind while you work through your daily roles and responsibilities.

HERE’S A SNAPSHOT OF THE EXERCISE


Please feel free to share with friends and family while you create new muscle memory focused on improving others lives, which will surely make you impressive.


Pulling for you!


Alan Andersen

Breaking the Cycle of Misery: A Leadership Journey

By Shandel Sutherland • November 24, 2024
Introduction Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of stress, frustration, and burnout? As leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of what truly matters. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of the "cycle of misery" and how to break free from it. Understanding the Cycle of Misery The cycle of misery is a common trap that many leaders fall into. It's characterized by a negative mindset, a focus on problems, and a tendency to blame others. When we're in this cycle, we become our own worst enemies, constantly worrying and stressing over things that are outside of our control. Key Signs of the Cycle of Misery: Fear and Insecurity: Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Anger and Frustration: Blaming others for problems and taking things personally. Lack of Confidence: Doubting your abilities and questioning your decisions. Isolation: Withdrawing from others and avoiding social interaction. Negativity: Focusing on the negative aspects of situations and people. Breaking Free from the Cycle To break free from the cycle of misery, we must focus on the following: Self-Awareness: Recognize the signs of the cycle and be honest with yourself about your current state. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce stress. Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Seek Support: Talk to a mentor, coach, or therapist to gain perspective and guidance. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on problems, focus on finding solutions. Connect with Others: Build strong relationships with colleagues, friends, and family. The Healthy Cycle of Growth In contrast to the cycle of misery, the healthy cycle of growth is characterized by positivity, resilience, and a focus on solutions. By cultivating a growth mindset and practicing self-care, we can break free from the cycle of misery and achieve our full potential. Conclusion Remember, it's okay to experience challenges and setbacks. The key is to recognize when we're slipping into the cycle of misery and take proactive steps to break free. By focusing on our values, practicing self-care, and connecting with others, we can create a more fulfilling and rewarding life.

Lead with Authenticity

By Jake Hinton • October 7, 2024
Embark on a transformative leadership journey where authenticity meets growth. This article delves into the pathways taken by a CEO to foster authentic leadership, emphasizing the shift from comfort zones to growth areas. Explore how resilience, accountability, and value alignment pave the way for effective leadership. By understanding oneself and embracing challenges, leaders can inspire their teams and nurture organizational success. Join us in uncovering the ripple effect of personal growth and its impact on building strong, authentic relationships.
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