Fly The Plane!

This past weekend I went with my beautiful wife to see the new movie “Sully” the story of Chesley Sullenberger (Sully) and Captain of US Air flight 1549. The afternoon of the flight it was a brisk 32 degrees in January 2009, and all seemed in order for a routine flight from La Guardia, NY to Charlotte, NC. You know the story and the outcome. As Hollywood always does, they need to put their spin on things, create a little drama…and they did. It’s a very good movie, and definitely one I recommend seeing. If you’re anything like me, you enjoy seeing triumph over challenges, good over evil and not being Pollyanna(ish), I like it when things work out, especially after struggle.

Even knowing how things worked out, the entire 208 second flight and saving all 155 souls on board, it still feels good to see it happen in front of your eyes. And there’s plenty of action. Anecdotally, I find it interesting and entertaining that Hollywood can take a 208 second flight and turn it into a 5,760 second movie (1hr 36m). As a private pilot and business man, I had several take-aways from the movie. The most compelling for me were;

·       Fly the plane

·       Being present trumps over analysis

·       You get one attempt to stick it

Let me elaborate a little;

Fly the plane- I remember as a young and aspiring pilot my instructor repeated his instructions clearly during pre-flight, while flying and post-flight. “No matter what’s going on, always fly the plane!” Don’t allow the skeptics, critics or whatever is holding you back from flying your plane (actual or metaphorical). Don’t let the noise drown out what’s in-front of you, be aware of it, but always fly your plane. This point made me choke back a tear or two when it was said in the movie, as a flood of memories filled my head and the need to do this in business and life. Think of the meetings you attend with your smart phone and check email, or social media. Put it down and fly your plane.

Being present trumps over analysis- in our go faster, ever complex and getting more analyzed world, we tend to “wait” until someone or a device says it’s ok to act, to go, to make things happen. Often times at the risk of losing momentum or the opportunity at hand. At the risk of spoiling the movie, as if I haven’t already, there’s a point, a crescendo when Sully quietly asks the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), how many attempts the simulator pilots had before landing the ill-fated US Air flight back at La Guardia successfully?” It took the simulator pilots 17 attempts and countless hours of planning to execute this. To be clear, Sully and co-pilot Jeffery Skiles had 208 seconds of total flight and less than 35 seconds to determine what to do. As you’ll see in the movie, it appears that they choreographed, yet in reality is was instinct, training, preplanning (in business terms it would be; to-2-top, strategic analysis & planning, role playing, collaboration, and cross-functional team building), or what I like to label #oneteam. Getting buy in from your disparate teams is prerequisite to defining what success is, the steps to achieve it and unraveling the process. In the moment, “being present trumps all of this, do your planning, and then fly your plane!”

You get one attempt to stick it- Unlike the simulator pilots that had 17 crash landings prior to sticking it, we (usually) get one attempt to “stick it,” which in pilot terms means to land the plane on the center line and the predetermined location, with minimal disruption to forward movement (i.e. smooth). In business and life, it’s just as true. Think of your last meeting or presentation, did you wing it? Did you get buy in prior to setting up the appointment? Did you define your objective, target/goal and decide what success was? Did you share this with your team or team mates prior to meeting? All of this to showcase the need to pre-plan, collaborate, share stories, decide what success is and how you plan to execute this strategic plan. And then, after sticking your presentation, collaboration or life plan, conduct a post mortem. What went as expected, what can be improved, what are next steps to get us closer to our objective, and how might we share experiences that improve transparency, increase cadence and promote the #oneteam concept.

I’m reminded of a quote and it’s appropriate for this blog.

“We are drowning in information. While starving for wisdom” – Anonymous

Too often we’re either delayed or paralyzed because our boss, our computer or whatever analysis you’re doing doesn’t explicitly tell you when, what and how to execute. I’m telling you, the time is now! Be sure to do your due diligence, analyze the objective, create a clear action plan and before taking off, share this plan with your boss and stakeholders and the ones you already know will poke holes in your success. And always remember to “fly the plane!”

BUSINESS IS ALWAYS A COMPETITION

Business is always a competition; A competition for open to buy, for shelf space, for hearts & minds. Always be present, and know everything you do is in competition with other brands, advertising space, mind space (yours & others) and the whims of personalities. You have to lead the way and accept the fact of competition, and determine your actions that drive positive growth and constant vigilance to be better than your competitor.

Advice to the weary, if you don’t like standing in the arena, get out, go do something else. For it takes intelligence, perseverance, self-introspection and an almost lust-like passion for competition to succeed.

Do you have the drive to see you through the next cycle or down turn? Moreover, do you have the competitive spirit to create the atmosphere of success? Surpass Your Limits is as much in (your) mind, as it is in the product you market, this especially includes yourself.

The next time it’s your turn to stand in the arena (regardless the arena) plan to; over prepare, practice your message, bounce ideas among trusted associates, increase and decrease your tempo, expect the best and give it your best. Whether you get what you’re aiming for or not, always reframe your ask, re-tell your commitment, confirm everyone’s participation. This will absolutely make you look like a champion, and put you well ahead of your competition.

So, when you’re feeling over whelmed, perhaps a bit over your head, or simply out of breadth; that’s when it’s best to dig a little deeper, go a little longer, and seize the prize. The most successful people in the world did their best work under-pressure, most of it, self imposed. Bell, Lincoln, Ford, Sanders, Wright and Einstein all had magnificent break-through after years of toiling to create something no one had previously done or thought of. You too can make magic happen, if you are prepared to pay the price of preparation, diligent action, a service mindset and relentless follow through.

Accept competition for what it is; the call to action to be better than you think you can be. To go where most people don’t, to do what others think is beneath them or not possible. Always looking for opportunity to do the unexpected and go the extra mile and smash your competitors. And doing it with a smile on your face and a servant mindset will annihilate your competitors and have customers standing in line.

"Now get out there and Surpass Your Limits like never before. It really is in the mind."

"Set the pace, lead from the front and get comfortable at the tip of the spear!"

Seldom does performance match excessive expectation.

Super Bowls are rarely super. Pay-per-view fights are hyped without money-back guarantees. And there's that old expression that applies so perfectly to horse racing: There's no such thing as a sure thing.

Then there was Secretariat at the 1973 Belmont Stakes.

He carried a lot more than jockey Ron Turcotte when he went to the gate a 1-to-10 favorite.
He had the weight of Secretariat Mania on his back. The international buzz surrounding him was deafening.

He was being counted on to win the race and become the first Triple Crown champion in 25 years~ the first of the television generation that had already put him on an unrealistic pedestal.

Secretariat's response went beyond unreal. He won by a jaw-dropping 31 lengths! His 31-length gap was so big, even the widest angle of the CBS camera covering the stretch run could barely show Secretariat in the same shot as the next-nearest horse, Twice A Prince. At this point Secretariat's only reference point was himself.

His time of 2:24 for 1 1/2 miles set a world record many argue may never be broken. Secretariat was so dominant that he looked like a Rolls-Royce in a field of Volkswagen's!

At the risk of sounding a bit loopy, I often find myself drawn to the amazing story of this horse and inspired by the awesomeness of his dominate performance on June 9, 1973. And if you have ever felt that you have the talent, skills, and potential to completely dominate your market, crush your competitors, and make huge quantum leap gains, but for some reason, you have not put it all together. It's time to plan, collaborate, execute and manage expectations.

Don't be afriad to lead. Get out front and check your team, plan, collaborate, articulate the plan and live the change you want to see in the team. Set the pace and get comfortable being uncomfortable at the tip of the spear.

Everything counts!

Goals, goals, goals

Did you know that every minute  you invest if planning your goals, activities and time in advance saves you ten minutes of work in the execution of those plans?

Most people fail to plan. Most successful people are smart and want and reward action. However, these same successful people fail to plan beyond today. Knowing you could increase your productivity TEN FOLD with clear & actionable planning and goal setting, it's surprising to learn how few people actually take the time to lay out a clear set of goals.

That's precisely why a detailed, deadline driven plan will give you a return of TEN TIMES on your investment of mental, emotional and physical energy in the next year!

If you have not done so already, please do yourself and your team a monumental favor and identify you goals, plans and deadlines for what you want to create in 2012. Do it TODAY! More importantly double and triple check your level of commitment. Fact is, your commitment level is what has been missing from achieving your goals in the past.

Plan to make 2012 the year of EMINENCE. Bring eminence to everything you think, say and touch. Expect eminence from your team, and I guarantee 2012 will be your best year to date.

Happy New Year! If you'd like to learn more about goal setting, and creating eminence in your life give me a call (209-802-8422) or email Surpass Your Limits at steve.harden@gmail.com

Make Your Life Fantastic

Make your life fantastic; improve your health and well being. There was a time in my life that I thought there was little real life after 50. I remember watching my parents at 50, in my mind they were ancient, and their life style was in a word—sedentary. Sadly, my Dad only lived to 67; it was his outlook on life, his sedentary lifestyle and his alcohol consumption that literally took the life from him way too young. I knew from a very young age that I wanted something different. I wanted to live to be a 100, and do it with a lust for adventure, and then my career got in the way. I lost my youthful laser focus. Today as a 50 year old professional I’m beginning to have conversations with my children and others that I’m mentoring. As I talk, email and plan, I hear my 30-something inner voice. Reflecting on the course of my career, I have no regrets because my life is my life. I can only change what happens from this point forward.


Writing today I had a flood of memories and emotions that hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks. I’ve got so much to be thankful for and keenly know that I am in control of my life, what I do and how and when I do it. So I came up with my list of important points to get me off the couch, to engage in life and remind me just how rich I am. In no particular order of importance…

1. It’s your life. No two people are the same. Embrace the gifts, challenges, and opportunities given to you.
2. Nothing is ever as good or bad as it seems. The bottom is not that low and the top is not that high.
3. Family matters. At least to me. Good, bad, and ugly, I know my family loves me and this gives me strength. Find strength in your family.
4. Find your passion. Talking, leading, mentoring, sports, water …. Passions make life worth living and people with passions make the world go round.
5. Do what you love. This is generally the easiest thing for you to do. What you think about when you go to bed and what you think about when you get up? Do that.
6. Fill wasted time. Road trip or long commute? Fill your Ipod with audio material you don’t have time to read.
7. Carpe Diem. I’ve heard for years: Seize the day, don’t wait for the perfect time, because it will never come.
8. Use your words. The brain is a powerful engine and words drive this motor. What you think and say is what you will become.
9. Stay on your feet. Run simple, run often and stand up.
10. Make lists. Simple “to do” lists have become my greatest productivity tool. Email, call, errands, projects, media, etc., all have their own weekly “to do” lists.
11. Buy tickets not toys. I have no shortage of toys, but reflecting back, it’s the trips I remember most, not the “things” I purchased.
12. Nobody is watching you. I’ve always thought people were watching me. What will they think if…? Don’t make decisions based on what other people will think, make decisions for your best interest.
13. Do your best. Win or lose you did your best, what more can you ask for? You gave your best.
14. You grow in the valleys not in the mountains. Times get tough, that is inevitable. As bad as they may be, these experiences craft our character and build our strength.
15. Continuously learn. Read, listen, watch, write. Never stop learning.
16. Everything is relative. Everything. Today’s success is surpassed my tomorrow’s hurdles. .
17. Riches have nothing to do with money. For example, I recently spent the day with my grandson Levi and I was the richest man in the world.
18. Set Goals. I set about 50 goals a year each divided into six priorities in my life: family, faith, fitness, finances, focus, freelance.
19. Tell someone the goals you set. This will increase accountability and likelihood of achievement.
20. Buy a dog. Health and happiness will follow. For sake of credibility, I didn’t make this up.
21. Eat right and sleep well. I used to think both were a waste of time and resources; I now realize they are two of the greatest inputs to energy and performance.
22. Be spiritual. Not offensive, wacky, sign-holding spiritual, spirituality that gives you peace and purpose. Spirituality that allows you to embrace your blessings.
23. Live where you want. If fly fishing, running, riding, recreation, and community are important to you, live there. If they’re not, live somewhere else.
24. Love. Marriage is my most prized possession.
25. Don’t be a critic. It’s easier to be a critic than correct; respect the man in the arena.
26. Find your happy place. Go there when you need to calm the inner beast.
27. Cheer for something. I always assumed I’d quit caring about sport when I hung up my high school cleats. I now relish the opportunity to cheer for my wife, my children and now grandson.
28. Keep a few friends. You don’t need a thousand friends, just a few really good ones.
29. You lose 100% of the races you don’t start. If you try, you’ll know. The “what-ifs” will haunt you, so you might as well try.
30. Measure. If you don’t determine metrics and measure, it’s impossible to gauge progress.
31. Have integrity. Without it, what do your really have?

Life is what you make it, regardless your course, get after it, and make it truly fantastic. So, take this post for what it’s worth. Regardless, I’m looking forward to the road ahead and would like to thank anyone reading this that has made my life, well, my life.

CHEERS!

Goal Setting...Why Do We Lack The Discipline To Set Goals?

FEAR is the biggest obstacle and reason people don’t have a goals program. Fear of failure is a real dream-killer. A close second reason for lack of a real measureable goals program is low self-image. Too many people see themselves as either incapable of or undeserving of doing significant things and accomplishing great or even worthwhile things in their lives. The image or “picture” we have of ourselves dramatically influences our behavior.

As the oldest son of a career military man I was raised “in many different states, making few long-standing friends and always to be seen and not heard.” From an early age I always thought of myself as an outsider, I also saw myself as a mediocre student, with little desire and no knowledge of how to become outstanding. It wasn’t until, at the request of a neighbor of another new town, I was invited to join the Boy Scouts of America (BSA); that I made a serious effort to excel. I did so because if felt right, I thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors and I knew word would get back to my family about my performance. I valued the Scout leader’s opinion of me, as well as the opinions of my family and new found friends. I spent extra time studying the BSA handbook, learning new ways and earning merit badges. Early success earned more and sustained success.

Becoming a boy scout opened my eyes to the fact that I could compete favorably with other scouts and students. My self-image got a geometric boost. I saw myself in a different and more positive light, and when you see yourself in a favorable light, you perform far more effectively. While my grades were above average, after joining the scouts, my grades went higher, and I was more involved in class. I felt as though I’d become turbo-charged, everything became easier.

The interesting part; I didn’t expend any additional effort to achieve these goals. Time and again, before I reached my goal, I was already planning my next goal. From one merit badge to 21, from a B to an A grade and being more involved in the ideation and solution process. My close friend Zig Ziglar said it best, “With a healthy self-image (not an inflated ego) you are in a position to set more ambitious but still realistic goals.” Planning for success by setting goals and constant measuring your position; will always get you closer to your plan versus, hoping, wishing and no planning.

“When much is expected, much is delivered” – Anonymous

“Let’s swap problems since all people know how to solve other people’s problems”- Croft Pentz

Give goal setting a chance. The next time you talk with co-workers, spouse or kid’s; be sure they know your goals. Goals are contagious, especially when you regularly meet and exceed your goals. Those around you will want your success to rub off on them. They’ll want to hear your secrets, how you approach obstacles, etc. Because the majority plan nothing, they hinge their success on wishes, hopes and dreams. While not bad to dream; an unwritten goal is only a hope. If you want great, measurable and scalable success; you must write it down, tell others about your goals. Measure them by talking about them and retooling your mindset to excel at everything you think about and do.

Let’s plan to succeed by design and create success every where.

Live Like You Are Dying

Today I’ve decided to start with my ending challenge. If you LIVE your life like you were dying (everyday & in every way), I promise you’ll live a richer, more fulfilled life with blessings around every corner. Are you ready, are you prepared to make a difference, and are you willing to live an audacious life?
I realize this may come off rather corny, but it is me. While driving the other day I was listening to the radio, and the Tim McGraw song, “Live Like You Were Dying” came on. Not exactly sure why, but that day it hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks, smack in the middle of my forehead; as I listened to the words I started to tear up. The words are simple; it’s about a man hearing that his father is dying of an unspecified life threatening illness. His father’s message is to live life to the fullest and do things that “HE” had always wanted to do. The song goes on to mention “sky-diving, mountain climbing, fishing and bull riding.” Remember it was a country station. I encourage you to fill-in the voids and “what ifs” of your life into the song.

I’m pretty sure this song hit me so strong because I was headed to see my grandson and my head was filled with wanting to live a rich life for little Levi. Being around to nurture and share my experiences to help him be the man he wants to be. As a leukemia survivor, perhaps I’m a little closer and definitely more sensitive to leaving this world before my job is complete.

Most of the people that know me would characterize me as a ‘type A’ personality with passion, tenacity and a drive to succeed. I’d agree with that characterization, because that’s me. Career experiences, living in many different states and cities, health and life has allowed me the perspective that few have, especially as they’re living, pursuing their dreams. Without trying to sound like a blowhard or know it all; I’m convinced my experiences are worth learning from, I know I have.

Too often we’re speeding through life as if our very existence depended on how fast we go through it. If I could have a do-over I’d do it similarly, but I’d try harder to enjoy the ride, continue to pull people higher and metaphorically smell the roses. I’d live audaciously, every day and share more openly, asking for and gaining more clarity in everything.

Erasmus said it best, “Fortune favors the audacious”

Ronald Reagan was a great American, doing many different and varied professions during his life. Every one of them audacious and built to the perfect crescendo of being elected in a landslide to the Presidency of the United States. President Reagan had it right when he said, “Entrepreneurs and their small enterprises are responsible for almost all economic growth in the United States.” Today we’re able to reflect on the likes of Google, Microsoft, Apple and their amazing success. They all started as small businesses, as a dream of an entrepreneur. No different than GE, Chevron, or P&G. They all started small, with a vision and a product. Success always goes to those willing to act audaciously everyday.

I close today with a thought from Albert Einstein, “there are two ways to live your life; one is as though there are no miracles. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Standing in awe of what is, makes us humble and knowledgeable there is something bigger than us. Miracles surround every facet of our lives, do you see them? When you rise tomorrow morning, before your feet hit the floor, think about what if? What is? And what could be?

Faith, Hope, Love and Laugh are the foundation of life. Living in an audacious way and as if you were dying, makes for a life of abundance and fun. Get out there and make it an awesome day, live like it’s on purpose. I guarantee you’ll feel better and generate better results in all you do. Laugh more, live a lot, give back, repeat.