Ready, Set, Grow
Up early and ready to start another week on “Big MO”, Monday! I coined this phrase while leading group fitness workouts several years ago. Participants always seemed to get a kick out of it. It was my way of saying that I was not going to dread Monday, however I was going to face a new week with “MO”tivation… BIG “MO”tivation for the week to come! Hence the term “BIG MO”, “MO”nday!
Today, I started the week with an early morning workout, listening to an episode of the Pete Moore’s HALO Talks podcast. This one stood out to me because it featured a gentleman named Scott Welle, who is the founder of “Outperform the Norm”. With a name like that, I found it irresistible. Certainly, this was an opportunity to learn, and it did not disappoint.
Just like with most conversations these days, this one started with a quick discussion about the COVID-19 pandemic and how it was impacting so many people in so many ways. Scott was quick to get my attention when he made a comment about the potential opportunity that exists, even during this challenging time. He began to talk about thinking through the greatest lessons we have learned in life and if we were to tell him about those lessons, we would begin with a situation where we were in a struggle or a tough time. These are the times when we really learn our greatest lessons and when we truly grow. We must remember that and appreciate the journey, always looking for what is to be learned from the experience.
This hit home with me. Just over 30 days ago, I had the job of my dreams and an incredible team who was making progress daily. We were an iconic global brand and I was going on seven years with the company. I went to work planning to spend some time getting to know the new owners and came home unemployed.
Of course, I am one of thousands, if not millions who are dealing with this type of situation. In all, there were 42 people from my company alone, who were let go that day. This article is not about that, it is about what can we learn and what can we create from tough situations.
I then began to think about what I have learned so far from this experience. My goal is to share this with you in hopes that if you are in a struggle, you too will look for the key learnings and opportunities that can be created from what is perceived as adversity.
1. Create Multiple Streams of Income
Considering the times we live in and the technology that exists. There are unlimited opportunities to create multiple streams of income. Ebay stores, writing, affiliate marketing, online training academies, just to name a few.
2. Build a Network of Mentors
I have always had a desire to continue learning. Due to this, I was blessed to have created relationships with experts who are some of the wisest, most compassionate, and selfless people you can imagine. During this time, having those mentors as a sounding board, as a conduit to other opportunities, or even as an example of how to be successful has proven invaluable.
3. Give Without Expectation
I spent the first week writing recommendations, contacting recruiters for our team, offering development strategy meetings, providing job interview coaching, and even had one former employee join me in writing a book in 30 days. It has been said that we must give to get. I have found great satisfaction in continuing to serve the team members who were going through this.
4. Maintain a Routine
Even though I am not going to the office or to a physical location every day, I still maintain my routine. My mornings are exactly like the last day I went to work and I even kiss my wife and tell her I am going to work when I head to the room from which I am writing, job hunting, interviewing, and researching. Wake up, prayer/devotion, workout, meditation, journal, shower and get ready, just like I am going to the office.
5. Stay Positive
I am certainly a “glass half full” kind of guy. It is not always easy, and sometimes you must consciously overcome your sub conscious and speak something positive out loud. Regardless, you must maintain that this situation is not permanent, and it is going to lead to the next great thing.
6. Remove the Limits
Get out of your box. In times like this, we must be creative, and we must not limit ourselves to only what we are comfortable with. Write the article, make the video, start the business. There will never be a perfect time and there will always be an excuse. Take action today!
I realize that every situation is different. What works for me may not be perfect for you, however, the concept that Scott shared is still true no matter what the situation. If we are looking for the opportunity some of our greatest learnings will come from our greatest challenges. I hope this will serve as a map to help you during whatever struggles you face, great or small.