The difference between your future self being average or elite comes down to one thing
How do we ensure that we are putting ourselves in a great spot to not just be good in the future, but to be elite?
By stacking great day after great day.
It sounds simple, and it is. But much like digging a ditch, it is simple to understand but really hard to execute.
There is no secret.
You simply stack great day after great day...for a long time...and you do it when it gets boring...and when you don't feel like doing it.
Very few people will do this. It is uncommon.
The best way to produce outsized results in the future is to be borderline obsessed with growing today.
What does this look like?
I break our work down into two general categories.
Working in and working on.
Working in
Working in is doing the work. You go to work and execute your job. There is nothing that replaces reps and experience.
However, to take it one step further, we need to reflect on our experience.
What went well? And why did it go well?
What didn't go well? And why?
Writing is an unbelievable tool for reflection and learning.
I work with a coach who sends me his written reflections after every weekend. It is a master class in leveraging reflection to grow and learn at an accelerated rate.
Working on
Working on is pulling out of the daily grind and working on your craft. The primary way this plays out is to read, listen to a podcast, watch videos, or spend time with someone asking them questions.
I have numerous friends and clients who are voracious readers. When you talk to them, they are super sharp. I don't know a well-read person who comes across as dull or stagnant.
After working on (read, listen, learn), it is again important that you reflect.
If you want to learn about the power of reflection, click on my first link below...it is worth six minutes of your time.
Future Self & Current Self
Do you want to make your future-self look back and thank your current self? Create rhythms and disciplines of getting reps and gaining experience. And at the same time taking time every day to read, listen, and learn.
And then do this every day. You will look up in one year and see a big improvement. You will be sharper. You will be a better thinker. You will see things more clearly.
You will look up in 5-7 years and be lightyears ahead of your peers who are not stacking great day after great day!
Have you ever looked at a certain leader, someone who is at the top of their profession, and thought, "That person is elite...no shot I can even get close to their level!"
I have.
And here is what I have learned over time; sure these leaders are gifted and skilled...but what sets them apart is stacking days. You do it long enough and at a high enough level, and it is amazing how growth compounds.
One coach I have worked with comes to mind. Ask him and he will tell you he is nothing special, just trying to grow and be the best he can be.
Spend time with him and you will see he is indeed special. He is well-versed (and in some cases an expert) in biomechanics, psychology, technology, strategies and tactics in his field, leadership, and more.
How? He is constantly reflecting, learning, reading, and listening.
Sure, he is gifted. But no more than many of his peers. Why does he stand out? He stacks great day after great day...month after month and now year after year.
A Chinese proverb asks two questions, "When is the best time to plant a tree? And when is the next best time to plant a tree?"
The answers are 20 years ago and today!
I would encourage you if you didn't start stacking days 20 years ago...start today!
One Last Word of Encouragement
John Maxwell writes about the law of the lid. This is the principle that the leader's ability always puts a lid on the organization.
So if a leader, on a scale of 1-10, is a 6, he/she will never be able to lead their organization higher than a 6.
It will also limit the type of person who will stick in your organization. If you are a 6 and you are leading someone higher than a 6, they will actually outgrow you and look to leave.
I work with leaders. I don't have to be a better leader than those I work with but I have to continue to grow and be able to add value to those I work with.
I have a low-grade fear that I am going to walk into a meeting with my one-on-one clients or the groups I work with and not be sharp, prepared, or as helpful as I should be.
This drives me. I am also driven by the love of learning and helping (often by asking good questions) those I work with to be their very best.
CLICK here to order my book The Leadership Greenhouse
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One of my weekly disciplines is scouring the internet for articles/tweets I can learn from and/or use with those I work with. Below are two that I hope help encourage and equip you.
Article 1- The power of reflection
Article 2- Maturity vs. Immaturity
Podcast: Dave Shondell. Purdue Volleyball. Elite leader.
Three Ways I Can Help:
1 on 1's - A powerful solution to combat the isolation and loneliness that often accompanies leadership. Leading with excellence can be an uphill battle, but you don't have to face it alone. My 1-on-1 coaching is designed to be your trusted thought partner, offering thought-provoking, perspective-enhancing questions that ignite fresh insights and clarity. Together, we will delve into the depths of your leadership role, helping you gain a profound understanding of yourself and your program. Our personalized approach ensures that each session is tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
Here is a testimony from a 1 on 1 client: "Travis has helped me become a better leader. Travis has helped me organize my thoughts and has given me so much clarity on how to lead on a day to day basis. There is no doubt that he is the biggest asset to my leadership and has reenergized my coaching style." Jeff Duncan, Head Baseball Coach, Kent State
Training Day - During this transformative experience, I will guide you through the essential principles that lay the foundation for an elite environment in your program. Our approach is entirely interactive, ensuring an engaging and dynamic learning journey for all participants.
The Tribe - What are your pain points? What do you need to do to become a better leader? To create a better environment? Join a group of like-minded coaches who get together (via Zoom) every 2nd and 4th Monday to discuss and work through principles and frameworks to help you become a better leader.