Tag / passion

by Tom Leu

Seventy-Eight (78)

Core competencies. Any individual or organization that is not primarily focused on executing their core competencies is suffering significantly. Their effectiveness is compromised. Their productivity is diluted.

We all need to be doing the stuff we’re best at doing, and little else, to maximize personal and professional growth.

We need to do this for ourselves as much as for whatever entity we’re working for, or with. As an organizational leader, I’ve always insisted on hiring and having 1) the right people, and 2) the right people in the right roles. Everyone understands the first part, but the second part is the big differentiator that often gets overlooked.

A lot of time and attention goes into recruiting the right people for jobs and career opportunities. People obviously need to be qualified with the proper education and experience mix to do certain jobs. But often, these good people get shoved into jobs that aren’t in their wheel house so-to-speak. They’re asked to do stuff that isn’t their core competency simply to fill a need quickly. This is a big, common mistake.

Put a person with talent into a role they’re capable of doing, but doesn’t match their core competencies, and you’re simply waiting for their eventual, and costly exit. Often at very inopportune times. But, put a person with talent AND passion for what they do into a role that makes a difference and means something to them personally >> and watch their engagement and productivity soar!

Stay-tuned-in…

Please share and click HERE for info on my Communichology™ course.

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by Tom Leu

Seventy (70)

Does it matter? Does any of it really matter? I guess that depends on what IT is…

IT is anything that you spend significant amounts of your time on.

IT is anything that you invest significant amounts of energy on.

IT is anything that you care about.

IT is anything that you’re passionate about.

IT is anything that you feel matters… (your “sound matters”)

I believe most of us ask ourselves this question at various times throughout our lives. And the answer is yes, IT does matter… but only when it matters to you.

The issue is when you’re spending enormous amounts of your precious time drowning in the details of shit that you really couldn’t give two shits about. That’s when IT doesn’t matter. I’ve found it to be a soul-sucking existence when the majority of my time has been spent building someone else’s dream, or bank account, or legacy. That’s when it’s time to get out. That’s when you need to go do what really matter to you. Those things you do that get you up in the morning, and keep you up at night. That stuff that’s not easy to do, but harder for you not to do.

You must do this sooner than later because time is of the essence.

Stay tuned-in…

Please share and click HERE for info on my Communichology™ course.

Get my articles and exclusive content with science-based insights to shiFt your communication from adequate to ass-kicking!


 

by Tom Leu

Forty-Four

44

Drowning in the details? Encumbered by the unimportant? Tormented by tedium? Getting nickeled and dimed to death? Everyone’s been there. These are the times when you get so immersed in the trivial that you lose sight of the bigger picture.

These are tricky times. These are dangerous times. The danger is the loss of your fucking soul. The danger is the loss of your passion for what’s truly important to YOU. The danger is the resulting insensitivity that can come across to others that you care about. The danger is becoming a lesser version of yourself that you don’t like…

So tend to the trivial, but be sure you’re protecting your purpose; your passion; your primary reason(s) for doing whatever you’re doing in the first place. Do this by maintaining healthy boundaries between your vocation and your avocations. Draw lines; have limits; and leave things when necessary. Live a life worth living by always making time for the things you love. Nothing else really matters…

Stay tuned-in…


 

by Tom Leu

Forty-One (41)

It’s hard to fake sincerity and genuineness of soul. When people really love something, or love to do something, it shows. It’s unmistakable. You can feel it and you can see it. It’s infectious as well as inspiring.

I love watching people who love doing what they’re doing. I love soaking in their inspiration and their passion. It makes me want to be better at what I do. It makes me want to stay hungry and strive to achieve more myself. It reminds me to be grateful for the gifts I’ve been given, and for the things I do well. But even more important, it continually makes me want to encourage others to be the best at what they do the best. To inspire others to aspire to their greatness. To push people past their comfort zones so they can accomplish all they desire, and contribute at the highest levels.

None of this is easy; but it sure as hell is possible. And that’s a lifestyle and a life’s work worth living. And that’s what this life is all about…

Stay tuned-in…


 

by Tom Leu

Thirty-Three

33

8 Steps to Get What You Want:

  1. Know exactly what it is you’re after and why. More Clarity = Less Chaos. It doesn’t have to be just one thing, but it does have to be clearly your thing(s).
  2. Be sure that what you want is something you’re both passionate about, AND have a legitimate talent for. Passion only = a hobby. Talent only = a job. Both = a calling. Get honest, and don’t bullshit yourself.
  3. Be able to help solve others’ problems with your passion and talent. Everyone’s favorite subject is themselves. So, at the core, your offering has to be about them; not you.
  4. Be willing and able to consistently work extremely hard despite how you feel at any given moment. I don’t care what anyone says, working toward “success” is fucking hard work. Chuck the excuses, and DO the work required to kick ass.
  5. Be willing and able to consistently work extremely smart. Always be learning new strategies and implementing new ideas to get farther, faster. If you think you’ve arrived… you definitely haven’t.
  6. Master the art and science of Communichology™ by knowing when and how to speak up, when to shut up, and how to do both professionally and with integrity ongoing. Copious amounts of self-awareness, social and emotional intelligences are non-negotiable skills sets to seek and master.
  7. Be actively assessing where and what you need recovery from, and where you need to improve… and we all need it somewhere, sometimes. And then commit to doing what needs to be done to fucking overcome and rise above.
  8. Repeat #1-8.

Stay tuned-in…


 

by Tom Leu

Willing AND Able?

… “Are you willing and able?”

It’s usually posed as a single question, when in fact, there are two very distinct things at play here. Willingness and ability are not the same thing of course, though we’re often led to believe they should be.

Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

And just because you should doesn’t mean you can.

Ability. This is about skill, talent and know-how. If you’re not properly qualified or trained to perform certain tasks or undertakings, then your choices are two-fold: 1) Learn how to do what you want to do or 2) Don’t do it. Get educated or move on to something else that you are qualified to accomplish successfully. Ability is largely external and, barring any mental or physical limitations, can be taught and learned, more or less.

Willingness. This is about desire, passion and interests. If you’re not willing to consistently do something… you won’t. Be honest with yourself when it comes to what you’re really willing to do in life. Whether it’s pertaining to a career, relationships, or your hobbies, people only stick with things they are passionate about or significantly interested in. For long-term commitment, true willingness must be present. Willingness is primarily internal and generally cannot be taught. One can be forced to be “willing” temporarily, but this is more accurately called obedience, not willingness.

Four scenarios pertaining to willingess and ability exist:

1) Willing and Able = A calling…

full of happiness, adventure, fulfillment, & contentment. (best case scenario)

2) Unwilling and Able = A job…

full of stability, security, restlessness, boredom, & wonder. (head-case scenario I)

3) Willing and Unable = A dream…

full of good intentions, excitement, anxiety, uncertainty, & unproductiveness. (head-case scenario II)

4) Unwilling and Unable = A waste of time…

full of dread, angst, apathy, & loathing. (worst case scenario)

So what to do if you find yourself stuck in scenario 2, 3, or 4 – where either willingness or ability, or both are absent?

the shiFt:

First, you may voluntarily leave the situation after you’ve had enough. Second, you may be asked to leave, or the situation may leave you after others have had enough. Or third, you may seek one or more vices, devices or distractions to cope with and endure the disconnect.

The take-away?

>> Pursue your passion that’s also your talent.

If you’re an “easier said than done” enthusiast, you’re likely stifled in scenario 2, 3, or 4 right now – and are likely a chronic excuse-maker and victim. The real question is… how long are you willing to stay there?

Only when the pain is great enough to exceed the need for excuses can real change take place.

Ask yourself if it’s a matter of can’t (unable) or won’t (unwilling). Big difference. Honestly answering this is the first step toward the solution.

Stay tuned-in…

Please share and click HERE for info on my Communichology™ course.

Get my articles and exclusive content with science-based insights to shiFt your communication from adequate to ass-kicking!


 

by Tom Leu

Go Your Own Way

This short video is of Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point, Outliers) discussing the band Fleetwood Mac’s story as an illustration of the – often – very long time it takes to truly become great at something. The comment below it prompted my reponse that follows:

“I don’t doubt he is correct about the time it takes to achieve greatness. To me this isn’t a big breakthrough. The hard part for most people is finding that special thing to put their energy into. Why aren’t more authors and thinkers pointing out this aspect of success?, identifying one’s calling… because it’s only natural to devote energy to something when you believe it is really worthwhile. This is what I believe separates the top 5% from the rest (finding their niche) which isn’t easy!”  – coreydmont, YouTube comment

As a writer, observer and participant, here is my take:

Finding your niche… discovering your destiny… uncovering your calling… this is the hardest part of being “successful.”

Knowing the what you should be pursuing has to precede the how you’re going to get there. Many people get this backwards.

A lot of well-intentioned and ambitious people exert tremendous amounts of time and effort pursuing undertakings that are wrong for them. They get so wrapped up in the doing that they don’t stop to consider if what they’re doing is what they should be doing.

The what you should be doing is that which exists at the intersection of your passion AND your talent. A calling must marry one’s interest as well as their skills. It’s that thing you do that few others can do as well or as uniquely as you do.

It’s not enough to just enjoy something; it’s not enough to be good at something… one’s true calling or destiny or life’s work HAS to contain both elements. A passion for – and a knack for – must co-exist. Passion PLUS talent produces the necessary perseverance required to turn your calling into a career.

Next, this calling has to be specific and focused. No one can be good at everything… nor should you try. One must specialize and then organize. Countless hours, days, months, and even years can be saved if you really stop and consider the “what” before the “how.”

Once you know that… then do that… for as long as it takes. Maybe even for 10,000 hours over the next ten years…

Real “success” is enjoying the journey doing what you’re supposed to be doing… to “Go Your Own Way” – regardless of the outcome.

Stay tuned-in…