Chris, Powerful stuff. I always wonder where you get your focus and inspiration from. You've got a lot in this post for a person to think on... hmm, guess I'll do that while I read some more tonight.
Thanks, Rick
Justin Kownacki
· 2 years ago
Great idea to categorize power as "the ability to ___." Power is not money, resources, influence, etc. Power is the ability to see an action through, with all the bells and whistles that come attendant.
Something tells me there are big missiles taking aim from Camp Brogan, and they're likely to plow into the heart of a mountain that needs to be moved in the near future. Enjoy the process.
Woy
· 2 years ago
Chris - this is really great stuff. Practical and to the point. I love the point about saying that if someone tells you how to take a shortcut they are manipulating you.
Personal growth takes time, persistence, and help. But that help starts with you as a person. Nobody can do it for you.
adnohryak
· 2 years ago
Well, should anyone ever give a rat's ass about what I think... ;)
To me POWER is:
"The resourcefulness of knowing how to use your own energy to stimulate others to be energized in creating your power."
...this is "quickie" outline on how I might consider doing things if I wanted power.
Be a visionary with purpose. Excite people. Listen to people. Include their visions with your own. Enthusiastically collaberate to move forward. Be disciplined. Recruit. Reach out. Excel by being benevolent. Cultivate ideas that may be critical to achieving success. Be malignant. Lead them with the intention that everyone shares the success.
...and you gotta work it everyday.
adnohryak
· 2 years ago
Well, should anyone ever give a rat's ass about what I think... ;)
To me POWER is:
"The resourcefulness of knowing how to use your own energy to stimulate others to be energized in creating your power."
...this is "quickie" outline on how I might consider doing things if I wanted power.
Be a visionary with purpose. Excite people. Listen to people. Include their visions with your own. Enthusiastically collaberate to move forward. Be disciplined. Recruit. Reach out. Excel by being benevolent. Cultivate ideas that may be critical to achieving success. Be malignant. Lead them with the intention that everyone shares the success.
...and you gotta work it everyday.
Scottsweep
· 2 years ago
Chris - thanks. I lost my job a week ago and have spent a good deal of time doing some soul searching about who I am and what I want to do next. This is a great road map to follow. The personal advisory board is wonderful and I think have unintentionally pursuing one, but without focus. Adding a bit of direction will make it all the more valuable.
NEENZ: "INFINITY PRO"
· 2 years ago
Chris:
Were you just at my desk? Were you in my brain and soul? As I twittered, yesterday afternoon I stepped away from the computer and wrote a "life plan." Glad to say, new goals ahead.
But, just moments before reading this blog, I promise to all the gods that I titled my blog "Epiphany." And it included the point of your blog above.
I've been so inspired lately by so many different individual sources that I needed to pause, focus and set a plan.
I appreciate the list of words, another rule that I try to apply to myself, my relationship and children is let's always remember to 'edify one another.'
Good job, and as always I'm grateful for your time.
Justin Rasmussen
· 2 years ago
Chris,
The unbelievable power of being able to say "No" is simply amazing. I noticed about 8 months ago I was over committed to work projects, personal projects and charity projects.
So I decided I would pull back to truly focus on what is important. I backed out of my charity projects completely for I have been doing them for the past 10 years and needing a break. Then I reassessed my work and personal projects and commitments to find I was spending so much time trying without accomplishing much.
Now, I have a much smaller list of "To Do's" but I am accomplishing so much more than before. It is hard, especially those close friends who know you haven't been one to say "No" but my life has improved so much from this simple principle.
Great post, as always.
Michael Valiant
· 2 years ago
Wow, the more I read, the more I wanted to say... but people don't visit the grasshopper factory to listen to me ;)
Instead I'll try to boil my thoughts down to these 2 points of validation and agreement:
1. I've been trying to live my life by very similar guidelines for awhile now. And in the end it's you practicing what you're 'preaching' above that will keep me coming back again and again.
2. I was influenced a LONG time ago by Earl Nightingale's 'Strangest Secret' recording, which echo's much of what you've written. Here's the way I look at it...
Your post talks about personal power, which I believe is just one facet of being successful. And in the end, influence, power and money do not make you successful, but success will invariably provide all three (in one form or another).
Therefore you shouldn’t be seeking influence, power and money, you should only seek to do what you already do (or the things you WANT to be doing) more successfully; everything else will fall into place.
And if you want to know how to do what you already do more successfully, go back and re-read the article above (I would recommend several times!)
Michael Valiant
Philip Crow
· 2 years ago
I love how you put it simply that in our lives, everything is our responsibility in what we do and how we do it. From our work ethic to just being down on ourselves (with the whole, "I'm too lazy"
Philip Crow
· 2 years ago
continued!
The one thing I feel different is the helping others is a touchy subject to some people. Some people simply do not want to be helped, they want to find out the answer the hard and long way. Which isn't the easiest of best way. I had someone ask me if I've ever learned something of great value on my own, and I told them that I didn't. I always asked someone who knew about it for advice after I did something. I didn't just talk about it, I did it and sought help before, while and after doing it. I've learned a great deal this way, most times people are too self-driven to realize that helping others will be most rewarding to themselves. Again, this could just be the atomsphere I feel at my school.
Darn, I need a blog to write this stuff down. Finals this week, back to work.
Great post!
-Phil
Whitney
· 2 years ago
What I have learned about "power" in the past year can be summed up as:
"It all starts at home"- click those ruby slippers together and realize you have in inside you- you just have to find it and make good choices as to where to unleash it.
You need to show up. This means engaging, taking risks, letting go of fear of failure, and just put your all into everything. When you hold back, it shows; when you're passionate, it shows as well.
While we all have to learn to say No more and make sure we have energy and time reserves (the run over in the "my cup runneth over" parable) you also need to learn when to say yes and recognize opportunity when it crosses your path.
Like may be like a box of chocolates with many varieties and many unpredictable flavors, but in the end, it's still sweet, it's an adventure, and you learn from the taste of each one about what you like and don't like. (I guess it's being sleep deprived that I am now channeling Forrest Gump.)
Connie Bensen
· 2 years ago
Thank you for some great insight (per usual!). I'm learning these things from watching how adept you are on Twitter. People helping people is an awesomely powerful thing. I've found that in addition to knowing when to say no is important, knowing when to say 'how can I help you' is important too.
Keep it coming - it's all excellent!
Marti
· 2 years ago
Excellent post, Chris!
I have trouble saying no, but I've learned that I don't always say "yes" because I want to be helpful, but because it makes me feel indispensable. When I realize it's often more about my own ego than genuinely being of service, and that makes saying "no" a lot easier.
All the best to you hon!
Jon Glassett
· 2 years ago
This...
"Don’t let people’s view of you from your past influence what you CAN do."
...is huge for me.
It's was tough admitting because of personal pride but it was a much bigger factor than I even realized.
Great post.
-Jon
chrisbrogan
· 2 years ago
Thanks everyone for your comments. I'm thinking I want to talk more about it, and I realize that this post was kind of dense. I hope to find a way to chunk this stuff up in subsequent installments, but I realize that when I start talking about this, I seem to just go and go and go.
I've learned that money doesn't give ME power. I know that physical power is just good for a sense of personal accomplishment. The most lasting power to me is in motivating others to carry on work when I'm not around. Working in teams my entire life, as I have, I've come to believe that empowering teams to accomplish great things is the way I can move the ball forward.
Jim Shireman
· 2 years ago
What a great post, Chris! I've found that perhaps saying "no" isn't always the best policy, but "not saying yes" as often, works better for me.
Donna Papacosta
· 2 years ago
Amazing stuff, Chris. You always inspire.
Anna
· 2 years ago
I especially appreciate the reminder about how important are the words that we say to ourselves. Your list contains some unexpected words that I have been pondering lately (with a view toward eliminating or changing the way I use them), most especially disappointed and expected.
And, I'm trying to work the words beauty and beautiful into my conversations (especially the ones inside my head) more often.
Jon Glassett
· 2 years ago
ps - I can point you to some, er, "uplifting" metal, if'n you're interested.
You're probably not doing yourself any favors with that System of a Down stuff even without taking the lyrics into account.
-Jon
Jon Ray
· 2 years ago
I love this post. I too am a big believer in cutting out negative words from you daily routine. It also helps me tremendously to just sit still and think about absolutely nothing for five or ten minutes each day. For some reason, this allows me to direct my focus and raise my spirits. I am always expecting positive things to happen in my life and I think that expectation is important. As always, thanks for inspiring us, Chris.
Daniel Glifberg
· 2 years ago
Chris, Great post really triggered some reflections. I specially will take you up on the "intend" to part as well as the saying No to slightly more things.
Keep up the good work.
Bridget
· 2 years ago
Hi Chris Great post - I like what you say here especially the bit about switching from asking permission to "I intend to...". Simple but hugely effective. Thanks Bridget
Jeff Glasson
· 2 years ago
This post is exactly what I needed to read today. Motivational to say the least! I'm looking forward to additional discussions on the topic!
Kelly Galvin Tirman
· 2 years ago
This article is so TAO. I love it! Thanks for writing this. Here are two tools that support building your personal power that I use.
Chris, I can't believe this post hadn't been submitted to StumbleUpon yet! you've condensed all sorts of great messages I've heard, from Covey to Tony Robbins to Napoleon Hill and Tom Peters, along with your own personal journey, into one really great message and inspiring story. Thank you so much for this, I'm so glad I came across this old gem.
I wish I had something of more substance to add to the discussion here, but all I can say is that I really value this. I read it from start to finish word for word, because I'm currently going through a very similar life transformation trying to cultivate my own influence/responsibility and the value I can provide to those around me. Cheers!
All Comments
Powerful stuff. I always wonder where you get your focus and inspiration from. You've got a lot in this post for a person to think on... hmm, guess I'll do that while I read some more tonight.
Thanks,
Rick
Something tells me there are big missiles taking aim from Camp Brogan, and they're likely to plow into the heart of a mountain that needs to be moved in the near future. Enjoy the process.
Personal growth takes time, persistence, and help. But that help starts with you as a person. Nobody can do it for you.
To me POWER is:
"The resourcefulness of knowing how to use your own energy to stimulate others to be energized in creating your power."
...this is "quickie" outline on how I might consider doing things if I wanted power.
Be a visionary with purpose. Excite people. Listen to people. Include their visions with your own. Enthusiastically collaberate to move forward. Be disciplined. Recruit. Reach out. Excel by being benevolent. Cultivate ideas that may be critical to achieving success. Be malignant. Lead them with the intention that everyone shares the success.
...and you gotta work it everyday.
To me POWER is:
"The resourcefulness of knowing how to use your own energy to stimulate others to be energized in creating your power."
...this is "quickie" outline on how I might consider doing things if I wanted power.
Be a visionary with purpose. Excite people. Listen to people. Include their visions with your own. Enthusiastically collaberate to move forward. Be disciplined. Recruit. Reach out. Excel by being benevolent. Cultivate ideas that may be critical to achieving success. Be malignant. Lead them with the intention that everyone shares the success.
...and you gotta work it everyday.
The personal advisory board is wonderful and I think have unintentionally pursuing one, but without focus. Adding a bit of direction will make it all the more valuable.
Were you just at my desk? Were you in my brain and soul? As I twittered, yesterday afternoon I stepped away from the computer and wrote a "life plan." Glad to say, new goals ahead.
But, just moments before reading this blog, I promise to all the gods that I titled my blog "Epiphany." And it included the point of your blog above.
I've been so inspired lately by so many different individual sources that I needed to pause, focus and set a plan.
I appreciate the list of words, another rule that I try to apply to myself, my relationship and children is let's always remember to 'edify one another.'
Good job, and as always I'm grateful for your time.
The unbelievable power of being able to say "No" is simply amazing. I noticed about 8 months ago I was over committed to work projects, personal projects and charity projects.
So I decided I would pull back to truly focus on what is important. I backed out of my charity projects completely for I have been doing them for the past 10 years and needing a break. Then I reassessed my work and personal projects and commitments to find I was spending so much time trying without accomplishing much.
Now, I have a much smaller list of "To Do's" but I am accomplishing so much more than before. It is hard, especially those close friends who know you haven't been one to say "No" but my life has improved so much from this simple principle.
Great post, as always.
Instead I'll try to boil my thoughts down to these 2 points of validation and agreement:
1. I've been trying to live my life by very similar guidelines for awhile now. And in the end it's you practicing what you're 'preaching' above that will keep me coming back again and again.
2. I was influenced a LONG time ago by Earl Nightingale's 'Strangest Secret' recording, which echo's much of what you've written. Here's the way I look at it...
Your post talks about personal power, which I believe is just one facet of being successful. And in the end, influence, power and money do not make you successful, but success will invariably provide all three (in one form or another).
Therefore you shouldn’t be seeking influence, power and money, you should only seek to do what you already do (or the things you WANT to be doing) more successfully; everything else will fall into place.
And if you want to know how to do what you already do more successfully, go back and re-read the article above (I would recommend several times!)
Michael Valiant
The one thing I feel different is the helping others is a touchy subject to some people. Some people simply do not want to be helped, they want to find out the answer the hard and long way. Which isn't the easiest of best way. I had someone ask me if I've ever learned something of great value on my own, and I told them that I didn't. I always asked someone who knew about it for advice after I did something. I didn't just talk about it, I did it and sought help before, while and after doing it. I've learned a great deal this way, most times people are too self-driven to realize that helping others will be most rewarding to themselves. Again, this could just be the atomsphere I feel at my school.
Darn, I need a blog to write this stuff down. Finals this week, back to work.
Great post!
-Phil
"It all starts at home"- click those ruby slippers together and realize you have in inside you- you just have to find it and make good choices as to where to unleash it.
You need to show up. This means engaging, taking risks, letting go of fear of failure, and just put your all into everything. When you hold back, it shows; when you're passionate, it shows as well.
While we all have to learn to say No more and make sure we have energy and time reserves (the run over in the "my cup runneth over" parable) you also need to learn when to say yes and recognize opportunity when it crosses your path.
Like may be like a box of chocolates with many varieties and many unpredictable flavors, but in the end, it's still sweet, it's an adventure, and you learn from the taste of each one about what you like and don't like. (I guess it's being sleep deprived that I am now channeling Forrest Gump.)
I've found that in addition to knowing when to say no is important, knowing when to say 'how can I help you' is important too.
Keep it coming - it's all excellent!
I have trouble saying no, but I've learned that I don't always say "yes" because I want to be helpful, but because it makes me feel indispensable. When I realize it's often more about my own ego than genuinely being of service, and that makes saying "no" a lot easier.
All the best to you hon!
"Don’t let people’s view of you from your past influence what you CAN do."
...is huge for me.
It's was tough admitting because of personal pride but it was a much bigger factor than I even realized.
Great post.
-Jon
I've learned that money doesn't give ME power. I know that physical power is just good for a sense of personal accomplishment. The most lasting power to me is in motivating others to carry on work when I'm not around. Working in teams my entire life, as I have, I've come to believe that empowering teams to accomplish great things is the way I can move the ball forward.
And, I'm trying to work the words beauty and beautiful into my conversations (especially the ones inside my head) more often.
You're probably not doing yourself any favors with that System of a Down stuff even without taking the lyrics into account.
-Jon
Great post really triggered some reflections.
I specially will take you up on the "intend" to part as well as the saying No to slightly more things.
Keep up the good work.
Great post - I like what you say here especially the bit about switching from asking permission to "I intend to...". Simple but hugely effective.
Thanks
Bridget
Lululemon Manifesto
http://www.lululemon.com/culture/manifesto/text
Goal setting (.pdf)
http://www.lululemon.com/culture/goalsetting
I wish I had something of more substance to add to the discussion here, but all I can say is that I really value this. I read it from start to finish word for word, because I'm currently going through a very similar life transformation trying to cultivate my own influence/responsibility and the value I can provide to those around me. Cheers!