Are You In Group 'A' or 'B'?

I run into so many people who complain how they can't find a job, or get a promotion, or find new, great clients (Group 'A'). I also run into people who find a job quickly, get that promotion, and regularly find great clients (Group 'B').

What is the difference between Groups 'A' & 'B'? 

• Group 'A' has developed the most perfectly formed excuse structure holding them back from success.
• Group 'B' fights their big fears every day, dismisses the weak ones, and gets shit done.

What do they do?

• Group 'A' blames their weaknesses, the market, their age, other people, and how customers demand so much more. They moan about their bad luck, how no one wants them, and how other forces are impacting their success.
• Group 'B' doesn't play that game. There is no time for blaming. They figure out what needs to be done and they do it. They realize it's going to be hard, they will be tested, and they will have to push themselves harder than ever before.

What happens in the end?

• Group 'A' plays the same broken record every day and suddenly find that half of 2017 has passed them by. They're still without a job, with no promotional opportunities (and their current position on the chopping block), and clients disappearing at an alarming rate.
• Group 'B' gets the interview and offer. They get the promotion and raise they asked about. They go after and get even bigger clients - bigger than they ever dreamed.

Which group are you currently in? What group do you want to be in?

Extra Credit . . . How To Be In Group 'B':

• Stop looking and finding excuses for your situation. You're a smart boy/girl — you know exactly what the problem is. Get out there and take action.
• Be Bold In Life - Start taking chances — not wild-ass ones, think about your next steps and then move!
• Ask for forgiveness, not permission — this is my mantra — reach out to that unreachable person, ask for that raise, go after that affluent client.
• Do It NOW - Don't wait for 'the right time'. There's no time like the present. "Action expresses priorities." - Gandhi
• Stop procrastinating because you're 'afraid'. This is a No Whining Zone — no one is going to change your diaper.

The Holy Grail of Getting Things Done.

Face it, we are constantly exposed to obstacles. Those pesky things which get in our way. Sometimes it’s technology, sometimes it’s people, and sometimes it’s US. But that’s what work is — a series of obstacles, problems, and hurdles we overcome. As I always say, “If it wasn’t hard, it wouldn’t be called work.”

The successful executive or business owner accelerates their progress only if they overcome these hurdles quickly, efficiently, and without worry.

So how do they do it?

Five words: Ask for forgiveness, not permission.

Waiting for someone to show you, to give you permission, to get their ‘OK’ will slow you down. Or, it stops you right in your tracks.

If you’re wrong (or ‘caught’) — ask for forgiveness. Most of the time, the person who is delivering the punishment understands you were virtuous in your actions, nothing malicious — you were doing it for the good of the company.

The funny thing is most executives will be impressed you stuck your neck out and pushed the envelope — they see themselves in you. The only people who truly get angry are the people who are afraid of your drive and passion. Take your lumps and try to move on as quickly as possible. Leave them in the dust.

So next time you’re faced with an insurmountable obstacle, a vexing problem, or a gargantuan hurdle — make a decision and just do it. Don’t ask for advice, directions, or permission — get off your butt and get past it ASAP.

That’s how the pros make the big bucks.

This has been another installment in my ongoing series, “Are You A Catalyst?” — today’s focus is how not to ask permission.

Have you ever asked for forgiveness, not permission?

Do It Anyway.

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God; It was never between you and them anyway.

By Kent M. Keith (originally attributed to Mother Theresa)