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?

Be Bold In Life.

You know when you get so caught up in your career and life you forget things? Well I did. I was going through some papers that take me back to 2001-2002 and I saw this phrase, "Be Bold In Life". That was my original coaching 'theme' that I communicated on my business card, website, and throughout my coaching.

It's time to bring it back. What do I mean by "Be Bold In Life"? If you have to choose between:

• Playing it safe or taking a risk — Take the risk.
• Taking action or waiting for the right opportunity — Take action.
• Staying in your safe, boring job or taking a new, challenging position — Jump ship.
• Sticking with your current low-paying client or going for a higher-paying client that takes you out of your comfort zone — Go with Daddy Warbucks.
• Thinking outside of the box or staying with what you know — Leave the box behind.
• Doing things the 'right' way or trying something new and scary — Go for new.
• Asking for permission or asking for forgiveness — Never ask for permission.
• Being Ordinary or Extraordinary - Get where I'm going?

Now you might say, "Rich, there are times when I can't do this.". That's fine. I'm not saying do it ALL the time.

What I am saying is that you should incrementally introduce boldness in everything you do.

You will be surprised what happens. Be BOLD in Life.