7 Ways
By Andre Young
“Marry your dream; not the path you think will take you there or even more dangerously… the path you think you deserve!” – Andre Young
Whether your version of greatness is catching a ball for your team, initiating and completing that big project at work, that promotion, providing for or doing for your family… GREATNESS is available for YOU! However, many are scared to try for it… because they may fail. Many will avoid it… because of the consistent hard work and dedication it takes. Many will say they don’t really care… because they or others don’t believe in them. And, some will avoid greatness… because of the pressure of living up to a new standard. If YOU are ready for greatness…motivated, tired of excuses, and willing… then 7 Steps is for YOU and your EVOLUTION!!!
Find Your Passion and your Why!
Rarely is someone great at something they don’t have a passion for. It is possible, but it wouldn’t be much fun. Find your superpower… the thing you do great professionally and personally, the thing you do great without thinking, and choose to develop it. We don’t have to be great at everything… find YOUR thing and choose to get great at it!
It always helps to know WHY you do your passion; what you love about it and what you get out of it? How does it make you feel? What impact do you or can you have on others? Yes, the road to greatness will be exhausting and demanding at times; it will also be fun and is always more meaningful when your “Why” is an impact for others… not just yourself. Perhaps your “Why” impacts your employees, co-workers, teammates, a problem in your community, or a problem you struggled with in your past and now you have an opportunity to make a difference.
Willingness
Greatness will require your willingness! We must be willing to do and sacrifice something that others won’t, in order to get to places others won’t. You may sacrifice your time, partying, expensive habits, or maybe even a relationship (due to poor timing). In the process of achieving greatness, some of these things will be easy to give up, because you know with all of your heart you are destined to be more, do more, and impact the world! Other things will be harder to dismiss… at some point, you will have to stand your ground and explain to someone special (a friend, partner, boss) the importance and significance of your path. Compromises can be made, but not to the point that we ever sacrifice our dream and our purpose… whether you become a multitasker, stay up later than everyone else, or wake earlier than everyone else… YOUR GREATNESS must be serviced by YOU… and the focus is on a willingness to live the process!
Knowledge
Knowledge is power! It is up to you to know YOUR craft, inside and out! That catch by Santonio Holmes to win the Superbowl was not an accident. How many countless hours of practice, route running, catches, and studying with his quarterback did it take to create make such a legendary performance? Whatever your definition of greatness is… become a master of your craft! Remember… Competence creates confidence!
Application
Potential will eventually mean nothing without proof! You may have all the potential and knowledge in the world… but the person that goes out and proves it at work, at home, school, or in their sport will get the glory! Greatness will only be achieved by APPLYING what you know and what you have practiced. Don’t be afraid to do and fail; the alternative is not doing at all or not performing to the best of your ability due to fear… which will always lead to regret!
Dedication
Dedication may sound redundant to “Application”, however I promise it’s not! There are many “one-hit wonders” out there… in the music world, athletics, business, and in life. This is no slight to them… I’d rather be a “one-hit wonder” than a “no-hit wonder”… and “one-hit wonders” do get remembered! However, a taste of success and greatness can leave many feeling satisfied and resting on their laurels. Failure isn’t the only thing that can be scary… Success has defeated its fair share of people, teams, and organizations; ask Blockbuster Video! Stay dedicated to your goal and your vision after you’ve succeeded. You don’t want to focus on doing something great… focus on BEING great!
Positive Mindset
It sure would be a shame to achieve your definition of greatness and success only to look back with memories of being stressed, frustrated, annoyed, tired, and miserable. Think about it… if you feel that way while trying to achieve it… what do your employees, boss, team, significant other, your kids, co-workers feel?
Greatness and triumph are exceptional feelings, but a whole lot better with other people there to enjoy them with! Maintain a positive mindset as you get out of bed in the morning until you retire in the evening. How do you stay positive during the day? What habits will you create to maintain positivity in your life? I have a mantra every morning when I out of bed… “It’s time to get great!”. I say, “Happy whatever day it is” to others throughout the day… reminding me to be joyful and enjoy the beauty every day has to offer! I also only follow positive people on social media… so when I scroll, it’s all positivity and beauty!
Do It!
There’s no time like NOW to start! Many will wait until they think the time is right to begin their process for greatness. Life moves fast and you never know what’s waiting around the corner. Your definition of greatness can’t wait one more second! Whether you start big, small, leap, or baby-step… do it NOW, be consistent, and enjoy the process! Although you’re chasing your definition of greatness… remember… YOU are already great! Revel in all the great and quirky that is YOU; as self-love will make the journey so much sweeter. Lastly… Marry your dream; not the path you think will take you there or even more dangerously… the path you think you deserve! Start your 7 Steps now and enjoy your EVOLUTION!!!
Here’s the excerpt from my new book, 7 Ways to Lead.
The number one complaint from many companies is, “Our leaders don’t know how to lead!”.
Why would they? Most people are promoted because they did one thing really well or outlasted their “addicted to average” co-workers/teammates; not because they knew how to lead. My favorite example is, “You sold a million dollars’ worth of product… You are now the Sales Manager”. They haven’t proven that they can manage or lead anyone; they’ve only proven they can sell a million dollars’ worth of product… their way! Work/Life Harmony is more important now than it has ever been. The notion of leaving home at the door before entering work and leaving work at the door when entering home is obsolete. The fact that cell phones are always accessible means significant others, relationships, and outside life now enter work with every employee… ALL DAY!
So, when things are bad intimately, parentally, and socially it shows up at work with employees trying to do their job while responding to ten pages of “Hate Texts”. In contrast, when that same employee returns home, their phone may continue to ring, ding, or chime with work emails, work texts, etc. If they respond, they have effectively communicated that it is okay to invade their time. If they don’t, it doesn’t erase the anxiety of not responding or knowing a pile of work is building up. There may not be a true balance between both realms, but 7 Ways to Lead helps leaders find and create harmony between the two enhancing your leadership and work/life harmony; allowing you a professional and personal evolution!
Andre Young is a speaker, author, and Founder of You Evolving Now, LLC. with 19 years of experience as a Mental Health Therapist; focused on marital, individual, and group counseling, along with his personal life-altering experiences as an individual, athlete, employee, and business owner. He has created a movement of Positivity, Personal Growth, Relationship Growth, Healthy Living, and Lifestyle Enhancement; enhancing Work/Life Harmony and Leadership on-site for Companies and Schools! His services are unique and out-of-the box, focused on positivity, building-up, empowering, and without stigma. Something people can be excited about and leave motivated and inspired to make an impact in every role of their lives and in the lives of others! His company You Evolving Now is designed to meet the “Busy” person where they are… at work, at school, and on their phone; giving them what they need, but too busy to seek until it’s too late! EVOLVE with our speaking engagements and leadership programs at your site to make an impact inside and outside of work! Connect with him and learn how you can pre-order his new book, 7 Ways To Lead, here: https://youevolvingnow.com/
