Here’s what I know!

Much has been written, reported, spoken of and debated about John Wooden, Coach John Wooden.

Most of which we’ve read, heard etc is commendable and extraordinary beyond belief but as with most people, certainly those who have achieved any type of acclaim there are pieces of contention.

I cannot speak to many of the things other than what I’ve read and heard, I only met Coach once about 8 years ago at a UCLA/Cal basketball game in Pauley Pavilion and I must sat he was nothing but gracious to me, taking more than a perfunctory amount of time to say hello and beyond.

For reasons that I use to make most of my decisions in life I’m going to have my beliefs about this man rooted in what’s tangible and what’s measurable which are his results as a coach his approach to life as most of us were able to observe after he retired, the comments made by those who knew him best and what he’s left for all of us to ponder.

Coach’s Pyramid of Success and dozens of quotes are used innumerable times a day by innumerable amounts of people both in sport and beyond………he must have done something right. Duh!

Coach was human and by definition not perfect. He also was incredibly accompished. He stated “If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes;” 
 so on this day of his passing at the age of 99 I prefer to take what I’ve learned from the accomplishments, use it and of course try to be better, to do better and overall “make each day my masterpiece”. (Joshua Wooden, Coach Wooden’s Dad)

I hope to have learned and put into practice being a success everyday:

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”

If I achieve this I’ll certainly have Coach  to thank and have him to thank now for providing such realistic, wise and practical advice……….

As I say my prayers at night I can only hope to have made as much as an impact on so many when my days are through!

Rest easy Coach, rest easy!!!

How would you feel if you lived your life with these following 9 concepts and acted on them recurringly?

Would you feel empowered, foolish, liberated, strong, stupid, naïve or intelligent?

Would people would be happier or not interested in being in your presence?

As I’ve said I often don’t have answers but I do quite often have questions.

Ask and answer the above and then consider your own being, how you are perceived by others including those close to you; those who you love.

Do You:

Often do good deeds –

Thinking good thoughts is great; doing good deeds is GREATER by 1000X!

Seek to cultivate friendships with people who are both good and wise –

Maimonides stated: “It is the nature of human beings to be influenced in their opinions and actions by their friends and neighbors.” If that were true then would it be wise to “raise the bar” in those you seek out as friends?

Avoid people with bad character and unkind dispositions –

This pretty much speaks for itself but I’m always amazed how people settle for work situations with superiors who would qualify for the comment above. In our “How the Truth Will Set You & Your Career Free” program we hand out a sheet full of “truth quotes” one of which is “People hate those to whom they have to lie”. Don’t settle!!

Live up to the reputation to which you aspire –

This concept is Tiger Woods only chance to REALLY comeback, regardless of how many tournaments he wins.

Otherwise stated “Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi

See every act you do as one of great significance –

If it’s not significant why are you doing it anyway?

“Every action we take, everything we do, is either a victory or defeat in the struggle to become what we want to be”. – Anne Byrhhe

Cultivate and develop your moral strength –

Do the right thing for yourself and to assist others less fortunate

Keep a “character journal” DAILY–

None of us are perfect nor will we ever be but that’s no excuse for not trying. Focus on areas you wish to improve; you’ll be amazed how writing it down when you do or don’t will help you to improve!

Ask yourself: What’s my motivation? Or: For what purpose? When you come to a moral crossroad decision –

Try it!

“Begin with the end in mind” –

This is not the first or last time I’ll ever quote Dr. Stephen Covey. To make it really powerful think about what you’d like people to say about you when you’re no longer here.

If you truly don’t care then all of the above is superfluous!

“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught
me. It is the most-requested column I’ve ever written. My odometer
rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:”
1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don’t have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God
never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one
is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no
for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ”In five years,
will this matter?”.
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you
did or didn’t do.
34. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d
grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift

Barry C. Kleiman & Associates
Connecting Resources with Opportunities Since 1980
2936 Domingo Ave, Suite #5
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 549-7300 fax (510) 549-7306
barry@bckassociates.com

Training Camp by Jon Gordon

Here are 10 tips to be your best this year. Also share it with your team or anyone who wants to be their best.
1. THE BEST KNOW WHAT THEY WANT
“I think a lot of people spend their life being average or good at something, but they don’t strive to be great. The best of the best not only know what they want, but they want it more.”
2. THE BEST WANT IT MORE
“We cannot measure desire in terms of merely thought and wishes. The best not only do the things that others won’t do and invest the time others won’t invest, but they do so with passion and intent to get better. The best are never satisfied with where they are.”
3. THE BEST ARE ALWAYS STRIVING TO BE BETER
“If you are striving to get better, then you are always growing. And if you are always growing, then you are not comfortable. To be the best, you have to be willing to be uncomfortable, and embrace it as a part of your growth process.” It’s a process…
“The best see where there is room for improvement and their humility and passion drives them to improve. The average ones however, don’t see it or don’t want to see it. The fact is past success does not determine future success. Future success is the result of how you work and prepare and practice and how you strive to improve everyday. It’s a commitment that the best of the best make every week, every day, every hour, and every moment. Force yourself to be uncomfortable.”
4. THE BEST DO ORDINARY THINGS BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE.
“Work hard on the right things. It means you must identify the very ‘little things’ that are fundamental to your success, and then you must focus on them, practice them, and strive to execute them to perfection.”
5. THE BEST ZOOM-FOCUS
“There is no secret recipe.”
“If you incrementally improve each day, each week, each month, by the end of the year you’ll see remarkable results and growth. When you zoom-focus on the process, the outcome takes care of itself.”
“Master the fundamentals.”
6. THE BEST ARE MENTALLY STRONGER
“Being mentally strong means you stay positive through adversity. It means you are resilient when facing pressure, challenges and change.”
Weed and feed: “Each day you need to weed out negativity and feed it positivity. You need to weed out the self-doubt and negative talk and feed it positive thoughts, memories and visuals.”
7. THE BEST OVERCOME THEIR FEARS
“Those that succeed, those that reach the pinnacle of greatness, are able to face this battle (overcoming fear) and win.”
8. THE BEST SEIZE THE MOMENT
“When the best are in the midst of their performance they are not thinking ‘What if I win?’ or ‘What if I lose?’ They are not interested in what the moment produces, but they are only concerned with what they produce in the moment. Rather than hiding from pressure, they rise to the occasion. As a result, the best define the moment rather than letting the moment define them.”
9. THE BEST LEAVE A LEGACY
“You leave a legacy by living and working with a bigger purpose, you leave a legacy by making your life about more than just you. You leave a legacy by moving from success to significance.”
10. THE BEST MAKE EVERYONE AROUND THEM BETTER
“The point is to strive to be your best and inspire others to be their best, because it’s in the striving where you find greatness, not in the outcome.”

What will this year hold for you?

What will you hold for it?

What changes do you wish to make?

What people do you to reconnect to, speak with, hear from?

What changes must you make………………. NOT WISH, but, are really committed to making?

• Lose 8 pounds,
• Get a (new) job
• Start a better dialogue with an old friend, relative, boss, co-worker

The list goes on of things to do for each of us. Will you remain the same or make some changes?

What will they be? Why will you make them? HOW will you make them?

Tough questions sometimes but those three questions are tantamount to real change….not just what but why and how!

I can promise you as I am promising myself –

I WILL MAKE some changes and not just for me but for the people with whom I’m associated and certainly for those I love!

I am blessed for many reasons and want to remember to count my blessings then grow and go from there!

I am blessed and want to honor those things by taking them all to a new level of appreciation…use them as leverage for my personal growth…I’m older than I was but I’m still playing hard!

I’m fortunate to have read and then studied with some of the true masters of success and personal development and now know what I need to know to do what I have to do; take action!

In order to get where you want to go though, you need direction…..

In order to get there as quickly or as efficiently as possible or along a desired route you need direction;

You need a MAP (Massive Action Plan) and your map must be rooted in the fundamentals that are fundamental to your own success and your own happiness

The Pareto Principle* speaks of the 80/20 rule, the critical few vs. the trivial many:

Not everyone is willing to do what’s necessary to be what they want to be, to get what they want to get…. don’t whine though if you’re not willing!

*In 1906, Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto created a mathematical formula to describe the unequal distribution of wealth in his country, observing that twenty percent of the people owned eighty percent of the wealth. In the late 1940s, Dr. Joseph M. Juran inaccurately attributed the 80/20 Rule to Pareto, calling it Pareto’s Principle. While it may be misnamed, Pareto’s Principle or Pareto’s Law as it is sometimes called, can be a very effective tool to help you manage effectively. 

Don’t ever think your success is about you or that you can be a true success without having an external focus!

Bernard Madoff had an internal focus, as did Tiger Woods…………think about it!

Do you do something every day to express your gratitude?

Do you do something every day to bolster what matters most?

Every action we take, everything we do, is either a victory or defeat in the struggle to become what we want to be.

——Anne Byrhhe

Get a MAP and follow then follow it with an NBA (Next Best Action) to get you on track

Happy, healthy New Year to you and everyone in your world!

Barry

Barry C. Kleiman & Associates
Connecting Resources with Opportunities Since 1980
2936 Domingo Ave, Suite #5
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 549-7300 fax (510) 549-7306

barry@bckassociates.com 

 My request for places to eat on “5” did yield Tita’s Pupseria (Buttonwillow, CA) which has now been corroborated several times over though as a great pit-stop.

What the request also yielded was the message below which I’ve kept anonymous out of respect:

Barry –

I hope all is well with you and you had a successful trip to Southern California.   Let’s plan on getting together one of these days if you are in the Palo Alto area.

On a separate note I am potentially in need of a favor.  I have a good friend who is terminally ill with pancreatic cancer (he is only 49!).  He is a devoted Cal grad who has been going to Cal football games continuously for the past 25+ years.   I want to do something special for him (field pass, practice access or something like this) .  Do you have any connections in Cal Athletics or thoughts?

Hope to hear from you soon.

A 

Long story short; I was able to help this person with the favor to his friend and frankly honored to be able to do so for the CAL vs. USC game.

Barry – Again thanks for making the hook-up with Cal Athletics.  My buddy had a great time though the outcome of the game was less than desired.  Ive attached a photo of him and his best friend, who went with him (“Buddy” is on the left).    Take care and speak with you soon.

A

Barry – Well put.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.  Im glad we were able to reconnect this year.  (btw my friend was ecstatic he was healthy and able to attend the big game.  He continues to fight the good fight,)

 A

If recanting this seems braggadocios please accept my apology, if that’s the case I’m doing a horrible job of story telling, it’s hardly the intent!

Certainly I was thrilled to have the opportunity to help and the means to do so, however, the reason I’m sharing the story here is to give further credence to my ongoing plea to seek out your “Acres of Diamonds”.

You may, be able to provide some thing to some one in need of that some thing and, at the end of the day isn’t that the point?

Below there are a two links:

The first is called 17 Stratagems to Success. It is a video presentation given by a gentleman named Spike Humer, a teacher of mine that clearly articulates this point among many others.

Spike contends he’s not a teacher but if you decide to invest your time watching and listening to this you’ll agree with me I’m sure! I can’t imagine you’ll find him anything other than wonderfully insightful.

 Google him if you like but it suffices to say I have a great deal of respect for his outlook, mindset and style……….share it as well.

(PLEASE GIVE THE VIDEO TIME TO LOAD and after it does note the number of people in attendance……..each paid upwards of $1500.00!)

Steve Jobs speech to a Stanford graduating class is a phenomenal read if you want some perspective on life from his point of view….share it if you think it’s appropriate with a friend, family member etc

We’re all busy, I get that, but, we should never be too busy to have a level of external focus.

Everyone talks of “networking” and many about just how difficult it is for them or, that they have no time to do so. In a course I taught earlier this year to a VISTA group (http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp) I explained that “NETWORKING” was just another word for common courtesy.

Acknowledge birthdays and anniversaries of those you know, pass along a story, a book title, an anecdotes, a jokes etc, etc, etc……….anything you can to add some heartfelt, tangible value to someone else’s life at different points during the year. As one of my clients (a V/P Treasurer) once said, “don’t wait until you need something to see your banker”.

Including Spike Humer I have been fortunate during the last 2 years or so to work and study with some incredibly bright, interesting people which then affords me access to other powerful articles, lectures, readings which I’m happy to pass along as I’ve done in this writing.

Should you have a chance or need to consider them, whether that be for your own interest or to share with a friend, former co-worker, colleague, boss, roommate etc. please feel free.

If any of this stimulates dialogue between you and I during the coming year that would be great. If any of these things also stimulates, facilitates or otherwise initiates something positive in your life; whether that’s with a New Years resolution, in your networking with others, in your business, with your career, in your home, with coaching a youth team in the neighborhood or helping out someone you never met who needs your help that would be…..pretty cool as well!

 Closing comment: The above words were difficult to write simply because I wanted so much for my thoughts to be clear, for my aim to be true. I am thrilled to have taken the action to write them though because doing so was a goal.

(I learned a great deal about goal setting this year from Gary Ryan Blair aka “The Goals Guy”, another terrific teacher……check out what others have said)

Bill Gates: “Thought without action is daydreaming”

Ayn Rand: “A desire presupposes the possibility of action to achieve it; action presupposes a goal which is worth achieving.”

What’s written above is my attempt not to daydream but to achieve a worthy goal, being in contact while hopefully adding some value along the way.

My very best to you and everyone in your world for a happy, healthy New Year filled with excellence on all levels!

Warmly,

Barry

P.S. If any of what’s been shared here interests you and/or you’d like me to forward other like material during the year click here, I’ll see that it happens!

This quick phrase, not dissimilar to “Got Milk”? was the tagline of a very successful ad campaign a few years back.

It was successful simply because everyone around, not just golfers repeated the line wanting to separate themselves from the pack by extolling their excellence at some thing.

Well, milk still does many “a body good” but nobody now repeats the phrase “I’m Tiger Woods”.

In this life you must have integrity to have anything else. Tom Peters a highly regarded author and management consultant stated ” There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity”…..makes sense to me!

I understand that debates may rage on about the temptation attached to a person of  Tiger’s fame and other similar commentary but (material) riches aside nobody, not even Tiger wants to be Tiger Woods right now.

“It’s a sad man my friend who’s living in his own friend and can’t stand the company” Bruce Springsteen sings in his song “Better Days” ……my guess is that defines TW at this time.

“Better Days” – Bruce Springsteen

He’s let down many a fan, ruined relations with many a sponsor but most importantly he has let down his wife, children and family. He lied to the public for sure but lied to them which is truly sad.

The Truth really will set you free……….even if it first pisses you off . Learn yours, know yours, live yours, if nothing else you can live in your own skin.

I am hopeful for all concerned, particularly Wood’s family that he is as much of an off-course magician as he is on the course.

If Tiger relates at all to Springsteen I hope he also listens to and tries his competitiveness best to relate to The Beatles “Hey Jude”………… Hey Tiger, “take a sad song and make it better”, you owe it to your family!

“Hey Jude” – The Beatles

This wonderful yet haunting quote resonated in my mind while wrapping up a call today with my older brother (now Grandfather….which makes me a Great Uncle).

He and I were discussing the newest addition to our family and came around to our young adult children. He shared the fact that his youngest, this bright, energetic overall cool guy (I’m biased but honest!) continued to struggle with the same thoughts that nag many of us, the “What do I want to be when I grow up” thoughts.

“You know, you deal with these things and young adults everyday in your professional life as well as with your (AmeriCorps Alumni) trainings” he stated.

I do and I assured him that it was fairly typical AND that though typical on the one hand I truly believed most of us know what we want we just don’t have the trust… in ourselves to believe and act.

“If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise.”  – Robert Fritz

“If not you then who do you trust?” is my challenge to the folks in our trainings. Who better than you to believe and believe in?

QUESTION: Is there a better value to impart upon your loved ones (or yourself for that matter) than to trust/believe in themselves?

Our program “How the Truth Will Set You and Your Career Free” has to some a seemingly hokey title but is rooted in that concept. Of course there are ways to explore your thoughts to become what I call “familiar with yourself” but the fact still remains;

If you think you can you can, if you think you can’t you can’t.

Ask yourself: If not me then who; If not now then when?

Remember, everything else other than what you TRULY want (and understand WHY) is a compromise!

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee… You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her.  She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up..  She was tired of fighting and struggling.  It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen.  She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire.  Soon the pots came to boil.  In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans.  She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners.  She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl.  She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.  Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.  Turning to her daughter, she asked, ‘ Tell me what you see.’

‘Carrots, eggs, and coffee,’ she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.  She did and noted that they were soft.  The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it.  After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.  The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.  The daughter then asked, ‘What does it mean , mother?’

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity:  boiling water.  Each reacted differently.  The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting.  However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.  The egg had been fragile.  Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.  The ground coffee beans were unique, however.  After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

‘Which are you?’ she asked her daughter.  ’When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?  Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this:  Which am I?  Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat?  Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff ?  Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean?  The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.  When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.  If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.  When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level?  How do you handle adversity?  Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

“The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off.” -Gloria Steinem 

THE STORY BELOW IS 100% FACTUAL except for the name!

Several years ago I was approached by “Paul” who had been a basketball coach at the Division I (major college) level for a period of time that spanned two decades but now wanted to change careers. “Paul” knew of me both from my own career in executive recruitment/development as well as my avocation as high school basketball coach.

(Executive Development = Helping folks develop to their maximum potential through their respective careers)

“Help me posture my resume”, he said, “so that I can interview for a job in sales”. “Posture your resume”? I asked. “Paul, what are you posturing, you’ve been in coaching for 20 years! Just tell your story and how you came to this decision. Just tell the truth”. I went on to state, “There is Tremendous Power in the TRUTH”.

If you are not truthful about your history (resume) you must live a lie moving forward. What a terrible way to live! What a terrible career premise!

My guess is that you have much to offer. Understanding WHAT it is, how to explain it in a compelling fashion and believing the TRUTH is very compelling is the essence of this document.

In his New York Times best seller The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey stated that many people spend their entire lives trying to climb the ladder of success only to find it’s up against the wrong wall. The Tremendous Power of the Truth, as depicted here in PART ONE of this piece, will help you to ascertain on which wall to rest your ladder. PART TWO on INTERVIEWING will help to get your ladder firmly placed on that wall.

Respectfully speaking, I do not care what you want to do! I have no agenda for your life!!

That said, like anyone else I do have an agenda and in this case I hope ours are the same:

• Identify your TRUTHS
• Develop a deep appreciation of the irrefutable benefit the TRUTH provides
•  Integrate those TRUTHS into each dialogue, communication, and conversation you have with everyone you know…..including perspective employers!

I’ve been fortunate to see the Tremendous Power of the TRUTH in action during my 30+ years of working with people transitioning in their lives. (I’ve seen the opposite in action as well…….the TRUTH is much preferred!)

Knowing WHAT you want and WHY is the first step to any successful transition, certainly your job search. If during the course of your search we were to work together or, if you work with any third party (brother, sisters, neighbor, colleague etc)  knowing exactly WHAT you want and WHY is the key to being able to provide clarity to that to that third party….who also might be a future employer!

Think about it, if you’re clear and communicate that clarity for the purpose of arranging an interview and the interview is successful and you get hired, everybody wins. You get what you TRULY want, the other side gets a clear vision of the TRUE you and everybody is happy, everyone wins. Simple! No tricks, no hidden agenda, just the TRUTH for all concerned.

It’s been said that “the most important sale you’ll ever make is to yourself”. If you are 100% clear on WHAT you want, and WHY, every decision you make gets clearer; every conversation more concise; every question more honestly, effectively asked and answered.  I’m down on one knee, I’m begging now………..“Become familiar with yourself”.

As simple an example as this may seem consider the times when you’ve ordered food in a restaurant. When you know what you want, when you’re clear on what will satisfy you satisfaction is usually achieved. At least for me, less clear = less satisfied.

We live in a time when there is PLENTY of “noise” around us, many ways information streams into our lives. Some is wanted some unwanted but either way it is an absolute overload! If you’re like many this “noise” becomes a true deterrent to the focus of our lives. 

If that verbiage isn’t clear, turn up the volume your radio, iPod, TV etc to a significant level and then attempt a meaningful conversation with your mother, father, sister, brother, spouse or child. Speaking and or listening probably becomes fairly tough, it’s a  bit too noisy? Turn that device off and attempt the same conversation. Unless you want the distraction, unless you don’t really want to have the conversation the quiet way is far more effective!

Opinions abound in our lives and the opinions of others out of context to your TRUTHS are “noise” as well. You’d be wise to find a truly quiet time, void of any of the above distractions and/or afore mentioned opinions then ask and answer this single question;

What’s Important Now?

(W.I.N. as we say in coaching)

What is the single most important thing in your life NOW? What MUST you have to make you transition forward a success? WHY?

To reference Stephen Covey again, we all have priorities and as such should attach our actions to those priorities.

To be clear I am not promising nirvana; I’m not suggesting this is a perfect world. In most cases you can’t get everything you want, but, you should be clear on what you want most and then what you’d be willing to give to attain that WHAT ….you have to give to get!

Consider the words of Napoleon Hill in his inspirational classic “Think and Grow Rich”!  In the chapter on “DESIRE” Hill describes the six steps to riches. The following are his words for Step 2: “Determine exactly what you intend to give in return for the money you desire. (There is no such reality as “something for nothing)””.

The point though of everything I’m espousing, the point of this entire philosophy is not give up what you want most but in fact to get what you want most;  which is impossible until you know that WHAT first.

The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want now – Zig Ziglar

For each of us walking the earth THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUTH!

What is more important as you move forward from this day then understanding your TRUTHS and in turn using those to honestly represent WHAT you are about and WHY?

Understanding “What’s Important Now” (W.I.N.) in your life is the greatest asset imaginable.

I believe from the bottom of my heart that you’ll  be doing yourself and all of those close to you a tremendous disservice if you don’t take the time to understand “What’s Important Now” (W.I.N.)

If it’s fair to say that being aware of and acting on personal priorities is crucial to a happy, effective existence might it also fair to say that our priorities shift as we evolve in our personal and professional lives?

If so……….when was the last time you realigned YOU with YOU?

TRUTHFULLY most of us would say it’s been too long and understandably so. An up-to-date awareness of priorities is difficult to attain in these turbulent times, however, if not now then when?

“If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” – John Wooden

Think about your life just 5 years ago. What has changed? Have any priorities shifted as a result? Have you adjusted your actions to the new priorities?

My wife of 29 years and I were not “empty-nesters” five years ago. Our priorities certainly shifted! Our relationship needed to be revisited!

If you’re still with me it’s time for the hard part of this piece; THE WRITTEN WORD!

This is the place where most people fail. What a sin!

We’ve discussed “noise” and blocking it out, we’ve discussed “becoming familiar with yourself” so now take what you’ve learned, block out the noise, find 30 or so of uninterrupted minutes to consider and  WRITE DOWN “What’s Important Now” (W.I.N.).

The top priority in your life, NOW, TODAY, what is it? WRITE IT DOWN!

Now ask yourself, TRUTHFULLY, are you spending enough time working with that priority?

This seemingly simple exercise is very impactful and the impact will be quite profound on you and those close to you. The process can be a challenge, needs to be systemic but once again the results will be quite liberating!

Continue by writing down other things you’d like to accomplish. Don’t worry yet about editing, just write! List first, prioritize later…you already have #1 (Subject to change at any time; you’re human, you’re allowed)

Whether the things are personal and/or professional is of no consequence. Remember, the simple goal is to get “familiar with you”.

From there, WRITE DOWN “WHY” you want to do these things

(WHAT: Play Guitar – WHY: Want to have a mutual interest with my daughter)

Now that you’ve prepared your WHAT/WHY list, prioritize. Which point is a must have which would be nice to have etc.

Don’t take too long at this part, the first pass is most important and once you’ve completed this written chronicle of your priorities as you know them today………take a walk, read a book, cook a meal etc. Leave it alone for a while, it’s written so it will be there when you get back.

If you’re at all like me it will all haunt you a bit as you cook, clean, exercise or read!

If you don’t do this for yourself who will? 

This prioritized list of WHATS and WHYS is what I call a W.I.N. Statement; your own inventory of you.

Show your W.I.N statement to somebody close to you, a spouse, sibling, friend etc. Ask them if they think your comments are an accurate depiction of you, as they know you TODAY. If so, great! If not, why?

Your W.I.N. statement is a fluid document so keep working at this and the whole concept of the TRUTH………. it is so very powerful!

Your W.I.N. statement is also a personal blueprint that can simplify many decisions you make during periods of great dissonance because you’ve prepared yourself during quiet times.

At the risk of sounding corny, “congratulations”! You’ve just successfully completed a very important interview. You’ve asked yourself and answered some tough questions and done so honestly.

“One lies the loudest when one lies to himself”.       

Hopefully you found PART ONE of “How the Truth Will Set You (and Your Career) Free” useful in some way, shape or form. The concept of understanding yourself first and then communicating how YOU might be a positive to others will serve everyone well.

If you’re interested in PART TWO of this piece, the process of using your W.I.N. statement as a guiding point to the interview process send me an email barry@bckassociates. I’m more than glad to share.

Barry C. Kleiman & Associates

Connecting Resources and Opportunities Since 1980

2936 Domingo Ave. Suite #5

Berkeley, CA 94705

(510) 549-7300 fax (510) 549-7306

barry@bckassociates.com