Charging Through Life

You're a man on a mission. It's inspiring!
-- Barry Stich

The power and impact of positive reinforcement is staggering. And when you have people in your life who believe in you, encourage you, and push you - there's nothing that can't be accomplished.

This morning I was sorta not wanting to get out the door to go workout. It was cold, I was sluggish, blah. But, as we've discussed, getting to Bootcamp everyday at 8AM is part of my job right now. I just get up and do it regardless. And when I got to class I felt great! I was pushing myself and really getting somewhere. I felt accomplished. And my efforts were recognized when Barry said those very kind and unexpected words to me.

What a change from only 30-days ago when I was depressed, lazy, and constantly told what I can't do in my life. My experience in the corporate world at Beachbody was all about limits. Barry sees nothing but possibilities. And he is influencing me to see all the possibilities in myself as well.

That's the power of a great cheerleader or mentor. They have the ability to see within ourselves something that we don't yet believe exists. And sometimes, without even realizing it, they are able to awaken what is dormant inside us.

Mentoring a skill I think many of today's managers lack. Corporate life today is about 'playing the game.' At many places, managers spend their time skirting blame while over-hyping trivial successes. Managers see their role in only being about what they can accomplish for themselves, instead of focussing on the success and growth of those who report to them. I know, for me, I alway outperform for those superiors who challenge me, encourage me, and are able to reward my successes. Sadly, that was completely absent from my last job.

Luckily, this new job has those attributes in abundance, which is why I think I'm performing so well right now! But it's up to me to continually surround myself with positive influences and seek new inspiration to fuel my efforts in getting in great shape AND finding my next great career. By having focus for myself and encouragement from people around me, I will begin living the life I wish for myself.

I believe Barry is right: I AM a Man on a Mission. And every day that mission is becoming better defined and more realized than before.