Day One of Excellence Seminar:
I walked in the room and saw a former colleague of mine from another seminar and soon afterwards I saw another and another.. it was great seeing them after such a long time. We sat down and talked and they all were doing great things with their lives. I initially came in the seminar thinking I could take this exact same one in couple months from now and with a close friend of mine.. but after a great first day of meeting new people and bonding with old friends I decided to stay in it.. I not only stayed, but I also became one of a few group leaders. I don't put much in the leader role because each one of these people in the past has either been my coach (1) or gave me sound advice (3) on various topics. And now that I am their "group leader"... it is really quite an honor. I knew what being a group leader entailed and wanted to test myself as well as help contribute to other people. I stepped it up. My group realized that and thanked me for stepping it up.. but they not only did that but were open minded enough to create possibilities and a space where they helped me to help them achieve their intended goals for this seminar session. I am going to step it up and keep each and every one of them accountable to their goals because that's what they expect of me and nothing less.
On a similar note, I began reading this book that was on my shelf for a bit, "The Last Lecture". Some of the stuff in it is really great! This quote relates to coaching & mentoring people. It explains of a football coach that is really hard on his students to get it right. Keep in mind that the students have no idea how to play football at all. This coach, coach Graham pushes these kids till failure and this one particular student to the point of exhaustion. When finally dismissed, the assistant coach runs up to the student and says "Coach Graham rode you pretty hard, didn't he?" and the student could barely muster out a "yeah". The assistant coach goes on to say, "That's a good thing... when you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you." [pg. 37]
That truly hit me and made me realize a lot. A true friend is someone who pushes you to be better than you are.. while we may perceive this differently, think about it. What is the meaning of a TRUE FRIEND?
Well to me it is:
- Someone who holds you to a higher standard
- Who expects you to do what you said you were going to do
- Someone who makes you better by their presence
Finding these qualities are priceless. They will help you achieve great things. Imagine if everyone around you held you to your word. What kind of empire would you build?
Finally, keep in mind this last quote from the same book which also rang true:
"That it is what it is. We can't change it. We just have to decide how we'll respond. We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand." [pg. 17]
Sincerely,
Prasanna
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