What are you up to?
This question is powerful.
As casually as this phrase may be shared with our friends, kids, or significant other…
After some reflection, it can really carry some weight for what we’re capable of.
The question implies we’re already up to something; that we’re in the middle of our own idiosyncratic “doing”.
But we’re not merely human doings, but human beings.
Sitting with the question “What are you up to” in the context of the person we’re being is where things start to get really fun.
“What are you up to?” calls into question your specific calling.
If leadership has a front door, the door mat probably says “intention”.
What am I up to?
Being a pillar of my community. A connected friend and family member. A dream husband. A heroic coach. A good soul. A committed contribution. A stand for others.
Now it’s your turn.
What are you up to?
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I’m so thankful to have you as a part of the Local Leadership Newsletter.
I don’t have a set format for the newsletter yet (if ever) but will always strive to make them Encouraging, Enriching, and Empowering to Local Leaders - people who are or have the ambition to make an impact right where they are.
For this one, I thought the “What are you up to” question fit as I had two unique first-time experiences in the same week. But I also want to share some frameworks, quotes, resources, and other things that fuel me in my heroic quest to be the best version of myself in hopes that it will help you do the same.
Principles of a 10X Sales Professional
Thanks to Holli Fourniquet of Visit Tyler and the wonderful folks of Texas Travel Alliance I had the opportunity to speak at Texas Tourism College 2022 in College Station TX. Each year professionals in the travel industry (parks and wildlife, local tourism, chambers of commerce, etc.) commit to a three-year program where they learn to become a Certified Tourism Executive.
As someone who loves Texas and believes that even small communities can do big things it sounded right up my alley. I was asked to present on sales, so I decided to share a presentation from my experience as a Grant Cardone Licensee: The 10X Sales Professional: Principles of a Top Sales Producer.
Here’s something Manuel said, of which I am grateful:
It was great getting the opportunity to see you present such great content!
Your presentation and content has been one of the most beneficial for me thus far.
Relationships are Everything
I learned this when I waited tables over 10 years ago. When you’re serving people serve them with your very best self. Even if it’s just bread and butter or iced tea, do it with excellence.
That person could be the mayor. Or the next one! Everyone is somebody. And even if they don’t have a title, you never know if or when they’ll walk into your life again.
This isn’t about figuring out what you can get out of it. It’s realizing the more you give the more abundance you’ll be able to create. The hand that gives gathers.
Holli and I haven’t had the opportunity to work together directly, but I have certainly supported her from afar and admired the work she does. If I didn’t connect with her years ago, this speaking opportunity never would have happened.
Oh, she also has a podcast! Check out her podcast here:
Ever run a Spartan race?
With 2 presentations done, I drove back to East Texas to continue preparing for my first Spartan Race. After a few weeks of 6-week fitness challenge (highly recommend Onnit - they have high-quality on-demand programs, products, and equipment) I felt like I could take on this 5k, 20 obstacle race I’ve had on my bucket list for a while. There happened to be a Spartan Stadion event being held at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, so I decided to go ahead and commit.
My heat was at 9:15 am and after hundreds of stairs, 18 of 22 obstacles, and 60+ burpees later, I finished. My calves were burning for the last 100 yards but I completed it and had a lot of fun. There’s something about being pushed to your limit that can teach you a lot.
There’s your limit, and then there’s 100 more yards
When you’re in the arena (your workplace, your home, life itself) we tend to stay in a safe and secure level of habitual comfort. Routines are good until they no longer serve us or assist us in becoming the best version of ourselves.
During the race, I realized that as I was arriving at my mental and physical limits…THAT’S when and where the training mattered most.
It’s as if the Attitude, Approach and Actions that got me to that point introduced me to the next level. Now I’m thinking about…who must I become to cross the finish line after 6 miles and 30 obstacles?
Virtue Quiz
I was recently introduced to this virtue quiz and thought it was really cool.
100% free (unless you want to pay for a more detailed breakdown), it will tell you your top 5 virtues and rank your remaining 24 with a brief synopsis about what they mean for you.
I’ve made it a practice to be aware of when these virtues pop up for myself and my wife and am working on the ones that are further down the list.
When we operationalize our virtues, we become a stronger version of ourselves.
Check it out here: www.viacharacter.org
Here are my Top 5 Results:
Love of Learning
Hope
Curiosity
Humor
Judgement
Power Acronym
I collect acronyms. As a writer and lover of learning, I love how practical they can be. I’ve been saving them in my notes so that I can remember them and I thought this newsletter was a perfect avenue to share them with others.
For this first one, I wanted to share one I wrote almost 9 years ago as a promise to myself and to others. The word-nerds out there may call me out as this is technically an acrostic, but “Power Acronym” just sounds cooler to me.
The origin of this was actually a promise to myself and to others of how I would conduct myself in business and have served me as my foundational values for my life.
D.R.I.V.E.
Dedication
Relationship
Integrity
Volition
Enthusiasm
Local Happenings
The Great Texas Balloon Race took place in Longview in June. It’s such a unique and special event for our community. Early morning skies filled with hot air balloons are awe inspiring, and the “balloon glow” events in the evening are super fun too.
Question:
What’s a local event that’s 100% unique to your community that you appreciate?
Do you love it? Hate it? Why?
Strong Com Podcast
Hey, did you know I have a podcast of my own?
Check it out here or on Apple Podcasts and other platforms!
Here’s a link to the show and my most recent episode with Ayo Uno, owner of The Emotional Club
People are typically the main focus of the podcast, but I use what I call “the three C’s” as a springboard to contextualize the conversation about the intersection of…
Communication - with ourselves or with others - I like to hear my guest’s voice on their particular expertise or focus
Community Building - online or off - Discovering the values and actions that bring us together
Company - the one you’re building or the company you keep - Talking about business and how we can create success in our personal and professional lives
I’ll record solo episodes from time to time as well.
Ok, I think that’s enough for one Newsletter! :)
Does anything stand out to you about this letter? Share a comment or a reply!
What was awesome? What needs work?
Any topic/subject you’d like my thoughts on next?
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