In a world of endless distractions, protecting your most prized resource—”your attention”—must be a priority.
What if?
What if… we didn’t fight distraction? We just made them irrelevant.
How?
Accept, Reflect, and Redirect!
It’s not the distraction’s fault; it’s your focus.
TCF+ is the daily discipline and the daily focus!
Touches
Conversations
Face to Face or Zoom to Zoom
Plus +
Referrals
Database adds
Hires
And we all know the “R” in CRM is relationship!
Sometimes, these distractions come from A.N.T.S.: ants, say what? Automatic negative thoughts… (l learned this from Dr. Daniel Amen).
Let’s face it—agent recruiting and attraction are hard work and typically play out in the long game. They require frequent repetition of proactive tasks with infrequent positive feedback, which is fertile soil for negative thoughts and doubts.
The antidote? Complimentary resources from Recruiting Insight!
We’ve put together a library of resources to enhance your recruiting and attraction game – click here – to check it out.
What if… we didn’t fight distraction? We just made them irrelevant.
I was reflecting today that many things in life and business can be beneficial or harmful depending on how they are used or managed:
Fire, when contained and controlled, provides warmth, cooks our food, and serves many other beneficial purposes. However, when uncontained, it becomes dangerous, costly, and destructive.
Water in the right amount keeps us hydrated and healthy. Although rare, excessive water intake can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to a condition called hyponatremia, where sodium levels in the blood drop to unhealthy levels. (I was participating in a bike ride event where some participants had to be airlifted due to hyponatremia.)
When used responsibly, technology can enhance our lives, improve communication, and increase productivity. However, excessive or inappropriate use can lead to issues like addiction, mis or disinformation, decreased face-to-face interactions, and theft/scams.
Medicine, properly prescribed and taken, can cure illnesses and improve health. Misuse or overuse, however, can lead to side effects, dependency, or even resistance to treatment.
Sunlight is essential for vitamin D production and overall well-being. Too much exposure, though, can result in sunburn, skin damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Like fire, water, technology, medicine, and sunlight, many aspects of our business and lives have dual potentials. They can be incredibly beneficial when used wisely and within limits, but they can also become harmful if mismanaged or overused.
It’s a balancing act that requires awareness and responsibility.
Business often throws us into situations where we feel stuck, unsure of the next step. Whether it’s a career decision, a personal dilemma, or just a general sense of being lost, not knowing what to do can be incredibly frustrating.
Here are some strategies to help you navigate these uncertain times:
Focus on Ends, Not Means
When you’re unsure of what to do, it can be helpful to shift your focus from the process to the outcome. Ask yourself, “What do I ultimately want to achieve?” By clarifying your end goals, you can better evaluate the different paths available to you. This approach helps you stay flexible and open to various methods of reaching your desired outcome.
Focus on Your Values
Your values are your internal compass. When you’re lost, they can guide you back to a path that feels right. Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Is it honesty, creativity, family, or something else? Aligning your actions with your core values can provide a sense of direction and purpose, even when the way forward isn’t clear.
Keep Taking Action – Even If It’s Just One Small Step
Inertia can be paralyzing. When you don’t know what to do, the worst thing you can do is nothing. Even a small step can create momentum. Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Completing these smaller tasks can build confidence and provide clarity on what to do next.
Talk It Out/Get a Second Opinion
Sometimes, the best way to find clarity is to talk it out with someone you trust. A fresh perspective can offer insights you hadn’t considered. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or mentor, getting a second opinion can help you see your situation from a different angle and may reveal new solutions.
Trust Your Feelings/Gut
Your intuition is a powerful tool. While it’s important to gather information and consider your options, don’t discount your gut feelings. Often, your subconscious mind picks up on things that your conscious mind might miss. Trusting your instincts can lead you to choices that align with your true self.
Sleep, Hydrate, Rest
Never underestimate the power of basic self-care. When you’re tired, dehydrated, or stressed, your ability to think clearly is compromised. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and taking time to rest. Sometimes, a good night’s sleep can bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to tackle your challenges.
It’s okay not to have all the answers right away. The important thing is to keep moving forward.
Feeling lost or unsure is a natural part of business. By focusing on your end goals, aligning with your values, taking small steps, seeking advice, trusting your intuition, and taking care of your basic needs, you can navigate through uncertainty with greater ease.
90 to 95 days… I was just looking, and basically, we have about 90 to 95 productive days left in 2024. Can you believe it?
I personally love “90-day sprints”; they are just long enough to make good progress but not so long that they get boring. Do you?
I have a 90-day sprint guide; shoot me a message to get a copy.
The great late Billy Graham said it best:
“Decisions are made whether we make them or not. Time decides if you will not. Because not deciding is a choice, decisions are made whether we make them or not. Bottom line: time is our enemy, and time ALWAYS wins unless action is taken.”
A System Will Produce What A System Will Produce, Nothing Less and Nothing More!
Habits – good or poor – start as a thin thread and become a strong cable.
Good Habits vs. Poor Habits
Habits can be our greatest allies or our worst enemies. Good habits, like regular exercise, healthy eating, and consistent sleep, build a foundation for well-being. On the other hand, poor habits, such as procrastination, unhealthy eating, and lack of exercise, can slowly erode our well-being.
The Temptation Battle: Gym vs. Dunkin’ Donuts
Across from one of my local gym locations is a Dunkin’ Donuts. This juxtaposition perfectly illustrates the daily battle between good and poor habits. On one side, the gym represents discipline, health, and long-term benefits. On the other, Dunkin’ Donuts symbolizes immediate gratification and the allure of indulgence. Every day, we face choices that either strengthen our good habits or reinforce our poor ones.
Start, Stop, More of, Less of
When it comes to habits, it’s I’ve found the key is to identify what we need to start, stop, do more of, and do less of. Here are some examples:
Start: Incorporating a routine that sets a positive tone for the day and week.
Stop: Mindlessly scrolling – approach things with intention.
More of: Daily intentional outreach.
Less of: Procrastination.
The Journey of Habit Formation
Habits – poor or good – start out as a thin thread and end up being a strong cable. This transformation to good doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistency, patience, and a clear understanding of the goal. By focusing on small, incremental changes, I’ve found you can gradually build habits that support your desired outcome.
I’m sure you’ve read Atomic Habits. If not, grab a copy and dig in.
Habits are powerful. They shape our actions, influence our decisions, and ultimately define who we are. By consciously cultivating good habits and eliminating poor ones, we can create a business and life that aligns with our values and aspirations.
Every small step counts, and over time, these steps weave together to form the strong cable of our daily routines.
Habits – poor or good – start as a thin thread and become a strong cable.
Angela Duckworth said it well, “At various points, in big ways and small, we get knocked down. If we stay down, grit loses. If we get up, grit prevails. Grit and self-control are related but are not the same thing.”
How to get “gritty?” Duckworth identified 5 ways:
1. Pursue Your Interests: Find something that genuinely fascinates you. Passion fuels perseverance.
2. Practice Deliberately: Embrace mistakes and setbacks as part of the learning process. You’ll make errors when you practice, but that’s how improvement happens. View frustration positively—it’s a sign of growth.
3. Clarity of Goals: Be crystal-clear about your ultimate goal and align smaller goals with it. Clarity helps maintain focus and commitment.
4. Make Your Work Meaningful: Seek ways to infuse purpose into your tasks. Even minor adjustments can make your work feel more fulfilling.
5. Practice Optimistic Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with enabling thoughts. Encourage yourself during challenges.
Duckworth said, “Grit isn’t fixed—it’s something you can develop over time as you keep pushing forward.”
Like many proud parents, I love celebrating my sons’ achievements—even if one chose the UCSC Banana Slugs over the UCI Anteaters! But today, I’m tackling a different kind of “ant”—the Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) that can infest our minds.
Coined by Dr. Daniel Amen, ANTs are negative thought patterns that can sabotage our well-being. Dr. Amen’s inspiration came from a literal ant infestation in his kitchen, a stark reminder of how these mental pests can overrun our minds, stealing our joy and clarity.
Every thought triggers a chemical reaction in our brain. Negative thoughts—like sadness, hopelessness, or anger—release chemicals that can cause physical symptoms like clammy hands, muscle tension, and rapid heart rate. They can also impair our judgment, learning, and memory. Conversely, positive thoughts release chemicals that promote relaxation and mental clarity.
So, how do we exterminate these mental ANTs? First, we need to identify the common species:
Fortune Telling: Predicting negative outcomes without evidence (“I’m going to fail this presentation”).
Mind Reading: Assuming you know what others are thinking (“They probably think I’m incompetent”).
Guilt Beatings: Using “should” or “must” to create feelings of obligation and self-criticism (“I should have done better”).
Blame: Shifting responsibility to others, preventing personal growth and problem-solving.
Labeling: Using negative labels to describe yourself or others (“I’m a failure,” “He’s a jerk”).
Here’s a simple three-step strategy to crush your ANTs:
Catch It: When you notice a negative emotion, pause and identify the thought behind it. What are you telling yourself?
Name It: Determine which type of ANT is at work (fortune telling, mind reading, etc.). Giving it a name helps you recognize its pattern.
Challenge It: Question the validity of the thought. Is there real evidence to support it? What’s a more realistic or positive way to view the situation?
Example:
Thought: “I’m going to mess up this meeting.” (Fortune Telling)
Challenge: “I’ve prepared thoroughly. While things might not go perfectly, I’m capable of handling whatever comes up. Focusing on the potential negative outcome is only making me more anxious.”
By consistently practicing this three-step method, you can weaken the power of ANTs and cultivate a more positive and productive mindset. Don’t let these mental pests control your thoughts and emotions. Take charge and reclaim your mental well-being.
“Onward and upward” is a mindset that requires optimism, empathy, curiosity, and action.
Optimism is the ability to overcome adversity despite the circumstances.
Empathy is understanding situations from another’s perspective with no judgment. The ability to choose to respond rather than to react.
Curiosity. To be effective, be curious: curious about how people are feeling, curious about why things happen, curious about the future, curious about steps to take to navigate difficult waters.
Action. The winners are the doers. Talk is cheap; action speaks.
When we make changes by design vs. default, we can craft a future that supports the growth we deserve.
