March 07, 2010
The Challenge:
Do you know who all of your stakeholders are? A stakeholder can be someone that has a vested interest your performance. Be sure to think beyond your business or career. A recent article in Inc. Magazine entitled “Minding the Kids” writes about an entrepreneur parent that makes it a habit to ask for feedback from his children on his parenting performance. For this challenge, choose any of your stakeholders and ask them to give you feedback on your performance.
This task is worth 50-points on your scorecards.
Thought Provoking Questions:
Did you find it difficult to ask for honest feedback? Why?
Were you afraid to hear the results of the feedback?
The Lesson:
It should be noted that a child may find it easier to provide candid feedback than an adult. As adults we hold back because we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings or we believe the questions may be a trap. That being said isn’t it better to hear candid feedback rather than fluff? If you are concerned about getting your feelings hurt, remind the person that you are asking for honest feedback but to be constructive in nature. Also, allow the person enough time to prepare, perhaps schedule a discussion time several days in advance. Do your best not to get defensive, remember that this is their perception of you.
The entrepreneur in the Inc. article could have chosen to read many books on parenting or time management but instead he requested feedback directly from his child so that he knows exactly what he needs to work at. Although it takes guts to ask for feedback, it is one of the best ways to understand how to get better in many facets of our lives.
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”- Ken Blanchard
February 23, 2010
The Challenge:
This challenge is a request from a member of The Mindset Game. Assertive people are those that have the self-esteem to communicate their ideals with confidence. Issues caused by not being assertive most commonly arise at work but can also be an issue with family or friends. For this challenge, define one of your ideals that you feel strongly about. If someone is infringing on this ideal, find the courage to express your feelings without losing your temper.
This task is worth 50-points on your scorecards.
Thought Provoking Questions:
Did you find it difficult to maintain your composure?
Did you think through your wording before delivering them to others?
The Lesson:
When you find yourself being infringed upon it can be difficult because most people would rather sacrifice their own feelings than create a potential conflict. This can even mean you tolerant certain levels of cruelty rather than sticking up for yourself. The ultimate result of this continued stifling of emotion is usually a loss of temper. That is why it is important to address these concerns early and in an assertive manner.
So what is an assertive manner? It is standing up for your rights without going on the attack. It clearly informs others where you stand on an issue and it means communicating in a style that is not passive or aggressive but somewhat in the middle. The only way to know you are being assertive is based on how others respond. If they respond favorably to your request, it is likely a sign that you have succeeded. Keep in mind that it will take time to find your style of assertiveness, and often times it changes slightly depending on the recipient.
“The basic difference between being assertive and being aggressive is how our words and behavior affect the rights and well being of others.” - Sharon Anthony Bower
February 14, 2010
The Challenge:
Keeping a fast paced life can be very taxing on your body. By design, this website has focused on challenges for your mind but it is equally important to develop a plan to remain physically fit. Eating right, exercising, meditation, etc. should all be a part of that plan. For this challenge, create your physical fitness plan.
This task is worth 25-points on your scorecards.
Thought Provoking Questions:
How are you going to keep yourself committed to the plan?
What hurdles will you have to overcome to implement your plan?
The Lesson:
The toughest part of a physical fitness plan is remaining committed to it. If you have not done anything physically for a long time, it will take several weeks to feel the difference in your level of energy. In those first few weeks, you will have to consciously push yourself to implement your plan. You’ll have to fight the urge to relax versus exercise or eat a cheeseburger versus a salad. Stick to it and you won’t regret it.
What you’ll soon find is that you will have greater energy throughout your day, you’ll sleep better through the night and the pace in which you accomplish your goals will be faster. That being said, if you are already very busy, you will have to find the time to implement your plan. This could mean getting up early, getting a babysitter or changing where you eat and grocery shop. For more details on what should be in your plan, check out this article by lifeMOJO. The most important thing is to have fun finding ways to get fit.
“Fitness needs to be perceived as fun and games or we subconsciously avoid it.” Alan Thicke
January 31, 2010
The Challenge:
There is something misleading about being in your comfort-zone both professionally and personally. Although it feels “right” it doesn’t challenge you to expand your capacity. The more often you step outside your comfort-zone, the more confident you will be in your ability to manage the stress of new situations and environments. For this challenge, identify an area of your life that makes you feel anxious or afraid and then find a way to overcome that fear.
This task is worth 50-points on your scorecards.
Thought Provoking Questions:
What area of your life did you choose to focus on?
How did you feel after you challenged yourself to overcome a fear?
The Lesson:
There are many ways to challenge yourself in different areas of your life. The hard part is taking that first step to overcome your fear. Each time you repeat this process it will get easier, and at some point you will no longer feel the same level of anxiety. It’s at this moment that you will know you have expanded your capacity and you will have to find another fear to overcome if you wish to expand any further.
Have fun with this process. If public speaking is your fear, perhaps you take an improvisational comedy class or join Toastmasters. If need be, write a personal development plan as described in my article on WhatCollegeForgot.com and find several areas of your life to expand upon. Remember, you won’t learn new things if you don’t DO new things.
“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”- Brian Tracy