LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Goals convert vision into ENERGY." Dave Ramsey

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

This month I want to explore some ideas around PROJECT MANAGEMENT. Pretty exciting theme for a summer month, but I'm finding myself looking for some tools to help me get some things done over the next few months.

Thank you for your comments. I asked you to share some thoughts, and I received some great notes that I'll share below.

My friend Alan shared an article he had written on "The Big Rock Theory" and I'm sharing it HERE because he makes some really good points about the idea. Check it out and check out all of the content on his website. Thanks for sharing Alan.

The quote above from Ramsey isn't the quote I was looking for, but it's connected.

I attended one of Ramsey's EntreLeadership Conferences years ago, and really appreciated his approach to leadership.

At the conference, Ramsay made this statement (or it's what I heard him say)... something like:

"Goals are your vision in bite-sized chunks"

When he said that, something clicked in me.

I've always been a proponent of GOALS, of S.M.A.R.T. GOALS, but connecting them directly to the vision I was working towards was a new concept.

The quote above really goes in line with that idea, in that goals bring ENERGY to your vision, and that's so true.

How does this relate to project management?

I think we (or ME) often do great defining a project, a task, a goal, but it doesn't connect to the big picture. It's a task, and sometimes it's not connected at all to where I'm trying to get to.

One of the most important aspects of Project Management is actually determining what you're going to focus on and why. If you don't, then you waste time, energy & resources and you don't get closer to your ultimate goal.

Years ago, before email and internet were created, I had an idea to create a leadership network. I was 22 years old, I hadn't really thought through why I wanted to do this, but I woke up one day and just decided to give it a go. I spent about a week finding mailing addresses, writing letters, inviting people to join this emerging network of leaders in Los Angeles, but I failed to answer this really important question: WHY?

This became really apparent as the response was dismal. People couldn't understand what I was trying to do, they wouldn't commit to anything, and while I waited patiently for some of the 350 responses to pour into my newly rented mail box address, by the time I received my first (of 3) responses, I had grown bored of the idea and was moving onto something else. The 3 responses were all asking questions about WHY this was important. The reality is that this idea didn't connect with anything I was working on at the time in my life, it was simply an idea that I acted on, invested some money and lot's of time into, only to have it fade quickly away, while all I was left with was a bunch of stationary for a now defunct networking group.

Funny story... a few years later another group launched a similar network, and I joined it because their marketing was compelling, and they articulated the purpose much clearer than I did. I participated with them for years in this network of leaders.

Lesson learned: Know how the project, the idea, the task connects to your bigger purpose, your goal or your organizations goals.

How do you create ENERGY through the projects and tasks you're working on?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"If the big rocks don't go in first, they aren't going to fit in later." Stephen Covey

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

This month I want to explore some ideas around PROJECT MANAGEMENT. Pretty exciting theme for a summer month, but I'm finding myself looking for some tools to help me get some things done over the next few months.

I know how I can be the most productive, but there are times that I just allow some bad habits to sneak back into my work life and it messes with my ability to focus on priorities and to manage the most important things to completion.

Of course, trying to do this while the World Cup is on is a problem, but I'm talking about "managing the time you have left AFTER watching your favorite World Cup Match!"

Stephen Covey talks about "BIG ROCKS" in many of his books, and often he's uses the terms of "priorities" or "first things first" interchangeably.

He shared this video illustration years ago that best describes his theory of Big Rocks:

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." Jesus, John 15:11 (ESV)

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

Wrapping up the conversation around JOY today. It's been really good to camp out on this theme for a few weeks. READ BACK to see all the posts on JOY. Also, read this book by Matthew Kelly, Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy. It's been good to go back through this book at a "slower pace"!

In John 15, Jesus tells us to ABIDE IN HIM. He's telling us that when we abide (when we REMAIN) with Him, He will help us understand what joy is all about, not just simple joy, but FULL JOY, the kind of joy that can only come from Him.

We've talked a lot about JOY over the past number of weeks, and this passage and promise just puts it all in perspective.

Jesus is telling us what we must do, he's "commanding" some things from us, but it's not to add to our burden, it's so that His joy can become our joy.

He wants us to live a genuine joyful life, and he's showing us the path to get there.

Read the full chapter of John 15. Love and Joy Abound.

Over the past number of weeks I've been sharing some thoughts and ideas around how to figure out JOY in your life. I've been challenged by the book by Matthew Kelly, and I've become aware of how much my "PACE and RHYTHM" affect my ability to see, appreciate and experience JOY.

However, this passage actually makes it clearer:

"Abide in me, and I in you." (John 15:4)

When you read John 15, what does ABIDE look like and feel like for you? What is He asking of you?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"The speed of joy is the speed that allows you to flourish." Matthew Kelly

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

Continuing on in our conversation around JOY for another 2 weeks.

I've been talking about this book by Matthew Kelly, Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy, and this quote is just a theme throughout the book.

Basically Kelly is saying that Joy isn't found by moving faster - it's found by moving at the right pace for you.

The core idea: modern life pressures us to do more, faster. But joy - genuine flourishing - has its own natural rhythm. When you outrun it (overcommitment, constant busyness, chasing the next thing), you lose it. When you slow down below it (stagnation, avoidance), you also miss it.

"The speed of joy" is whatever pace lets you be fully present, engaged, and growing - not burned out, not coasting. That speed is personal and varies by season of life.

Here's his major takeaway: "If you're not experiencing joy, you might not need to try harder - you might need to slow down."

I won't bore you with more stories about my bird watching! (see last weeks post if you missed it) but that experience last week did something in me that I'm trying to figure out.

Steps from my home office is an incredible back yard. We've been working on this yard over the past number of years and Gina has everything blooming, the landscape looking great and the yard is "flourishing".

We enjoy the yard, and often use it to host our family and our friends, but it seems that the only times I'm using the yard by myself is when I'm working in it. I'm not taking advantage of this refuge we have right here.

The bird watching experience reminded me of this great space that I don't use and appreciate near enough.

This past weekend, I found myself on one of our chaise lounges, not only watching and listening to the birds, but just enjoying the silence around me. I didn't reach for my phone, I didn't have a book in my hand, I just sat in the silence. This led to a short nap which then led to an even longer nap on the couch.

I can't tell you when the last time I fell asleep sitting outside was. It's been a while. I really don't nap, but for some reason, this weekend, it was a gift!

I'm trying to slow down. I'm trying to not be so tied to my phone, to the news, to what's happening every minute of the day. I realize that slowing down isn't just shifting from one pace to a slower pace, but it's actually stopping completely: stopping to catch my breath, stopping to replenish, stopping to just sit in the moment. I'm tired of living at a pace where I continually miss the things that are right in front of my face.

What does personal FLOURISHING look like to you?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Let your joy be in your journey - not in some distant goal." Tim Cook

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

Continuing on in our conversation around JOY.

Apples CEO Tim Cook made this statement during a university commencement address years ago, and it was a simple reminder to the graduates to focus on the process, embrace the present and appreciate the personal growth along the way.

I'm reading this book by Matthew Kelly called "Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy". (Thanks again Brad for the recommendation). There's a short section in the book that is simply called:

JESUS WAS NEVER IN A HURRY

Kelly talks about the idea that Jesus didn't have these words in His life: urgent - busy - hurry

Jesus consistently took time for Himself, He allowed things to play out in front of Him, He paid attention to the things that were most important, He valued relationships, and He didn't mind making others uncomfortable with His time frame to address urgent needs.

The 3-year journey Jesus embarked on was the goal. Yes, there was an end goal, but He took advantage of every opportunity along the way to invest into peoples lives, to commune with His Father, to meet peoples needs and to model love and compassion.

I don't know about you, but I'm in a hurry... a lot! There is always something on my list that needs to be done or an urgent interruption that needs to be addressed.

The words: urgent - busy - hurry are not only attached to my life, but often they are words that people use to define me. I cringe when I hear people say, "Russ, you're so busy" or "Russ, I know you are in a hurry so I'll be quick." What am I communicating to people by my life? What am I living out?

I want JOY to be a part of my "every day" experience and not be the goal that I'm working hard to achieve.

This past weekend, I walked outside to our backyard and I found Gina sitting with her "BIRD APP" open, identifying the different birds that were making sounds in our yard and zooming in and out to get access to the water and food she has for these birds. I sat down, pulled out my BIRD APP (yes, we have a Bird App - see below) and at one point there were 11 different birds in and around our yard. We saw them, we identified the differences and we even got out the binoculars for a different view. What started as a short "good morning" turned into about 30 minutes of just JOY... acknowledging the sounds, the beauty, God's creation that is right here, in my yard.

What would it take for people to say: Russ Was Never In A Hurry?

How are you experiencing JOY in your journey on a regular basis?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"The things that truly bring us joy are rarely things." Joshua Fields Millburn

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

Continuing on in our conversation around JOY.

I asked you a question last week, "What Brings You Joy?". We then started a conversation around JOY and what we can do to find Joy in the midst of a lot of stuff going on in our lives.

I found this quote from Joshua Fields Millburn, and I've been thinking about it for a few days. Millburn is one half of The Minimalists. Millburn and his friend Ryan Nicodemus began when some life challenges pushed them to downsize their "stuff", and that began a pursuit of finding happiness and contentment not in their "stuff" but in simplicity.

I've listened to a number of their podcasts and read one of their books years ago (noted below).

This quote then has some deeper meaning for them, and as I think about it, it definitely has deep meaning for me.

The truth is simple: We often think that JOY comes in the form of "things", and sometimes that is true, "things" can bring some joy, but if I were to be honest, joy comes from and through people in my life, through others, through my relationship with God, through so many things that don't stack up in my garage.

Let me test my theory: I owned a dream motorcycle years ago, a 2007 BMW GS 1200. This is a bike that was built for adventure, and when I purchased it in 2012, I needed some adventure in my life. I had ridden motorcycles in many different parts of the world and the U.S., and I always wanted to own a GS because the South Africa rides I took were so epic on that machine. I had one. It DID bring me joy.

Then it didn't. I got busy. My friend wasn't riding as much (sorry Jim). The bike sat in my garage not being used. I'd pull it out once in a while and something had shifted in me and I didn't find that ongoing sense of adventure and escape.

Finally, a few years ago, I made the decision to get rid of it. I was tired of paying for maintenance, insurance and registration and not riding it at all. I sold it quickly, took the money and purchased a pair of E-Bikes so Gina and I could explore and ride together. Great purpose, new joy.

As I think about that bike, I think I realize that the joy wasn't coming from the actual motorcycle, but it was coming from the comaraderie, the adventure, the exploration of new countries and rides. It was coming from the people that I shared these experiences with, not from the hunk of metal sitting in my garage.

So yes, there was some joy coming from by ability to own and ride that bike, but the truth is, I'm still in relationship with all these guys I've shared the road with. We'll ride again, we'll plan another trip, we'll find other adventure, either on a bike or just in our own aging lives! Cue Wild Hogs Theme Song Here....

Where does your Joy come from?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. Henri J.M. Nouwen

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

This month I want to focus on the word JOY.

Last week, while recording a podcast with a friend, I was asked the question, "what brings you joy"? It was a great question, and it kind of stopped me in my tracks.

Earlier in the week, Gina and I had attended the funeral of a good friend, and while there was sadness, there was also so much joy around the way he lived his life and the influence he had on so many people. It was a broad scope of emotions as we celebrated his life and as we connected with good friends in the process.

I then came back home to a really full and hectic week, and I'm learning that sometimes these transitions from one thing to another need a little time! The truth is, I flew back really early in order to make an important meeting, so I was tired, emotional, and not ready to dive into the tasks that were before me.

In the midst of these transitions, these emotions, this fatigue, and the urgency of things on my plate, we escaped late Thursday afternoon to attend our grandsons first art show at his preschool. (Yes, he's truly an artist). As members of our family came together to celebrate this beautiful child, I was overwhelmed. It wasn't just the art, but it was the love that was being displayed through our family, it was my 2 grandkids running on the grass chasing a ball, it was smiles and laughter, it was cheering and encouragement, it was just pure JOY.

I didn't realize it at the time, but it was so much more than a moment.

It was a reflection of what was stirring in my heart and soul in the midst of everything that had gone on during the week, and I didn't realize it in the moment, but when I reflected back while doing the podcast, that was the first thing out of my mouth when asked, "what brings you joy?".

Nouwen shares this:

"Joy isn't the same as happiness. Happiness is reactive - it comes and goes based on circumstances. Joy is something deeper: a settled sense of meaning and gratitude that can coexist with suffering, grief, or difficulty."

It's a discipline, not a moment and I want to keep choosing it everyday.

What Brings YOU Joy?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"If you spend your life trying to be good at everything, you will never be great at anything." Tom Rath

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

We continue the conversation on STRENGTHS for a few more weeks.

Tom Rath has spent his life focused on different aspects of Strengths-Based Leadership as well as a Leaders Health. His books have had a profound influence in my life over the years and I'm currently reading his latest book, What's the Point, which is a book about purpose.

I shared with you a little bit about my drumming passion growing up, but I have other music interests as well. I play the guitar, bass guitar and the piano a little bit.

Here's the deal, I can pick one up or sit down at the piano and play something. I've learned enough over the years to be able to perform, to play a tune, or even to lead worship, but I never "mastered" any of those instruments. I play enough to get by and to use it, but I'm not good enough to do more with it.

Do you want to know why? Because I chose to be "good" or "decent" at all three, and never put the time into practicing any one of those to become really great.

Sometimes when I'm standing in church or at a concert, I just get lost in the musicians abilities to play their instrument.

We went to see The Eagles (my favorite band growing up) last year perform, and I was standing there in awe of their talent. Don Henley playing the drums, Joe Walsh just screaming on the guitar, and Vince Gill fitting into the Eagles lineup with incredible vocals and guitar playing. Timothy B. Schmit plays the bass so casually, but it drives their music.

These are performers who have spent a lifetime becoming GREAT.

I chose to be "OK".

Do I have regrets? Sometimes. Gina often asks me what instrument I'd like to play in a band, and it always depends on the kind of music they're playing.

I'd like to be able to really play the piano, or to play the guitar the way I see some of these professionals play.

But, I chose other things, other passions, other interests. I chose to develop strengths in other ways that were a good investment in my time.

I could talk to you about my desire to be a GREAT golfer, but that will never happen, so I'll just keep being OK.

How do we determine what to focus on? What to spend time developing? What to invest the energy into?

That's a conversation between you and God. He made you for a unique purpose, and once you find out what that is, you will be drawn to grow and develop in the areas that help you become the best you can be, with His help.

I may never be a world famous musician, but I can still admire those people, I can appreciate the work they've put into developing their skills, and I can stay true to the path I'm on, being the person God has called me to be.

What do you want to be GREAT at? What are you GREAT at? Why?