Think Huge by Mark Arnold

Driving in the Ruts

After conducting a strategic planning session last weekend for one of my clients I had to drive from the client’s business to Boston. No big deal, right? Actually, there were a couple of problems with the drive. Number one, I’m from Texas so I hate driving in the northeast where drivers are apt to give you a “traffic finger” instead of a Texas wave of the hand. Secondly, I was driving in the middle of a snow storm. And did I mention I’m from Texas?

Needless to say, it was a bit nerve racking. Unfamiliar roads. Multiple highway changes. Inches of snow on the roads. Snowing while driving. Despite those obstacles (which I’m sure are no big deal to you snow birds), I quickly learned an important lesson: drive in the ruts. Once I got on the highways and was able to drive where others had gone, the maneuvering became much easier. It was more like driving in slush or even clear roads instead of snow and ice.

In life (both professionally and personally) we often say “don’t get stuck in a rut.” How often have you heard that tired old saying? After my driving experience, I began to think maybe ruts aren’t all that bad. In fact, there are probably times when driving in a rut personally or professionally might help you. Here are two examples:

• During a crises—To me, that drive was a crises. I was stressed! There are times in life when you will be in a crisis at work or at home. If that’s the case, find some things you can do that you’ve done over and over again and don’t have to think about. We have routines at work and home. When we’re experiencing challenges, it’s not a bad thing just to do the basics (some call this “blocking and tackling). Do the basics in order to reduce the stress.

 

• During the unknown—At times during the drive, I really didn’t know where I was going. I was just hoping to end up at the airport. There are times in life when you won’t know where you are going personally or professionally; and that’s okay. In fact, not knowing every little detail about your life can be a good thing and cause you to stretch. This is also a perfect time to do what you do know (in other words, getting in those ruts).

I’m not suggesting you should do the same things over and over again. As you know, thinking huge is all about pushing yourself to do challenges you didn’t think were possible.  However, there are times when doing the routine—or driving in the ruts—can actually help you.

Think Huge!

Do a Think Huge Adventure in 2012

(Note: Above picture was taken several years ago on a white water rafting trip our family took; our girls have since grown to teenagers!)

Most of us have started the New Year with either resolutions or goals. Hopefully you are still on track in January to make those potential accomplishments a reality by the end of December (that sounds like a long way off but it will be here before you know it).

In reviewing your 2012 goals, do any of them include some type of adventure? They should.

Thinking huge means “going many steps beyond where you are today and pushing past your comfort zone.” If you apply the thinking huge definition to your 2012 goals, that means doing something out of the ordinary. Doing something adventuresome. For example, for my beautiful wife’s birthday this past week we went zip lining as a family. My wife had never done it. After completing the full zip line course and sailing through the air hundreds of feet above ground she said, “It was such a sense of accomplishment.”

Thinking huge means having adventures—now. Don’t wait. Take your kids with you—or don’t if leaving them behind means you’ll have more fun!

The next 12 months offer an ideal time to do something different. Do something bold. Do something you’ve never done. Do something that pushes you. Do something on your “bucket list.” Just do something! The one thing you should never live with is regrets.

Here are some things you can do in 2012 that are adventuresome:

• Go zip lining—Like we did, it’s a fun and fast way to sail through the air. Plus, it helps you get over your fear of heights. Screaming is optional.
• Go hiking—Get outdoors and enjoy nature. You take an overnight excursion, hike the Grand Canyon or simply find a local trail or two. The inspiration for Think Huge came on my hike up and down Mt. Whitney (highest peak in continental United States).
• Run a 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon—While you don’t have to race, enter an event that will force you to train. There is a real sense of accomplishment when you cross a finish line.
• Do something on the water—Kayak, canoe or inter-tube down a river. Personally, I hate water sports. But you may love them. If so, get out and get wet.
• Take a vacation to a new spot—Have you been going to the same vacation destinations every year? Maybe 2012 is the year you can go somewhere new. There is something magical in first time experiences, including first time vacations.
• Travel—The current economy is hard on most family travel budgets.  However, seeing a new part of the country or world is a true adventure. Expand your horizons by traveling.
• Fill in the blank—I left this one blank because your interests are different than mine. But find something that will push you beyond your comfort zone. Something that once you’ve completed it you can say, “I never thought I’d do that.”

So as we make our 2012 tasks list, let’s make sure it includes an adventure.

Think Huge!

Welcoming the New Year with Glad Hearts and Enjoyable Moments

Note: The following post was written by Taylor Wells, Communications Director for On The Mark Strategies.

“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.”
- Benjamin Franklin (writer, inventor, Founding Father)

Although the phrasing may be a bit shop-worn, it really is hard to believe yet another year has passed. These celestial chunks of time we’ve adopted to help mark the passing of the ages seem a lot more manageable in smaller pieces. Seconds, minutes, hours, even days are all chewable. It’s the years that seem to stick in our collective gullets, swallowed only with healthy doses of nostalgia, relief, trepidation and maybe even a few more bars of Auld Lang Syne.

While there are a million authors out there sharing a million well-intentioned stories this time of year, this one couldn’t help but add a few thoughts of his own. Call them an elegiac for time passed. Think of them as panacea, balm for the soul at the end of the annual race. To me, they came in the early morning hours of the last day of the old year, as a torch of promise was passed from 2011 to 2012. Instead of stumbling about for an appropriately effete title, I’ll pass them along as simply as they visited me: Things In Life To Enjoy (in no particular order; sprinkle liberally with your own heart’s calling).

A Good Book

Hardback, paperback, e-book. Whatever format best suits your tastes, dive daily into the rich and varied offerings of the printed word. Whether you’re a history fan, a thriller buff, an arts aficionado or all of the above, embrace reading, learning and enrichment beyond your current boundaries. From the Library of Alexandria to the Library of Congress to your corner used bookstore, books may contain knowledge, but set us free upon cracking their covers.

Music

Make time to enjoy music! Man has raised his voice (and later, instruments) for millennia in praise, excitement, fear and exultation of all manner. An eclectic taste is helpful here, so revel in the joy of notes and voice in the formats that speak best to your heart. Musical spokesman for all things eternal and human, Beethoven, remarked: “Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge, which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.”

Childrens’ Laughter

Music in itself, the laughter of children passes a humbling and promising song to adult ears. We seem at once to connect to long-lost parts of ourselves and to the hope of tomorrow. The pure and undiluted pitch of laughter shared by children is as sweet and moving as any symphony. Whether it comes from your own children, grandchildren or is carried lightly in the air while passing a park or playground, inhale deeply this elixir of youth, potential and innocence.

 

 

Coffee

It’s on my desk right now. Odds are if you’re reading this at work (especially in the morning hours) you have a mug on yours, too. There’s something calming, bracing and ritualistic about our love affair with coffee, that some say has its roots in Colonial America and a rejection of all things royal (tea, for example). Add cream, milk, sugar or drink as nature intended (black!).

Hints of Seasons

In Texas, summer falls like a cruel and unrelenting hammer. Winter, even in our northern-most reaches, is usually a mere weeks-long flirtation with chill. Maybe that’s why the approach of mid-seasons (spring and autumn) holds such a dear spot in many Lone Star State hearts. As winter recedes, longer days, open windows and the crack of baseball bats engross the collective psyche. In a similar vein, the gentle approach of autumn, with its northerly winds, crisp air and (you guessed it!) football assure us that the seasons are proceeding as they should.

Whatever moves you, whatever quickens your pulse, pace or productivity, make time to enjoy it in this New Year. In twelve months we’ll all be a year older (and hopefully wiser) with nothing more dearly added to our makeup than these moments.

The team at Think Huge wishes you the very best for a blessed, prosperous and fulfilling New Year. Now it’s time to cap off the festive run that began on New York City’s streets Thanksgiving morning with that other beloved bookend of the holiday rite: 21 straight hours of The Twilight Zone!

“If in any quest for magic, in any search for sorcery, witchery, legerdemain, first check the human spirit.”
- Rod Serling (writer, narrator, novelist)

Recharge Your Batteries

The year 2011 is almost in the books. It is hard to believe but at the time of this writing there are only 10 days left in the year. Many of us are already winding down and may even be on vacation. Some are already traveling to grandma’s house. No matter what is left on your 2011 “To Do” list I would suggest adding one more item: recharge your batteries.

As I’m writing this post, I’m fighting a cold. I’ve probably been running so much this year (starting a new business, trying to be a good husband/father with an increased travel load), that my health finally caught up with me. I was guilty of not recharging my batteries throughout the year.

Maybe the bears have it right. They hibernate during the winter. While we probably can’t totally shut down everything, it would help us to put our personal and professional lives in dry dock for a few days.

The next 10 days offer an ideal time to slow down. Whether you have to work or have the luxury of taking a few days off, I encourage you to slow down life’s pace.

Here are some things you can do in the next 10 days to recharge your batteries:

• Sleep late (and longer)—We are not getting enough sleep. Earlier this year, I blogged that “Sleep is a Weapon.” The principles in that post are never more true than the end of December. Extra sleep could even take the form of a nap (when was the last time you took a nap—and listening to a webinar while at work doesn’t count!).
  
  
• Play games with your kids—If you have kids, they need you. They need your time. Spending time with them communicates love. My proverbial work “to do” list always gets in the way of spending time with my girls. I need to turn off the computer, close the office door and go hang with my kids.
  
  
• Read a book—How many books did you read this past year (no, I’m not talking books about vampires or spies). How many business or self-improvement books did you read? As you wrap up 2011 I would encourage you to spend some of the upcoming extra time you might have curling up with a good read.
  
  
• Slow down work pace—The reality is many of us are still at work. We don’t have any vacation time away from the office. If that is the case, then maybe you can at least slow down the office pace just a bit. Have a little longer conversation with your co-workers. Spend some extra time goal setting for 2012. But no matter what you do, don’t rush.

So as we wind down, let’s recharge.

Think Huge!

Reading Biographies

“A book can change a life.”
—Bryan Dodge

One of the major tenants of thinking huge is think learning. In fact, if you’re not reading you’re not growing. But what do you read? While there is nothing wrong with a good page turner, motivational books and business books should be a steady part of your reading diet.

Another genre I would recommend is biographies. Sound boring? That’s what I thought until I started reading a few. I was wrong—biographies are actually a great type of book to read and they offer tons of insight. I’m currently reading the Steve Jobs biography. The information I’m learning are just as good as any business book I’ve read this year.

“The most successful people in history have either written books about themselves or have had books written about them,” says Sean McDonald, president of Your Full Potential. “Reading about how others have achieved great things will inspire and motivate you. Why reinvent the wheel? Read about what other successful people have done and o the same things.”

Here are a few suggestions (some specific, some generic) on biographies you should consider:

• Steve Jobs—It’s on the New York Times bestseller list for a reason. I’m about a third of the way through it and I highly recommend it. Jobs obviously is a fascinating character. The book holds nothing back: it shows the good, bad and ugly of his volatile personality. Whether you are an Apple devotee or think Apple is an evil empire, there are tons you can learn by reading more about Jobs.
• Carly Fiorina—This book (Tough Choices: A Memoir) is another interesting read about a unique business personality. The former CEO of Hewlett-Packard shares her rise to the top and subsequent fall. She also gives keen insight on what it is like to be a female in a male dominated industry.
• Presidential Biographies—It doesn’t matter whether you lean left or right politically, the prior presidents make a solid read. Current possibilities include Decision Points (George Bush) My Life (Bill Clinton). Historical biographies (those of dead presidents) aren’t boring: they are engaging. There is lots we can learn from Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt (both of them), Kennedy and Reagan.
• Disney War—While it’s not a biography on a person, Disney War offers details on a fantastic company: Walt Disney. The book gives many details (both good and bad) about Michael Eisner and his management style. It’s a bit long but it provides in-depth coverage during one of Disney’s most trying times.
• Subject Specific Biographies—Think about your hobbies and what interests you. Then read about people who’ve done some cool stuff in this area, For example, I love to run so I’ve read about Dean Kanazes. If you love to cook, check out Paula Dean’s story (it’s fascinating). No matter what interests you or what your hobbies are pick up a book about someone in that area.

Life is about people. So part of your reading life should include reading about people.

Think Huge!

Building Flexibility

This past week, thousands of runners completed a soggy, wet and cold Dallas White Rock Marathon. While I didn’t run this year’s race I was reminded about things runners need to complete a successful race: shoes, watch, sunglasses, hat and rain gear (at least for this year’s White Rock). There is one other item many runners need as well: flexibility. The more flexible you are, the less tight your muscles become and the less likely you are to suffer an injury.

Being flexible doesn’t just make you a better runner—it also makes you a better person.  And during the current holiday season, you might have to be a little extra flexible personally and professionally.  .

• Personally—Let’s be honest: the holidays bring out both the good and bad in families. That’s just life. When you have blended families or are dealing with multiple sets of in-laws and outlaws things can get crazy. Who do you see and when do you see them? Those discussions can cause family strife. Instead of becoming rigid about when and how you celebrate the holidays, what if you bent a little and put others ahead of yourself? For example, my wife, the girls and I always open our gifts together on Christmas morning. But with Christmas falling on Sunday this year our time is going to be a little strapped. The reality is we probably can’t open our presents, go to church, have Christmas meals/presents with two different sets of parents and keep our sanity. So we’re going to be flexible and have our time with the girls Christmas Eve. That will give us more flexibility and allow us more quality time with others.
• Professionally—Let’s be honest: everyone at your place of employment probably wants the same days off this time of year. That can be stressful on the office life. Who gets the prime days? Is everyone treated fairly? The best leaders are sacrificial leaders. I would challenge those of you in management to let your employees have an extra half day to get their shopping and errands done (don’t even count this as vacation time—just give them the extra four hours as a gift). Call it the gift of time. I would also challenge those of you who are not in management to go to your supervisor and offer to work your co-workers’ shifts. Put yourself in their shoes and serve them.

Becoming a more flexible runner means stretching after a run and doing yoga throughout the week. In other words, being a flexible runner requires being intentional. Too many times I’m rushing after a run and I don’t stretch as much as I should. And too many times during the holidays we are rushing about and aren’t flexible personally or professionally. But let’s change that this year.

So how flexible are you?

Think Huge!

Start Thinking of 2012 Goals Now

December. A month to celebrate, shop and spend time with family. We may slow down at work and speed up at home (to get all the shopping done). But whether you tap the brakes or hit the gas pedal in December, we typically aren’t thinking about the upcoming year. We’ll let the New Year’s Resolutions begin in January.

But now is the perfect time to begin thinking of your 2012 goals. You may want to review what you fell short on this year (personally and professionally). You may also want to think about some of the lifelong ambitions you have put to the side lately.

If we wait until January to start planning our goals we waste precious time. Giving proper thought to what we want to accomplish in our work and personal lives requires true thinking time. You don’t want to rush through your goal setting process and just jot down some random ideas. Instead, you should take your time. So take this month for that goal setting time.

Setting your 2012 goals in December means that when January 1 rolls around you are ready to go. For example, instead of thinking about your exercise goals, you can start working on them immediately. Instead of thinking about what you want to achieve professionally, you can start down that path right away.

December is indeed a great month to reflect on the previous year: what we achieved, how we changed, what we missed. But it’s also the perfect month to set the stage for 2012 by setting our goals now.

Think Huge!

What Happened To Thanksgiving?

 
 
 

Note: This post is written by daughter, Elizabeth.This is actually a repost of what she wrote this time last year. It was so good I thought I would run it again (yes, I'm biased). This is the same daughter that will be going to Baylor next year (majoring in Journalism with a PR specialization: same as her father).

Yesterday our family enjoyed a peaceful Sunday at home, which at this time of year naturally involved watching a little football.  Actually, to be honest, for me “watching a little football” usually translates into doing homework during the game and only looking up for the commercials (sorry Daddy!). 

As I viewed the commercials yesterday, I was astonished to find the number that already sported festive color schemes, familiar Christmas jingles (already stuck in my head), and “limited time only” holiday bargains.  It feels like just last week we were bombarded by bags of candy and spooky costumes for Halloween.

So this bears an interesting, and, in my humble teenage opinion, quite disturbing, question: where did Thanksgiving go? 

It happens every year, and each year escalates to another level.  Our consumer driven society spends countless dollars disguising their homes and children into haunting creatures in October, and then one short week later begins singing Jingle Bells and preparing to deck the halls with eight little reindeer. Even though Christmas is almost two months away.  All the while people forget perhaps the most important holiday, which just happens to fall in between Halloween and Christmas: Thanksgiving.

If we forget to celebrate Thanksgiving and simply move right from eerie costumes to wrapped packages, we forget to remember the truly valuable things in life.  We forget to invest ourselves in the people around us, who, when all the gifts are unwrapped and turkey eaten, will be the only ones still around tomorrow to make life worth living.

Though I may only be sixteen and even naïve in some people’s eyes, I have been taught to Think Huge by thankfully savoring every moment of life and, most importantly, the people in it.  So here is my bit of advice:   

This Thanksgiving, try something new.  And, no, I don’t mean a new green bean casserole recipe.  Think Huge and really take the time to invest in all the people at your Thanksgiving table.  Honestly ask them how they’re doing and actually listen to the answer.  Maybe go around and share something you’re thankful for or a goal for the upcoming year.  Whatever you do, savor the day and the people in it before planning where to go shopping on Black Friday.   Think Huge by giving back to the people around you and let them know how much you are thankful for them.

And to my wonderful family, I love you so much and am so thankful for you! 

Think Huge!

A Gratitude Tradition

Last year one of my wife’s co-workers started a “gratitude tradition” at their school (my wife is a first grade teacher). She simply sent an e-mail to the teachers asking them to list three things for which they are grateful. While totally voluntary, the response was heart-warming. It helped personalize the school staff and build morale.

Each person who participated gave three things they are grateful for. Pretty simple. So this year during the Thanksgiving season they are doing it again.

Here is what my wife wrote for the three things she’s grateful for:

1. Two teenage girls who still call me "Mommy," give me fashion and hair advice, and somehow still really want to hang out with me.
2.  My boyfriend...who just happens to be my husband of 23 years.
3.  My team…who I can pray with, confide in, get advice from, laugh hysterically with, and share a common goal to do what is best for first graders.

You can easily implement a gratitude tradition professionally and personally. At your place of business, encourage your co-workers to e-mail three things they are grateful for this year. Before carving the turkey on  Thanksgiving dinner have each person go around and share three things for which they are thankful.

Cheesy—yes. Corny—yes. Unbelievably wonderful—absolutely yes! Don’t be too cool not to show those around you that you are a real person and that there are many things to be thankful for this year.

By the way, here are the three things I’m grateful for:

1. My loving and beautiful wife—who truly makes me a better person.
2. My teenage daughters—who always put a smile on their proud father’s face.
3. My clients—who have helped me launch a successful speaking and consulting business.

What about you? What three things are you grateful  for?

Think Huge!

Giving 100 Percent All The Time

Do you always give 100% to your family and to your career? If we are honest with ourselves, the answer is probably “no.” While the phrase “giving 100% effort” is a cliché, it’s something we should strive for every day. But the reality is we settle for less than 100% professionally and personally. After all, 90% is an “A.” So what’s the big deal if we just give less than 100%?

If 99.99% were good enough:

• 12 newborns would be given to the wrong parents daily
• 880,000 credit cards would have incorrect cardholder information
• 18,000 pieces of mail would be mishandled every hour
• 2 million documents will be lost by the IRS this year

Giving 100% personally is part of thinking huge. Give your best to your spouse, children and significant others. I don’t know about you, but too many times I give so much to my business that by the time I get home I have far less than 100% in the tank to give my wife and kids. They deserve my best. They deserve my 100%. Make sure you are listening, engaging and helping your family.

Giving 100% professionally is part of thinking huge. Give your best to your boss, your clients and your co-workers. Too many times we can let external matters affect our job performance. If we have a fight with the spouse before work we are in a bad mood all day and we don’t do as good of a job as we should. We don’t give our 100%. Work deserves my best. It deserves my 100%. Make sure you are completing your assignments, listening to your boss and helping your co-workers.

Your family and your career both need your 100%. And that is where it gets tough: giving 100% to each. If we split ourselves, then we give 50% to each. That would be an “F.” Instead we should give 100% to each while we are there. When we’re at home, be at home. When we’re at work, be at work. But don’t just “be” at those places. Give your all. Give your 100% to both work and home.

Think Huge!