Think Huge by Mark Arnold

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!

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!

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!

Taking Enrichment Days

Last week my wife and I went to the Texas State Fair. On a Friday. Yes, we both played hookey. Or as my wife noted, we “took a marriage enrichment day.” It was wonderful. We both have incredibly busy professional lives not to mention the juggles on the home front we have with two teenage daughters. We don’t always take the time we should to focus on our relationship.

So we ate a ton of fried food (final count: two corny dogs, one funnel cake, one order of fried guacamole, one homemade lemonade, several pieces of free toffee, and a few free “burger bites). We also had a total and complete blast just being best friends.

When was the last time you took an “enrichment” day? At least every six months or so you should pause personally and professionally to focus on the important people around you.

Here are some personal and professional examples you can do:

Personal

• Take a week day off to spend with your spouse or significant other. Burn one of those precious vacation or PTO days just to play with each other.
• Go camping with your kids. There is something magical about being in the outdoors that brings families together.
• De-plug for a whole day. That means no TV, no e-mail, no texting, no phone calls, etc. Just take a day without technology and clear your mind.
• Do a new activity with your loved ones. While we go to state fair every year, this was the first year we rode the sky tram. It was fun just to do something different.

Professional

• Take some time to brainstorm outside the office. It’s important to “get away.” Even from the office, the computer and the million things on your task list.
• If you manage people, do something unique with your staff. Take them on an extra-long lunch, do a fun activity with them, meet with them without an agenda, etc.
• Catch up on your reading. If you are not taking time to read, you are not growing.
• Engage with your co-workers outside the office. Go to happy hour, grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks, or meet for breakfast. But get to know them away from work.

My wife and I are still recovering from all the fried food we ate. However, we’re already looking forward to our next enrichment day in the Spring.

Think Huge!

What is Your Legacy?

Many people paused a few weeks ago when Steve Jobs died. It makes us realize that even the “great ones” are mortal. We are all in this world for a short period of time. The question becomes, “what will we do with the time we’re given?”

Consider what others said about Steve Jobs:

• “Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world.”—Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook Founder and CEO
• “The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come.”—Bill Gates, co-founder and chairman of Microsoft
• “Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined.”—Bob Iger, CEO of Walt Disney Co.
• “Today the world lost a visionary leader, the technology industry lost an iconic legend and I lost a friend. The legacy of Steve Jobs will be remembered for generations to come.”—Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Inc.

What will people say about you when your time comes? In other words, what will your legacy be? Think of your legacy on two levels: personal and professional.

From a personal perspective, the legacy you leave your family will have an impact for generations to come. My grandmother turns 100 next year. While she isn’t a Steve Jobs, her impact is amazing. When we celebrate her 100^th birthday, the room will be packed with children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, extended family members and friends. Like some said about Steve Jobs, I can also say the same about my grandmother: she will be remembered for generations. Will you?

From a professional perspective, the legacy you leave your co-workers also has an equally profound effect. In all honesty, you won’t be remembered for what you accomplished. You will be remembered for who you impacted. The way you treat others, the time you invest in mentoring someone, the respect you give your peers and the way you conduct yourself at work speak volumes about your character. What will others say about you in the workplace?

Steve Jobs changed the technology industry, the music industry, the cellular phone industry and the entertainment industry. His legacy is indeed deep and wide. So what will your legacy be?

Think Huge!

Appreciate the Nuances in Others

 

 

Do people bug you? Do certain people bug you? Do some things people do bug you? Odds are you can’t be around anyone long before something they do probably gets on your nerves or annoys you. No matter how much you love them or respect them, everyone is different. Everyone has their own nuances and quirks.

Instead of letting those traits drive you crazy, what if we just laughed them off and celebrated them? I was reminded about this point recently while conducting a Think Huge workshop for one of my clients. Since one of the think huge principles is “think people” I asked the audience who in their life would they like to spend more time with.  One person shared that she wanted to spend more time with her aging mother. She went on to say that her mother calls her every day right after work—even if she was rushing out the door to get her own kids.

“There were times those phone calls would drive me crazy,” she said. “But then I realized there is going to come a day when my mom won’t be able to call and talk or won’t be there to call.” What used to drive her crazy (those redundant phone calls) she now looks forward to as a way to connect with her aging mother.

Think about your own life. Are there family members (wives, husbands, kids, parents, grandparents, etc.) who have annoying habits or who take up much of your time? Instead of seeing them as an annoyance, let’s treasure them.

How about at work? Are there people there who drive you crazy? Next time you encounter them, look at the positives they bring to your organization instead of the negatives. Celebrate your co-workers instead of bringing them down.

We have a choice: we can see the good in people or we can see their annoying faults. Let’s choose to cherish rather than criticize.

Think Huge!

Five Statements To Help Those Around You Feel Special

 

My lovely wife is a first grade teacher. Every day she teaches her class to read, to write and to do basic math. While she is an outstanding instructor, Michelle is known for pouring her life into her kids and for giving them abundant love. At the start of this past school year, Michelle’s principal asked her to speak to the school faculty about how she communicates that love for children to her kids and to their parents.

So Michelle developed a presentation she called “5 Statements to Help Your Students and Parents Feel Sensational.” These are all things she says on a regular basis in her classroom. The sayings are ones I believe we can all use with those around us (co-workers, spouses, friends, kids, etc.)  to improve our relationships. Below are those statements along with Michelle’s explanations about them.

(1)    I am interested in you and I really care—Everyone wants attention (yes, everyone!). Attention means time plus energy we give someone. We can give positive attention, negative attention or no attention. Telling someone you are interested in them and really care about them communicates that you value them. And everyone wants to be valued.

(2)    You are my favorite—Don’t we all want to be someone’s favorite? Michelle calls every single ones of her classes each year “My favorite first graders.” That is an unconditional statement. Even though some years are better and easier than others, the label remains. When she approaches her students with this mentality, it makes a difference in her attitude about teaching each day. She says the label enough that both her and the students believe it.

(3)    I am on your side—No matter who we are dealing with, how important is it that we convey to them, “I am here to help you.” Whether it is parents or students, Michelle communicates that she is for them and not against them. Think about your personal and professional settings: who do you need to let them know that you are on their side?

(4)    I expect your best because I know you are capable of greatness—There is such a sense of greatness when students rise to the highest challenges and are successful. When we expect mediocrity form those around us, they never feel worthy of higher achievement. What are you expecting from those around you?

(5)    I will see the best in you—Positive labeling professionally and personally is critical. Everyone in your life needs to know they are special for one reason or another. Look for and focus on the natural gifts of those in your family and co-workers.

You don’t have to be a teacher to use these statements. But using these sayings will improve your relationships with those around you.

Think Huge!

Replacing Old Traditions with New

It officially happened this week. My kids became too old to have dear old Dad walk them into school. If you have kids you know the time honored tradition: walking your kids into their classroom or school that first day. For the past 12 years, I’ve walked one or both of my girls into school. But not this year.

My oldest daughter is a senior in high school so my days of walking her in has long passed. However, my youngest daughter hit 8^th grade this year. So “adios” to dad. A mere “Have a great first day,” hug and peck on the check as she exited the car would have to suffice. As I texted my wife (a first grade teacher), “First day in over 12 years have not walked in with one of girls...that stinks (okay I didn’t use the word “stink” but this is a family blog).

So I could sulk and cry about that tradition dying—or I could try and start a new one. Now I’ll be honest: I have a long way to go when it comes to being a father and husband. I travel too much and am preoccupied with work too much. But I do know this: traditions matter.

So as our kids get older we’re going to have to come up with new ideas. While some traditions may die due to aging children, we have to replace them with some new ones. Since I typically take my youngest daughter to school long after my wife and oldest daughter leave in the morning, we’re going to make sure we have a “daddy/daughter” breakfast in the morning. A new tradition we started is going out for breakfast (if you can call a donut shop “going out”) on Fridays. I may not be able to walk her into school on the first day, but I can at least treat her to some donuts.

So for you parents who still have grade school children, cherish these moments and traditions. And for us old-timers, let’s come up with some new ways to connect with our kids.

As I wrote them in their lunch notes, “You may be a senior (or 8^th grader), but you are still Daddy’s little girl.”

Think Huge!