W.I.N. Wednesday: Lessons From Life's Most Powerful Question - The courage to quit.
"Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak.. sometimes it means you are strong enough to let go."
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Within the National Speakers Association one of the most talked about keynote presentations was one delivered by Joe Calloway at an NSA conference about ten years ago. The topic of that presentation was, "What do you need to let go of?" Joe challenged everyone in the audience to become aware of what they were holding on to that no longer best served them or their clients, and then let go of those things. For speakers that may be old speeches, old PowerPoint slide decks or old products.
I had heard about this talk for years and when I finally watched the video of that presentation it had a profound impact on me. One of the questions Joe asked that resonated with me was, "What are you good at, that you feel trapped by?" That question made me realize that regardless how much we try to convince ourselves otherwise, if we feel trapped we will never be truly great in that area, never do our best work and as a result fail to best serve our audience. Watching that presentation caused to pause and think about what I needed to let go of, to give up on, to quit. It made me realize what I felt trapped by that I needed to stop doing. As a result I made the decision to step away from some of the seminars and presentations I was delivering. When clients called, I let them know I was no longer providing that training and recommended other speakers and trainers who could best serve their needs. As hard as it was to walk away from that income it brought a powerful sense of freedom. I have since used this strategy in other areas of my personal and professional life.
What about you? what do you need to give up on? What do you need to let go of? What do you need to quit? What are you good at that you feel trapped by?
Is it a job? Is it the excuses you make about why you don't eat better, exercise regularly or get enough sleep? Is it the stories you tell yourself to justify spending too much time at work and not enough with your family? Is it a relationship? Is it outdated ways of thinking? is it the way you treat other people? Is it your spending habits?
Being a quitter has a negative connotation in our society. However, as pointed out in the opening quote, sometimes it takes great strength and courage to quit and walk away. Joe Calloway inspired those who heard his message to have the courage to let go.
Ask yourself Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?
What's Important Now? Determine what you need to let go of, what you need to quit in your life.
What's Important Now? Find the courage within you to walk away from the thoughts, behaviours and habits that are getting in the way of your pursuit of personal excellence.
What's Important Now? Allow yourself to feel good about the choices you made and the actions you took. Celebrate having the courage to quit.
Take care.
Brian Willis
Committed to the pursuit of excellence through Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?
Contact me at winningmind@mac.com to arrange for me to speak to your team, your organization or at your next conference.