What’s your gratitude plan for your business?

I wrote this in my journal one day a while back: Thanks, Happy-Giving!

Then, during the winter of 2007 I sat down with Jim - a mentor of mine - for one of our quarterly breakfast meetings. While we ate oatmeal (him) and pancakes (me), Jim asked me a question that I’ve still been answering almost every day.

Have you ever walked away from a meeting with someone KNOWING that that conversation had the potential to change everything?

Here was the question he asked, “Jason, what’s your gratitude plan for your business?"

I had a business plan. A financial plan. A marketing plan. I even had a “hire-a-freelancer” plan! I had a customer care plan, as well as a product development plan. But…a “gratitude” plan?

 

As a social psychologist, I study interconnectedness. I write down hypotheses and then I go do my research. I read studies, I interview experts, I find information and statistics that prove (or disprove) what I set out to find. Well, this one discussion almost 9 years ago was one of the most “interdisciplinary” ones I’ve come across.

Here’s that question, and I invite YOU to answer it:

 

What’s your gratitude plan for your business? 

Click HERE to share this question...

In a blog post titled, Brain, Consciousness, Gratitude and Productivity, I write about the interconnected and interdisciplinary condition of studying the “Three -ologies” that I spend my life helping people like you understand. The 3 are:

1. Psychology
2. Sociology
3. Technology

To read that post (Brain, Consciousness, Gratitude and Productivity) just visit this page...

Want to grow more this year? Here are three ideas...

If you're going to be any different, any more productive and any more (by your definition) successful, watch your associations. The people you spend time with, they'll jack you up and push you further...

...or they won't.

Want to grow more this year? Here are three ideas...

1. Think in a place you won’t be interrupted for 30 minutes.

Reserve a conference room, or find a quiet(er) corner of a cafe. Go there with a pen and a journal to think deeply about a big, long-term project. You’ll get more quality work done in a shorter amount of time if you protect yourself from interruptions by (1) other people, (2) your own workspace and (3) your technology.

There are two reasons to do this:

(A) you just may be interrupted fewer times during that work session, and
(B) you just might interrupt those you work around a bit less!

One of the most significant impediments to getting things done during the day is the constant “task-switching” people have to do going from one interruption to the next.

Click here to read the next two ideas...

Do you ever play with words?

Ok, if you like to play with words, in a notebook write these:

Motive
For
Action

If you read about the psychology of change and implement changes you identify that would be best for you to make, you’re going to come against “The Motivation Complex.” You’ve know what it feels like. Maybe it was when you set a personal “New Year’s Resolution” that only lasted a couple of months (or weeks). Perhaps it was a promise you made a boss - or a partner - that you couldn’t keep.

The first time I “unpacked” that word motivation was way back when I was a high school teacher. After school one evening, I was working on a way to get the students to understand their “WHY.” (This was LONG before Simon Sinek gave his famous TEDx Talk, and wrote the best selling book, “Start With Why.”) Just a couple of years before that I’d earned my Master’s Degree in Education (from the University of California) and I studied the impact of personal connection to new information.

My question to you is:

“Are you personally connected to what you’re doing?”

It’s a big, important question. And, the more you answer it using SPECIFIC examples, the better off you’re going to be. And, the more able you will be able to practice a new routine.

Look, if you’re going to build a new routine it means you’re going to change WHAT you do, HOW you do it, and probably even WHEN it gets done. And, as you already probably know, “Change is HARD!” So, identify and then tap in to your Motive For Action (or, in this case Motive For Change).

I’ve got two questions to ask yourself about the experiment you run as you start that new task/action/practice:

Is this an INTRINSIC move?
When people are intrinsically motivated, they hear a voice, they have a feeling, they “just know” it’s time to do something. (If you want an example, interview Jodi, the founder of www.NoMoreNylons.com about her journey.) When you’re motivated from the inside, you’ll find it impossible to NOT think about what you could be doing. But, you might find it challenging to get started.

Is this an EXTRINSIC one?
Is the world outside - or, just one person - pushing on you to get something done? Are you being “encouraged” by an outside event or circumstance? When you’re motivated from the outside, you’ll continue finding examples AND reasons to get started.

No, you might not need any motivation. But, when you clarify your motive for action you’re that much closer to building everything up to another level.

Ready?

Motivation...So much less than Momentum

You’re here for so much more than trying to get “balance” between life and work.

Now, you don’t want to be more productive. That would mean you’re just staying busy...

You want momentum. 

You want to feel engaged, get more done every day, and still have overflow at the end of the day and week so you can do more of what you were put here on the planet to do. 

I wrote about this in a bit more depth over here...

If you could save time, lead better and get more done...

When you choose people to look up to, what are the qualities you ave in mind?

And, if you could save time, lead better and get more done with influence, would you want to?

If those two questions are interesting to you, wait until you find out what the next Get Momentum theme is all about:

The Intersection of Strategy, Leadership & Productivity

According to MIT Sloan Executive Education,

"A recent survey of more than 400 global CEOs revealed that the ability to execute strategy was their number one challenge, ahead of innovation, geopolitical instability, and top-line growth.”

Oh, and here’s that third question I promised:

How important would YOU say executing strategy is to you?

In order to get you thinking strategically, I suggest you visit this page, and explore THESE questions...

Questions to Ask Yourself

If you have attended one of my seminars or read Your Best Just Got Better, you know I like to ask questions. Every month, during the Get Momentum master class, I ask a few BIG questions.



Here are three I asked members to ask themselves earlier summer:

Are there projects I need to think about both strategically AND tactically?

Would I be better if I knew the secrets of productivity other great leaders know and practice?

Am I running out of time, energy and focus to get everything done by year-end?

The people you lead, the customers you support, the outcomes you manage...all the success you experience will come down to how you answer (and, how truthfully you answer) those three questions.

In the comment area below, let me know the question that MOST stands out to you today. I'll pick one of you to receive a free one-month membership at http://www.GetMomentum.co

It’s Monday, a GREAT day to ask yourself 5 questions

There are 5 questions I hope you’ll ask yourself right now:

• Do you need to control your overwhelming projects list - at home AND at work?
• Do you wonder what you might be missing, that other successful people already know?
• Do you need clarity and focus in my life?
• Is it time for a “Productivity Makeover” for your work/life balance? 
• Are you 100% certain you are "on the right track”?

I believe you are committed to having a successful career AND a high quality of life. You really want to have it all, be it all, and do it all.

But, you’re struggling. 

You don’t have time to get everything done. You don’t have the energy you need for your family at night, or your friends on the weekend. And, you can’t seem to focus on your priorities because of all the “fires” you’re putting out all the time.

One thing you know about me is that I don’t follow those "get rich quick schemes” AND, I don’t believe in working myself to death.

This is why Jodi and I started The Jason Womack Company. It’s also why we are writing our next book together. It’s called "Get Momentum: How to Start, When You're Stuck" by Jodi Womack and Jason W. Womack (Wiley, 2016)

You see, I believe in personal success. I want a profitable company that I look forward to working in each day. AND I want to be efficient enough, so I have TIME to be with my family, play, cook, travel and you know… have a life!

In April of 2014, Jodi and I created the Get Momentum program to coach you. For more than 2 years, we have taught these “Leadership and Productivity” techniques to clients around the world.

You might be wondering, “Who IS the kind of person who joins the Get Momentum Academy?

Well, we don't seem to share the traditional demographic categories as a group like: age, gender, career titles...

Who IS the kind of person to join Get Momentum?

1. People who positively influence people
2. People who aspire to create something meaningful
3. People who know there's more to BE in the world, than just doing all the time
4. People who thrive as they learn and practice better habits
5. People who have super-interesting hobbies and love their side projects

Go back to the top of this email, and re-read those 5 questions. 

Let me coach you for one month as you build better, more sustainable answers to the questions that I know keep people up at night.

If this sounds like you, check out which Get Momentum level is right for you. 

I encourage you to sign up before this Wednesday, so you can attend the live Master Class webinar. You can find out what we’re studying this month AND sign up right here. 

 

What if you start doing things to ensure the people who work around you feel empowered?

Are YOU ready this month? (August, 2015) Well, you’re in for a treat: at Get Momentum, you’re going to explore the reason, strategy and tactics necessary to create an “empowering” workplace for yourself, and for others.

Efficient, Effective, Engaged, Empowering...

This month’s program is especially designed for those of you who work with a team. I’m talking to you if you’re at least somewhat responsible for watching the growth, development and goal-achievement process of colleagues or direct reports at work? 

And, if you’re wondering, this ABSOLUTELY plays out at home as well.

Are you “on someone’s team” as they take on more and more responsibility and work on “their life’s work?” 

In 1998, my step-mom, my aunt and my grandmother were all diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Yeah, it sucked. Over the subsequent 17 years, I’ve learned and re-learned one important lesson:

WHO we surround ourselves by will go the longest way in creating:

• Why we do what we do
• What we do
• When we do it
• How we are while we’re doing it
• Where we go about doing it

One of the (many) responsibilities of an effective leader is to “sense” when people around them are feeling (or acting) dis-empowered. It’s not always easy, in the day-to-day busy-ness of life, and the incredible pressures of managing life, to take the time to “listen intuitively” to notice whether or not people around you are giving their all, if they’re 100% “bought in” to your vision and the mission.

What if, instead of trying to guess, you simply start doing what you need to ensure that the people who work around you feel empowered, say they're engaged, work effectively and work efficiently. Look, your organization doesn’t have a “Productivity” problem; you have a “working-together-together” problem.

 

If you’re a member, click here to start your program now. Not yet a member? Here’s a :42 second overview (video) of the FIVE skills you’ll learn this month.

 

 

Credit to the Team

A credit to what I've learned from Jason and people in this group.

I went on a very nice vacation out of the office, and prior to leaving, set up a briefing for the day I returned. All plans were laid out.

The briefing was scheduled for 3:30 the day I got back. I finalized my prep, and then my boss walked in and said the brief had moved up to 1:30 and asked if I could rush my prep. Without hesitation I was able to say, "Yes, I'm ready."

The only way I was ready is due to the lessons I've learned from those around me, most especially those in this group.

Nikolas Chapapas 
Chief, Civil Engineering Operations Branch 
Kirtland AFB

 

Sharing my individual challenges with newfound friends really pushed my comfort zone. I was soon to realize that many have gone through the same challenges, sharing how they overcame them. My awareness of what I am doing, why I am doing it and how I communicate have grown exponentially, which has helped in all my relationships. It’s a wonderful kickstart of how to live with focus, productively and not just studying it.

Jason Thompson
Operations Manager & Loan Officer
San Luis Obispo, California

 

Get Momentum has helped me craft the lens that I use to create focus in not just my work but my life.

 

Ryan Speed
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 

THE Executive Coaching and Professional Development Academy

Get Momentum is the Executive Coaching and Professional Development Academy you join if you want to make your best even better. In one year, you’ll be a better:

Leader

Visionary

Individual Contributor

Join today, membership prices increase tomorrow.

Click here to chose your membership level.

+90 spots left for members to join Get Momentum

Imagine, a person “executive” coach who holds you accountable AND supports you as you achieve more in life, and at work. That’s Get Momentum.

Join a group of people who’re making things happen; become a Get Momentum at current prices. 

Join now, and save...

If you’ve been waiting to work with an executive coach AND you know that your workload and life-load is going to be even more demanding over the next 12 months, click here to learn more about Get Momentum.

(PS: New Members receive +$200 worth of bonus materials in their first month of membership!)

I propose managers and leaders lose momentum because... (5 reasons!)

Surely, names like Peter Drucker and John Wooden come to mind. Obviously, you’ll also consider Mother Theresa and Ghandi.

I get it; they were incredible people. They changed the world, right! Now, let’s talk about everyday greatness.

When I think of “everyday,” I think of things like like being the best friend, parent, neighbor, boss, colleague, community member you can be. 

I want you to rest your head on the pillow at night and ask yourself just ONE question:

“Was I at my best today?"

WOAH! Stop reading right now...

 

 

Yes, I mean it...

ONLY keep on reading when you've answered that question 5 nights in a row. 

And, when you DO answer that question (written out in your own handwriting, on a notepad next to your bed) call me and I’ll walk you through a 30-minute Executive Coaching debrief session.

I propose managers and leaders lose momentum because (1) they AND their team lack discipline. I define discipline as: 

a system of rules of conduct

There are reasons you AND they are not disciplined. Among them are:

(2) They second-guess their direction
(3) They put off achieving milestones until the last minute
(4) They consistently seek new/extra information
(5) They aren’t 100% clear on the destination

If any of this rings true, let’s talk about enrolling your team in Get Momentum for a year.

Things will get better. You have my word.

Are you ready for your Summer Vacation?

Ok folks: good news, and then some bad news.

1. Here’s the Good: Summertime means vacation time.

2. And the Bad: According to a recent survey, most people who took a vacation didn’t unplug while away.

Actually, 25% said they worked every day.

In June and July, Jodi and I took 8 days of vacation, 5 of which we did NO work at all. 

We didn’t make a single call or send even one email. We didn’t work on the website, or write an article. We did no work. We hiked in Ojai, biked in Lake Tahoe and kayaked through the roaring rapids of the Rogue River in Oregon. 

Want to see a picture of me on the last rapid? Click here...

How did we do that? We talked through THREE important issues. If you’d like to read what we did, click here...

Momentum: The feeling of moving forward on a goal

We’ve just published a 34-page eBook that teaches you how 8 successful Get Momentum members create the conditions necessary to succeed at work…and in life.

Would you recognize it if you saw it? The feeling of momentum...

You know, when you get an idea, implement it, and it works! You get that blog post or chapter written. A customer leaves a raving review of your service online. The manufacturer you’re working with gets you what you need on time AND on budget. 

Wouldn’t it be great if you knew how to create momentum? 

You can learn how other people do it right here.

If you could just manage time...

During the day, you have all the things you’d like to do, and some of the things you have to do…And then, the things that actually get done. What are THOSE things?

• How come you always seem to have time to work on a project that is due tomorrow?
• How come you have time to fill up an “almost empty” gas tank?
• How come you have time to pay that extra fee because you missed a payment deadline?

On a scale of 1-10, how busy would you say you are?

• 1: No busy-ness here.
• 5: Waves of stress, but manageable.
• 10: I haven’t had time to sleep, and am pretty much in “anxiety-mode” 24/7

If you know you need to change things up a bit, attend a class I’m teaching on Time Management. You can register for right here.

If you want more time, you've got to sign up for this course.

Start with Who

There’s a lot of press out there about “purpose” being at the core of our productivity and our engagement - in our work, with our life. Lately (and by “lately” I mean for the past 12 years or so) I’ve actually held a contrarian view.

Start with Who

More than two decades ago, I sat next to a girl in a college history class. We chatted about the professor, we shared some notes back and forth, we both passed the class. Now, we’re writing books, running companies, and changing the world. She IS the YIN to my yang.

I write all about it right here.

A better man

A year from now, how good will you be as a MAN? Seriously, add 12 months to your life RIGHT now, and ask yourself, 

“Who do I need to be better for?"

June is the month men will celebrate fatherhood, being a husband, perhaps even watching a child graduate.

It is a month that generally marks the beginning of summer, more time during the day to make a difference in someone’s life. 

And, in June, I’m working with a few good men who want to Be Better.

6 lessons. 4 weeks. One conference (via video class). 

And, a simple promise:

“You’ll learn how to Be Better."

How important is this? Just look at the statistics here...

As you sit down to think through the “presentation” you’ll make...

You’ve been assigned a new project at work, or perhaps you volunteer for a local not-for-profit organization. Either way, you have some important phone calls to make, or you have a meeting coming up, or - maybe - they’ve asked you to lead a workshop next month. As you sit down to think through the “presentation” you’ll make (on the phone, face to face, or from the stage) you find yourself thinking, “Am I ready for this?"

This month at Get Momentum we’ve published the information and activities you need to be a better, more effective presenter.

Be Seen as a Leader

• Do you talk to clients on the phone?
• Do you manage meetings with small groups of people?
• Do you ever “take the stage” and present in front of large groups?

If you have something to share, and an audience to share it with, you need to improve your presentation skills.

In fact, research from Harvard Business School shows that leaders who develop certain mindset-based techniques as they prepare for discussions, meetings or presentations are more likely to be viewed as having “expertise, competence, and commitment” and “someone others want to follow."

It may be vital to your personal and professional success to be able to present your ideas proactively.

People make snap decisions about your quality based on how confident you present yourself.

I have a short quiz that will help you focus on improving your presentations.

Click here to take the quiz.

Whether you’re talking to a someone important on the phone, leading a team meeting, or standing on stage, getting better will have a big impact on your career…and your life.

“Momentum: the impetus gained by a moving object"

I mean, do ever take a few moments to look at what’s been created out there and wonder? Do you ever think, “There’s something more for me to be making…”?

The reason I ask is threefold:

First, I found out last week that a dear friend of mine in Italy lost his father in a terrible work accident. I just can’t imagine. One day his dad is there, the next day…Gone. My thoughts, and prayers go out to him and his family.

Second, I read a quote attributed to Michelangelo recently, “The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we hit it.” Is it time for you to reset what you’re aiming for, and hit a few of those goals?

Third, I’m listening to a book by Stephen King, and there’s a line in there that I’ve had to re-play about a dozen times:

“Stopping a piece of work just because it’s hard is a bad idea. Sometimes you have to go on when you don’t feel like it…"

I’m in NYC this week, racing a triathlon next week, and traveling to Europe and the south of the United States in May. All along, I’m continuing to share this message of #Momentum.

“Momentum: the impetus gained by a moving object"

Someone asked me yesterday if I’m an artist.

I thought about it for just a moment and replied, “My art is in words and action...”

I hope you’ll read, hear and say some words today.

And most of all, I hope you’ll take some action.

 

#CoffeeChat in New York City on Sunday this weekend. Click here to see what that means!

the Network That Will Change Your Future

Do you have the best network?

After you hang up the phone with a friend, read an email from a colleague or text someone you’re meeting later...How do you usually feel?

If you don't energy, enthusiasm and opportunity from at least a few of the conversations you have...

 

Are you hanging out with the right people?

Every month that ticks by marks the passage of time, the one “non-renewable” resource that every entrepreneur wishes they had more of. Maybe it’s time to use your time better, and choose wisely with whom to spend it. Maybe it’s time to cast your vision just a little further out in to the future.

Are you “on purpose” with your focus on success?

A mentor of mine once told me, “The life you have, the friends you can count on, the books you read, and even the restaurants you eat in, will come down to the five people you spend time with this weekend. Choose them wisely, because their recommendations and ideas influence you more than you can imagine.”

There are THREE things to consider as you move in to the future you want to see:

1. First impressions matter.

More than “what you do,” people will walk away talking about “who you are.” The next time you work on how you introduce yourself, consider writing it from their perspective. Write out a few lines (no more than a paragraph) that you’d want someone to remember after their first conversation with you. Practice it five to 10 times, and then edit it for the next five to 10 people you meet.

 

...for the next two tips, click here.

Are you working together...Together?

Good morning from Birmingham, Alabama. Today’s my birthday, and I’m looking forward to sharing gifts today! I want to get one to you, first...

Ok, the secret is out: I’ve been looking forward to this month’s Get Momentum module for a long time now. I said to my wife, Jodi at lunch the other day:

“This is kinda what I’m known for…"

April's Get Momentum module is about Time Management.

But not just how YOU manage time. We’re going to focus on how those around you manage time, too.

Here’s the funny thing about time management trainings that I have observed over the last 16 years:

The people who need time management training the MOST, don’t make time for it.

We’d like to help make your life a little easier, if we can.

When you study the tips and executive behaviors of great time management with your friends, coworkers and even your spouse, you improve your skills faster than if you try to implement these tactics on our own.

We made a PDF called the “Conversation Starter” that you can share with your team. And yes, your spouse can be your “team” even if you don’t work together…

***WARNING: If you introduce this (or anything) to your spouse, frame it as a way of helping YOU get better, not as a criticism of them not doing it right. Just sayin...

By now, you know that I love hearing how you're doing. So visit this page and let me know what happens when you share this PDF.

Cheers from Alabama,

Jason

PS: You can share this PDF with everyone you work with. Because when you fill out the quiz and talk for 5 minutes about it with your co-workers, you’re going to come up with an idea on how to manage your time better.

And, that’s what Get Momentum is all about. Working better together.

PPS: Have you reviewed the Leadership Development curriculum we’re teaching at Get Momentum? Here’s the link...

 

 

Today...The 90th day of the year.

Can you reflect back on how you felt at the end of last year?

Did you create a list of “Goals and Objectives” for 2015?

Today is the 90th day of 2015.

I have a question I hope you’ll ask.

And, if you click reply and answer this question honestly, I’ll invite you to a private online seminar.

Here are the numbers: 8,640 blocks of 15 minutes have already been “spent” this year. That’s it. They’re gone. That time can never be recovered.It doesn’t matter how you managed it…it’s gone.

Ready for this? 25% of 2015 is behind you; you have 9 months until you'll celebrate “the new, new year.”

Between now and December 31st, what will you see?

1. The stock market will go up & down.
2. Presidential candidates will rise and fall.
3. Local communities will have good stories…and some sad ones…
4. and more...

Today is the 90th day of 2015.

• Are you a better leader today than you were last year?
• Are you a better employee today than you were last year?
• Are you a better parent today than you were last year?
• Are you a better friend today than you were last year?
• Are you a better spouse today than you were last year?

Remember how you felt at the end of last year? Remember when you created your “Goals and Objectives” for 2015?

Some people pick a word to focus on for the entire year. Did you?

‘Growth’, ‘discipline’, ‘trust’, ‘confidence’, ‘no’.

Others pick a phrase, a mantra, a statement. Did you?

Still others create lists of "THIS year I’m gonna…” statements. Did you?

‘This year, I’m gonna get promoted to manager” or ‘This year, I’m gonna get in shape”.

Look, I’ve tried those techniques, and they all work…

…when I work them.

WHEN I write that word every day and focus on it, it works. WHEN I keep a note card with my mantra on it where I can see it, it works. WHEN I reflect (weekly!) on the professional and personal goals I’ve set, it works

Today is the 90th day of 2015.

That’s right, 8,640 blocks of 15 minutes have gone by this year.

I want you think right now about how many of those blocks of 15 minutes you’ve dedicated to becoming:

• a better leader
• a better employee
• a better parent
• a better friend
• a better spouse

As your coach, it’s easy for me to be better today than I was yesterday. (By the way, that’s who you want coaching you, right? Someone who’s already better at this than you are. In this case, that’s me.)

1. It’s easy for me to start work everyday with a clean desk, because I end each day identifying my 3 MITs for the next day. (Page 7 of Your Best Just Got Better)
2. It’s easy for me have no emails in my inbox, because I deal with my emails using every bit of information I’ve researched and reported over the years. (Get Momentum Module: Technology)
3. It’s easy for me to delegate the work I have that engages my team members, and equips them to take on bigger projects and more responsibility every few months. (Chapters 5 and 10 of Your Best Just Got Better)

Getting better is what you measure every 90 days.

Since today is the 90th day of 2015, I encourage you to take stock of how things are going AND to sit down to do some big thinking about the next block of 90 days.

Where will you be at the end of the next 90 days?

I have one question for you. If you click reply and answer the question, I will invite you to a private online seminar. It will be 25-minutes long. It will ONLY be for people who answer the question I’ll write below. This one question could change your life.

Actually, I personally guarantee that answering this question AND attending the online seminar will change your life.

Here’s the question, I dare you to answer it:

“90 days from today - that will be 29 June 2015 - where do you want to be better?"

Visit our “contact page," answer with a paragraph or more, and you’ll get access to that private, online seminar as soon as it's announced.

 

PS: Here is that question:

“8,640 blocks of 15 minutes from today - 29 June 2015 - where do you want to be better?

A list of leaders to watch (from the AMA)

Date: February, 2015

Appearance: The 100 Leaders to Watch in Business

Outlet: American Management Association

Format: Magazine

 

The American Management Association (AMA) recently published its list of the top 100 leaders who are expected to most influence business in 2015.

 

I am honored to be included on the list.

 

You'll know if it's time...

Get Momentum is a coaching program that is helping people around the world improve not just what they do…but HOW they do it. The powerful membership program is designed to support you to take full advantage of the things only you can do… so you’ll have everything you need to do what matters most.

When you want to achieve more, you need to surround yourself with great minds.

How do you find these people? You can join the Get Momentum movement.

Be more productive with Get Momentum. Learn how to Work Smarter, Think Bigger, and Achieve More.

With the Get Momentum community, led by co-founders Jason and Jodi Womack, you’ll make progress on both strategic and tactical levels.  

Check out more details at Get Momentum.

 

We want to help you make it bigger and better, but it all starts with you.

 

Get Momentum is here to help you with that.  

Whether you’re running a company or coordinating your family...

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been under the misconception that:

what food you eat

how much you exercise

and the quality of your sleep 

Is what equals 

= 

health + wellness

But here’s the thing, after dozens of coaching calls with GET MOMENTUM members this month, we noticed 3 recurring facts:

1. Everyone KNOWS the RIGHT answers... We're supposed to eat healthier, exercise regularly and sleep more. But we still don’t do it!

2. Everyone mentioned someone else in their life that has an impact on their habits: a spouse, kids, coworkers, clients.

3. Everyone knows that EASY wins every time. If frozen pizza is easier than steamed veggies, then you’re having pizza for dinner!

This month’s focus at GET MOMENTUM is "Your Wellness Advantage."

Here's the deal:

I'm not going to tell you how to eat, drink, move or sleep.

There are literally dozens of magazine, books and experts on each of those topics.

We find the behaviors and mindsets to make the best practices for your wellness to actually occur MUCH MORE FASCINATING.

Whether you’re running a company or coordinating your family sitting down together at the dinner table, you have to have a strategy.

During tomorrow’s 60-minute GET MOMENTUM Master Class titled “Wellness: The Leadership Advantage" Jason and I will coach you in best practices:

1. To create a 5-day experiment to track your progress.
2. To prepare yourself for a difficult conversation - because if you do this the way we're going to coach you - you're going to rock the boat.
3. To prioritize your wellness improvements, starting now.

Join GET MOMENTUM today and attend tomorrow's live Master Class.

You’ll be glad you did.

Have you taken your "Leadership Quiz" yet?

Well, here I am thinking of the IMPORTANT topic of leadership sipping on a latte in a small cafe in Quito, Ecuador. 

Over the past week, I’ve met with emerging leaders in the emerging markets of Miami, Chile, and Peru. I’m here for the day (before heading off to the Galapagos tomorrow), speaking and answering GREAT leadership-development questions that are rooted in the book, www.YourBestJustGotBetter.com.

I’m wondering if you would like to take a “Leadership Quiz” over here on the Get Momentum blog? I think you’ll like it...

But more than that, I dream that you’ll use it to build your own “Leadership Dream."

Here’s the quiz...

when are YOU done?

 

“Womack,” my baseball coach yelled, “Run through the base every time.” I remember like it was yesterday.

 

Watch a baseball game long enough to see a player hit the ball and run through first base. Then, think about the connection to learning: You’re done after you finish, not as you finish.

 

In the learning world, seeing something “through to the end” is a valuable leadership skill. Two examples of “running through first base” are:

 

1. Researching a quote.

2. Following up after meetings.

 

Does your presentation include a quote by someone famous?

 

Years ago, a seminar participant asked me: “Who was that person you quoted?” My heart sank as I admitted I didn’t know. She shook her head and said, “Why didn’t you spend a little extra time researching it?

 

Now, when I find a new quote to use, I spend a few extra minutes learning something about the person who said it. 

 

Soon after you finish a meeting, two things are about to happen:

1. Everyone forgets the finer details of the discussion; and

2. Everyone prepares for their next meeting.

 

After a meeting, you have a unique opportunity to make a lasting, positive impression. Wait too long, and you miss the opportunity. Follow up in a meaningful way.

 

Build a follow up plan for each meeting or presentation. Schedule time to debrief your notes and reach out. The mark of a leader is the ability to “see something through.” 

 

Practice it as a learning leader and watch how people respond.

You, your thoughts, your future

When was the last time you heard someone say, “Can you believe it?”???

And, when was the last time YOU said it?

In my experience, when people say that, it’s because they saw or heard about something they CAN’T believe is actually happening. Right?

Oh, and one more thing, when someone DOES ask that question, they usually aren’t really asking for an answer to the question…it’s usually said in some “matter-of-fact” way that gets people to look/pay attention to something that (quite frankly) doesn’t deserve the attention it’s getting!

Have you ever thought about CHANGING what you believe is possible? I have; and, I wrote about it over here. You see, oftentimes people are stuck and they don’t even know it/recognize it. In fact, they look around and realize, “this is just how it is.” Well, I’m here to share my version of reality with you: “It could be different."

There are 5 ways I know of to build a mindset, find the environment, and build the habits you’re going to need to:

• See it
• Believe it
• Achieve it

You can read (and) watch all about it right here. I wrote that note, linked to the video, and added a few pages from the book for you there. I hope you enjoy!

Connecting creativity, arts and workplace performance...

It’s amazing what people ask…There’s so much value you will find if you raise your hand and “wonder aloud” like a Get Momentum member did recently. She is leading a global team of customer relationship managers, and she wrote in to ask:

Is there a connection between appreciation of (or participation in) the arts to creativity in the workplace?

There’s a LOT to that question, so I wrote a lot over at the Get Momentum blog (click here to read more…)

I especially appreciate what Steve Jobs wrote, “Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because the didn’t really do it, they just saw something."

Click here to read the post...

“What are you working on?"

How fast, and how far, are you going?

A colleague of ours in Omaha, NE sent an email a while back. In there, he listed out a few questions for Jodi and I, and this is the one that got me thinking:

“What are you working on?"

On the one side, I can get all proud of myself and make a LONG list of my areas of focus, my projects and deliverables, and the oh-so-many tasks I have to do...

On the other hand, I had to stop and think. Several journal pages later, I wrote this question “Who are you working for, Jason?"

This changed things up a bit, and thinking continued. I wrote down the names of people, of associations, of communities, and of organizations. I was positively overwhelmed.

Positive: consisting in or characterized by the presence or possession of features or qualities rather than their absence.

Overwhelm: have a strong emotional effect on

Did you ever see that Brene Brown TED Talk on Vulnerability? (LINK here) In her work, Brene poses very specific questions. As you read these two, I invite you to identify “your own who.” That is, think about the people around who impact/affect YOU being the best you you can be...

How do we learn to embrace our vulnerabilities and imperfections so that we can engage in our lives from a place of authenticity and worthiness? 

How do we cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection that we need to recognize that we are enough – that we are worthy of love, belonging, and joy?

So, here’s the answer to that question:

We just launched our 21st Get Momentum Theme at www.TimeToGetMomentum.com. 

The Get Momentum Coaching program is for a global community of leaders. It is the most exciting product we have to offer.

Each month we serve as coaches to leaders, entreprenuers and friends around the world. What do we do? We identify a “Leadership Skill" that we all need to improve such as "Public Speaking," "Managing Meetings Effectively," or even "Health and Wellness Choice Making."

Throughout the month, we offer a Master Class online, a one-on-one coaching call, and a Momentum Module workbook that members write in as they learn how to Be Better.

On top of that, http://www.WhereIsWomack.com, I travel around the world leading workshops on topics of Leadership, Momentum and Creativity in the Workplace. But, again, it’s not necessariy the “What?” of what I’m doing, but the “Who?” I get to work with throughout the journey. 

Get Momentum attracts life-long learns, self-starters, and people who know that they make a difference every day. 

Make Every Meeting Count

It's the first Wednesday of 2015, and I'm heading to a "calendared event," call it a meeting if you will...

And, I'm writing specifically to invite you to join Get Momentum today.

Can I tell you why?

Recently, the Wall Street Journal reported that there are 11 million meetings held every day in America. How many of those did you attend or lead?

Have you ever stopped to ask, “What does a successful meeting look like?"

Do you have big decisions to make this year? This month?

Are the meetings you attend as effective and efficient as possible?

This month, leaders like you are becoming more effective Meeting Managers.

Get Momentum members worldwide are learning the secrets of more successful meetings.

Click here to download the ENTIRE Get Momentum Leadership Coaching curriculum.

 

There are FOUR areas leaders need to focus on to become excellent meeting managers. This month, we cover how to:

Prepare for an effective meeting

Lead an effective meeting

Attend an effective meeting

and Follow Up effectively

 

Imagine if your meetings were more efficient and effective.

Join Get Momentum today and you can attend tomorrow’s 45-minute Master Class titled: 

“Plan, Lead and Attend Better Meetings."

I know that meetings have a bad reputation. Think about it, everyone loves to complain about meetings. But here’s the thing…meetings aren’t going away anytime soon.

 

And Get Momentum members I’ve talked to say they spend 20-30 hours a week planning and attending meetings. If your schedule is anything like this, you know how consuming and important it is.

Having more efficient, effective and productive meetings could save you 20% of the time you’re currently spending. That equals 4-6 hours that you could get back into your life.

During tomorrow’s Online Global Webinar “Master Class,” Get Momentum members will learn:

1. How “Decision Fatigue” negatively affects your ability to lead effectively.

2. At least 3 of the 5 skills effective managers know about running meetings.

3. The impact that “Checklists” - and examples - have on meeting management.

 

AND, studying the month-long Momentum Module this month, you’ll learn how to effectively plan and prepare for a meeting, keep the meeting on track, manage any problems that arise, and properly follow up afterwards.

There is plenty of time to sign up as a member so you can be on the live Master Class that's happening this Thursday, January 8th. We present the Master Class as a webinar twice each day, once early in the day, and once in the evening…we RECORD the Master Class so you can watch it later when you have time.

 

Basic monthly Get Momentum Membership is just $99/month. I know you'll get more than 10X the value you pay to be a part of it.

Click here to join...

3 Ways Leaders Build Trust

People work better with people they trust.

Effective leaders know that there’s a lot to be gained (and learned) from listening, but they don’t always have the time to “go there.” Three questions make it easier to build trust at work.

1. What do they need?

When meeting with someone, it’s easy to fall back on traditional “negotiation skills” as you seek the end goal. On your way to the meeting consider their needs, and where they are coming from. This is a way to build rapport without really having to “do” anything.

2. How can I notice them? 

Most of the people you interact with are starving for positive attention. Specifically, they want to be noticed for the contribution they make, for the good work they do. Notice what people are doing and catch them doing something right. Acknowledge them with a specific example of how their work is helping the company.

3. What “worry” is on its way?

During an especially difficult part of a hike I was on last year (the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim, 52-mile/2-day Grand Canyon event) one hiker was struggling. He did not stop talking about hard it was. So, I asked him to tell me what he could imagine his kids (ages 9 and 13) would be doing in a decade. He refocused his energy! For 2 hours, he thought and talked, hiking through the difficult uphill section of the climb.

Effective leaders notice when the people around them could use a little support, need to be noticed, and are challenged by what’s right in front of them. It’s your job as their trusted leader to make it easier for people to do their best work.

Practice asking these three questions, and see how it improves your interactions this week.

So, what ARE reputation economics?

I bought and read the Kindle edition of “Reputation Economics: Why Who You Know is Worth More Than What You Have” during the few weeks after Joshua and I began emailing each other back and forth in late 2014. And THAT was after I’d seen his TED Talk on “Crows” years before, heard him speak live in Camden, Maine at the PopTech conference, and followed him for a while on Twitter.

Before I read someone’s book, I like to know a little about them if it’s possible!

While I was reading Josh’s book, I emailed him to ask if he’d ever have time to meet while I visit New York (I’m still working in The City 3-5 days per month…). Success! He said yes. So, I read and highlighted my way through his latest book. I highly recommend all the Get Momentum members read this book; it offers a user-based case study on WHY we need to be conscious of our “Reputation,” both personal AND professional.

“So what are reputation economies? It’s actually pretty straightforward–they’re exchanges that use more (or other) measures than just financial currency.”

 

...to continue reading this FBR, click here