Initiative - Develop a Bias for Timely Action

We can fool ourselves into believing that good intentions and ideas are enough. But developing a sense of urgency and taking timely action is the only way to get things done. These insights will inspire you to move from procrastinating to implementation. And you don’t have to wait until you have everything perfect. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."



What’s holding you back from taking the steps that will help you achieve your dreams?

“Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.” - Benjamin Disraeli, British statesman

“All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action." - James Russell Lowell, American poet

“Talk does not cook rice.” - Chinese Proverb

“Even if you’re on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.” - Will Roger, American Actor

What I Learned from a Hike in the Mountains of Virginia

A few years ago my husband Lee and I were visiting our daughter near Blacksburg, Virginia, where she lived at the time. Alison knows how much we enjoy the world of nature so she suggested that we hike up to McAfee Knob. She had climbed it recently and said the view was breathtaking. Since it was October and the leaves were at their peak, we quickly agreed.

The perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon with our special daughter and her friend.

Except that she left out the part that the hike was really challenging. The climb was steeper and took a lot longer than we’d anticipated. Several times I thought about turning back because my feet started hurting and I was getting winded.

But Alison kept telling us it was “just a little further” so we continued moving ahead. Besides, I wanted to enjoy the view that I knew awaited us.

When we finally arrived at the top, I had Lee take this picture of me next to the sign as proof that we actually made it.

I soon forgot about my aching feet when I surveyed the mountains around us. We stayed for hours just absorbing the spectacular vista.

I sat on a ledge with Alison’s friend for a very long time, and later learned that Lee had taken this photo.

What I learned from this experience:

Any ambitious goal is going to have its rough spots. There will likely be times when you get tired and feel like giving up. You think you can’t go further and you want to quit. But...if you keep visualizing the desired outcome and stay on the path you’ve chosen, you can experience results that are even greater than you imagined.

Cooperation - Work with Others to Achieve a Common Purpose.

Anytime more than one person is involved in a project, you can expect individual differences and maybe even clashes. But a shared goal will make it easier for everyone to work together. Learn what it takes to avoid conflicts and maximize the outcomes everyone hopes to achieve.



How do you deal with differences and conflicts when you're working with a group to get something done?

"Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." - Vince Lombardi, American professional football coach

“If you think and achieve as a team, the individual accolades will take care of themselves. Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” - Michael Jordan, American professional basketball player

“You can have everything in life you want if you'll just help enough other people get what they want.” - Zig Ziglar, American author

 “One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make up a team.” - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, American professional basketball player

Life Lessons from Duke’s NCAA Championship

My favorite sport is college basketball, and Duke is my favorite team, so their win in that amazing game on Monday night was the perfect ending for the season to me.

Lately I’ve been reflecting on why I love that team and Coach K so much. They possess traits I admire and aspire to. Here are a few…

Confidence – I don’t know many teams that are hated as much as the Duke basketball team. I respect that the players don’t let the animosity distract them from playing their best, no matter how hostile the environment.
Lesson: Don’t be so concerned about what other people think, and don’t let their criticism rob you of your own positive energy.

Cooperation – You won’t see any of the Duke players trying to outshine their team members. They work incredibly well together as a team and really look out for each other. They celebrate each other’s special moments and keep their egos in check.
Lesson: When working with others, look for ways to make the most of their strengths. Give recognition and praise freely. Make decisions that take into account what’s best for everyone.

Composure – There were a few times this season when Duke was down by several points in a game. Their response was to stay calm, not rush shots, and just do what they needed to do to even the score.
Lesson: When you’re feeling pressured or upset, the key to responding well to the situation is to maintain your composure. If you let your emotions run away, you won’t be able to think clearly and take the appropriate action.

Effort – The Duke team comes prepared for every game. Champions put in the extra time. As freshman Mason Plumlee said, “Other teams just weren’t willing to go at each other the way we did behind closed doors in practice.”
Lesson: Don’t underestimate the amount of energy that you’re capable of giving to any endeavor that matters to you. Even when you’re tired and discouraged, you can still do more if you keep your eye on what you want.

Life is full of challenges and difficult moments. This insight from Coach K reminds me that the process of working through the obstacles is what defines us.

"There are always those times when you're going to be down, it's how you step through it that makes you the person you are.'' - Mike Krzyzewski

The Epitome of Compassion in an Unlikely Place

I love college basketball, especially the ACC. I’m not afraid to admit that I’m a huge fan of Duke and Coach K.

But in the Final Four game between Duke and West Virginia at the NCAA tournament Saturday night, the scene I’ll never forget involved West Virginia’s head coach Bob Huggins and his star player, Da’Sean Butler.

Butler had just collided with Duke’s Brian Zoubek, collapsing to the court and grabbing his knee. Coach Huggins immediately rushed onto the court when he saw Butler writhing in pain.

The coach knelt over his beloved player, his face just inches away, and cradled Butler’s head in his hands. We couldn’t hear their exchange, but Huggins’ own face and body language told the story.

He was trying to console this outstanding young man, distraught that he wouldn’t be able to finish the game and help bring his team out of their double-digit deficit.

Time seemed to stand still for the coach, as he focused exclusively on comforting Butler. Huggins never moved his eyes from the player’s face as he tenderly stroked his face and spoke encouraging words to him.

The bond between player and coach was palpable, and my eyes filled with tears as I witnessed this amazing display of compassion. Bob Huggins wasn’t concerned about what the people in that arena thought. In that instant his sole purpose was to help this player get through one of the most difficult moments of his young life.

We all have the opportunity to  show compassion and make that kind of difference. But we often miss these chances because our focus is on ourselves…or we simply don’t choose to make the effort.

Next time you see someone in obvious pain, think of Bob Huggins and give your undivided attention to helping that person get through the difficulty. Your act of kindness could make a difference that lasts a lifetime.