✏ Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes

One of our most popular blog posts of all time, we’ve brought this one back for a much-deserved republication. Enjoy!

The amount of negativity all around us is no longer empowering us as a society, but instead, it is slowly crippling us in a time where we need to find and acknowledge the progress, gratitude and appreciation for life to set the example for the next generation.

Too many words, not enough action. 

Too many problems, a lack of solutions. 

Too much blame, a disregard for accountability.

Too much assumption, a loss of fact.

Let me emphasize, this is not a political post. Nor do I want it to be misinterpreted as one. This is about self-awareness: an introspection of our own character and how we rationalize both our internal and external awareness in the environment we are in.

Simply put, it is about our decisions.

“Remember, a negative multiplied by a negative is only positive in math — not the real world.

Eric Thomas, Motivational Coach

All of us need to take the time to reevaluate our priorities, values and purpose, to ask yourself, “Am I living up to my own standards each and every day?”.  As adults, each of us — regardless of race, creed, socio-economic stature, education or persuasion — are providing the ground work for a new generation of young adults who will play a critical role in our future development in society.

Do you sincerely believe that our focus is on providing a balance of both positive and negative to teach our children that there is good and bad in the world, but to also elicit the actions of problem solving and healthy, productive discussions to find unity and make an impact on the world?

Our brain is bombarded with negative influences everywhere, especially from the highest influencer, visual data. It is now estimated that upward of 90% of the news, both newspaper and television, is negative content. A 2016 review of all social media channels discovered that on average, 62% of posts and/or comments are negative-biased (statista.com).

We have developed a negativity bias in our cognitive system over time that creates “mental shortcuts” that push us toward the negative in a situation rather than actually processing it, thinking about it, using critical thought and providing an honest opinion. What influences us the most to make these shortcuts? Other people’s opinions.

It doesn’t take science to prove that we tend to lean toward the side of popular opinion as opposed to sticking with our independent belief because we fear being the outcast, or not part of the majority.  Over time, we have lost our ability to generate free and independent thought because what was once a simple discussion with others can immediately lead to a heated, emotional debate regardless of topic. Why are we so quick to attack? When did we lose the ability to listen and discover through others’ knowledge? The fireside chat has turned into protests, violence, extreme threats on social media and a focus by news outlets to intensify the situation by making light of it at every chance they get.

But if you want science to back up my position . . .  

According to Dr. Daniel Kahneman, 2002 Nobel Laureate and best-selling author of “Thinking, Fast and Slow”, people tend to take a benchmark and react to it. It actually takes effort to make an individual act and think rationally to find the support for independent thought processes. His empirical findings challenge the assumption of human rationality prevailing in modern economic theory; however, his research, results and principles are largely used by behavioral psychologists today.

“Life is a reflection of what you think. If your thoughts are negative, the world you see will be the same.”

 

– Leon Brown, MLB player

Time for me to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Here are five ways to make positive changes in your life today that will leave a lasting impression on others, as well as make you a happier person.

  1. POSITIVE MINDSET

Surround yourself with positive people. Make sure those in your life are positive, supportive people you can depend on to give helpful advice and feedback. Negative people may increase your stress level and make you doubt your ability to manage stress in healthy ways. Practice positive self-talk. All of these things will contribute to you having a positive and productive mindset.

  1. DON’T DO IT

You know what I mean — you just need to think about it!  Don’t post on social media when you’re angry, don’t respond unless you grandmother would approve of every word you use, don’t have an opinion unless you have the knowledge and facts to back it up. Show respect and avoid the fight. Only participate if you can clearly see the intent and purpose is for a positive change. It’s one thing to post a sarcastic retort on something you disagree with; it’s another thing to have an intelligent debate while disagreeing.

  1. VOLUNTEER

Think of it like this, “Pay it Forward” and focus on what YOU can do to make a difference. Once you get the motivation to do it, you will see the immediate benefits, and a true leader will find the purpose in getting more invested in the mission. One person can make an incredible difference. Giving and gratitude go hand in hand. The more you practice it, the better you will get at it. I challenge you to take the first step, then pass it on and grow the efforts.

  1. MENTOR

When I say be a mentor, I mean take an active role in discovering what you are passionate about and go inspire others. You can find these opportunities all around you, through schools, community-based mentor programs, your church, YMCA, etc. Regardless of where you choose, mentor a young person who needs direction in their life. Teach them about life, integrity, leadership and the character and skills necessary to succeed. For some of these kids, you may be the only positive figure in their life. You can make a difference.

  1. GRATITUDE JOURNAL

For some, this may seem uncomfortable, but it is no different than journaling. I am a huge proponent of journaling; it allows me to put my thoughts, ideas, concerns, frustrations and questions on paper.  And when I write things down, I am more likely to act upon them. A component of my journaling that I learned from my father was to remember what you grateful for each day. For years, I have made it a habit to write five things down each day that I am grateful for. We all have general ones such as health, family and friends, but look deeper and put thought into it. If I can recognize the things I am grateful for before I go to bed, the odds of me waking up with the right attitude increase.

Don’t talk. Act.

Don’t say. Show.

Don’t promise. Prove.

Make a difference today.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes
More . . .

✏ In Memoriam: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Note: this tribute blog originally appeared in November 2018. In honor of the 3rd anniversary of Vic, Sr’s passing, we are resharing it today. Everything Charge Up has become is because of who he was . . .

A tribute to my father and inspiration: Vic Pisano, Sr.

November 8, 1924 – April 30, 2017

Vic Pisano, Sr.

Today is for you, Dad!  Happy Birthday…

For as long as I can remember, my father always enjoyed his birthday.  He would talk about it weeks in advance to remind us, expressing the importance that we go all out and buy him very nice gifts and celebrate at a fancy restaurant.  He said we owed him for all the birthdays he spoiled us as kids.

The reality was he didn’t care about the gifts or the fancy restaurant; he was happy with anything as long as it was with family.  That was kind of man my father was; family always came first.

Simply put, Vic was an amazing man.

He was what some would call “old-fashioned”, and was a friend to everyone he met. He believed in a handshake and a man’s word. He worked hard, earned his success and helped those in need. He was strong in his faith and knew he would celebrate the day when the Lord took him. He was brave, courageous and full of humility. If he called you friend, you could count on him.

Simply put, Vic was an amazing man.

There were so many lessons he taught us, but what always came first was the importance of family. I have so many distinct memories of my life spent with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. So many of those people from my childhood have passed, but the memories are so vivid. As a child, we spent every Sunday having lunch with my grandparents and the extended family would come in and out of their home as if it were an open house.

There was always a table full of food, wine, beautiful stories, and laughter. When my grandparents passed away, we were fortunate that my father, uncle, and aunt, inherited their love for family by carrying on the traditions of spending every Sunday together as a family, which I now do with my own children.

The saddest thing about losing my father is that he died on a Sunday. I didn’t get to sit at a table full of food, wine, beautiful stories, and smiles. That Sunday would be so different from all of the others. And though it breaks my heart that I didn’t get one last Sunday to tell him I loved him, I know that his Sunday dinner that day was the most incredible and beautiful one of all, more than he or us could ever imagine.

I imagine his first Sunday in heaven was filled with family and friends from years past with tables filled with food, wine, wonderful stories, and smiles. There were hugs, kisses and more love at his dinner table than we as a family could ever provide because he was at the Lord’s table.

I know he looked down on us as we mourned, but in my heart, I felt as if he was telling each one of his children…it’s your turn to carry on. He had taught us so many lessons over the years, and God had the confidence in us that we were prepared and ready to live life without him.

Now that I have accepted the role of continuing the traditions that my dad, my grandparents, and generations before them had celebrated, it’s my turn to teach my own children how important family is. It’s my turn to honor him.

“A father should be his son’s first hero . . .”

Moving forward…

Following his sudden death on April 30, 2017, it was an incredibly challenging period in my life. I knew I needed to work through the grief I was experiencing. And I know it’s precisely what he would have told me. When his birthday rolled around six months later, we decided to celebrate by having a party. He wouldn’t be there physically, but I knew his spirit would be everywhere.

We asked every guest to write their favorite memory of Vic so we could read them aloud to celebrate his life.

What a great party it was! Smiles everywhere, good food, good wine, love, and laughter; all those Sunday nights were. And yes, his spirit was everywhere. It was a beautiful tribute to a man who always put others before himself, and he was loved beyond measure. You could hear it in the words, voices and body language of each person who spoke.

Vic’s birthday celebration on November 8, 2017.
Pictured: The Monday Coffee Club

That evening, I came to the realization that each beautiful, unique and inspiring story needed to be shared.  It would be my honor to carry his legacy forward and dedicate myself to become the man he was.

This is how CHARGE UP came to be . . .

“The gifts that keep on giving are those of his legacy.”

This is the vessel to move from grief to gratitude every day, to celebrate his legacy, and most important, to pay it forward and make an impact in people’s lives the same way he did for more than 80 years. Venture, Lead, Prosper…those are his initials.

If you didn’t have the privilege of knowing my father, I’d like you to learn at least one more thing about him. I can think of no better way to end this than with laughter…

Vic always made family and friends laugh over the years because of a knack he had for what we called “Vic’isms,” and when corrected, he would respond, “Whatever, same thing!”. He would take a word, phrase or sentence, say it wrong, and truly make it his own. Eventually, we needed a journal to keep up, so the “Vic-tionary” was created!

With that, I would like to present you some of my favorites on this special day:

When he called my sister-in-law from the hospital when my wife was giving birth to our second child, Catherine, he told her, “they are going to seduce the baby!”  He meant to say “induce” the baby.

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

He once told us all that he was going to be remodeling his home and would be putting “Gerber” carpet in.  He meant to say “Berber carpet.”

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

We complimented his shirt at a family gathering, and he proudly told us that it was from “Banana Republican.”  He meant to say “Banana Republic.”

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

He was describing a scene of an accident that he passed and told us that he thought it was severe because the police officer was giving the man “UPS.”  He meant to say CPR.

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

While preparing a meal, he told us that we should be using a “SEGREGATED” knife.  He meant to say “serrated.”

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived and I watched him do it.”

I sincerely appreciate you allowing me the platform to dedicate this to my father.

Charge Up, Dad!

I hope you are proud; we love and miss you every day…

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Blessed to carry on his legacy,

#ChargeUp #venture #lead #prosper #legacy #inspiration #gratitude #love #Dad #HappyBirthday

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Andrea Frost✏ In Memoriam: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
More . . .

✏ Your Actions Must Match Your Ambition

As a #ThrowbackThursday treat, we invite all our new fans — as well as our long-time loyalists — to enjoy this encore publication of one of Charge Up’s Top 5 most-popular blogs of all time!

Leadership, like life, is largely a matter of paying attention. It’s the small steps, not the big ones, that matter most. The key is to always move forward. If you have ambition, these steps will add up to success only if you have the actions to match. That’s where the work comes in.

Are you still paying attention?

“Ambition is the first step to success.
The second step is action.”

There are plenty of people with incredible ideas and dreams of success. The problem is, they’re all bark and no bite. The majority don’t act upon their ambitions, because it takes work — and a lot of it. Success is the result of blood, sweat and tears.

It’s the action that separates the weak from the strong. And successful leadership isn’t for the weak. It’s not for those who have insufficient ability and stamina to drive through the adversity of the long journey.Those folks are blinded by the quick win, who are constantly looking for shortcuts to success. They are also lacking in the most important trait of all, patience. Without patience, you don’t gain experience. Without experience, you only have ideas. And ideas without action will never become reality.

The Art Lies in the Execution

This is where qualities such as courage, bravado and vulnerability come into play. What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your ambition? Do you understand the risks involved? Your actions may not be popular in the moment, but you must have the confidence to stick to a well-crafted plan.

Being a strategic thinker will aid you in your quest. Thinking things through and evaluating all possibilities will solidify your actions. Entrusting the right people and empowering those with the necessary skills will also increase the odds of success.

Beware Though — You Will Fail

Those with ambition are willing to fail. They see the lessons within, and will keep trying until they find the solution. They are relentless in their pursuit, and their actions speak louder than words. Others see this, and are motivated to jump in and assist. Teamwork has now come into play — and a leader is born.

Leaders are drawn to leaders. We are a product of who we interact with. If we surround ourselves with ambitious people, it inspires us to go further. And when we recognize the opportunity to contribute to someone else’s success, without regard to our own egos, big things can happen. Either way, allow yourself to eliminate the fear of failure, and the distractions of barriers to reach your end goal. That said, it’s okay to show vulnerability and be human.

Leadership can be lonely at times, but when your actions provide the example and you earn the trust and confidence of the team, respect from your team will be the reward.

 

Take another step forward; just make sure you are paying attention.

Venture + Lead + Prosper

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #fail   #learnfromfailure  #bounceback  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #empower  #motivate  #inspire  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty #ambition #action #stepforward

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2020 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2020 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry). Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Your Actions Must Match Your Ambition
More . . .

✏ Some People Have a Problem for Every Solution

Note: This post — our most popular blog of all time — was first published on September 9, 2018. We’re reposting it for #FlashbackFebruary to reach all the wonderful followers who’ve joined the Charge Up family since then . . .

Remember when negativity was only reserved for certain math concepts or when talking about the temperatures in Alaska? How times have changed . . .

People are bombarded by negativity all over social media, rather than all the good around them. As a result, they become obsessed with negativity. Instead of trying to find balance in our lives, stress and a growing sense of entitlement have given us the authority to be an “expert” on everything, and an unquenchable need to voice our positions from behind a keyboard.

We have lost sight of gratitude.

“Negative people need drama like oxygen.
Stay positive; it will take their breath away.”
– MJ Korvan

Think of it this way: our mind can only think one thought at a time, so changing the negative into a positive eliminates the negative. If we focus on the positive, we have the ability to be more creative, productive, engaging and respected. Practice this every day, and the results will be incredibly rewarding.

What about negative people? You’re either a part of the problem or the solution. If all you do is complain and have a negative aura about you, eventually you will notice that the only people who listen to you anymore are those that enjoy complaining too. You have a choice, either continue complaining or show the courage to do something about it. Be the change, apply the energy you spend being negative toward something constructive.

“Some People Really Suck — AVOID THEM!”

Here are 5 things you can practice daily to change the negative into a positive:

  1. Gratitude Journal: Start each day off immediately after you wake up and write five things that you are grateful for before you start your day. The key is, don’t just write it — keep it in your head and reference it when a negative situation presents itself. You can even write it on an index card and carry it with you as a reminder. Don’t let the negative win.
  2. Be Mindful in the Moment: Learn your triggers, whether it is certain situations or particular people. Develop an internal plan to counter the situation and not fall into the trap of engaging in nonconstructive dialogue. Begin to become mindful of the moment, and don’t feed into the drama. It’s not about having to always be positive, but rather disassociating yourself with the constant negativity around you.
  3. Stop Dwelling: Negativity is no different than any other skill we possess. If you practice negativity, anger and resentment every day, eventually, you will become very good at it and it will become a habit. Look around you — from the newspaper headlines, cable news reports, social media and the water cooler — it seems as if everybody has a bone to pick. It’s time to let it go. Practice constructive thinking and put things into perspective.
  4. Pay it Forward: The quickest way to change your perspective from negative to positive is to simply do something for somebody else. If you can do an act of kindness for someone else, you can’t help but feel optimistic. It’s a win-win situation.
  5. Surround yourself with Positive People: According to Tim Ferriss, one of my favorite authors and speakers, “You are the average of the five people you most associate with.” Take a moment and do an assessment of who that would be in your life. It is critical to understand that these people will have an impact on your mindset, whether positive or negative. With that in mind, make your choices carefully.

Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Life is too short — focus on doing the right thing and make a POSITIVE impact on somebody today!

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#legacy  #hero  #chargeup   #chargeuptoday #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #strongleader   #patience #leadershipjourney  #resilience  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #adversity #areyouready  #leadandfollow  #mentorship  #mentor #venture #lead #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018/2020 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018/2020 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Some People Have a Problem for Every Solution
More . . .

✏ Living An Infinite Life

Imagine life as a game of baseball.

Picture the beautifully maintained green lawn, the smooth infield sand, and the perfectly chalked lines. As a fan, you take in this panoramic view of the baseball diamond and all of your stresses magically disappear. For the players, the ground they will battle is pristine and inspiring. As they cross the lines of the infield, they find themselves lost in the moment.

“Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.”

Yogi Berra

There is a saying in sports that once you enter the field of play, and cross the line from the everyday world into the game, you leave all your worries behind and play for the love of the game. This is how the most successful athletes create a trigger for their mindset to kick in. Once they step on that field, they are in their world, and there are no distractions.

Baseball would be called a “finite” experience.

“Finite” is defined as having boundaries and can measured.

Now, let’s discover a world of “infinite” experiences.

“Infinite” is defined as something limitless or impossible to measure. There are no restrictions. Those that believe in this are the ones that tend to  “think outside the box.”

“To define yourself is to limit yourself. Without labels, you remain the infinite being.”

— Deepak Chopra

It is within this “infinite thinking” that breakthrough and innovation occur.  Without a set of standards defining the boundaries of our imagination, the possibilities are limitless. We have the opportunity to defy all odds by pushing the envelope and getting comfortable being uncomfortable. It is within this space where leaders thrive, and their creativity and passion stand out because they feel completely free.

It is easy to fall into the trap of living through policy and procedure manuals, protocols, flow charts, and traditional thinking – we all do it. However, as old as the saying goes, and it is so true – “If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got.”

Sometimes, the only way you will set yourself apart as a leader is to kick the barriers down and starting asking “why.” You know you are on your way to something as soon as you hear the response, “That’s just how we’ve always done it.” That reply is your starting gun to be the one willing to take the extra step and jump off the cliff.

There are no finish lines in life or business. We can always improve on something. There are opportunities all around us that don’t even involve critical thinking, just an awareness that they exist. Be open-minded and see everything in front of you so that you can explore and discover. Bring your teams into the discussions and teach them to go beyond expectations into a world where work becomes a passion.

It is time to tear the walls down around you, and refuse to constrict yourself by a set of standards that society has arbitrarily developed and placed to enforce conformity. Don’t live finitely; step out of that space because you will not learn toughness in a comfortable environment.The only way you will grow is through a mindset of infinity, where innovation and breakthroughs are limitless, and you are in complete control.

That is the life that you were meant to live. That is where complete fulfillment comes from, an expanding world of discovery and imagination where there is no finish line, but rather a never-ending realm of possibility. 

This is you, an idealist who can make an impact and do incredible things.

“Be not afraid of growing slowly; be only afraid of standing still.”

— Chinese Proverb

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#legacy  #hero  #chargeup   #chargeuptoday #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #strongleader   #patience #leadershipjourney  #resilience  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #adversity #areyouready  #leadandfollow  #mentorship  #mentor #venture #lead #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower #buildforsuccess #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humility

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2019 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2019 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Living An Infinite Life
More . . .

✏ Success Math

“Give 100%. 110% is impossible. Only idiots recommend that.”

— Ron Swanson, Parks & Recreation

Let’s review some math rules:

  • A positive plus a positive equals a positive
  • A negative plus a negative equals a negative
  • A higher positive number plus a lower negative number equals a positive
  • A higher negative number plus a lower positive number equals a negative

Now that we have that as a guide, let’s do some “Success Math”.

Why don’t we start with a word problem?

Becky and Mark work together at the same company and have the same management roles. Becky is always focused on improvement and efficiency. She is committed to the goals and objectives of the department and her team has respect for her guidance, support and willingness to go above and beyond. Becky’s goal is to give just one percent more each day, and it’s the same advice she gives her team. As a result, her team is 12% over goal for the quarter.

Mark has been at the company for over ten years, five more than Becky. Mark has had a lot of turnover, but still manages to hit his quotas — barely. He has a set way of doing things and doesn’t like to stray away from that. In his opinion, “why change it if it still works”? Mark spends a lot of his time barking orders and micromanaging his team. They aren’t a cohesive unit. They are currently below goal by 18% for the quarter.

Based off Becky and Mark’s quarterly goals, what is the sum of their results for the quarter?

ANSWER:

+12% + (-18%) = (-6%)

It looks like Mark’s negativity is having an effect on Becky’s positivity!

Even when we strive to give 100% effort in what we do, the difference between good and great can lie within the smallest of percentage points. We refer to it as “the little things.” Trust me when I say that the little things add up. For example, refer to a publicly traded company who announce their quarterly earnings — but happen to be off by 2-3%. In a matter of hours, their value goes down and their investors want to know what they are going to do to fix it immediately.

Let me provide an example more relative to where you may be. If you’re taking the time to read this, I consider you a person who is striving to better himself or herself, so you are a leader in my book. Leaders are always looking for the competitive advantage: any way in which they can improve, innovate, inspire, or discover a breakthrough. I ask this question to those I’ve led in the past to understand the power of competition, “Do you run faster alone or against somebody else?” Of course the answer is against somebody else. That is where you can tangibly see the 1%. If two people train to run the race for a month with the goal of winning, for example, compare the winner’s regimen to the other competitor’s. I bet you will find the 1%. I call that “Success Math”.

“Whatever you do, always give 100%. Unless you’re donating blood.”

— Bill Murray

The more vested you become in committing to lead effectively and efficiently, the more the 1%’s will jump out at you. Whether it is in your own self-awareness — or in the guidance of others you lead — the wisdom and experience you gain with time will become an asset. Want to know how you as a leader can actually apply the principles of “Success Math”? Look no further!

5 WAYS TO DO THE MATH AS A LEADER:

  1. BE THE SOLUTION, NOT THE PROBLEM

It’s easy to identify what is wrong, the challenge is finding a way to correct it – permanently. In other words, a successful leader doesn’t believe in band-aids; they will only pursue solutions. Don’t be “the complainer”; they are a dime a dozen. Instead, look to discover innovative ways — with your team — to identify the problem, discuss it, evaluate your options, and act.

 

  1. BECOME RELENTLESS

Never stop – and this applies to everything you do. Things like learning, teaching, mentoring, communicating, appreciating, pushing, empowering and persevering all matter. If you develop these traits with a commitment to apply them each and every day, they will become habit. True, productive growth comes a result of being relentless.

 

  1. ATTENTION TO DETAIL

It goes back to paying attention to the little things, which usually end up being the 1% difference. Make sure the 1% is in your favor, because if you believe that the devil is in the details, over time, the 1%’s add up. No better way to widen the gap between you and your competition than by focusing on getting 1% better every day.

 

  1. RISK EVERYTHING

Simply put, go all-in. Why play the game if you aren’t in to win it? It’s a mindset, one that directs your every move toward the objective. Play it safe and you risk being average. Take the risk, and the reward will be higher.  The challenge is understanding the risks. Don’t throw darts with a blindfold on, be knowledgeable enough to access the positive and negative aspects of the decision.

 

  1. INTEGRITY ABOVE ALL

It may be last on the list, but is critical. If your end goal is to build a legacy and make an impact, integrity is a non-negotiable. Integrity is an adherence to moral and ethical principles. It will build your moral character and hold you to being honest. Integrity is the type of trait that people talk about — not only when you’re in the room, but when you’re not around. That’s how respect and admiration is earned.

I’ve got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.”

Larry Bird

Become more aware of your surroundings, and find connections with those you lead in an effort to discover every competitive advantage you can. Who knows, maybe you can achieve that 110%?

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#ChargeUp #365 #patience #prevent #success #leadership #RaiseTheBar #impact #BeTheImpact #Lead #authentic #gratitude #PayItForward #mentor #purpose #GoodToGreat #reflection #inspire #empower

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©2019 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2019 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Success Math
More . . .

✏ 5 Strategies to Avoid Burnout

Lately, I have made a concentrated effort to incorporate the appropriate skills, resources and behaviors necessary to not only lead with positive influence, but to be successful in my pursuits as well. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day focus on improving everything around us, yet never looking in the mirror to take care of the most important priority of all — ourselves. If we lose our energized, positive attitude and ability to persevere, we risk ruining everything we have built. But after an extended period of time not putting ourselves first, the inevitable result is burnout.

“Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long.”

— Michael Gungor

Organizations are facing an employee burnout crisis. A recent Gallup study of nearly 7,500 full-time employees found that 23% of employees reported feeling burned out at work very often or always, while an additional 44% reported feeling burned out sometimes. That means about two-thirds of full-time workers experience burnout on the job.

The fact is, regardless of role within the organization, burnout will lead to decreased productivity, frustration with projects, peers and management, and an increase in paid time off.  It has become such an epidemic that the World Health Organization officially recognizes “Burnout” as a medical diagnosis.

All of us are working to be recognized, often to the point of exhaustion. The work week was once considered to be forty hours, but now, with so many people on salary, it is not unusual to find companies expecting at least 60 hours a week out of their employees. We go to great lengths to gain acceptance and approval, so not only is our work competitive, but our commitment – which is judged by time spent – has now become a factor in evaluating the successes of individuals in the workplace.

Work-related stress and pressure are unavoidable in most workplaces. We have now accepted this pressure, even managing subordinates to see just how much they can handle, without any regard for their input. The problem is, the pressure becomes so excessive that it results in stress. Stress does so much damage to an individual — yet too many companies have adopted a mindset that self-care is selfish.

According to the American Institute of Stress, as it relates to the workplace:

  • 40% of workers reported their job was very or extremely stressful
  • 25% view their jobs as the number-one stressor in their lives
  • 75% of employees believe that workers have more on-the-job stress than a generation ago
  • 29% of workers felt quite a bit or extremely stressed at work
  • 26% of workers said they were “often or very often burned out or stressed” by their work
  • Job stress is more strongly associated with health complaints than financial or family problems

source: https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress

The good news is, burnout is preventable. But it requires an effort to recognize the symptoms early and take action without feeling guilty for putting yourself first. You’ve heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” To give your best, you must be at your best and you’ll have the ability to maintain a healthy, successful career.

It’s time to be proactive, not reactive!

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”

— Lou Holtz

Here are five specific strategies to help you avoid burnout:

 

  1. Take Control

We all only have 24 hours in a day, so find the best way to optimize that time to create balance for the priorities in life – including yourself!  Whether it’s through establishing a few goals to achieve each day, To-Do lists, learning to say “no”, evaluating your meeting schedule or setting hard goals on what time you arrive and depart from the workplace, take control and make it a habit.

  1. Rediscover Your Purpose

There was a reason why you started working there; take time to rediscover your purpose and what your original goals were when you began. You may have to ask yourself some tough questions; it is possible that you have either outgrown your environment or need new challenges. That is all part of the journey toward fulfillment — but without a clear purpose, you’re traveling the road without a map. Once you find your purpose again, you will operate with a clear mindset and find the joy in what you do.

  1. Learn To Say No

This will be the most difficult strategy because it will feel very uncomfortable at first. However, it is critical if you are working toward decreasing the stress and feelings of being overwhelmed that you have each day. Start small — maybe you say no to a meeting that you aren’t necessarily involved in. This task may require you to meet one-on-one with your supervisor and discuss your workload. Don’t say what you think they want to hear; be vulnerable and honest. Find a way to achieve a win-win while not sacrificing your stress level.

  1. Exercise

You can always count on exercise as a way to relieve stress. Escape — if only for thirty minutes a day — while at the same time putting in work for a healthier mind and body. We all have excuses, but if you sit down and evaluate where you spend your time each day, I’ll bet you could carve out thirty minutes somewhere. It’s both a short and long-term strategy for success.

  1. Manage Your Stress

I know, it’s easier said than done, but you need to put the research into how you can better manage your stress. Remember, stress is what happens in the short-term before the burnout occurs. Get a hold of the stress early, and you will avoid burnout.This could include meditation, yoga, taking a ten minute break every hour to just walk outside, or go fill up your water bottle and say hello to your coworkers. When you get home, develop a routine to let work go. When you charge your phone before you go to bed at night, don’t do it on your night stand, put it in another room and don’t check it until right before you are heading to work.

Take back your control. Find the trigger that indicates your point of excess, and act upon it without guilt or a loss of pride. In the end, you won’t be remembered for your last project. Your legacy will be born from your character, integrity and impact you made to make the world a better place.

It all starts and ends with you.

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#ChargeUp #patience #prevent #success #leadership #RaiseTheBar

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Victor Pisano✏ 5 Strategies to Avoid Burnout
More . . .

✏ Grow Like the Bamboo

GROWTH.

It is something we all strive to achieve. We look for growth in so many areas of our life: personal, spiritual, relationship, and career. I tend to be realistic when discussing growth because the speed of technology has put us in a position where we lack the skills to develop our sense of patience and no longer respect the process. We live in a society of instant gratification; however, some things can’t be rushed. Success is like Rome — it wasn’t built in a day. Nor was it ever intended to be.

“Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave
while we we’re waiting.”

— Joyce Meyer

When I talk about success, I am talking about achieving your purpose. It goes back to growth, finding your true meaning in life whether personal, spiritual, relationship or career and building it to prosper, as well as sustain adversity. Real growth will require work. It will demand the best out of you every day. You will be responsible for your own integrity, morals, values, and perseverance to establish as a foundation for a fulfilled growth to actually occur. Once this is formed, your individual character is displayed. It is done so because what we believe and is passionate about “inward” will be displayed “outward,” and that is why others can sense the type of person we are from our words and actions.

There is a parable about the Chinese Bamboo Tree that explains the lessons of growth through patience, faith, and perseverance. No different than any other plant, the Chinese Bamboo Tree requires the perfect conditions: water, fertile soil, and sun. What is distinctly different, however, is after one year, there is no sprouting. The second year passes, and there is still no visible activity. The third year looks no different than the first two. The fourth year arrives, and the farmer sees nothing. One would expect despair, frustration, or anger. But to grow the Chinese Bamboo Tree, one must be patient, because it is in the fifth year that the miracle of growth begins, and in a radical way.

The farmer has nurtured this plant for four years, investing time, resources, money and most of all, patience, in not rushing the outcome, but rather respecting the process. The rewards are amazing. The Chinese Bamboo Tree will grow up to 80 feet in just six weeks! Numerous culms, or small hollow shoots, will grow in an entire field. Four years of being stagnant only to flourish in the fifth year? How is that possible?

We tend to judge growth by what is visible and tangible, but does all growth show outwardly? We may spend years developing a skill that is not necessarily one that is required in our current environment, but we are building ourselves up for success in the future. Think about things like integrity, character, knowledge, faith, perseverance, gratitude — all of these are traits that require the same nurturing process of the Chinese Bamboo Tree. That tree didn’t lie dormant for four years. Below the soil was an explosion of roots growing wide and deep, capable of supporting its outward growth once it sprouts.

“Without patience, we will learn less in life. We will see less. We will feel less. We will hear less. Ironically, rush and more usually mean less.”

— Mother Theresa

The lesson lies in patience. When are you building your dreams, goals, and purpose, you must have the patience to overcome the adversity, barriers, fear, and doubt that will accompany the process. The Chinese Bamboo Tree requires a stable base of roots to sustain its height and weight; imagine if it did grow after just one year. The first strong wind of the season would destroy the entire crop. The same goes for each of us as we build our character. We can look for shortcuts and excuses to portray a person who is prepared, but unable to sustain the confidence that they start with. Or, we can trust the process, stay in the present, develop ourselves and grow through experience and lessons learned to  and establish our own roots. Remember, what we establish inwardly will be exposed outwardly. If you live by the mantra, “Fake it until you make it”, I have bad news for you — you will never make it.

Personal growth is not natural; it takes time, focus and a commitment to better ourselves. It is a slow process — in some cases, we won’t see the results immediately, but anything earned is worth it in the long run. If you are willing to be patient and persistent, I assure you the reward will far outweigh the investment. Too often people allow “the process” to frustrate them to the point that they want to move on to where “the grass is greener.” Whether it is a relationship, a job, a team, or school, if we don’t get what we want now, then it’s on to the next.

“Patience is not passive waiting. Patience is active acceptance of the process required to attain your goals and dreams.”

— Ray Davis

Success is easily defined – it is a series of small steps forward. It isn’t leaps and bounds. If you are committed to this process of growth, and if you respect the investment of time and patience, you will develop leadership qualities which will be displayed and reinforced by your confidence, character, and understanding of what it takes to be successful.

Growth is not associated with luck. Growth is an outcome of becoming comfortable stepping outside your comfort zone with a passion and zest to be the best you possible.

Do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humility

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©2019 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2019 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Grow Like the Bamboo
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✏ Always Getting Ready to be Ready

To-do list –

Weekly Calendar –

Appointment Schedule –

Goals for the week –

Everything seems to be in order, and I am prepared to tackle the week ahead. I’ve put the time in to ensure I am organized and efficient. My lists are specific and ranked by priority; this is going to be a great week.

Wait, let me change my To-Do List to add deadline dates. I should probably add in more time for traffic on my appointment schedule. Are five goals too many for the week? Maybe I should list three? Oh, and I’m going to add my personal commitments to my weekly calendar.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

“Focus on being productive instead of busy.”

– Tim Ferriss

Too often we focus so much on the preparation that we waste precious time that could be devoted to attacking the tasks and being productive in a much more simplified manner. In other words, getting organized has made us less productive. We are always getting ready to get ready.

There are hundreds of planners on the market today that are designed and marketed to make our lives more efficient so we can accomplish more.  They have an area for our projects, our goals, a quote to motivate us, habit tracking, a journal, wins for the week, lessons learned for the week, milestones, gratitude lists, and even online support! Do you really need or use those areas? Are you using the kind of planner that works for you?

I SPENT THREE DAYS GETTING READY FOR THE WEEK!?!

My weekly preparation begins each Sunday evening, a ritual I’ve had for years. First, I prepare my calendar for the week. I look at the meetings planned, and on a notepad, write down exactly what I need to prepare for each meeting at least a day in advance.

I add any weekly reports and note any requirements that may necessitate time and outside resources from other departments. At this point, I list the items that I would like to accomplish, by priority, in a simple list. I combine my list to the notes and just like that, and I have a master project agenda. It takes about 30-45 minutes, but when I start my week on Monday, I begin with confidence and a plan.

In some cases, if I require resources to aid me in preparation, I send those emails out to various departments on Sunday evening outlining my specific needs and the ideal date to receive them.

However, I still see others in their “planners” constantly tweaking this and that and trying to make it something it isn’t. They don’t need the habit-tracking section, so they write notes in that area. The lessons learned for the week – not a chance: phone numbers and addresses fill that box.  They spend $100 on a planner that doesn’t serve a purpose!

Does your system work for you, or are you working for it? Could it be better? If so, how? You have the ability to create your own planner that fits your needs.

“Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.”

– Coco Chanel

We all have our systems, don’t let the lure of a custom leather binder with the promise of helping you optimize your day and making you happier detour you from what already works. Preparation and planning should be a simple process.

It should only require a pencil and paper. Once you feel comfortable with it, type it, print it and put it to use.

I have a separate journal I utilize, but that is not a part of my actual project agenda each week. That journal is for me to write my thoughts, ideas for self-improvement, personal goals and ambitions as well as my gratitude list. I feel much more comfortable separating the two.

My point is, don’t complicate something that is rather simple. You have the knowledge and capability to design a roadmap for your efficiencies and effectiveness. Overcomplicating it merely leads to wasting time and . . .

Time is the most valuable resource you have!

NOW, I’M READY!

 

Do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

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Victor Pisano✏ Always Getting Ready to be Ready
More . . .

✏ Demise of a Leader

When you make an investment in the stock market, you spend years sacrificing through a disciplined, motivated mindset, sticking to a well-thought out plan to achieve long-term success. You clearly see the big-picture and you’re committed to reaching the end-goal.

It’s no different when you are pursuing an effective and successful leadership role. The same descriptions apply – patience, trust and guidance. The difference is, you’re investing in yourself.

Leadership is not an easy path. Your investment is a never-ending quest to learn new competencies, expand your skills, increase your knowledge and step out of your comfort zone knowing you could expose your vulnerabilities.

However, it also reveals an unseen side of us that shows just how bold and courageous we are willing to be. Leadership is never given, it is earned. Over time and experience, the achievement comes with great respect and admiration if done right.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts

– Winston S. Churchill

As quickly as we can rise through the company ranks, a fall can occur just as suddenly, with a solid impact. The grind can be too much, and we lose the desire, passion, motivation and most of all, patience. We become frustrated with the system and are overcome with a sense of entitlement that is not being matched by the company we work for.

We either throw in the towel and quit, or we simply burnout and fade away. As a result, the net loss results in what ultimately can destroy a leader.

The demise is evident through the following actions:

LOSING FOCUS AND VISION

We become lazy in our thought process and stop thinking analytically and critically in each challenge presented to us. Not only are we unable to adequately communicate the big picture, there is a lack of confidence in how the execution will occur. As a result, the plan of action becomes very sloppy and unorganized.

DELEGATING WITHOUT COACHING

We were hired as a result of our ability to teach others from the experience we’ve gained along the way. Once confident in our team, we delegate through coaching them through the process. Now, we simply delegate without direction or follow up, putting those we lead in a position to fail.

ABANDONING INTEGRITY

With the loss of vision comes a loss of patience. The result will be shortcuts at the expense of the company and its core values. What has taken years to build can easily be destroyed by the poor decisions of one individual.

MAKING EMOTIONAL DECISIONS

No longer thinking through critical situations, decisions are being made based on emotional feelings as opposed to facts, cross-functional discussions and input from the team. The traits of experience and skill sets are not utilized any longer; only snap judgement remains.

QUIT EMPOWERING OTHERS

One of the most critical elements of being an effective leader fades away as a result of feeling unappreciated for your contributions to the success of the company. However, you are not just failing yourself at this point, but those who have entrusted you with their future.

LOSING HUMILITY

The excuses and blame begin to become a common theme under your leadership. Instead of protecting your team and earning trust and respect, you now begin the regrettable action of blaming your team for functions that you are ultimately responsible for.

LOSING GRATITUDE

You no longer see the positive in anything you do, or set the example in your actions. Your appreciation for the process, journey and team effort has been replaced with selfishness and anger. Your rhetoric turns from “we” to “I”.

RESISTING CHANGE

A leader’s greatest strength is to adapt. Change is inevitable and if you are not prepared, you put the entire company and your staff at risk. Your vulnerabilities will be exposed, your ability to be PROactive will turn into being REactive and the overall plan of action will be at risk.

Hopefully you have already earned the respect of senior leadership, as well as your team, and they have made you aware of the “new you”.  Don’t make any drastic moves yet — you still have time to salvage the situation.

Swallow your ego, put your boots back on and redirect your frustration.  Put that energy into the three P’s to get past through this: passion, persistence and patience.  You have worked this hard and made it this far, don’t give up.

Go back and evaluate why you began this adventure in the first place and rediscover your passion. If you made it this far, it was because you were persistent.  Keep up the good fight and get back on that horse. Most important, be patient. Good things come to those who wait. Success will happen, don’t let your perception of time cloud proper protocol.

We all have bad days, but as long as the good outweigh the bad, you’re still in a position to succeed.  Too often, people quit before success is about to occur, and then they will live with regret. In the words of Winston Churchill, “keep bugging on!”

Leadership is a privilege.

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2019 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2019 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Demise of a Leader
More . . .

✏ Be a Patient of Patience

Think about the time it takes for the sun to rise every morning. It’s not as if a switch goes off and we go from dark to light. There is a special beauty and appreciation for night approaching dawn, it is an amazing spectacle. It reminds us that time is moving forward and that change is inevitable.

Did you know that It takes an average of 7-8 hours from sunrise until the sun reaches its highest point of the day?

Just like the path of the sun, leadership is no different. You have to be patient, acknowledge and appreciate the rise, trust the process and not expect instant gratification. With leadership, you must set realistic and timely goals, listen, listen, listen and listen more, and never cease learning. Just like the sun will reach its peak in time, so will your efforts and experience in becoming a leader.

Success is about endurance. That endurance is the inspiration to work harder each day and commit yourself to the journey. You will acquire the skill sets if you have the right mentor, put in the critical hours each day with the right attitude and mindset, learn to work with a team, and contribute and work on your own time to improve yourself and grow as a professional. You must be willing to sacrifice the short game.

The road to leadership is long; what are you willing to invest if you want the outcome to be success? Do you realize how many other people want it just as much as you? Leadership is an internal quality, not an external one. You must first learn to lead from within if you have any desire to grow. Being patient will provide you the time to find your passion through the process of doing. You will invest in yourself to build the confidence necessary to have others not simply follow you, but rather to join you out of respect and trust — two traits that are earned with time and experience.

The challenge will be to give without expectation. That’s where sacrifice comes in. Are you willing to give without any guarantee of success? If so, what you will find is that your persistence and courage will make an impact. Your commitment and passion will serve as your compass.  Your loyalty and contribution will be rewarded.

The majority of successful leaders are not able to tell you about “the moment” they became a leader, however, they will tell you about the journey and sacrifice it took to become one. That is the beauty of leadership — you must trust the process and be willing to invest day in and day out. The rewards of patience will far outweigh the time it took to get there.  Enjoy the journey . . .

“At the moment that everything goes dark, the sunset in front of us becomes the whole story. But if we find courage enough to wait until tomorrow morning, we will suddenly come to understand that in reality yesterday’s sunset was only half the of the story.”

– Carig D. Lounsbrough

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2019 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2019 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Be a Patient of Patience
More . . .

✏ This Is Not a Drill

Leadership isn’t always a bed of roses.

There’s another side of leadership that will contribute to how you earn your stripes, and that’s through crisis management. It’s in these situations where everything you’ve worked for — the years you’ve trained and developed your skill sets and empowered those under your guidance — will face the test of adversity.

How will you react?

Like a deer in the headlights? Frightened, confused, no idea where to turn?

That’s not you. 

Many leaders live for this moment: challenge is their oxygen they crave. These are the situations where they will naturally shine and demonstrate not only to the company they represent, but the team they lead, why they carry the responsibility of leadership.

No Pressure? No Diamond.

The first thing effective leaders must do is clear themselves of distraction, assess the situation and gather as many facts as possible. They must first determine the real problem, so they can determine the solution. They must define and identify the resources they will need to find a resolution. Additionally, they will form a cross-functional team to solve the problem and ensure that the solution or compromise will be representative of the way their organization does business.

An effective leader will immediately take the emotion out of the equation and focus on what’s important. They rely upon their “why” to guide them — this is why they are a leader in the first place. During this phase, they are setting the example: staying calm, rational and serving as a liaison between what’s best for the client and for the company. They become the model of effective leadership at its best.

It’s a fine line to find compromise in crisis; however, your confidence, mental skills and experience will lead you — trust that. First and foremost, don’t ever allow your integrity to be comprised. It takes years of hard work to establish the foundation of your character and the company’s reputation. You cannot allow a short-term fix to jeopardize a long-term relationship. You also avoid putting people over profit before customers or employees. There will be certain instances where a net gain is not possible; it’s the cost of doing business.

The constant throughout this process will be communication. The best leaders keep the team apprised of any developments, whether positive or negative. They also bring the team together for discussions, and they listen. They don’t interrupt, they don’t immediately answer, they don’t even offer their opinion. They allow the entire team to talk and generate dialogue while they entrust their critical thinking skills to guide the discussion and see what bits and pieces from all involved can produce a positive outcome.

Listening without interruption is an art. Isn’t that why you have empowered those on your team to make decisions?

Commonly referred to as “guided discovery”, the best leaders will guide those that they have empowered, as well as the outside team members involved, to discover the solution on their own. They are not looking for credit or praise, but rather a positive ending. As a result, they will earn more trust and respect, and the entire team becomes better prepared to handle crisis by falling back later upon the lessons learned and skills used to resolve previous crises.

What if a solution cannot be found? You ask yourself if you have exhausted all options, had all of the facts and analytics to make a qualified decision and most importantly, is there a consensus amongst senior leadership that this is the only route to take?

These are the hard decisions. They are also the ones build your character.

“Courage is grace under pressure.”

– Ernest Hemingway

Earn the respect and trust of your company and those you lead.

Be the one who people turn to in tough situations.

Win the moment.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ This Is Not a Drill
More . . .

✏ Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes

The amount of negativity all around us is no longer empowering us as a society, but instead, it is slowly crippling us in a time where we need to find and acknowledge the progress, gratitude and appreciation for life to set the example for the next generation.

Too many words, not enough action. 

Too many problems, a lack of solutions. 

Too much blame, a disregard for accountability.

Too much assumption, a loss of fact.

Let me emphasize, this is not a political post. Nor do I want it to be misinterpreted as one. This is about self-awareness: an introspection of our own character and how we rationalize both our internal and external awareness in the environment we are in.

Simply put, it is about our decisions.

“Remember, a negative multiplied by a negative is only positive in math — not the real world.

– Eric Thomas, Motivational Coach

All of us need to take the time to reevaluate our priorities, values and purpose, to ask yourself, “Am I living up to my own standards each and every day?”.  As adults, each of us — regardless of race, creed, socio-economic stature, education or persuasion — are providing the ground work for a new generation of young adults who will play a critical role in our future development in society.

Do you sincerely believe that our focus is on providing a balance of both positive and negative to teach our children that there is good and bad in the world, but to also elicit the actions of problem solving and healthy, productive discussions to find unity and make an impact on the world?

Our brain is bombarded with negative influences everywhere, especially from the highest influencer, visual data. It is now estimated that upward of 90% of the news, both newspaper and television, is negative content. A 2016 review of all social media channels discovered that on average, 62% of posts and/or comments are negative-biased (statista.com).

We have developed a negativity bias in our cognitive system over time that creates “mental shortcuts” that push us toward the negative in a situation rather than actually processing it, thinking about it, using critical thought and providing an honest opinion. What influences us the most to make these shortcuts? Other people’s opinions.

It doesn’t take science to prove that we tend to lean toward the side of popular opinion as opposed to sticking with our independent belief because we fear being the outcast, or not part of the majority.  Over time, we have lost our ability to generate free and independent thought because what was once a simple discussion with others can immediately lead to a heated, emotional debate regardless of topic. Why are we so quick to attack? When did we lose the ability to listen and discover through others’ knowledge? The fireside chat has turned into protests, violence, extreme threats on social media and a focus by news outlets to intensify the situation by making light of it at every chance they get.

But if you want science to back up my position . . .  

According to Dr. Daniel Kahneman, 2002 Nobel Laureate and best-selling author of “Thinking, Fast and Slow”, people tend to take a benchmark and react to it. It actually takes effort to make an individual act and think rationally to find the support for independent thought processes. His empirical findings challenge the assumption of human rationality prevailing in modern economic theory; however, his research, results and principles are largely used by behavioral psychologists today.

“Life is a reflection of what you think. If your thoughts are negative, the world you see will be the same.”

 

– Leon Brown, MLB player

Time for me to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Here are five ways to make positive changes in your life today that will leave a lasting impression on others, as well as make you a happier person.

  1. POSITIVE MINDSET

Surround yourself with positive people. Make sure those in your life are positive, supportive people you can depend on to give helpful advice and feedback. Negative people may increase your stress level and make you doubt your ability to manage stress in healthy ways. Practice positive self-talk. All of these things will contribute to you having a positive and productive mindset.

  1. DON’T DO IT

You know what I mean — you just need to think about it!  Don’t post on social media when you’re angry, don’t respond unless you grandmother would approve of every word you use, don’t have an opinion unless you have the knowledge and facts to back it up. Show respect and avoid the fight. Only participate if you can clearly see the intent and purpose is for a positive change. It’s one thing to post a sarcastic retort on something you disagree with; it’s another thing to have an intelligent debate while disagreeing.

  1. VOLUNTEER

Think of it like this, “Pay it Forward” and focus on what YOU can do to make a difference. Once you get the motivation to do it, you will see the immediate benefits, and a true leader will find the purpose in getting more invested in the mission. One person can make an incredible difference. Giving and gratitude go hand in hand. The more you practice it, the better you will get at it. I challenge you to take the first step, then pass it on and grow the efforts.

  1. MENTOR

When I say be a mentor, I mean take an active role in discovering what you are passionate about and go inspire others. You can find these opportunities all around you, through schools, community-based mentor programs, your church, YMCA, etc. Regardless of where you choose, mentor a young person who needs direction in their life. Teach them about life, integrity, leadership and the character and skills necessary to succeed. For some of these kids, you may be the only positive figure in their life. You can make a difference.

  1. GRATITUDE JOURNAL

For some, this may seem uncomfortable, but it is no different than journaling. I am a huge proponent of journaling; it allows me to put my thoughts, ideas, concerns, frustrations and questions on paper.  And when I write things down, I am more likely to act upon them. A component of my journaling that I learned from my father was to remember what you grateful for each day. For years, I have made it a habit to write five things down each day that I am grateful for. We all have general ones such as health, family and friends, but look deeper and put thought into it. If I can recognize the things I am grateful for before I go to bed, the odds of me waking up with the right attitude increase.

Don’t talk. Act.

Don’t say. Show.

Don’t promise. Prove.

Make a difference today.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes
More . . .

✏ The Intersection of Skill and Will

“The will must be stronger than the skill.”
– Muhammad Ali

Within successful business paradigms lie vast resources for leaders to assess employees. There are simple ratings based tools, objectives-based evaluations, and the 360° approach, just to name a few. We then jump into specific performance systems that all are “scientifically” proven to be effective.

Let’s focus on one – the Skill vs. Will Matrix. I call it the “Intersection of Skill vs. Will” because those four quadrants that seem so simple to use can become extremely frustrating to manage and assess performance, motivation and skill. And just where does leadership enter the equation? By taking an objective approach to studying the situation, and including yourself as a part of the evaluation.

WILL

When we talk about WILL, we are basically looking at the attitude of person and the positive motivation around the achievement of an objective.  The difference between having a strong will vs. a weak will in most cases is centered around both willpower and self-discipline.

You must have the will to succeed. However, it will require a perseverance to relentlessly hone your craft, or in this case, your skill. As a leader, when evaluating your team, you must have a firm understanding of this concept if you want to provide both a fair and balanced assessment, as well as a collaborative work environment.

SKILL

What about SKILL? For this one, simply think about the technical ability to execute the functions of the objective. It is going to include traits such as experience, training, knowledge and natural talents. As an example, when we talk about a “skilled laborer”, we know that they excel within a defined skill set.

WILL VS. SKILL

Combine the two – SKILL and WILL – and you will find a true litmus test for leaders trying to develop an effective team while evaluating autonomy, guidance, authority, direction and goals. I don’t want to get scientific or elaborate too much, but the issue you face is how can you, as a leader, ensure that there is an adequate amount of:

  • Training
  • Education
  • Positive attitude
  • Attention to detail
  • Readily available resources
  • Effective communication

 

My point is, it takes more than a title and enthusiasm to lead a successful team. 

You will be tested at times to dig deep and evaluate. In most cases, the devil will be in the details. In that evaluation, you must be both fair and objective in the criticism and/or decisions you may face. Look within yourself and honestly consider if you have fulfilled your commitments.

You will have to direct your attentions toward guidance, direction, delegation and inspiration to find the perfect balance. In some cases, you will need to challenge yourself to make the decision to possibly eliminate a team member if you don’t see a positive contribution to the overall objective.

Skill vs. will — simple, right?

Think again!  

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead  #skill  #will  #skillvswill

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ The Intersection of Skill and Will
More . . .

✏ The Gift That Keeps on Giving

A tribute to my father and inspiration: Vic Pisano, Sr.

November 8, 1924 – April 30, 2017

Vic Pisano, Sr.

Today is for you, Dad!  Happy Birthday…

For as long as I can remember, my father always enjoyed his birthday.  He would talk about it weeks in advance to remind us, expressing the importance that we go all out and buy him very nice gifts and celebrate at a fancy restaurant.  He said we owed him for all the birthdays he spoiled us as kids.

The reality was he didn’t care about the gifts or the fancy restaurant; he was happy with anything as long as it was with family.  That was kind of man my father was; family always came first.

Simply put, Vic was an amazing man.

He was what some would call “old-fashioned”, and was a friend to everyone he met. He believed in a handshake and a man’s word. He worked hard, earned his success and helped those in need. He was strong in his faith and knew he would celebrate the day when the Lord took him. He was brave, courageous and full of humility. If he called you friend, you could count on him.

Simply put, Vic was an amazing man.

There were so many lessons he taught us, but what always came first was the importance of family. I have so many distinct memories of my life spent with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. So many of those people from my childhood have passed, but the memories are so vivid. As a child, we spent every Sunday having lunch with my grandparents and the extended family would come in and out of their home as if it were an open house.

There was always a table full of food, wine, beautiful stories, and laughter. When my grandparents passed away, we were fortunate that my father, uncle, and aunt, inherited their love for family by carrying on the traditions of spending every Sunday together as a family, which I now do with my own children.

The saddest thing about losing my father is that he died on a Sunday. I didn’t get to sit at a table full of food, wine, beautiful stories, and smiles. That Sunday would be so different from all of the others. And though it breaks my heart that I didn’t get one last Sunday to tell him I loved him, I know that his Sunday dinner that day was the most incredible and beautiful one of all, more than he or us could ever imagine.

I imagine his first Sunday in heaven was filled with family and friends from years past with tables filled with food, wine, wonderful stories, and smiles. There were hugs, kisses and more love at his dinner table than we as a family could ever provide because he was at the Lord’s table.

I know he looked down on us as we mourned, but in my heart, I felt as if he was telling each one of his children…it’s your turn to carry on. He had taught us so many lessons over the years, and God had the confidence in us that we were prepared and ready to live life without him.

Now that I have accepted the role of continuing the traditions that my dad, my grandparents, and generations before them had celebrated, it’s my turn to teach my own children how important family is. It’s my turn to honor him.

“A father should be his son’s first hero . . .”

Moving forward…

Following his sudden death on April 30, 2017, it was an incredibly challenging period in my life. I knew I needed to work through the grief I was experiencing. And I know it’s precisely what he would have told me. When his birthday rolled around six months later, we decided to celebrate by having a party. He wouldn’t be there physically, but I knew his spirit would be everywhere.

We asked every guest to write their favorite memory of Vic so we could read them aloud to celebrate his life.

What a great party it was! Smiles everywhere, good food, good wine, love, and laughter; all those Sunday nights were. And yes, his spirit was everywhere. It was a beautiful tribute to a man who always put others before himself, and he was loved beyond measure. You could hear it in the words, voices and body language of each person who spoke.

Vic’s birthday celebration on November 8, 2017.
Pictured: The Monday Coffee Club

That evening, I came to the realization that each beautiful, unique and inspiring story needed to be shared.  It would be my honor to carry his legacy forward and dedicate myself to become the man he was.

This is how CHARGE UP came to be . . .

“The gifts that keep on giving are those of his legacy.”

This is the vessel to move from grief to gratitude every day, to celebrate his legacy, and most important, to pay it forward and make an impact in people’s lives the same way he did for more than 80 years. Venture, Lead, Prosper…those are his initials.

If you didn’t have the privilege of knowing my father, I’d like you to learn at least one more thing about him. I can think of no better way to end this than with laughter…

Vic always made family and friends laugh over the years because of a knack he had for what we called “Vic’isms,” and when corrected, he would respond, “Whatever, same thing!”. He would take a word, phrase or sentence, say it wrong, and truly make it his own. Eventually, we needed a journal to keep up, so the “Vic-tionary” was created!

With that, I would like to present you some of my favorites on this special day:

When he called my sister-in-law from the hospital when my wife was giving birth to our second child, Catherine, he told her, “they are going to seduce the baby!”  He meant to say “induce” the baby.

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

He once told us all that he was going to be remodeling his home and would be putting “Gerber” carpet in.  He meant to say “Berber carpet.”

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

We complimented his shirt at a family gathering, and he proudly told us that it was from “Banana Republican.”  He meant to say “Banana Republic.”

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

He was describing a scene of an accident that he passed and told us that he thought it was severe because the police officer was giving the man “UPS.”  He meant to say CPR.

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

While preparing a meal, he told us that we should be using a “SEGREGATED” knife.  He meant to say “serrated.”

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived and I watched him do it.”

I sincerely appreciate you allowing me the platform to dedicate this to my father.

Charge Up, Dad!

I hope you are proud; we love and miss you every day…

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Blessed to carry on his legacy,

#ChargeUp #venture #lead #prosper #legacy #inspiration #gratitude #love #Dad #HappyBirthday

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ The Gift That Keeps on Giving
More . . .