► Give for Granted

Reflecting on our previously “normal” lives can help us reshape what we took for granted into what we give for granted when we are finally able to resume a more normal life. It’s about turning obstacles into opportunity, by finding gratitude in those little things that we’ve had to give up.
#give #grow #ChargeUp #TheChampionsMindset

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If you enjoyed this Power Cast podcast from Victor Pisano, be sure and visit the Charge Up Power Cast archives for our full library of past broadcasts. From the importance of character and taking action, to developing leadership skills and finding the right mindset — we cover the topics that help you venture, lead and prosper, through reflection, inspiration and empowerment. Catch up on what you’ve missed — it’s all available right here.

Know someone else who needs to Charge Up? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#action #character #leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s bi-weekly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

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Victor Pisano► Give for Granted
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✏ Pressing Pause

For the first time since the days that followed the horrific tragedy on September 11, 2001, I feel as if life has offered each of us a “pause” button to stop and reflect. For the past two decades, the busyness and stress of life had become routine, almost habitual. Excuses such as, “I’m too busy,” “I just can’t find the time,” “I feel like I can never catch up,” have become socially acceptable and shared by so many.

Enter COVID-19.

On a different continent and over 7,000 miles away, we learned of the coronavirus as it unfolded in China. Each passing day in January, the story became more serious.The daily influx of active cases became frightening, and the discussion became one of, “what if?” The warnings began to surface that this could become a situation that the entire world would have to deal with.

January 20, 2020. The first confirmed case of 2019-nCoV infection is announced in the United States. For weeks, many did their best to downplay the situation by comparing it to the common flu. It was based on a lack of education and facts associated with the long-term outlook for a very contagious virus that we had never seen before. For a month, people complained of the inconveniences placed upon us: events cancelled, meetings postponed, and concern for travel. Then came the closures of the schools.  Wait – wasn’t this just another version of the flu? Were we overreacting? The entire world was struggling to find answers, and then the following hit the news outlets:

On March 11, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, caused by the emergence of a new coronavirus. In the past century, there have been four pandemics caused by the emergence of novel influenza viruses, 1918’s H1N1 virus, 1957-58’s H2N2 virus, 1968’s H3B2 virus, and the 2009 H1N1pdm09 virus.

It was time to get serious and think about the ramifications. This was not going to just “go away”; we were in for a fight. At that point, businesses were put into two categories: essential and non-essential. People would be furloughed or laid off as their workplaces were ordered to close their doors, grocery stores couldn’t keep their shelves stocked, and hospitals became swamped with people who had symptoms and could no longer breathe on their own.

The pause button was pressed. The world changed.

Rather than tune into the 24/7 news cycle that causes fear, I directed my attention toward opportunity and improvement. I’d like to encourage you to take  full advantage of this “pause” to become more self-aware and reflect on where you are in your life today, as well.

“A pandemic is a terrible thing to waste.”

Tim Elmore,
author of The Habitudes

During the downtime, ask yourself some questions: Are you the person you envisioned 10 years ago? What about five years ago? What about a year ago? Are your core values and non-negotiables still the same? Do you operate off a set of principles that you refuse to sacrifice? Are you generous with your time? Do you still have gratitude in your heart?

The first step in getting what you want out of life is to have the courage to get rid of what you DON’T want in your life.  Here is an exercise that can help you with self-reflection:

Get out a piece of paper and draw two lines down the paper splitting it into thirds. In the first column, write “Limitations”, in the center write “Opportunities”, and in the third column, write “Improvements”. Really take some quiet time to be vulnerable and honest with yourself as you do this exercise.

“Everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you have made. If you want a different result, make a different choice.”
— Anonymous

Let’s start with the obvious: Limitations. Based on the current circumstances, what things can you no longer do based on the limitations that have been placed upon you? Also list things that are barriers based on other aspects of  your life besides the pandemic.

The column of Opportunities will take time and creative thinking. For each item in the Limitations list, take the time to discover where you might find an opportunity (or that silver lining) now that your life on pause. Are you a non-essential business? Are you working from home or passing the time until you can work again? If you have customers or clients, find opportunities to stay top-of-mind with them. Send personal letters of thanks for their past support, encouragement, or creative ideas to help them keep their business afloat despite the pandemic.

You can review your business plan, mission statement, vision, and goals to make the tough changes and adjustments now so you have a clear look at the rest of the year. What things have you put off? That stack of personal development books you’ve been meaning to read? What are things you can do right now to have an edge against your competitors when life “gets back to normal” — whatever that might look like?

In the third column, “Improvements”. Use positivity to ask yourself what has gotten better or easier recently? How can you cultivate more of that and make it part of your routine? Maybe you have discovered balance, or what makes you happy, a new hobby, or maybe you’ve been recharged with creativity and ideas to come back stronger than ever. You can also use this area to gather your thoughts on how to handle a crisis moving forward.

Above all else, please don’t isolate yourself and allow the voices of negativity and panic to take over. You may have zero control over many limitations in your life right now, but you do have control over how you react to the limitations. Be vigilant, be responsible, focus on being a part of the solution and not the problem. There are always people who have it worse than you, so discover gratitude and help others during this time of stress and uncertainty. Look within and recognize those around you who need you. Make that your priority for now: finding peace in the chaos, whether it’s in your job, your home, your family, or your friends. Reach out and connect.

While you’re at it, make a list of all the things you took for granted before the pandemic. Later, you can pull it out and your heart should be flooded with gratitude for all those little things you couldn’t do or have. Life is too short; make the most of it while you’re here. Don’t waste this opportunity — hopefully we won’t have another one like it for a very long time.

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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©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✏ Pressing Pause
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► Regaining Control: Faith Over Fear

During a crisis, control of your mental health needs to much as much a priority as your physical well being. Don’t stress yourself out worrying about what “could be”. Instead of consuming yourself with things you cannot control, try to create support systems to help each other out, and work on using belief language when talking to both yourself and others.

#control #controlthecontrollables #faithoverfear #aparttogether #ChargeUp

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Excited? Inspired? Get our motivational e-news, The Wire, delivered monthly right to your inbox!

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If you enjoyed this Power Cast podcast from Victor Pisano, be sure and visit the Charge Up Power Cast archives for our full library of past broadcasts. From the importance of character and taking action, to developing leadership skills and finding the right mindset — we cover the topics that help you venture, lead and prosper, through reflection, inspiration and empowerment. Catch up on what you’ve missed — it’s all available right here.

Know someone else who needs to Charge Up? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#action #character #leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s weekly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

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Victor Pisano► Regaining Control: Faith Over Fear
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✏ Sweet Home, Alabama

Note:  Following the completion of this blog, the NCAA suspended all spring sports as a result of the global pandemic, COVID-19. Be sure to read the end of this post and see how true champions lead in adversity.  

“THE BAMA WAY”

 

That moment is here,

The time is now,

We must pay for it with blood and tears

And the sweat from our brow,

But we don’t complain, we just lift and we flow,

It’s the price of winning and we will leave no doubt.

 

I will give my team the best of me,

Making sure that a strong man is standing next to me,

Tradition says that greatness is our destiny,

But it takes hard work to rebuild a legacy.

 

We never worry about tomorrow

We just focus on today,

Making progress is part of the process

For our better play.

 

Our pursuit started at the boots and now we regroup

As one team, one school, a family with one dream.

To climb to the top and three to remain by doing things the ‘Bama way!

— Written by former Alabama football captain, Todd Bates, to inspire the football team

 

In 2010, when both of my daughters were just discovering their passion for softball, we were asked to join some friends on a visit to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.Not only did we get to watch some softball, but we also attended a reunion of the gymnastics team that our friend competed with when they won the National Championship in 1988. It was an incredible weekend of touring the campus, stadiums, watching softball and attending my first gymnastics meet with 14,000 of my closest friends. After that trip, the University of Alabama became one of my favorite places to attend sporting events.

From softball to football, gymnastics to baseball, basketball to soccer, as long as they weren’t playing against Texas A&M (Class of ’91), I would root for the Crimson Tide. In the past 10 years, I have been so blessed to cross paths with some amazing people who have become dear friends over the years. One in particular, head softball coach Patrick Murphy — who is not only a friend, but a trusted mentor.

In the world of college softball, Alabama is a powerhouse under the leadership of Coach Murphy. A 2012 National Championship, twelve Women’s College World Series berths, five SEC regular season titles, six SEC Tournament titles and 21-straight NCAA Tournament bids are only a few of the team honors that Murphy has brought to Tuscaloosa during his tenure. Since the inception of Charge Up, I have had the honor and privilege to speak to Murph’s softball team more than once.

“Everybody wants to be a success. Not everybody is willing to do what they have to do to achieve it.”

Nick Saban
University of Alabama Head Football Coach

It’s easy to understand why I consider Murph a mentor. I am able to observe his demeanor, both on and off the field, and witness his ability to connect with his student-athletes. When I am around him, all I want to do is listen and learn.

Murph has an incredible gift of earning trust, being authentic, and getting to know you as a person. It also says a lot about this man’s character when the past players continue coming back for alumni weekends. The bonds came from the family atmosphere that Murph creates.

Players still talk about a concept introduced at the beginning of a season years ago that ended up becoming a buzz word all over sports. The theme that year was “Mudita”. Mudita is a Buddhist worst that translates to “a pure joy unadulterated by self-interest”. It is the pleasure that comes from delighting in other people’s well-being. When we are happy for the joy other beings feel, it is called mudita. (The opposite word is invidia, which translates to “envy.”)

“Mudita is about having vicarious joy in someone else’s success. There’s not an English word that equals that. There are English words that are opposite: envy and jealousy. Those two words are ‘dirty words’ in team sports.”

Patrick Murphy
Head Softball Coach, University of Alabama

At a conference I recently spoke at with Coach Murphy, the example he provided painted the perfect picture. He said that, “If a fan were to walk into Rhoads Stadium late, and a homerun was just hit, as they watched the celebration at home plate, they wouldn’t know who hit the home run. It’s a shared joy in accomplishment and success.”

What started as a theme for a season has become the foundation of a culture for this program. Its legacy has been built on the collective success, not just the All-Americans and other award winners. Every player has a role, and knows she is a crucial piece to the unique success that each team has —which is why Murph numbers his teams. e was an assistant for the first two years of his tenure, and a head coach for the past twenty-two, but this year’s team is simply referred to as “Team 24”. It is a way to respect the personality and authenticity of a team. When reminiscing, you will hear people talk about “Team 19,” or “Team 5,” and if you are a true fan of the crimson and white, you will know exactly what they are talking about.

“If you want to walk the heavenly streets of gold, you gotta know the password: “Roll Tide, Roll!”

Paul “Bear” Bryant
Alabama Head Football Coach 1958-1982
6x NCAA National Champion

It’s easy to get lost in the simplicity of Mudita. The first time I heard about it, I thought, “How can it be that difficult to implement in sports, families, or even as a leader at work?” Over the years, I have had the privilege to observe the growth and attention to detail that Murph applies to ensure each team stays the course and makes the message a way of life. In other words, celebrating the success of those around you becomes a habit. For Alabama, it is the difference between being a good team, and a great team.

If you push Murph to give you more details about it, he will just smile in his usual manner, turn his head, adjust his hat. And without you even realizing it, he will change the subject.

You see, some things are only talked about with family.

“My mind whispers tradition. My soul screams pride. My veins bleed crimson and my heart pumps tide! Roll Tide, Roll!”

— Anonymous

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

Note:  Following the completion of this blog, the NCAA suspended all spring sports as a result of the global pandemic, COVID-19. The softball season for the Tide officially ended on Thursday, March 12th. Coaches, players and staff were devastated by the event because it came with no warning; most learned the news through social media. 

At that time, it meant that seniors had played their last game without ever knowing it. It was a whirlwind of events and emotions for all NCAA spring sports across the nation. After the initial shock set in, and these programs were able to meet and discuss the events, most everyone were able to understand the bigger picture and focus on what needed to be done in a timely manner — in an effort to contribute toward an initiative to slow the spread of the virus.

How did Coach Murphy handle it? He talked about having a growth mindset and understanding that things happen beyond our control every day. It’s how we handle them that define our character and integrity. He also reminded them of the family they were a part of.  f mudita meant to share in the celebration of one’s success, it also meant to share in the sadness and disappointment of one’s adversity. And with that, the team parted ways knowing that there is nothing better than having the support and love of family. 

Roll Tide, and Roll Team #24.

#collegeathlete #collegeathletes #studentathlete #athleticdirector #athleticdevelopment #sportsperformance #leadershipcoach #leadershipcoaching #leadershipdevelopment #leaderscreateleaders #servantleadership #servantleader #encouragementquotes #leadershippodcast #podcastsofinstagram #tipsforsuccess #dailymotivations #johnmaxwell #johncmaxwell #johnmaxwellteam #motivationeveryday #highschoolcoach #collegecoach #sportsmomlife #baseballcoach #travelbaseball #softballcoach #volleyballcoach #basketballcoaching #basketballcoaches #sportsmom #leadershipskills #studentathletes #collegesports #NCAA #highschoolathletes #highschoolcoaches #coachingtips #learnfromlegends #inspireothers #motivationalspeaker #inspirationalspeaker #collegecoach #highschoolsports #thechampionsmindset #ChargeUp #rolltide #alabamasoftball

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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✏ Sweet Home, Alabama
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► The Champion Inside

Are you willing to quit compromising and let go of fear to fully experience what the leader — the CHAMPION — inside you can do? You will be after listening to this week’s podcast! Unleash the power of The Champion Insideit’s only one button click away.

Listen Now

Excited? Inspired? Get our motivational e-news, The Wire, delivered monthly right to your inbox!

Charge Me Up with The Wire!

If you enjoyed this Power Cast podcast from Victor Pisano, be sure and visit the Charge Up Power Cast archives for our full library of past broadcasts. From the importance of character and taking action, to developing leadership skills and finding the right mindset — we cover the topics that help you venture, lead and prosper, through reflection, inspiration and empowerment. Catch up on what you’ve missed — it’s all available right here.

Know someone else who needs to Charge Up? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#action #character #leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s weekly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

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Victor Pisano► The Champion Inside
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✏ Loyalty: Employees Quit Bosses, Not Leaders

Do you think poor leadership has an effect on team performance?

ABSOLUTELY. YOU CAN’T CREATE GREAT FOLLOWERS UNDER POOR LEADERSHIP.

In today’s business environment, being a leader isn’t simply a job title. One must have the ability to motivate and inspire a team to empower them to deliver the company goals, and do so in an engaging spirit.

A Gallup poll of more 1 million employed U.S. workers concluded that the No. 1 reason people quit their jobs is a bad boss or immediate supervisor. 75% of workers who voluntarily left their jobs did so because of their boss — not the position or company itself. In spite of how good a job may be, people will quit if the relationship is not healthy. “People leave managers not companies…in the end, turnover is mostly a manager issue.”

We often talk about the differences between a “boss” and a “leader”. It’s a simple way to distinguish the difference in a definition that has changed dramatically over the years, as more studies point to the success of what traits make great leaders.

For years, many individuals in a position of power abused their role through a lack of integrity, sensitivity, honesty and inspiration. A key trait that is absent in poor leadership is empathy. In order to be an effective leader, you have to respect the relationship, and have a genuine understanding of the roles and responsibilities of your team members.

Your job is to support, encourage and inspire. I have said numerous times in my blog posts, LEADERSHIP IS A PRIVILEGE. You are tasked with a tremendous responsibility — one that goes beyond your own self-development.

If you don’t truly understand the requirements and expectations, then maybe leadership isn’t for you. The problem is, too many people have an ego that doesn’t allow them to step away, or they don’t have a mentor showing them how to be a good leader.

A great phrase most of us have heard is “loyalty breeds loyalty”.  In order for a leader to receive loyalty, you must first give it. YOU are the example of leadership in everything you do. If you demonstrate commitment, you will gain it back in return. If you demonstrate integrity, you will gain it back in return. If you demonstrate character, you will gain it back in return.

It starts with leaders who understand that to get loyalty from others, you must first give it. Leaders who take the initiative in demonstrating commitment to their teams are far more successful in gaining commitment in return. If you have their back, they will have yours.

“Strong leaders won’t create followers; they create more leaders.”

A strong leader provides empowerment and allows their employees to grow. They serve as a mentor, with a shared goal of watching you succeed. By contrast, a poor leader will hold you back professionally, developmentally — and will create an atmosphere that lacks challenge, encouragement and personal gain.

Let’s be realistic, no leader is perfect. Each will have their own strengths and weaknesses; however, effective leaders have the self-awareness to identify areas for improvement and are dedicated to constantly growing.

Good management takes effort and experience, but it’s really pretty straightforward. It does require a tremendous amount of work, and with that comes a dedication to craft your team toward success. That’s the reward though, watching those under your mentorship succeed on their own.

Bottom line, don’t take your employees for granted; they’re the most valuable asset you have.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#boss #bossorleader #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 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✏ Loyalty: Employees Quit Bosses, Not Leaders
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► Where is Inspiration?

As Victor brings the Charge Up Champion’s Mindset to college sports programs all around the country this week, we bring you this encore broadcast of one of our Top 5 podcasts of all time . . . enjoy!

Awareness is the key to finding the inspiration that exists all around us . . . learn how to get dialed in for a clear vision that charges up the confidence to take action in today’s podcast, Where is Inspiration?

Listen Now

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If you enjoyed this Power Cast podcast from Victor Pisano, please be sure to visit the Charge Up Power Cast archives for our full library of past broadcasts. From the importance of character and taking action to developing leadership skills and finding the right mindset, we cover the topics that help you venture, lead and prosper — through reflection, inspiration and empowerment. Catch up on what you’ve missed — it’s all available right here!

Know someone else who needs to Charge Up? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#action #character #leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s weekly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

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Victor Pisano► Where is Inspiration?
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✏ 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
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► Special Guest Molly Fichtner

We’ve been saving the best for last this #FlashbackFebruary. It’s an encore release of Charge Up’s most popular podcast of all time — our guest interview with Molly Fichtner, Head Softball Coach of University of Louisiana – Monroe. This unassuming but thoughtful young leader will have you learning and laughing, so don’t miss this episode of the Power Cast! # Molly Fichtner #coaching #softball #TalonsOut #warhawks

Listen Now

Excited? Inspired? Get our motivational e-news, The Wire, delivered monthly right to your inbox!

Charge Me Up with The Wire!

If you enjoyed this Power Cast podcast from Victor Pisano, be sure and visit the Charge Up Power Cast archives for our full library of past broadcasts. From the importance of character and taking action to developing leadership skills and finding the right mindset — we cover the topics that help you venture, lead and prosper, through reflection, inspiration and empowerment. Catch up on what you’ve missed — it’s all available right here.

Know someone else who needs to Charge Up? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#action #character #leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s weekly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

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Victor Pisano► Special Guest Molly Fichtner
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✏ 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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©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
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► Six Feet of Disconnect

Such a seemingly small distance, but a huge emotional gap. The disconnect of social distancing can be jarring. So how do we not only push through, but remember and use that feeling of disconnect to fuel an ongoing sense of gratitude when we return to “normal”?
#disconnect #connection #gratitude #podcast #ChargeUp

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If you enjoyed this Power Cast podcast from Victor Pisano, be sure and visit the Charge Up Power Cast archives for our full library of past broadcasts. From the importance of character and taking action, to developing leadership skills and finding the right mindset — we cover the topics that help you venture, lead and prosper, through reflection, inspiration and empowerment. Catch up on what you’ve missed — it’s all available right here.

Know someone else who needs to Charge Up? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#action #character #leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s bi-monthly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

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► Legacy: Start Yours Right Now

A legacy doesn’t happen by accident. How will you make you mark and leave the world a better place than you found it? In this episode of Power Cast, Victor helps guide you through what it takes to create a lasting impact that you can be proud of — and it starts right now. Don’t miss this February Flashback to Charge Up’s #2 podcast of all time, Legacy. #legacy #impact #ChargeUp

(originally published September 12, 2018)

Listen Now

Excited? Inspired? Get our motivational e-news, The Wire, delivered once a month right to your inbox!

Charge Me Up with The Wire!

If you enjoyed this Power Cast podcast from Victor Pisano, please be sure to visit the Charge Up Power Cast archives for our full library of past broadcasts. From the importance of character and taking action to developing leadership skills and finding the right mindset, we cover the topics that help you venture, lead and prosper — through reflection, inspiration and empowerment. Catch up on what you’ve missed — it’s all available right here!

Know someone else who needs to Charge Up? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#action #leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s weekly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

Victor Pisano► Legacy: Start Yours Right Now
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✏ Now Has to Matter: Living in the Moment

Why do we insist on making life so difficult? We waste so much time regretting yesterday and worrying about tomorrow that we fail to live in the moment. We complain about what we don’t have, we compare ourselves to others, and we regret not taking action when we should have. All of these are controllable actions — and you either need to act upon them or let them go. Start approaching life with the mindset of, “make the best of the present moment.”

BE. HERE. NOW.

“Forever is composed of nows.”

Emily Dickinson

Time is the most precious gift we are given, yet we make conscious choices every day to focus on what “could be” as opposed to “what is.” None of us know when that last grain of sand will fall to the bottom of the hourglass. Being present consists of an uninhibited focus on what we have in the here and now, and it also creates an emotion that is the foundation to living a fulfilled life:

GRATITUDE

Experiencing sincere gratitude “in the moment” will alter your attitude toward positivity, not only in the “now,” but for the future. It is a shift of mindset that allows you to be selfless, humble and authentic. You begin to connect with people better. Your approach toward adversity doesn’t begin with the thought of, “why did this happen?” but rather, “how can I fix it?” The more you do this, the more you will develop a clear lens of perspective that you may have lacked. All of this is made possible through gratitude.

IMAGINE TAKING THIS APPROACH AS A LEADER

Effective leaders don’t take a minute for granted because they operate off the basis that the only control they have lies within the current circumstances. Of course, they visualize about the future and reflect about the past, but they know the present is critical. What are the strengths of the team? Where does the competitive edge lie? What will innovation require? Where can the breakthroughs begin? What will success look like?

One way to start living in the moment is to become more self-aware. Have a clear perception of who you are – your strengths, weaknesses, values, emotions, etc. Self-awareness also requires you to understand others without judgement, in the moment. If you can create a habit that focuses on an honest assessment of where you are in life, you begin to take stock in what really is important. Do this long enough and the value of the present becomes second nature.

“Life is a preparation for the future; and the best preparation
for the future is to live as if there were none.”

Albert Einstein

Another way is to never stop building upon your integrity. When you have a solid foundation of morals and principles, you are keener to your behaviors. In other words, you recognize that every day is a new day, filled with possibilities to make an impact and be a positive force.

“Exercise integrity in the moment of truth.”

Stephen R. Covey

Control the controllables, and if you are carrying the burden of trying to control things that are outside of your control, let them go. It isn’t easy, in fact, it will require tremendous discipline and selflessness to achieve it. However, the rewards far outweigh the efforts. Don’t waste your whole life waiting to start living the life you were meant to live. Change your thought process to start living in the moment.

Not tomorrow.  Not yesterday.  Just today.

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

RECEIVE MY FREE MONTHLYLY E-BLAST, THE WIRE

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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.

Andrea Frost✏ Now Has to Matter: Living in the Moment
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► This Journey Called Life

It’s easy to slip into a pattern where life becomes routine: wash, rinse, repeat. But the joy is in the journey, complete with life’s twists and turns. How can you see them as the adventure, and be present in everything you do? The answers lie in this week’s quick but must-listen Power Cast short, This Journey Called Life.
 #journey #life #ChargeUp

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Excited? Inspired? Get our inspirational e-news, The Wire, delivered every month to your inbox!

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If you enjoyed this Power Cast podcast from Victor Pisano, be sure and visit the Charge Up Power Cast archives for our full library of past broadcasts. From the importance of character and taking action, to developing leadership skills and finding the right mindset — we cover the topics that help you venture, lead and prosper, through reflection, inspiration and empowerment. Catch up on what you’ve missed — it’s all available right here.

Know someone else who needs to Charge Up? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#action #character #leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s weekly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

Victor Pisano► This Journey Called Life
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✏ Microwaving Briskets: A Lesson in Patience

Remember when patience was a virtue? 

Patience is no longer a behavior showing high moral standards, but rather, it has become a struggle to instill this lost trait into people who want it all — and want it now. In an age of instant gratification, people are falling prey to snake oil salesman promising them overnight success.

The self-improvement industry is now a $10 billion niche. Through audiobooks, infomercials, self-improvement books, self-improvement apps, personal coaching, motivational speakers, and certification courses, Americans are looking for the opportunity to grow their skills and improve their advantage. If this continues, this new generation of leaders will be more prepared than ever to make an impact.

“Impatience can cause wise people to do foolish things.”

Janette Oke

However, all it takes is a few minutes scrolling through social media to see that a minority have chosen to exploit people. Witness the “get rich quick” videos that promote a 24-7-365 lifestyle that results in Lamborghinis, private jets and mansions with ocean views. All you need to do is enroll in their program, sign all the legal paperwork, and trust the young entrepreneur with the $20,000 watch, big smile and testimonials from all his friends who are in their 20’s and have gained membership into the top 1% of richest people in America.

The path of patience, however, is a result of a few critical ingredients: experience, wisdom, and failure. The stepping stones to success lie within the adversity we face. To fail is to learn. Innovation and breakthrough include trial and error — and that journey requires time and patience. The gifts that come out of that investment are wisdom and experience.

When you have the opportunity to grow and see the results of each step you take toward your goals, you learn to appreciate planning and patience.

“Patience is more than simply learning to wait. It is having learned what is worth your time.”

JM Storm

Life happens in the small moments.

Learning to live in the moment and not be so obsessed with outcomes is key to fulfillment. It’s about trusting the process. It’s been said numerous times — nobody gets dropped off at the top of the mountain; they have to make the journey step by step. Discover the joy in the actual journey. Embrace every emotion along the way because you will face adversity, criticism, negativity, and setbacks. But you will also experience the highest of highs with your accomplishments and those who believe in you.

Being a true Texan, let me provide you the best example of the rewards of patience. Would you put a brisket in the microwave, or choose to put it on a smoker for 5-6 hours? I’ve cooked enough briskets in my lifetime to tell you there is nothing better than the wait, knowing that the effort you’re investing will be worth every minute when you pull that brisket off the pit.

“Patience is the art of concealing your impatience.”

Guy Kawaski

The challenges of impatience have been around forever. When you commit to hard work and perseverance, patience will pay off, and you will live a more fulfilled life based on high moral excellence. If shortcuts worked, everyone would take them.

Stay patient, stay positive and work hard.

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

RECEIVE MY FREE MONTHLY E-BLAST, THE WIRE

SUBSCRIBE NOW

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✏ Microwaving Briskets: A Lesson in Patience
More . . .