645. Growing Elite Leaders by Choosing "Different"

“When I was at the formative age of eight, I remember sitting in the car next to my dad, listening to a cassette tape of the great Zig Ziglar. Here was a guy who gives you the idea that you can do anything if you really focus on what you believe in and what you want to change in the world. He said you can have an impact. As I look back, that is where it all began for me, this journey of personal development and leadership.”

“My daughter was competing in a gymnastics tournament. I had planned my day and had told everyone. I scheduled everything and did it all perfectly, but then I went five minutes over on my timing. I had scheduled myself too tight and got there just as she had finished and everyone was clapping. I had missed seeing it. That’s the part of an otherwise satisfying career that wasn’t working for me. I wanted to spend time with my kids—while they were still young—and get to know their personalities. I had always told my wife, ‘Someday we’re going to try international traveling as a family.’ Around that time, my wife asked me, ‘What if we try living overseas for a while?’ Right away, I was at the computer typing in different travel schedules. All I needed was for her to open that door a little bit and I was sticking my foot in.”

“I think people arrive in your life right when they’re supposed to. If you’re out there looking, putting yourself into positions where people can guide you, and if you’re open to advice, there are people out there who are willing to help you, to guide you. If you are honestly asking which doors you should go through, life kind of puts you on a path.”

1. Take a deep dive internally to find out what makes you tick. What is it that excites you? When your talent is aligned with what the world needs, there is no stopping you.

2. Find a mentor or coach who can help you see the best options for you.

3. Avoid analysis paralysis by carefully distilling your career choices to a manageable number that lets you make wise decisions. Too many choices can be overwhelming.

4. Do not be deluded by the superficial images on social media that make you think everyone else’s life is better than yours. If you are “keeping up with the Joneses,” recognize you’re only seeing a mirage.