• Challenge 1: Lack of confidence– So much emphasis is put on weaknesses that we become blinded to our strengths. You may have lost confidence in the things you are good at.  

• Non-supportive people may have dragged your confidence down. 

• Challenge 2: Not enough motivation to move forward – If you are not excited about your goals (or have no goals) it makes it difficult to impossible to muster the courage to push through adversity. 

• Challenge 3: Past failures and negativity keeps you down – When you’ve tried new things and the results did not turn out well you may have been chastised for a lack of performance. Thoughts of past failures and negative circumstances may be paralyzing you from taking positive actions now. 

• Challenge 4: The challenge may seem overwhelming – Given the speed and complexity of the world you may be overwhelmed about how to tackle the challenge in front of you and where to begin. 

We’ve identified the challenges – so how can we step up?

Talking about the 4 key challenges is easy. The key question becomes what specifically can you do about them? How can we have the courage to push past adversity and step to the plate to hit “personal home runs” while fighting off life’s fastballs and curveballs?

• Challenge 1: Lack of confidence 

Step 1: Go to “training camp” – Increasing self- confidence usually begins with training to increasing skills. Education is good, but applied education is great. Look at where you want to go and identify the gap in your skills to make it happen. Seek training and education to close the gap. 

Step 2: Compete against your “personal best” not the best in the league – You may lack confidence because you were compared against someone else (maybe a sibling, coworker etc.) and told you should be more like them. This type of motivation tactic is usually destructive to self-confidence. The key is to become obsessed with improving on your personal best. Try to quantify current results and desired end results. Set small benchmarks between these two points to measure progress. Consider some type of “mini-rewards” to sustain motivation.

Step 3: Listen to Yogi Berra – Yogi Berra (former baseball player) was more famous for his off the field quotes than on the field performance. One of his better known quotes is “When you come to a fork in the road – take it!” In other words when there is a decision to be made, make it. This simple advice requires learning to trust your gut. Learning to trust your gut and intuition serves both your inspiration and creativity. For in-depth insights on learning to use intuition consider reading “Executive EQ” by Robert K. Cooper Ph.D., and Ayman Sawaf. 

Step 4: Ask “Why not me?” – Have you ever noticed anyone you believe has less education and skills is performing at a level you wish you were at? Instead of being envious become determined to find out their secrets. A great way to do this is to ask to interview them. Ask how they made it? What are the most important skills to work on? What were their biggest “losses” and how did they overcome these setbacks? Ask if they would be willing to provide you with additional feedback and mentoring.

• Challenge 2: Not enough motivation 

Step 1: You’re down to your final strike! – Have you noticed how difficult it is to get started on something if you don’t have a deadline? We all need to push towards achievement and fight against complacency. Create a sense of urgency by detailing what will happen if you don’t take action. Set mini-benchmarks to reach your ultimate goal. Consider even assigning a friend to be a C.P.B. (i.e. Certified Pain in the Butt) to keep on track. 

Step 2: Think “major league” – If you aren’t excited about what you are pursuing it will be difficult to get others inspired. If you find yourself thinking too small consider the following ideas:

• Identify people who are achieving at a higher level in your field and shoot for "their level."

•  Ask if your goals can help other people and/or the community. If the answer to this question is no your goal is probably not large enough.

• Create a goal that you have no idea how you are going to make it happen. Then seek out people who can give you advice on how to do it. 

Step 3: Visualize winning the World Series – You may be desirous of achieving the top in your field. You know a lot of hard work is ahead. You need to see yourself making it to the top and “taste” how it will feel. This “taste” will help keep you going through the inevitable “strike outs.” 

Step 4: You don’t want to play third base – If you are being asked to play third base but you have a passion for pitching you will have a hard time motivating myself to be the best third basemen. The same is true with life. Think about what you love to do and where your skills and strengths are. Then match these interests and skills with a position. 

• Challenge 3: Past failures and negativity keeps you down

Step 1: “At-bats” not “batting averages” are all that matters in life – In baseball we generally want batters who hit for a high average (i.e. they get base hits a high percentage of times). While this is true in baseball in life many successful people have failed frequently. If you study President Abraham Lincoln and Ray Kroc of McDonalds Corporation you will notice they did not “hit for a high average.” They failed early and often. Those who try more than the next person (i.e. have the most at bats) often end up being the most successful. I like to say, “Great things happen where effort meets luck. You don’t know how many times you will have to try to get “lucky.” 

Step 2: Forget about “blowing” the game – In baseball the “closer” is a pitcher who enters at the end of the game with the lead and is expected to get the final outs to secure victory. The reality is even closers blow games. If you are not successful in something reflect on the reasons that you haven’t won (i.e. learn lessons) and make whatever “adjustments” are required and move on. Consider looking back at “past victories” to help get over your current defeats. 

Step 3: Learn to be a good loser – While you want to win now life just doesn’t always work that way. If you lose graciously today you will be perceived as a “class act” and will be remembered for this trait and possibly future opportunities. 

Step 4: As Coach Urbas says, “Learn the value of “So What!” – Coach Greg Urbas of St. Edwards High School nationally successful wrestling program has seen a lot of wrestlers win but has also seen a lot lose. Coach Urbas’ advice to these men is to say “So what.” At least we have the courage to get on the mat. Failure is not only an option, it is unavoidable. 

• Challenge 4: The challenge may seem overwhelming

Step 1: Seek out wise coaches – Behind great players are wise coaches. Seek mentors and get input on how to achieve your objectives. Thank these mentors early and often and ask how you might be of value to them as well. Share when you have successfully applied their advice. There is much more satisfaction in mentoring when you find others actually taking action on your suggestions. 

Step 2: Join the major leagues – Join associations and groups to increase your perspectives, goals, and provide insight on how to succeed in the field. Instead of just attending meetings get involved in volunteer committees to increase knowledge and deepen relationships with members. 

Step 3: Find supportive “teammates” – If you are around negative people they will drain your will and desire to keep on trying. Look at your closest network of coworkers, friends, and contacts. Do they help to “build you up” or do the “tear you down?” Minimize and/or eliminate if possible those that fit in the latter category. I look for people who are eager to congratulate me on my successes and are open in sharing their knowledge and wisdom. 

Conclusion

Stepping up to the plate will not be easy. You need to be confident, find out your motivation “hot buttons”, push past failures, and then just keep at it. The challenge is to enjoy both your journey and successes, and to be appreciative of the opportunity to simply play the game. “Batter up!”

If you would like to have Mike speak to your group consider the following programs:
Constructing the Framework of Success
Motivation - Begins with Me; Grows with We
Running the Race of Life with Purpose

If you want to get Mike's insights on this topic in one on one sessions click here.

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Mike Foti is Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Glass Block (a Northcoast 99 recipient for best employers in Northeast Ohio and a Community Pillar Award winner for community service) and President of Leadership Builders. Mike is a national speaker, writer, and consultant who helps individuals and companies get results through people. To ask Mike how he might help you, or to receive his free tips and leadership articles, call 216-531-6085 or visit his web site at www.leadershipbuilders.com.