Isn't It Time Your Business had a Simple Strategy?

Woosley Coaching

Helping You Build Your Business Roadmap

By 2 Comments

What Are You Not Seeing?

My friend Dan Miller of 48Days.com often talks walks on his property with clients. He lives on several acres of beautiful countryside in rural Tennessee. By observing them and what they see, he gains insight into the current state of their mind and emotions.

Those who simply take a walk are having a tough time seeing anything but their problems. They miss the birds chirping, the squirrels scampering, the flowers blooming and even the beauty of a bug flitting about.

When I heard Dan talk about this years ago, I thought I was doing okay. I noticed things so I must not be as bad off as I thought. Either I was wrong, or I’ve reached a new level of awareness!

In all the biking and running I’ve been doing lately to prepare for the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon and several charity bike rides (BoBikesBama, Bike MS North Alabama, JDRF Nashville), I see so much I can’t remember it all. I’ve seen deer, rabbits, birds, snakes, bugs and all manner of other creatures. This week I actually saw a tiny lizard jump from my path onto the grass and scurry away.

Exercise has turned on my mind in a new way. I’m processing more information and doing more work. The time has become a profitable investment, not a cost to be avoided (like it was for most of my life).

I’m not saying that exercise is the answer for you. It may be meditation, turning off the TV or seeing a counselor that sparks a new level of awareness in you.

Just do something! If you’re in a rut, change your routine. Do something out of character. Try something new.

Then maybe you’ll notice all the critters that share your neighborhood, too!

By 4 Comments

The Destroyer of Ideas

I’m sitting down this morning (getting up at 5:30 am is not easy for a night person), working on my long-overdue book and read this passage from the first chapter. It’s short and sweet, but the message is powerful.

Enjoy the preview:

Remember Medusa, the tragic figure from Greek mythology with snakes for hair? With one look she could turn any living thing to stone.

Too many good ideas die before they even get to battle Medusa. The fear that she may gaze upon them is enough to make someone keep quiet or not fight to implement. And while it’s true that some ideas and dreams are destroyed in the attempt to give them life, it’s also true that some succeed. Let’s figure out how to not look back on our lives and see the frozen statues of failed dreams or worse…those that were never attempted.

(Maybe I should throw in a weeping angels reference from Doctor Who? It could help with SEO results…)

What ideas are you afraid to let loose upon the world?

Want to know more about my book or be a part of the launch (and gain exclusive insider info)? Sign up for my newsletter (restarting soon) and/or join my book team via a private group on Facebook.

By 4 Comments

Planning to Plan

Planning to plan is a critical part of the process. But if it lasts more than an instant, you’re doing it wrong!

I’m not talking about the time spent in quiet contemplation of an idea, or even the prudent pause of taking a day or so after having a brilliant idea to ensure it’s as great as you first thought (many are like cheese…leave it out for a day and what was once delicious now reeks).

I’m not talking about saying “I’m planning to do __________” when what you mean is you’re wishing you could do ___________ but have no means or intent to do anything about it.

I’m talking about the moment that you move from thinking about something and start to build an actual plan of attack to make it happen. It’s the spark that happens when you move an idea out of your head and onto paper (or whiteboard or napkin, whatever).

Everything before that spark is intangible and ethereal. Everything after, is the process of planning and execution.

Having a plan doesn’t mean it will be implemented or successful. It just means it has a chance.

Plans can be complicated or simple. But they all have a start.

Plans don’t even have to be finished before getting started. Strategy is nothing more than thinking more than one step ahead. I simple plan will get you moving and most of the time, you can adjust along the way.

So what are you doing today to move that big idea from wishing to planning?

By 2 Comments

Sometimes You Just Have to Commit

I probably just did something stupid. But it’s for a good cause, so maybe that will make it okay.

A little over a week ago, I bought a new bike (a Trek from Cycle Therapy in Mobile, AL). It’s my first bike in about 15 years, and my first REAL bike. Why? Because I desperately need the exercise both for my mind and my body. I work too hard and too much. It’ll be good for me and will probably make me more productive in the long run (not to mention help me live longer).

James and His New Bike
James and His New Bike

So far I’ve managed to do a 10 mile ride around town in about 50 minutes (I don’t know if that’s good or not, but I didn’t feel too bad when it was over).

But that’s not the stupid thing.

I just signed up for my first official biking event. I’ve registered for the Tour de Beach ride for Multiple Sclerosis on September 22nd and 23rd. Two days of rides for 75, 45 and 25 miles, though my schedule will probably only allow for the first day.

Bike MS

I really want to do the 75 miler (hubris). I can probably do the 25 miler (safety). I may shoot for 45 miles and hope to finish.

See, I’m insane!

But it is for a good cause and MS has touched my family and friends. Now I have 46 days to prepare.

I also only have 46 days to raise funds to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. My initial goal is just $200, but I’d love to raise at least $1000.

Can you please encourage my insanity with a donation? Details are available via http://www.woosleycoaching.com/bikems.

Bike MS

Spread the word–and pray for me!

Connect with James