I loved this quote and explanation I heard in my daily calm meditation app this weekend. “Where would I find enough leather to cover the entire surface of the earth? But with leather soles beneath my feet, it’s as if the whole world has been covered. Likewise, it’s not possible for me to restrain the external course of things, but should I restrain this mind of mine, what would be the need to restrain all else?” We don’t have control over all else but do have control over our self. We don’t need to cover the world with leather, instead, we toughen the leather on  our own feet so that we are more resistant to it. -Shantideva, 8th Century Indian Buddhist Monk

I was talking to some senior sales leaders that spread across the industry this week in our monthly collaboration call. All of them have families and high-pressure jobs and one thing in common. Time management challenges. I am definitely taking notes our first little one is due in June!    The topic de jour was prioritization and time management.   While we didn’t solve world hunger, we did make some progress: They all pointed back to the company vision and values…or in some cases their own personal family vision, values, and critical success factors. Recentering on what your purpose is…and what gets you fired up every morning. One of our leaders decided to do a less work-work each morning and more contribution to self, learning, and family before starting the day. When you focus on One thing, a great book, and the highest priority thing…it often makes everything else easier or unnecessary.   Finally, shared camaraderie helps with prioritization, accountability, and mastery.   Colin  

  From “The Way of the Champion” by Jerry Lynch who has helped many of the best men’s and women’s NCAA coaches and top NBA teams perform at the highest levels. “When one eye is on winning or outcomes, there’s only one left to focus on the moment. Tell yourself this truth: Your greatest triumphs are always by-products of your ability to demonstrate the level you have attained in anything you do. You do this by focusing on the moment, the experience itself, rather than by trying to control the outcome or results” World class athletes, leaders, and performers visualize their way to the top. Take four deep breaths and focus on these five question Jerry Lynch has used with the best athletes in the world Imagine pushing yourself to perform the best you can. Feel the confidence from performing as you know you can Sense the moment to moment thrill and excellence Experience the fun as you execute your well-defined plan Feel the joy, the dance, and the flow of a great performance Colin