2Weeks2aBreakthrough

What haunts us.

It's tough to break bad habits or take on new ones when we let the skeletons in our closets stall our efforts. You know the bones about which I refer:

Past heartaches
Past setbacks
Past embarrassments
Past pains
Envy
Perceived inadequacies
Learned poor habits

How do we get past what haunts us? There are many approaches and I would advocate seeking whatever help and support we need (professional or from friends and family). In addition, there are daily regimens we can employ.

Here's the important element - DAILY

The mental garbage that trips us up today, will try tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. An approach that continually acknowledges barriers and facilitates good choices and behaviors every day will make the greatest difference.

Here's an approach that works very well for me and I have seen it work well for several others I have coached or worked with.

The technique: Just 5 minutes.

Have you noticed that the hardest part of developing new habits is getting started? I commit to doing something for just 5 minutes and almost always find that I get in the groove and do it for much much longer. This works for things like exercising more, networking, MBWAing, planning, organizing, making requests (which can feel like a cold call sale), reading, writing, journaling, blogging, gardening/home maintenance, or anything else you want to do for more time each day.

I'm here in Birmingham, AL right now visiting clients. I am staying at a hotel that has a small work out room. I got in around 7pm, then ate dinner. So at 8pm, I started the mental dance with myself (I like to lead) about whether I would change clothes, walk a block in cold temps, and work out.

Just 5 minutes. I got myself in workout gear and made a promise that if I did just 5 minutes that would be fine. 50 minutes later I returned having had a great workout.

Just 5 minutes. My mind fought it for many reasons I am sure I don't realize, but with 5 minutes I can circumvent the mental struggle and just get on with it.

I knew a manager who could not plan to save his life. It seemed that his DNA squarely rejected it like a poorly matched organ implant. He had reasons and rationalizations, but the fact was that his closet demons were winning.

Just 5 minutes. I started by doing the 5 minutes of planning with him - he needed basic training on HOW to plan. Then he tried it on his own. He found that on the days he did the 5 minutes of planning, he planned for more than 5 minutes. If he did not do the 5 minutes, he did not plan at all.

What haunts us does not need to stop us. Try the 5 minute technique to build the habits that will fuel your success.

It's 10:30pm here in Birmingham. It's been a late work day and tiring evening, but I am going to go do just 5 minutes of yoga and floor exercises. I can do 5 minutes no problem.

Get Your Motor Running - Year of the Breakthrough Tour

Ever since I edited the podcast with Kevin Salwen, Co-founding Editor of Motto Magazine, I have had this song stuck in my head. You know the one...it's starts off like this:

Get your motor running
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
In whatever comes our way

As most of you know and recognize, this is from Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf.

When I was editing Kevin's podcast, I was hearing it as, "Get your MOTTO runnin'."

I can't get this tune out of my head. It's just one of a dozen signs I have gotten recently. Last night I edited another podcast, this one from Jodee Bock. We talked about capacity and aligning our intentions, hopes, and energies. Jodee shared three questions she uses with her clients. They come from similar roots, but each takes us one step further into manifestation:

What do I want?
What do I intend?
To what do I commit?

As I was editing the podcast, something went clunk. I got it and I committed to something that I had been on the fence about for the last week.

For those of us seeking to generate breakthroughs, there is real power in A) making a commitment and 10 TIMES the power of B) declaring that commitment to a wide audience of folks.

So with that, here we go.

Get my motor running......

I am going to ride Hazel, my trusty 1100cc Honda motorcycle, about 9,000 miles around the U.S! And I mean AROUND - my route will take me from Seattle to southern California to Atlanta to New York and back to Seattle.

I'll tell you much more about the details soon, but I am calling it the Year of the Breakthrough Tour. I will be making dozens of stops sharing a free one hour pumped up presentation about generating breakthroughs that lead to amazing results and signing copies of my new book, Two Weeks to a Breakthrough.

I'm really excited.
And a wee bit scared - it's a long trip!
But I am more excited than scared and intend to prepare well for the trip.

Woo-hoo!

Yikes!

Zowee!

Careful!

Wind in my hair!

Bugs on my visor!

I was initially thinking of doing this in April but then I looked up the average temperatures of some of the northern cities I will be visiting on the second half of the trip. Brrrr - I might still encounter snow in April and that would not be fun. So right now I am planning on leaving somewhere around May 20, getting to Atlanta by June 3rd, I will be speaking at the ASTD International Conference in Atlanta on June 5, head out June 6 or 7, keep going and eventually get home around June 23.

I have started a google map with some of the points - Many more points to put in along the way, but you can see what it looks like by clicking here. For example, right now this shows no stopping points between New York and Chicago, which is crazy. I would like to talk at a few places in each city, or at least one place with a decent sized group. More info on this to come, but feel free to email me if you would like me to come to your company, bookstore, library, or organization (lhaneberg AT gmail DOT com). Again, the talk is free with the purchase of some books or books available for sale.

So much more information to come.

This is a great way for me to put my money where my mouth is and model - in a very visible way - the behaviors and beliefs that generate breakthroughs.

I would love to meet all my regular readers and new ones too.

So much to prepare for in the coming months I will:

• Take a motorcycle maintenance class.
• Do a lot more riding to make sure the beast and I are ready.
• Figure out how to best carry the gear and make sure I have the proper safety implements.
• Get in shape for long rides.
• Learn the do's and don'ts of motorcycle touring.
• Figure out what to wear and what I can carry.
• Plan events across the country (I will need some help with this!).
• Determine how I will document the trip (I will need help with this!)
• Rally local folks to help get the word out about the presentations (I am going to need help with this!).
• Create the presentation - it's got to be amazing.
• Figure out which pieces of technology I ought to bring.

And here's part of the art of this kind of adventure or project. The excitement of getting ready will fuel me. Getting ready is just as important as getting going with a big trip like this. And I will be using my Two Weeks to a Breakthrough techniques to make a lot of these things happen.

And here's another thing: I want everyone who partners with me - even in a seemingly small way - to experience breakthroughs too!

Get your motor running
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
In whatever comes our way

So much more to come...

You are Amazing Even if Today You Are Off Course

You are amazing. I know this! If you and I enjoyed a chat over foaming lattes, I am sure that your greatness would shine bright and I would find your hopes and dreams inspiring. Everyone I meet possesses clear and special talents. I love to discover the source of people’s passions and am fascinated by our diverse natures.

Every night on the TV we see people. Some are at their best, but more often they are at their worst (crime shows, reality TV, Jerry Springer). If everyone is amazing, what’s going on? I think that stress and the dizzying circumstances of our lives can push us off course. We know this is not how things ought to be. We know that we have something greater and more compelling to offer the world. Even so, we get farther off course with each mismatched turn. The butterfly effect goes negative when we take many small steps off the path. They add up, add up, and soon we are miles away from where we intended.

You are amazing even if today you are off course.

You have the potential to contribute to society and live a wonderful and fulfilling life. You can get back on track. I work with many people who choose to stop moving in the wrong direction and see a new set of possibilities. They flap their butterfly wings fast and furious, manifesting joy and wonder along the way. They ooze exuberance and become flexibly strong, like a tall Sequoia tree swaying in the wind. An awesome force of nature. What’s your goal? Do you need an adjustment?

You can start right now. Define - Answer - Act - Use that energy to repeat

• What do I want? (Tell two people)
• What can I do in the next 12 hours to get unstuck? (Do one big or five tiny things then rejoice)
• Which is more powerful - physical or mental barriers? (Hint: it's likely mental - obliterate the barriers by rejecting them and taking on a new perspective)
• What two things can I do for the next five days that would get be back on track.

For those of you who regularly read this blog, you might be asking/wondering:

This all sounds familiar, isn't it more complex than this?

Yes, of course it is, but if you act like it isn't - guess what? It will become simpler. And yes, this is familiar. To generate breakthroughs:

• Define goals that inspire you
• Share them broadly
• Take forward action in support of goals
• Make requests that move things forward
• Do all these things and you will create velocity

It's that simple - elegant and simple - powerful and simple.

But we all get off course sometimes and that does not make us any less amazing - we're like Ferrari sport cars parked in our garages. Not performing because the engine is off. Turn the key and go for a ride.

More Year of the Breakthrough

I am loving referring to the Year of the Breakthrough - that's this year, 2007 by the way. I have mentioned it at least a million times in various conversations this past week. I find that when I mention that this is the Year of the Breakthrough, I instantly step up my game. I can't speak about the Year of the Breakthrough and be "same old same old."

Try that with your goal or mantra. For the next week, tell absolutely everyone and insert your goal into conversations. Notice how that changes how you feel and act in these moments.

One of the three cornerstones of my breakthrough system is sharing your goals.
Step 1. Share.
Step 2.. BAM!
Step 3. Repeat

This is very powerful. Share your goals - the goals that mean a lot to you and give you the chills just thinking about them - share them several times every day.

Here I go again, I'll share my intention: I have declared this the Year of the Breakthrough. I endeavor to catalyze more breakthroughs and help people zoom forward. And they will inspire others, and so on and so on. I would like everyone to experience many powerful breakthroughs this year.

Yeah, that sounds right. Breakthroughs all 'round. You too, can use and be a breakthrough catalyst. It's fun! Here's a post a did last year about catalysts and another I did about being a catalyst.

I'm pondering this...

To be successful, do you need to drink the cool-aid (believe - in your heart - the corporate line)?

Breakthroughs are Breakthroughs - not Oridinary Things

I love thinking about breakthrough generation. Sometimes I need to remind myself that a breakthrough is something amazing - it's like stepping on the turbo engine of an older (Swedish) Saab. Vroom.

A to D
A to G
A to R

Not A to B. Breakthroughs can be wee surges forward, but they are surges. Here are 10 things you can do today to facilitate a breakthrough:

1. Make a big request (you knew that would top the list, right?). Make more than one.
2. Take the opposite approach.
3. Ask for crazy ideas that just might work.
4. Tell everyone you come in contact with about your goal - everyone!
5. Volunteer for a new organization or otherwise help someone new.
6. Take the plunge - commit in a new way.
7. Team up with someone or a small group.
8. Make a list of 10 actions and do them all without interruption.
9. Air conduct to your favorite music, then brainstorm new ideas for 15 minutes without stopping or second guessing yourself.
10. Take on the persona of your goal state - be your end goal today.

I like this post from Decker Marketing called Career Tip #13 - Take Bigger Risks. Here's a snippet:

Whether you’re an executive or not, I suggest you take bigger risks to move your career forward (and for fun). Make big plays. Take initiative for change at a strategic level. Bigger risks help your career because you stand out, differentiate, and accomplish great things. Whether you’re an individual contributor or manager, anyone who takes initiatives and risks can become a leader. They are the ones who are break through the next level. Their reputation is lasting and their contributions are recognized and rewarded over the long haul. Plus, the accomplishments create great soundbytes.

You go.

The Power of Positive Thinking VERSUS Expect Less and Be Happier

Situation 1:
You've heard people say that to make things happen, we need to align our minds and generate positive and focused thoughts and actions. To make big things happen we need to think big and believe that anything is possible. I certainly believe this is a great way to generate breakthroughs and success.

Situation 2:
Some people suggest that if your expectations are low, you will be happier and your reality will almost always exceed your expectations. Exceeding expectations is a good thing and feels great.

Dilemma:

1. If you aim high, you might feel disappointed more of the time.
2. If you expect less, you may not achieve as much as you are able - you limit your possibilities.

Are these mindsets in conflict? They can be but don't have to be.

What's the best way to go to maximize success and satisfaction?

Here's my stand. I think that we benefit when we aim high and go for big goals. That said, we need to keep our expectations in check. When you venture into the land of breakthrough generation, not every action or approach is going yield immediate or visual results. It's important that we become very skilled at playing big and not getting disappointed every time something does NOT happen.

Example: You make 10 big requests and get 2 yeses and 8 nos. This is cause for celebration - the two yeses represent a leap forward.

Example: You make no requests and get no rejection. Your performance met your expectations.

Example: You half-way play and ask a few small requests and get mostly yeses. You feel good. Your progress is moving forward slowing.

Let your focus, thoughts and actions go WILD and tame expectations. That's the ticket.

Running Streak

Here's a site with a list of people who have run at least one mile per day every day for a year or more. Some people have run every day for 35 years. If you are a runner, this might be an interesting group to join.

Gotta love google - I just found this article in Wired Magazine called "The Perfect Human," about a guy who went from being a drunk to an amazing long distance runner. Very interesting story - check out the "meat" behind these tips by reading the whole article.

1. BE AUDACIOUS

2. GO LACELESS

3. FLIRT WITH DISASTER

4. EAT JUNK – LOTS OF IT

5. CUT BACK ON SLEEP

6. SHOW YOUR BODY WHO'S BOSS

7. GET A COOL WATCH

8. LEARN TO LOVE KRAZY GLUE

9. GET USED TO IT

10. PROMOTE THE HELL OUT OF YOURSELF

11. BREAK IT DOWN

 12. AVOID KRYPTONITE

The Power of the Big, Long, or Wide

I love reading stories about people who take on something big. These stories fall into two categories.

1. People who found themselves in a situation they did not anticipate and they acted with courage or heroism or something extra and they did something big. Think Nando Parrado.

2. People who choose to do something big, long or wide. These stories tend not to be quite so dramatic as a life and death struggle, but they also call upon courage, drive, resolve, and commitment.

I am writing about people who fall into the #2 category.

The Victrola (one of the best coffee shops in Seattle) posted about one of their customers (Michael) who has gone for a swim in Lake Washington for 203 days straight. The water temp has varied from the 70s down to the 40s and he does not wear a wet suit. Brrr. Here's what Michael  says about his swimming on his website:

My name is Michael: I love Seattle and Washington state, and I love to swim in Lake Washington, especially at Madison Park. One day I started swimming, and now I can't stop (who would've guessed I'd love the cold water?). I made this web site to share the swim streak madness with my family and friends. It's all about swimming, cold water, Lake Washington, Madison Park, waterfowl, the Great Pacific Northwest and the Legendary Swim Streak: 204 Days and c-c-c-counting as of 1/13/07...

This is interesting. I am envious or jealous or maybe I am just feeling guilty because I have a tough time stringing together a perfect week of any desired behavior. Good on ya Michael!

We've heard about people walking across continents, wearing a name tag every day for years, cooking a different Julia Child recipe every meal for one year, and others (feel free to share). And then there's Jon, who is painting 365 paintings in one year (disclosure: he also painted my podcast logo). We hear the stories and are almost always interested and amazed.

There's power in doing something big, long, wide, or deep, and if we take it on we will be transformed. I say that like I know it, don't I? I am confident, BTW, but I recognize that I have not done the backstroke (which would be my stroke of choice) for 200 days straight or anything like that.

Big - epoch big - projects are breakthrough generators. How can they NOT be. I need to put myself out there and give this a try. As I write this I am cringing because I have a habit of starting things but not finishing them. I say that I get bored easily, but I think this is a cop out. I just choose not to stick with things.

If you want to transform your life, consider taking on a big, wide, deep, or long project. And don't worry if someone else has done it. Walking across the continent is still a very long way and an amazing accomplishment even if you are number 623 who has done it.

So, what will it be? I have a couple ideas in mind - tell me what you think:

Idea #1 - Driving my motorcycle from the northwest corner of the contiguous US (Forks, Washington) to the southeast corner (Key West, FL). According to Google, this is a journey of 3,654 miles.

Idea #2 - Something to do with walking (like Michael on land). Not sure what the right stand is to take on this one. I need to resist making it too complex or too simple.

Idea #3 - Something fun but also giving. I have this goofy idea. It might be fun to send someone I do not know a nice card or letter - one per day, every day for a year.

What do you think? Are you doing something long, big, deep, or wide? Tell me about it.

The Trifecta for Improved Momentum

Some people suggest that it is important to get into the right mood or vibe to focus and move forward.

Some people swear by the efficacy of actions - "stay in action, that's the ticket."

Some people think that the way to improve success is to put systems in place that provide a positive structure.

Who's right? You know the answer, they are ALL right.

Which is most important? Each of these approaches is important.

More importantly to the breakthrough seeker - these three approaches are WICKED powerful when employed together.

Benefits:

Getting into the vibe: this means psyching yourself up for what you need to do. Creating a good vibe makes progress enjoyable. To enhance the vibe/mood, people use music, lighting, nature, reading, and combining what needs to be done with what you love doing. For example, I often use different types of music to enhance my writing sessions, exercise sessions, and to get organized.

Getting and staying in action: It's tough to make any changes stick if we are weekend warriors (getting into action every now and then). Doing one or two small focused actions each day and every day is often much more effective. Take just 15-30 minutes each day to focus and you will be amazed at your progress after a couple weeks. After a couple weeks of steady action, you will begin to build new habits.

Creating systems: This means adding structure to your day that helps you stay in focused action.Regular update meetings, coaching relationships, electronic reminders, scheduled daily planning time, and establishing new routines are all examples of systems. This is an important one for me - I find that if I commit to a new system or routine, it helps me stick with my goals.

You want to have the upper hand in making your dreams come true. To do this, use all these methods - a positive vibe, getting into action, and adopting systems.