Monthly Archives: January 2020

Afraid to make the Jump? Overcoming the fear…

Published January 21, 2020 | By daryl

Do you want to make your JumpToConsulting, but the voices in your head hold you back? Yes, I often felt the way 32 year ago. But I jumped anyway, and am I glad I did!

So lets talk about overcoming those fears. The catalyst for this post was the book Mastering Fear. Written by former Navy SEAL Brandon Webb, the author shared his journey through fear to success. I could well identify with his fears on my journey to consulting.

Webb identified five steps in overcoming fears. I’ll elaborate on my experiences and offer suggestions based on the lessons I learned. Perhaps they will help you.

The five steps are decision, rehersal, letting go, jumping off (I particularly liked that stage), and finally, knowing what matters.

Decision – Mine was based on a layoff and later a firing. Disturbed by the lack of corporate integrity – I did not want to become a corporate pimp (as in having to fire good people) nor be a the mercy of corporate ineptitude.

Rehersal – Started by moonlighting, and later working from home. Wanted to see if I could handle not being part of a big organization. No problem — loved the freedom.

Letting Go – Decided to let go of the current career direction, and started making concrete plans for the future (including loading up the savings.)

Jumping Off – The first day in business (October 1987) the stock market crashed — but I jumped anyway. Scary? Yes, but I never looked back.

Knowing What Matters – To me, it was making a difference. Do some good, have some fun, make some money. Met all three objectives!

In closing, remember those famous words of Franklin Roosevelt, spoken in the depths of the depression at his first inaugural address in 1933 — “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” True then, true today!

The FREE Monthly Teleconference is Back!

Join us with your questions – or just listen in learn

“Ask Daryl Anything About Consulting”

Register Here

Posted in Encouragement | Leave a comment

A letter to my teenage son… 30 years ago…

Published January 7, 2020 | By daryl

On cleaning out some old files, I ran across this letter to my teen age son in 1990. I though the sentiments might be a good way to start a new decade.

Dear Son,

Ask almost any adult, and they will admit they would not want to suddenly become a teenager again. We all remember our confusion, insecurities, and uncertainties. We all remember facing those important “decisions” about our lives.

In spite of all this, it is a very exciting time. You are stepping into society as an adult, leaving childhood behind. Rest assured, you’ll do fine… we all had to make that change.

In the meantime, here are some thoughts and ideas for you to consider and ponder.

Options… I’m a big believer in having options in life. The more skills, knowledge, and education you have, the more options you have. You are very fortunate, for you have much native intelligence. You have already begun developing that into sound knowledge.

I suggest you keep at it, and continue to develop your knowledge. You definitely have a gift for learning, and you should pursue it will all vigor. I suggest you also continue to add to your skills… speaking, writing, debating… for knowledge alone, without the skills to communicate to convince and lead, is of little use.

Decisions… I’m also a big believer in making decisions, and then acting on them. I’m not suggesting snap decisions — first gather information — then assess it — and then act on it. This last part — acting — is where most people fail. Don’t be afraid of the “wrong” decision — you can always change you mind later, and it is still much better than no decision at all.

Here is a quick trick I’ve used for those important career decisions. First, ask yourself, “Could I do it?” Then, ask yourself, “Should I”. The first requires assessing your skills/strengths/weaknesses, while the second asks if it is really right for you.

Goals… This is tough one. Some people advocate well defined 1-2-5 year plans, but I’ve never found that to work for me. Nevertheless, I had broader goals that helped guide me thus far. These include interesting work, reasonable income, a good education for you and your brother, owning a home, travel, etc.

Give some thought to what you want out of life, and then go after it. If you don’t it, it probably won’t come to you. Just be sure what you seek is what you really want out of life.

Here are some additional quick thoughts from your mother and me:

Be honest… to others, and to yourself. That happiest and most satisfied people we know are very honest with everyone.

Work hard… intelligence and knowledge are not enough. It takes dedication and hard work to be a success.

Don’t seek security… too many people try to eliminate all risk from their lives. Most don’t succeed at it and even this who appear to be “secure” live pretty bland lives.

Think big… reach for the stars. Yes, you could become president or win a Nobel Prize,or ??? But it won’t happen if you don’t try. Just be sure it is worthwhile to you.

Be thankful… for friends, opportunities, health, and for life itself.

Enjoy life… both good days and bad days. Make the best of both.

Love,
Mom and Dad

Some good advice for aspiring consultants too. Happy New Year — Uncle Daryl!