BOLDNESS in 2012

    Happy New Year!! Last time I wrote (Summer 2011) I inquired about your boldness. If you recall from that newsletter, I shared that after nearly seven years, I transferred into unfamiliar territory within my corporation. No longer was I working with governmental agencies; my clients would now consist exclusively of private Fortune 500 firms. The software, data sets, transaction codes, and business areas that I had previously mastered would differ. Admittedly, I was nervous during the first few weeks of client meetings, but one would have never known. I had to remind myself about myself (and past "faith" victories). I knew I had to "show and prove" through a strong work ethic.

    After 8 weeks of learning the client's processes, building relationships, and developing excellent deliverables, I boldly asked my manger to be a Team Lead of my business area. Coined by some as "self-promotion" I took this risk (and consequently opportunity) because I believed I could handle the additional responsibility. I succeeded. Since that time I was promoted to lead 3 additional business areas, managed four colleagues, and facilitated the development of nearly 100 courses. The result was a $10,000 bonus. I share this not to be grandiloquent and bombastic, but to encourage you that in 2012, one bold decision coupled with impeccable work ethic and tenacity can cause you to be unforgettable in the eyes of others!  

        As we start the New Year, what bold plans do you want to accomplish? Wait, before you answer, what plans did you leave unfinished in 2011? Were there specific instructions that you failed to comply with? Don't fool yourself. It is difficult to make bold plans in 2012 and expect FULL rewards with PARTIAL obedience. Once you have properly wrapped up 2011, you can move forward with 2012. Below are three steps to turn up your boldness in 2012:

 1.   Stop Settling: Challenge yourself

In 2012, you have to set yourself apart from your peers. In this current economic season you have to do more with less, and fortunately for you, most people only do what is required...if that! They are content with accomplishing the bare minimum just to get by. You know, it's that student who is content with just passing, or the coworker who leaves work early, or gets to work late because no one is watching.  You must be different! I believe "I must do all I can in the natural, and God will take care of the rest." How many students do you know will ask their professor/teacher for more homework or problem sets so they can practice more? How many professionals do you think approach their management and ask for additional responsibilities? The percentage is extremely narrow. I declarethere is nothing average about you! Challenge yourself to go the extra-mile so you can stand-out from amongst your peers and reap the benefits. For me it was a $10,000 bonus, for you it could be a promotion, an acceptance, etc.

2.   Associations Matter: Hang with people that ADD Value 

When I initially joined my new project I connected with a bold colleague. Having been on the project for nearly one year she was adept at dealing with the client and our management. Albeit younger than I, her boldness was impressive. Through constant observation, I soon realized her confident demeanor went beyond a 'look.' She was also extremely knowledgeable in the industry and could communicate this intelligence. Before you hang with anyone, first observe their behavior. If it aligns with where you see yourself in 2012, it's time to associate. Remember the words of Chinese educator Tehyi Hsieh, "life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends whom we choose."   

3.   Be Consistent: Manage your emotions   

It is counterproductive to be bold and confident one day, and timid and recluse the next. Not only will you confuse outsiders, but I believe you will confuse yourself. It can be much harder to remind yourself of past victories if they are deemed unrepeatable. A primary reason I didn't clamor in the face of adversity when I transferred because I had experienced the unknown before. My first days of college (and graduate school), first time praying and believing, first speaking engagements, first days in corporate America, first entrepreneurial pursuits, first book/article, first time preparing for a national exam, etc. In every first, uncharted situation, aside from my devout faith, the key ingredient that has been a constant was my consistent strong work ethic.      

         As you prepare and position yourself for success in 2012 allow the three steps to bolster your boldness. Don't fall into the trap of complacency; instead remember there is nothing average about you. Don't succumb to unhealthy relationships to dilute your boldness, make sure your associations are adding value to your life! Finally, don't be half-hazard. If you are going to be bold in 2012, give it 110%. Create an internal track record for yourself that you can mentally tap into at any given moment.