Want to Improve Your Performance? Embrace a 'Blank Sheet of Paper Mindset'
Imagine a blank sheet of paper. It is fresh, clean, and crisp. We can do whatever we want with it. We can ball it up. We can scribble all over it. We can take notes. We can tear it in half. We can make a paper airplane. The possibilities are endless. The only limit is your imagination. Okay, so here we go. Imagine your business possibilities in a new way. In other words, think of whatever you are looking at with a "blank sheet of paper mindset."
How does your blank sheet of paper look now? How do you want it to look? What will be your first steps in addressing the piece of paper? Now let’s make the "jump" that the paper is either your personal efforts or the efforts of the organization you lead. What can you do differently to improve your own/organizational performance? Where does your time go? Are you happy with that? What needs to change? Why? How many people would you say are working for you/with you at your company that are A-plus quality and irreplaceable? If the answer is some ... why do you settle for that?
When you embrace a blank sheet of paper mindset you view things in new ways. You begin to define the moment instead of letting it define you. You begin to expect the unexpected which gives you a huge advantage in business as you are proactive. So, how many things should your blank sheet include that you have not thought about in regard to our rapidly changing world in 2016 and beyond? A few, none, many? Do you wish were not reading this post (and long for the glory days so you did not have to change) ... you know, the same ‘ol, same ‘ol? Ok, then (see earlier comment in the post that was an option) ball up your paper and throw it away. Please do not contact me, however, as I am not interested in hearing why things "cannot happen" but I am quite interested in discussing how to make things happen. If you want to improve badly enough you will find a way, and if you don’t, you will find an excuse. Trust me. I have seen it countless times.
I love connecting with the person who is scribbling and making notes, right now, on this blank sheet of paper. The person that feels some emotion to do something from reading this post. You see, such people/companies are willing to try but simply are not sure where to start. And, guess what? That’s fine. Think of sayings like you "eat an elephant one bite at a time" or "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Yes, that means we have to begin something/somewhere and TRY.
Character and growth is not simply about getting better, but it is having the courage to make the time, commitment and take the first step. Character is in the trying to grow. OK, the challenge is out there. Email me or send a tweet and let me know one important thing you have added to your blank sheet of paper. Ryan@RyanSauers.com @RyanSauers
- Categories:
- Business Management - Marketing/Sales
Ryan T. Sauers has spent nearly 30 years running, leading or consulting with printing, graphics, promotional and visual communications-related organizations. Sauers is CEO of two companies, Sauers Consulting Strategies LLC and End Resultz Inc. that among other things, owns magazines and is a media firm. Key areas of focus of the firms include sales training, marketing strategy, personal branding, leadership development and organizational change.
Sauers is a frequent national speaker and columnist. He has been recognized as one of the top 80 CMOs globally and achieved the top designation of Certified Marketing Executive through Sales and Marketing Executives International.
Sauers is an adjunct university professor teaching leadership and communication courses to current and aspiring leaders. He is a Certified Myers Briggs, DiSC and Emotional Intelligence Practitioner (one of few in the U.S. to achieve all three rigorous certifications related to human communications, personality and behavior).
Sauers has completed his doctoral-level coursework in Organizational Leadership and is now (ABD - All But Dissertation) working on his dissertation on why some entrepreneurs and small businesses achieve initial and long-term success, whereas countless others do not.
Sauers is the host of the Marketing Matters radio show in Atlanta that later becomes a global podcast. He also is the host of the Community Connections TV show that comes out in video and podcast form. Sauers is the author of the best-selling books, Everyone is in Sales, and Would You Buy from You? More info at RyanSauers.com or call (678) 825-2049 or email Ryan@RyanSauers.com
