Strike the Match

Get Off The Fence

Are you stuck on the fence?  Jump.

Jump into the best yard you can find, anything is better than sitting there stuck.  Plus, your new position will give you a couple new fences to jump should you feel the need to make another leap.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

Dealing with Embarrassment

Caught in an embarrassing situation?  Laugh! 

Yes, at yourself.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

A Better Question

The Original Question:  What do you for a living?

A Better Question: What do you live to do?

Feel free to substitute the alternative anywhere and everywhere you find the original.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

Small Stuff

Don't sweat the small stuff.  Small stuff consists of anything that won't matter a month from today.

Examples include:

1.   A co-worker having an attitude.
2.   Your car getting a flat tire.
3.   A dog eating your shoe. 

Things that are definitely annoying but are not life threatening.  That's the small stuff.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

You Can't Fail

It's a challenging concept to grasp. So challenging that untold numbers people don't even try. They aren't willing to risk "failing" to achieve their extraordinary life.

An example:

A few weeks ago I mentioned I was applying to an Alternative MBA program. I received a note this weekend stating I was not accepted. So, I failed... or did I?

True, I was not accepted to program. But, by applying I met many new and inspiring people, I increased my knowledge of technology and design, and I discovered a great deal more about myself.

If that's failure, I want to fail everyday!

Strike the Match. Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

Take It Straight

An extraordinary idea can be eerily similar to a strong drink.  When you share it with someone, their first reaction may be shock or even disgust. 

So start small. Just give them a sip and plenty of warning that it has a bit more bite than their everyday favorite.  Instead of expecting them to like it immediately, let them develop a taste for it.

And no matter what, do not let them talk you into watering it down.  Because then it would just be ordinary.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

The True You

As you search for your extraordinary opportunity, always showcase the true you.  This approach has two powerful benefits:

1.)  You'll be eliminated from opportunities where you're a bad fit
2.)  You'll naturally rise to the top at opportunities where you're a great fit

The goal is not to win, the goal is to find the right fit.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

The Other Half

One half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it.  ~Sidney Howard

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary

Constant Challenge

All the things discussed in this blog are a constant challenge.  I write about them not because I've mastered them, but usually because I've just been fooled by them. 

I will usually be fooled by them many more times, precisely because they all take constant attention.  As pay attention to one, another one falls off your radar.

The trick is to stay positive and to keep practicing.  After all, little by little one travels far.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

A Shared Purpose

A shared purpose unites people, giving them a common ground to stand on. Two people with nothing to say now have something to talk about. Two people with nothing to do now have something to accomplish.

Create a shared purpose and you are laying the foundation for the extraordinary.

Strike the Match. Take Action, Be Extraordinary.