Kids don't need a pep talk, instruction manual or teambuilding exercise.  They are boundless sources of creativity, energy and joy.

Anyone think our adult version of life is superior to this unblemished, full speed kids' version?

Go play. Your people, and your life, will be better for it.

Q: Which seems more fruitful to you, taking on new skills or just being your unencumbered self?

Lists seem to be all the rage. Especially, if these lists propose to teach you how to do something.  "Seven steps to a better..." or "Five ways you can..."

These lists carry with them an implied message that following the steps of the list guarantees you some sort of success.  But, all these lists have one thing in common: they are all about skills and competencies.  Apparently, if you don't do what the lists say you're going to fail.
 
At FMG we're not against gaining skills or knowledge.  And, we know they can only take you so far.
 
We know real success and breakthroughs happen best when you shed the things that hinder you, and move the obstacles in your way.  We have our own list with one item - BE the authentic you...unleashed.  That's it.  In truth, you already know how to do that.  It's just a reminder from us that you don't have to learn some new skill to have a breakthrough.  Now, isn't that encouraging?

Q: Whose hands hold you up that you've ignored or taken for granted?

Done any crowd-surfing lately?  Yeah, me neither.  But, you know what it is, right?

Usually, it's some guy at a rock concert who starts by jumping onto the top of a packed crowd.  If done right, the members of the crowd all raise their hands to hold him up and help him "surf" through the mass of people.  It's generally safe but can feel pretty risky (or, so I've heard).
 
You probably don't get much opportunity for crowd surfing in your worklife ... or do you?  Consider the many people who have a stake, personally and professionally, in your success:  team members, board members, family, customers, vendors.  These "stakeholders" can hold you up as you flow from one task or challenge to another.
 
Held aloft by those with a stake in your success.  That's quite an image, isn't it?  Risky?  It's only risky when their hands aren't there to support you.  

Q: Are you taking enough breaths for your body (and your life) to keep your momentum for success?

Pretty much every American car has an oxygen sensor.  This sensor regulates the amount of O2 that combines with the fuel in the engine. It controls how the engine breathes. Not enough oxygen or too much and you'll notice sputtering, stops and starts, even that dreaded "check engine" light.  

Too bad we don't have an oxygen sensor or a "check engine" light for our teams and ourselves. Many of us are used to the sputtering and erratic surges of energy.  To keep your power up you have to keep the air coming.  You can spare three minutes to breathe.  We have influence over our minds, bodies, and spirits. Behaving calmly makes us calm.  
 
In this case, we are speaking both figuratively and literally about oxygen.  A literal "deep breath" session for just a few minutes can reset our own mix and help us gain energy and perspective.  All fuel all the time and we'll burn hot and burn out.