Journey On

CREATING THE MOMENTUM TO MOVE FORWARD

Mark Susnow — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:27:53 +0000

There is always that balance between learning something new and enjoying the process of learning. It takes, effort, focus and commitment. Sometimes we feel energized while at others we feel drained.

In the initial phases of the learning process, we might be excited; “I’m going to get into dancing,” we think to ourselves. So we start going to classes and it’s harder than we thought. We do make some progress, but when we look around the room we don’t feel very graceful. We seem to never get “there” and then one day we stop. At some point the process repeats itself with something different. We never quite get to the elusive “there.”

In the initial phase of whatever you were learning, you would have been happy to get to the place where you were before you stopped. Rather than focusing on how difficult it’s been and how difficult progress will be in the future, rejoice in what you have accomplished. Cherish the moment. Be mindful of it.

The momentum to move forward comes from recognizing how much you achieved up to now. Let’s say you’ve been at it for six months. Think about where you were in the beginning. Imagine where you will be six months from now and what you will have to do to get there. If you keep at it, most likely you’ll surpass your expectations.

To move forward, it is essential to enjoy where you are now. Enjoy that place, enjoy that moment and enjoy the journey.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and thought leader who inspires others to believe in themselves. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring keynotes on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message to his audiences. A former trial attorney for 30 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He is the author of Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes. Give yourself the gift of coaching and make an investment in your future.

Turning Hard Work and Struggle into a Celebration

Mark Susnow — Sat, 12 May 2012 23:38:16 +0000

In the back of my mind I thought about writing a book. I had been writing Letters on Life, a monthly ezine, for quite some time. Writing a book was the next progression. But life got in the way and the thought stayed on the back burner, until I ran into an old friend. She had been reading Letters on Life and suggested that I write a book. With her help I spent a year developing a memoir. When reached the point of final editing, she suggested that rather than publish the memoir, that I should publish something based on my newsletters since I already had a following.

Although I knew she was right, I initially resisted the idea. After a year of hard work, I wanted to see the end result. So I did nothing for a while. The unpublished manuscript stayed on my computer, until one day I decided I would write that book. The result was Dancing on the River: Navigating Life’s Changes.

I originally thought that the book would be completed in a brief period of time—— I would get a publisher and then I would be on my way. Well life doesn’t work that way. The entire process with getting the book published took three years.

On many occasions I felt like abandoning the project, but I hung in there.I had to dig deep and bear my soul to finish the journey, or should I say the first phase of the journey.

The next phase is sharing your book and message with others. For some that is daunting, but for me I enjoy it. It’s not a short journey, but a marathon full of many ups and downs; many starts and finishes. But a rewarding journey.

Nearing the day when the manuscript was ready for the editor was an exciting day. But it was just the first phase of many. Along the way there were more peaks and valleys. The struggle, the uncertainty, the feeling of giving up have all contributed to the feeling of joy that I got when I completed the project. Since then it’s been a celebration.

But it’s all taking one step at a time. But keep taking that step.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an Executive-life coach, Speaker and Author. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. He is the author of Dancing on the River:Navigating Life’s Changes; Discover the Leader Within: 10 Ways to Become the Leader you Have Always Wanted to Be. You can reach him at mark@inspirepossibility.com

GO BEYOND JUST GETTING IT DONE

Mark Susnow — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:25:47 +0000

Are you just putting in time or are you trying to go beyond? In a day, there are many mundane tasks that are required, such as putting gas in our car, going to the grocery store, or having that cup of coffee. Do we just show up, do what we have to do, and move on. Do we smile at the person in the gas station or in the coffee shop. Do we really look at them? We’re there but how present are we.

Even with the most mundane tasks, we can find satisfaction by putting in a little more effort, not necessarily by doing more work, but by getting into it and making it a meditation or an experience.

I know I’m weak in the kitchen, but I have found that when I turn on some music I get into it more. At the gas station, I smile at the person I give the money to. Yes we have responsibilities and obligations that are part of everyday living. We have to do them. Rather than agonizing over them, get into them and transform them in rewarding experiences. By putting in a little more effort, you can make a big difference in your everyday life.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

TAKE TIME

Mark Susnow — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:03:12 +0000

I am amazed at the number of times that I have met someone who knew me at a different time in my life. Sometimes I don’t even remember who they are or how I met them until they tell me the story. I “Take Time” to listen, to smile and to say, “Thank-you.”

We always seem to remember the story. That’s what connects us. When you’ve lived for a while those meetings, which remind you of the story, seem to occur more frequently. The synchronicity of these meaningful coincidences becomes the norm rather than the infrequent occurrence.
You begin to expect them. They add a richness to your life that contributes to your sense of fulfillment.

By the time you’ve reached the wisdom years you’ve gained perspective and more stories. You’ve seen the changes and lived through them. You know that it’s never as bad as it seems, and if something is too good to be true, it usually is, but not always.

My journey so far in this new millennium has been full of changes, more than I anticipated. Even though there’s part of me that accepts that life is a great mystery I haven’t stopped trying to make sense of it all; trying to make everything fit into a nice package which it never does.

Each time that I experience one of those chance encounters that provides a missing piece to the puzzle, there is a thought that deeply resonates within me. It makes greater sense to me now than it ever did. We are in the process of gathering our tribes!

What we do and say attracts our tribe. Unless we speak from our heart and share what has meaning, it will be difficult for our tribe to find us, or for us to find them.

What also gets in the way, is that we seem to find ways to occupy every minute of our day. We’re always busy “doing.” Rather than taking time and just being present, we think about the next item on our “to do” list. If we don’t “Take Time” to really know ourselves how can we get to know others. WE ARE MISSING A GREAT OPPORTUNITY. Recently, at a gathering, a friend read a poem that is a great reminder.

TAKE TIME

Take time to Think
It is the source of all power.

Take time to play
It is the source of perpetual youth.

Take time to Read
It is the fountain of wisdom

Take time to Pray
It is the greatest power on earth.

That time to love and be loved
It is a God given gift.

Take time to be Friendly
It is the road to happiness.

Take time to Laugh
It is the music of the soul.

Take time to Give
It is too short a day to be selfish.

Take time to Work
It is the price of success.

Take time to Receive
It is the key to giving.

Anonymous

Sometimes a story is the best way to give us perspective. “Take Time,” to be in this story with me.

“You’re on the way to the airport. You get on the plane with a book that you’ve been planning to read for quite some time. As you open your book, you notice that the person sitting next to you is trying to catch your eye so that they can start a conversation. A few minutes later you are asked a question and you reluctantly answer. You lower your book a bit to be polite and after a few minutes you find yourself putting your book down and engaging in a brief conversation, although with a lack of enthusiasm. A few minutes later, the process is repeated, until the person next to you, let’s call him John, makes an observation about you that’s quite perceptive and sensitive. You start to become curious about who John is and in the course of the conversation, he tells you of an experience he has only shared with a few people. You let John know that you have had a similar experience. By now you’re totally engaged and listening to every word he says. You notice every nuance in the inflection of his voice and the way he is animated. Time seems to stand still and the next thing you know the plane lands. You say goodbye to the kindred soul you have just met.”

We all would love to experience these moments more often. We crave deeper connection in our lives, but our ability to connect is a lost art. Until we take time to really listen and to be fully present, we won’t be able to develop the art of connecting with another.

Connection transcends titles, race, gender, age and anything we can think of. From this bond of connection anything is possible, but we have to be in a receptive place; a place in which we take the time to be present. As with most things in life, the journey is a process that starts with the intention to experience more connection in our busy lives.

As your commitment deepens, you’ll notice that those magical moments, when you experience true connection, seem to occur more often.

This new found magic then becomes the gateway to a more fulfilling life.  When you think about it, it’s the way it should be. In the bigger picture, we are part of one human family. At our core we have the same human needs and desires. We have the need to love and be loved. We want to know that our life has meaning. When we connect with a kindred soul we are reminded that we are not alone and that we are connected to something much greater than ourselves.

Take time to share this blog with those in your circle.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

THE “MAGIC WAND” EFFECT

Mark Susnow — Mon, 07 May 2012 01:26:15 +0000

I don’t know about you, but at times I wish that things were easier. What I really mean is that I wish I had a magic wand that would make things instantly better. It wouldn’t matter what I was working on, or what I was trying to learn, waving the magic wand would make it instantly better. Let’s call this the “Magic Wand” effect. This effect would be the ultimate shortcut.

But as we’ve discussed on prior occasions, life doesn’t work that way. We have to do the work, put in the time and practice and practice. I’ve mentioned that I’m learning the piano. Although I already play other instruments well, I get frustrated that I don’t have the same ability with the piano that I do with the other instruments. Oh where’s that magic wand when you need it. So I learn the value of the 3P’s; practice, patience, and perseverance.

Since I’ve been successful in other endeavors, I know the value of the 3P’s. I trust the process and know I’ll get there. The confidence that I’ll gain from what I’m doing now with the piano will translate to other endeavors that I embark upon down the road. On a deeper level, because I know the value of commitment, I’m able to get excited about the little shifts progress. I’ll keep you posted.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT LEARNING NEW THINGS?

Mark Susnow — Sat, 05 May 2012 21:05:15 +0000

When I think about my life, I realize how much I like to learn new things. Not necessarily something entirely different, but taking what I know to the next level. That’s the way it’s been with music. I’ve played since I’ve been a kid and I’m still learning new things; how to develop my ear, how to play my instrument more effectively which expands my enjoyment. Recently I’ve taken up the piano, an instrument that I’ve always been fascinated by, but never played. So i’m learning and each day it becomes more of a part of me. It feels good and at times I get excited about the possibilities.

That’s the way it has been with tennis also. Even though I’ve played since I’ve been a kid I’m still learning new things that make my game better. I just got off the tennis court—and got to try out a new technique for my serve that I’ve been practicing. Now I can concentrate on the next thing.

If we’re open to growing and evolving, we will notice subtle shifts in the way we think about our life. Of course it’s not always going to be a smooth ride. There are always going to be challenges and obstacles. That’s part of what it is to be human. But as we work through these challenges, there is a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that we wouldn’t have experienced without the challenges. They are there to bring out the best in us.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

BE A DREAMER

Mark Susnow — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:12:29 +0000

You think you know what you want to do. But there always seems to be a reason that you don’t begin. Don’t let the perceived obstacles and difficulties stop you. To get yourself successfully through them, make sure you have a strong compelling reason for choosing that path.

When your purpose truly resonates with you, you will find a way to get there. Use your imagination to help you develop a clear mental picture of what it would be like to live that reality.

I’ve been called a dreamer before. I have an active imagination. On more than a few occasions, I’ve visualized what it would be like to live in a certain way. Of course being a trial lawyer was one of those scenarios that I only imagined when I was much younger. There were many others, some of which became my reality. I imagined what it would like to live the life of a rock star. I thought about what it would be like to be a successful seminar leader. And at some point being a successful author entered the equation. The image in my mind always preceded the journey.

Regardless of the path you choose, it will have its share of obstacles and challenges. To transcend them, it’s important to become clear why it’s important for you to get from here to there.

When I was still in law school, it became clear to me that I wanted to be a criminal lawyer. I wanted to represent those who didn’t have a voice. When I began my career, there very few job opportunities in that field, so my choices were limited. Because I had a burning desire to go in that direction, I did what it took to make it work for many years, until one day I felt that the dream had run its course. I was a ready for a new dream and there have been many more since that time.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

DISCIPLINE LEADS TO FREEDOM

Mark Susnow — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:50:17 +0000

Years ago I studied the Bansuri, a bamboo flute with GS Sachdev, a world-renowned master. i wanted to have the experience of studying with a master. He had a gift and musical talent that only a few others came close to possessing. Yet my takeaway from studying with him was that talent only takes you so far. Don’t get me wrong. Possessing talent is a great start. But practice, commitment and discipline are necessary if you want to excel. And to achieve mastery, dedication is essential. With dedication comes passion.

Perhaps achieving mastery doesn’t call you. But perhaps you want to take what you are doing to the next level. You want to improve your experience of life. You’ve heard the expression that practice makes perfect. While that might not be necessarily true, it definitely makes you better and more comfortable with what you are trying to learn.

Without it you can’t get better at something. Before giving a talk I prepare beforehand sometimes watching myself on video. When I was a trial lawyer I would spend hours preparing, even if just in my mind, before going to court.

Intending to do well at something, while a good thought, doesn’t get the job done. There are no short cuts.

If you are giving a presentation, practicing beforehand gives you not only more familiarity with your topic, but a confidence, that more often than not, translates into success.

Sorry there are no shortcuts. Focusing, practicing, going over the same thing again and again while tedious at times leads to greater freedom. Discipline leads to freedom.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

BE THAT PERSON

Mark Susnow — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:23:16 +0000

There are so many labels that define us and how we think. It’s difficult to get beyond those labels. When I was a trial attorney, at times that was all people wanted to hear. They didn’t want to hear that I was also a musician, that I was into meditation and yoga and all of the other things that were important to me.

If we let those external labels and opinions define us, then we limit what is possible in our lives. What we think we are capable of changes from time to time. We build on little successes. Over time we experience a different realm, one in which we didn’t know was possible.

We learn to trust our internal guide that lets us know that we are going in the right direction. But when we listen to other people, rather than paying attention to our internal guidance, we limit what is possible in our lives. We stop. We don’t follow through.

Once we let the external labels of limitation define us, which are usually determined by a set of guidelines that pertain to the average person, we get shoved into a box that is difficult to break out of.

As we navigate our life’s journey, we progress into a world in which what we’re capable of is totally different that what we thought at one time in our lives. It’s exciting.

I’ve been referred to as a dreamer by some and a visionary by others. You are not defined by your past. Today is the first day of your life. Decide where you want to go. Decide who you want to be and be that person.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

JUST GETTING STARTED

Mark Susnow — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:28:55 +0000

Perhaps you are a procrastinator. You wait and you wait and finally get to it when you’ve run out of excuses. We’ve all had this tendency at times. Even when you get to it, you resist letting it go thinking that there is always something else you can do.

When we’re finally done we realize that we spent more time thinking about completing the project than it actually took to do it. What were we avoiding? Was it the fear of failure or were we just a little bit lazy. Maybe a little of both. Usually once we sit down and begin the project it goes quicker than we thought. But it’s just getting started where the resistance is.

Every month I write a monthly ezine. I have many excuses why I keep putting it off——the most common is, “What am I going to say?” Eventually I get to it. I start with an idea and once I sit down and begin the process, although challenging, I enjoy the process. That’s the way it is almost every time.

Doing taxes is another example of putting things off. I spend more time thinking about doing them than it actually takes to do them. Once I begin I get it done in less time than I anticipated.

What I’ve learned to do is to break down whatever project I’ve been working on into segments. Today I’ll get this segment done. And then tomorrow I’ll do the next segment. When I was a trial lawyer I also prepared in that way. I broke it down. On this day I’ll get this done and then the next day, I’ll go on to the next segment.

Once you get going, there is a sense of accomplishment afterwards. But it’s a process. Learn to love it because tomorrow there will be something else that needs to get done.

JOURNEY ON

MARK