Leaping

Today is a nice reminder that there is value found in leaping.

We tend to look for solutions by tweaking, adjusting a little, varying inputs or outputs, when perhaps we should be looking to leap.

At a minimum, leap with your thoughts. Instead of finding an answer to today's pressing problem, search for solutions to the greater issue -- leap.

Leap bigger. Broaden your thoughts, expand your ideas, and think beyond. Leap.

Happy Leap Day! Practice it today.

houston@figment-consulting.com

I don't know.

Three simple words, and yet so difficult for many of us to say.

It took years for me to master these words, and there are times where the small voice inside me continues to provide me with doubt as to whether or not they should be said again. But, I also understand the power that comes with being able to say, "I don't know."

Saying it doesn't mean you can't learn it.

Saying it doesn't mean you can't find the answer (see google.com for that).

In fact, saying it frees you up to grow, to further your knowledge and expertise, and to become even better at what you do.

You may want to give it a try.

houston@figment-consulting.com

The Challenge of Your Turn: #YourTurnChallenge

I simply moved the word Challenge ahead of Your Turn. Does it take on a whole new meaning for you?

Merriam-Webster tells us that challenge is a verb, a transitive verb, and an intransitive verb. I counted 13 definitions attached to the word challenge -- does that mean we get to choose the definition we want?

Is Your Turn daring you to prove your worthiness of choosing yourself?

Is it inviting you into a competition involving others who have also accepted the challenge?

Is it asking you to prove your identity calling you a stranger in this world of choosing oneself?

Perhaps it is disputing past assumptions and calling them invalid leaving you to change your beliefs?

Or, is it stimulating you, arousing you by presenting you with difficulties. Difficulties, that once overcome, will allow you to experience the joy that comes with choosing Your Turn.

Maybe the word Challenge is a noun. Merriam-Webster tells us that as a noun challenge has three primary definitions: a difficult task or problem; an action, statement, etc., that is against something; an invitation to compete.

Perhaps one of those definitions will suffice for you.

However, before you decide ask yourself, "Who said I have to use the word challenge?"

I simply rearranged the words and put challenge first. It is just as easy for you to replace it with one of your choosing.

After all, it is Your Turn.

houston@figment-consulting.com
#YourTurnChallenge

Sometimes the obvious is obviously difficult to see.

With a first name of Houston, and thanks to NASA, I have had to endure introducing myself to people and then hearing the phrase, "Houston, we have a problem. Bet you have never heard that before have you?"

I have always tried to reply with a polite and oftentimes witty answer to make light of it, and make them feel at ease. Truth be told, it grew old early on in life. I always related to the actors who had delivered a memorable line, or found themselves trying to avoid being typecast because of a particular role. In interviews, they would often be asked about people approaching them on the street and asking them to say that line. Or, the comedians who would be at a gathering and people always expecting them to be funny. For me, it was similar -- new person, first introduction, okay, here we go again. "Houston huh, I bet you have never heard . . ."

And then, an epiphany of sorts (though after this length of time, not sure it can be called an epiphany) in that I realized that perhaps I was looking at this all wrong. After all, Prince was a great name for a musician, thought he did change his name to a symbol (maybe I should consider that). No, the real answer, the real solution here is to realize the potential of this and even send NASA a thank-you letter.

I have spent my life, in essence, solving problems. I work with companies and schools to solve their customer loyalty problems, and relationship problems. I work with individuals to solve their self-esteem, minimal vision, and internal belief problems. And, I work with organizations to solve their branding, messaging, and communication problems.

In fact, if it weren't for problems, I am not sure what I would be doing each day. It's hard to solve for success, but problems present opportunities.

As Jimmy Fallon would say, "Thank you NASA for placing your space center in Houston, and for having problems."

Let me encourage you to consider what may be right in front of you. Are you overlooking something so obvious that it is difficult to see? Are you avoiding something that when embraced might actually be an asset?

For me, it has taken over 28 years of a professional life to embrace the obvious. When people call me and say, "Houston, we have a problem" it is actually the best call I can receive.

Now, what is the phone number to the Copyright Office?

houston@figment-consulting.com