Inside The Red Circle
The date on the calendar has been circled in red for months. Perhaps even years. A peak moment somewhere out in the future awaits your attention. A transition profoundly calls upon you to step up. You know you must activate your capabilities and be ready when this time arrives.
The moment within the red circle projects a desirable landscape. Who wants to own this valued space? There are two types of key players:
- You (“You” could also be your tribe of shared interests)
- Inflaters
The Inflater gambles big on what resides inside of that red circle. The Inflater erects elaborate structures and systems in anticipation of the outcome they desire for themselves and for others.
The Inflater distributes anticipation as though it was a powerful narcotic. They are the dealer in search of the junkie. The more that they can convince someone about a perceived outcome, the more they are able to transform anticipation into anxiousness and fear.
If they are successful, the Inflater will control the desirable landscape located in their red marker.
Inflater-Free Moments
Hype can be reduced. Even eliminated. Oftentimes it is not easy — but it IS a matter of choice.
To own the day that is circled in red is a function of leading with what you know to be true. You understand these truths because you practice them every day — not just the days circled on the calendar.
The strategy?
Close the screens.
Reduce the visual and auditory clutter that surrounds you.
Remove the negative people from your life. Click.
By doing so, you dismiss the noise of the Inflater that comes disguised as “finding common ground” or “playing on the same team.”
To lead with what you know to be true is not about the day circled in red. It is about taking the smallest and simplest steps forward every day towards what matters most.
Then, circle these steps in red.
With gratitude,
-Joe
Do you know somebody who would benefit from reading this post? Consider sharing Inside The Red Circle using THIS LINK and the hashtag #CircleInRed.
Hi, I’m Joe, the owner of 5 With Joe Performance Coaching. My clients are leaders, organizations, and teams who utilize my Olympic Gold Medal performance strategies and 40 years of navigating whitewater river rapids to streamline decision making and actions when engaged in complicated river currents of business and life.
The best way to interact with me is through Sunday Morning Joe, my weekly newsletter that explores the art of improving performance, overcoming challenge, and aligning with purpose for Sunday readers in search of more depth and motivation. Subscribe HERE for free.
