When You Discover Clues Are Everywhere Around You
The pandemic brought unexpected challenges for many, including the closure of gyms—a personal sanctuary for both physical activity and social interaction. For over twenty years of working from home, the gym provided not just a workout but a chance to connect with others. When lockdowns hit North Carolina, announced just a day after my last public speaking engagement in College Station, Texas, I had to rethink my routine.
Determined to stay active, I developed a new habit: waking up at 5 a.m. every day to walk at least five miles. These walks became more than exercise; they were a time for listening to audiobooks, reciting affirmations, and cultivating a mindset of resilience akin to what I used during the Miracle on the Hudson. One affirmation I often repeated was, “Every way and every day, I am even more financially secure.”
One morning, as the sun rose and painted the sky with vibrant hues, I crossed a busy street and spotted a $20 bill on the ground. Ecstatic, I pocketed it and sent a picture to my family with a reminder: “Stay aware—clues and opportunities are everywhere.” Since then, I’ve stayed alert and found nearly $100 in loose change, bills, and even foreign currency, which I keep in a coffee mug as a reminder of the power of awareness.
This experience affirmed a valuable truth: success leaves clues.
Transforming Clues into Strategies
Transforming Clues into Strategies
During a recent Zoom call, someone asked about my approach to developing new content. I shared how my five-mile walks continue to serve as a weekend practice when I’m not swimming. These walks are not just reflective but transformative. They allow me to review the previous week’s lessons and experiences, capturing them in writing to generate actionable strategies.
Drawing on my sales experience with Oracle, I approach this process as a “comprehensivist,” connecting the dots between diverse insights. By doing this, I create strategies that benefit both my clients and myself. One of the most impactful ways to add value to others is by sharing these connected insights, helping others see the bigger picture.
Proximity and Mentorship: Keys to Resilience
Proximity and Mentorship: Keys to Resilience
Another critical element of my personal and professional growth has been intentional proximity to the right associations. My first mentor taught me the importance of surrounding myself with successful individuals. He encouraged me to invest in personal development by attending seminars featuring speakers like Jim Rohn, Tom Hopkins, and Tony Robbins. These experiences cultivated a mindset of resilience and the ability to connect the dots for others.
Tony Robbins further reinforced this by teaching me the value of helping others compress the time it takes to achieve their goals. This approach has not only enhanced my personal sales success but also deepened the relationships I’ve built while mentoring others.
Become Invaluable by Connecting the Dots
Become Invaluable by Connecting the Dots
As I shared in my blog post, “Adopt the Mindset of a Comprehensivist” (July 5, 2024), being able to connect the dots for others dramatically raises your value. Many organizations struggle with silos, where different departments are disconnected. By bridging these gaps, you become a critical resource.
I encourage you to spend an hour this week journaling your experiences and insights. Identify how you’ve connected the dots to achieve outcomes and think about how to turn these lessons into strategies. You’ll discover that clues for significant progress toward your personal mission are all around you.
Stay Awake to the Clues
Stay Awake to the Clues
Just as Jesus instructed His apostles in Matthew 26:38–41 to stay awake, I urge you to remain alert. Opportunities, insights, and yes, even $20 bills are waiting to be discovered. All it takes is awareness and intentionality to uncover the hidden value in your surroundings.