Your Watershed Moment: A Game-Changing Strategy for Personal and Professional Development

September 7, 2023

In every business field, pursuit, and decade of life, there are the “outliers” –those top 10% who find the motivation, courage, and pathway to succeed and make a difference, no matter what the current moment in the world or in their field.

A few years ago, I heard this invaluable advice and took it:

“Get around the very best people you can afford to join.”

Like everyone, I love and have learned volumes from free online content—short videos, podcasts, downloads, as well as inexpensive books. But there comes a watershed moment for those who wish to rise to the top of their fields or to exponentially expand their impact in the charitable cause of choice, that you must “pay to play.” Yes, there are exceptions-those who did it on their own, but they are rare indeed.

Have you arrived at your “Watershed Moment?”

First, let’s define its meaning in this context:

Watershed Moment [Definition]— When you realize that you need to seek out a bigger, wider, higher, more excellent, circle of support, education, and inspiration if you wish to continue or begin to experience significant personal, entrepreneurial or business growth.

Your Watershed Moment can come in many forms and “moments of realization.” Can you relate to one or more of these below?

·     You can clearly see that you are “too close” to your daily work to identify and execute on strategies that would take your efforts to a whole new level.

·     Every year your goals are lofty and similar, but you fail to achieve them. You are even tempted to stop writing them down.

·     You know that you are doing many tasks that are either an inefficient use of your time or that you should not be doing at all. But you don’t know how to let go of this long-term pattern, even though your work is now more demanding, threats loom, or opportunities are greater.

·     You don’t know exactly what you need to do differently but know you cannot continue to work like you have and expect anything more than incremental growth, if that. (You can see that you are now firmly in your own way of significant growth.)

·     You are blaming your stagnated growth on the “usual suspects”- lack of time, resources, the economy, politics, world events, or your industry, etc. You tell yourself that many in your field are also struggling (but you also know a few enjoying incredible success.) You know you too, deep down, you are just making excuses for not figuring out how to both make an impact AND provide well for yourself and those you love.

·     You see what you need to do, but don’t have the right knowledge or resources to execute on it. In fact, sometimes it feels challenging to even keep up with what you are doing now.

·     You have a keen sense that “time is running out,” for you to achieve what you feel you are capable of in your work. If you are honest, you must admit that there are fewer years available for your work before you than behind you and you are not comfortable with what you have set aside for your future.

·     You know that if you don’t connect with the very best in your field, your “scenery” will never change. Few, if any, in your immediate circle still strive to operate at the level of excellence and continued growth you do. A number are either “winding it down,” coasting, or retiring. Some close to you may even actively sabotage your efforts.

·     You now think not only of the investment costs in securing additional support but also in terms of your “lost opportunity costs.” You strongly suspect that you are potentially leaving “thousands on table” each month and will continue to do so by putting off investing in yourself. You must change this equation.

·     You still have big plans for your future.  You refuse to accept your current level of success as your “high watermark.”

My Watershed Moment:

A few years ago, I came to the point in my career that, despite the cost, I knew I needed to continually identify the very best in my industry and to spend as much time as I could with them. It was then that I invested in my first real coach and even flew across the country to meet with him for 90 minutes! (By the way, my dad thought I was crazy as it was a huge expense but the advice I received paid off instantly and many times over.) I also joined several paid business development/marketing communities. And I invested significantly in both one-time strategy sessions with top coaches and in top business development programs. I also started my own weekly mastermind group so that I could be challenged by others pursuing excellence.

I have never looked back.

These ongoing strategies now form the backbone of my development efforts:

“Who is the very best coach or program I can identify and secure this year to help me?” And, “What existing investments do I wish to continue or swap out?” Dropping out of “school” is no longer an option.

What was the result? Our business tripled in growth! This breakthrough provided resources for my business and family that I could have only dreamed of 10 years ago.

Are you at your own Watershed Moment and wish for a similar breakthrough in your personal or business life? Consider these steps:

1.    Take Brian Tracy up on his challenge.  Invest 3% of whatever you currently make on personal and business development—coaching, counseling, marketing help, mastermind groups and skill acquisition, etc.

(Hard Truth: Most of us are willing to spend on vacations but balk at investing anything close to that amount in our work or business. I guarantee if you do invest 3% in your personal or business growth, you will take far better vacations! This investment may be painful your first year and you may need to either forego that big vacation or save funds by taking a staycation, but this one-year sacrifice will be temporary and your results permanent!

2.    Join a paid mastermind group or form a free one of your own. The best ones instantly provide a place for you to have your toughest questions answered any time and feature a “hot seat” format where each meeting affords at least one participant a chance to get feedback on his or her business or personal challenges. This is invaluable! As they say, “A good group’s IQ is always genius level!”

3.    I am a superfan of freebie content too, but eventually, like choosing to attend a top university, there is a “tuition fee” to be mentored by the greatest practitioners of your desired pursuit. Many of us didn’t blink about investing in our university or vocational training, but for some this was the last significant education investment we have ever made. Time to go back to school! View it as an investment, not just as an expense. It is.

I hope I have challenged to recognize your own Watershed Moment in your personal life, business, or career. Consider your own current “lost opportunity costs.” Discuss your situation with someone who can help you see what you may be giving up AND what would make sense for your to invest in yourself this year to go “further faster.” Then, make the jump!

If you are interested in a strategic coaching session of your own to help you determine your path forward, I am here to help. Make this your Watershed Year!

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Transform Your Life This Fall: Begin Holding a Weekly Personal Business Meeting!

September 1, 2023

Like many early risers, popular executive coach, Ron Sharma, considers 5 to 8 a.m. every morning as “prime time or “the Golden Hours” and those who join him members of the esteemed “5 a.m. club.” Others prefer to work what has been coined “the second shift.”  They finish their regular work day, grab dinner, then jump on the computer for a couple more, often highly productive, late night hours. you are a night owl or an early morning riser, the significant take away is not when you do your best work.

It doesn’t matter what time of day you are at your best.  It is this: The more impact you wish to have in your career and personal life, the more you will need to set aside time for uninterrupted strategizing and planning, as well as activities that are mentally, physically and spiritually restorative.  You will also need to use this time to schedule the fourth restorative domain, the only one not accomplished in solitude- maintaining healthy social connections.

Here is the leader’s paradox: You cannot be your best alone but great leaders must carve out significant alone time.  As Michael Hyatt, productivity and leadership coach, said recently: “If your goals do not require a team, they are not big enough.”

The top business leaders I know all set aside specific time just for thinking. Some get away one day a month, a couple of days a quarter, and all certainly spend time developing yearly goals.  But, at the same time, they also all sit down in some fashion weekly to renew, review and strategize their next seven days.

The One Percent

Over the past six months, in preparation for focusing more on this topic in the new year, I began to informally pole each of my corporate seminar audience members asking the following simple question: How many of you have written goals?  On average, just 5% raised their hand.  In a group of medical professionals recently, not one hand out of 50 was raised.  Although, my sampling may be far from random, the conclusion is clear:  If you set written goals, you are instantly putting yourself in a very small minority of your peers. If you hold a WPBM you are certainly in the 1%!  The question is, does it matter?

How to Host Your Own Weekly Personal Business Meeting (WPBM)

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The One Self-Coaching Strategy You are Likely Neglecting (and It is Costing You More Than You Could Ever Imagine.)

August 24, 2023

Dr. Bill Dyment * Team Doctor * Executive Coach Co-Author of Fire Your Excuses.

Like many of you, I have consumed 100’s of books, podcasts and videos seeking to develop my business and personal skills and to continue to grow and develop. I have learned and incorporated many strategies that have served me well.

But over time, I realized I was neglecting the one non-negotiable strategy that, since implementation, has made more of a difference than anything else—A Vision Mapping Meeting.

A Vision Mapping Meeting is a strategic appointment with yourself to do some deep reflection about your work, team, personal life, and the direction you are current taking, consciously or not. I find it optimal when you can also combine your meeting with a change of usual venue: Leave your usual office or workspace and get away to a coffee shop, private outdoor location, hotel lobby (or hotel room)-any place that is different, quiet and will aid you in being able to think deeply and creatively.

The higher you rise in your work (or wish to rise,) the more essential it is to set aside such time.

Vision Mapping is when you will come up with some of your best ideas and make all-important pivots in your focus and decide to quit altogether unproductive but familiar activities. Seth Godin in his excellent book, The Dip, states succinctly, “Winners quit all the time.” Thinking time is when you take the courage decision to do just that to make room for what is most important.

It is also when you will decide and take that first step toward launching into the projects you have long dreamed about but have not yet ever acted on. It is when you will pinpoint time trends and then choose to reallocate my time to spend it on what is most important, interesting, and productive.
Vision Mapping time is the highlight of my week. It is a sacred moment. A time to be guarded at all costs as it is so fruitful to me on many levels. I could say it has even a spiritual quality for me. While not everyone shares my spiritual faith, those who do will resonate with the question I often ask myself during these times: How is what I am currently doing align or not align with my purpose in the world and my relationship with God.
How much thinking time do you need? If you wish to be the best leader possible or maximize your impact in all areas of focus, I strong suggest the following schedule and frequency of meetings:

·     One Vision Mapping Meeting– one hour a week for your weekly planning.
·     One Vision Mapping “Deep-Dive” Session—one morning/afternoon or evening (3 hours) a month.
·     One-Day Vision Mapping Retreat—once a quarter.
·     One Vision Mapping Weekend—one weekend a year.

The challenge:
Perhaps as you look at the suggested guidelines and schedule for a year of regular Vision Mapping Meetings, the commitment level seems unworkable. I recommend you start small, with just one hour a month and see if your investment doesn’t immediately begin to provide dividends in your personal and business life. Once you experience the difference in your focus, fulfillment, and achievement, you will likely be sold as some many others have on taking the time for regular Vision mapping meetings of your own.

#executivecoaching.

 

 

 

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Are You “Uniquely Better?”

August 20, 2023

 

If you have been to Boston, you know it is a one of the most walkable big cities in the U.S. Rapid transit is excellent and inexpensive but driving its colonial tangle of one-way streets and finding affordable parking can be difficult. I grew up in its suburbs and visit often but last summer my wife and I happened to be there attending conference in the city itself, a rare treat for us. On this special visit, we needed a car to move more quickly, between events, and to see my parents, each of whom were recovering from serious medical illnesses in outlying cities. For the first time ever, I also used an app to locate a reasonable parking spot in Downtown Boston.

On Sunday morning, I went to retrieve the car from the parking garage. On this occasion, my prepaid ticket did not open the gate and my four calls to the off-site attendant were sequentially disconnected in mid-sentence after several frustrating minutes each. In the end, I paid the demanded $17 I did not owe, just to be released from parking purgatory. It was obvious that the parking garage was running a scam. There was even a sign at the gate that said that if you are hung up on, please try again (and again.)

When I got back home to L.A., I pessimistically called the app site, Spot Hero, who had arranged my parking garage booking. Not only did they instantly refund me the $17 I was surcharged, but also the entire amount of my parking.

The app company proved to be, what Andy Stanley, noted leadership expert calls, “uniquely better.” (You can listen to Andy Stanley discuss this distinction in depth in his two-part podcast episode here.)

What is does mean to be uniquely better in your career or industry? Being unique betteris a form of excellence that knows no age, or industry. It can also provide you with a highly competitive advantage. In the 500 organizations I have had the privilege of assisting as a speaker and consultant, I have seen industries and staff of all levels deliver uniquely better service.  Some staff have been in their teens. Others soon-to-retire or elderly. In fact, many are volunteers.

How do you assess if you or your organization are uniquely better? Certain colleague and customer comments can tell you that you are well on your way. These are some of the phrases I love to hear but there are many others:

“What a difference there is working with you!” (Always ask, “Why?”)

“Wow, our last [provider/leader/manager, etc.] would have taken two weeks!”

“The first ______ I called said they couldn’t _______but you said, “No problem!”

“You made it so easy…”

“Thank you for being so on top of things. I have been so busy…”

“I can’t believe the value we received!” (Oops, that a mixed blessing. Time to raise your prices!)

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Want a different rest of 2023? Walk the “last mile of denial”

July 9, 2023

 

12.12.01 last mile 2

As the second half of 2023 begins, we recall that many of us started the year desiring a big change, even a breakthrough. So, once again, we made our solemn vows-to lose that weight for good this time, land that dream job, finally get out of debt, to ending that self-sabotaging habit.

At the time of this writing, it’s now July.  How are you doing on these goals?  If you are like most, they are already in jeopardy.  Why?  Because it is extremely difficult to change life-long habits. Fortunately, it is the perfect season not only to show love to others but also for some self-love, even some tough love.

In Fire Your Excuses, we lay out a well-researched principle of permanent change that is highly effective but rarely practiced.  It is to identify, then “walk the last mile of denial.”

The human psyche is tricky.  When it comes to resisting change it is evasive, slippery and sly.  Like a group of dug-in team members who smile and nod while their manager rolls out a big new corporate policy, but secretly have little intention of complying, our psyche can “play along” for weeks, even months, knowing that, at the right time, it will make its move to sabotage our best efforts and slowly but inevitably grind our dreams into a dead halt.

In contrast, the principle of the last mile of denial states:

Everything changes and goals are finally realized only when we identify and eliminate those last remaining “pockets of resistance” where old destructive patterns quietly continue.

To use another metaphor, we must lock the front door, the side door AND make sure the basement door is also locked. Locking two out of three “doors” will leave us completely vulnerable to the robber of our dreams.

Here are two examples:

Curt and Kim have struggled with finances throughout their 15-year marriage. This year they vow things will be different. They created a family budget and have started strong by holding monthly financial meetings.  Unfortunately, they still use their credit card so they don’t miss a “big sale” on a large needed purchase-that dresser for the guest bedroom, plane tickets (because the price will go up,) etc. Even though they are 95% on track, their last mile of denial is their use of a credit card when they want something badly enough and right now. This denial, just 5%, is enough to completely derail their dreams of ever getting out of debt. They are truly so close but so far:  If they could just push the pause button on extra spending for six months, they could prefund their own vacation, holiday, car repair and household account, and stop the credit card spending that seems so essential every year. 

Raul works out regularly and eats healthy most days but it is his love of breakfast sweets that keep him from ever hitting his weight goals. He doesn’t indulge every day, but frequently enough that those extra 500 calories each time ensure his weight never changes.

Wish the remainder of this year to be truly different?  Identify your “last miles.”  If you can’t pinpoint yours for a certain elusive goal, ask three people who know you best to help you brainstorm your goal leak or talk to a professional. It may take that level of investment. To end your denial, give yourself a strict deadline to either succeed or to get help. Then seek help immediately you do don’t do so for whatever reason.  Consider also surrounding yourself or joining with a group of those who are also on the same journey.  For many, this is the strategy that finally works, for good.

As Einstein said: “You can’t solve a problem at the same level you created it.”  For many of us, we are simply too close to the problem to see what is really happening or in denial about the devastating impact our last mile of denial is having on our dreams.  Like a slow leak, it is demoralizing to get your bike out of the garage for a ride each time only to find your tire is always nearly flat.  Make this the year you “patch” your plan and achieve the breakthrough you deserve!

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Summer 2023!

June 19, 2023

There is no better time than summer to reinvent yourself in your time, in your way!

 

 

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There is always someone and something to be “thankful” for …

May 27, 2023

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May Video Blog: How to Differentiate Yourself in Your Career

May 4, 2023

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Take the April Challenge– 20 Workouts, No Excuses–Are you in?

March 30, 2023

 

Spring is the time of new beginnings.

Maybe your 2023 has gotten off to a slow fitness start.

While health and wellness is just one part of Firing Your Excuses, it is an important one.

Dr. Dyment and Dr. Dayhoff would like to invite you to join us for another “20 workout month Challenge.”

During the month of April, workout at least a half-hour per session for 20 workouts. See if you don’t feel stronger, more energetic and better at your work and home responsibilities.

For best results get a friend to join you.

We’d love to hear of your progress!

Congratulations ahead of time on your new season!

 

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You are Invited to the Fire Your Excuses Five Year Anniversary Celebration-January 21, 2017

January 13, 2017

 Fire Your Excuses Five Year Anniversary Celebration, Free Coaching & Book Signing!

When: Saturday January 21, 2017, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

Location: Free Validated Parking!

7755 Center Avenue, Suite 1100, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

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Come join us as we celebrate our Fifth New Year and focus on your vision for firing your excuses in 2017.

What’s In It for Me? (Or Why you should stop by):

  • Meet others who are dedicated to making 2017 excuse-free.

  • As you consider your big goals for the year, come and discuss what resources you will need–we are well-connected!

  • Be refreshed in your desire to start your own campaign for change, a new job, or service.

  • Enjoy our beautiful oceanview offices.

  • Bring your 2017 goals for free feedback.

  • Pick up ideas, contacts and materials for your own practice or group.

  • Free brief coaching that day–ask us anything about writing books, career change, health goals and small business branding/social media, speaking and much more. We’ve done it, you can do it too!

  • Enter the “Free Coaching for 2017” contest!

Special pricing on our book and coaching for all attendees.

Fine appetizers and beverages served.

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For all attendees!

Get feedback on your goals and be automatically entered in our drawing to win coaching for all of 2017!

See Details Below!

January 21 ExcuseBuster Challenge-Win Coaching for all of 2017!

This exclusive contest for those who attend this event OR live outside of Orange County and Los Angeles County (and submit their entry by email, see below.)

Contest Rules:
Bring a printed copy of your list of no less than 5 and no more than 7 2017 goals to our live January 21st event in Huntington Beach. Note: Each of your goals must have a written target date and be clearly measurable.
Tell us who will keep you accountable for each of your goals.
What obstacles you expect for each goal and how you will overcome them
Lastly, tell us why each goal is essential for you this year.

Brief feedback will be given for all goal lists submitted!

A drawing will be held at 4 p.m. The winner will receive:

A free coaching session-worth $150.
A signed copy of Fire Your Excuses.
Unlimited 12-month text message coaching support for your 2017 goals!
Note: If you live in Orange County or Los Angeles County you must submit your goals in person on January 21 to be entered in our Free Coaching for 2017 drawing.

 

I’d like to come but don’t live in the area?  Can I get in on the contest too? Yes!

1. Don’t Live in Orange or Los Angeles County?

2. Still would like to be a part of our ExcuseBuster January Challenge?

Just email us your name and address to drbill@fireyourexcuses.com with the subject line. Fire Your Excuses January Challenge!

To be considered for our contest prize, you must register by sending us your email before January 20th, at 11:00 p.m!

Please include the following in your email:

Contest Rules:
Your list of no less than 5 and no more than 7 2017 goals . Each of your goals must have a written target date and be clearly measurable.
Tell us who will keep you accountable for each of your goals.
Tell us What obstacles you expect for each goal and how you will overcome them
Lastly, tell us why each goal is essential for you this year.

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September is here! It’s time to put your “dream team” in place.

September 7, 2016
The joint work teamwork of two men travelers help each other on top of a mountain climbing team, a beautiful sunset landscape

The joint work teamwork of two men travelers help each other on top of a mountain climbing team, a beautiful sunset landscape

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