My first day at Suzanne Evans Coaching was day 1 of the Be The Change Event in Orlando, Florida. Talk about a baptism by fire! The energy and enthusiasm was pervasive and contagious. The sessions were fantastic, the breakout sessions were illuminating, the Run, Walk, Cheer event was inspiring. But did I come away changed?
The critical thing about this event, is spelled out in the name – BE THE CHANGE. It’s very easy to go to an event and fully expect to be radically transformed, but change doesn’t work that way. There is a moment in time when change is affected in a person’s life; that moment of inspiration, of frustration or even hitting rock bottom. But that has to be just the beginning. Real change (for most) doesn’t just happen in an instant. Excellence, as they say, is a habit. A series of decisions, which over time, develop into a habit. Being the change is more than a slogan or a slick title. It’s something far more profound.
So how effective is the event? I have seen first hand people whose lives and businesses have been transformed. They aren’t doing what they’ve always done. They’ve honed in on their “why” and are using this new focus to improve their personal and professional lives. For some of you this is old hat. You’ve been to the event and you’ve seen and experienced the change. For me, being new to the event and new to the company, it was eye-opening and inspiring (in equal measure). Part of what is fascinating is to see veterans of the 10k Club and Be the Change Event providing leadership and inspiration to newer folks. Individuals who were struggling last year, are now providing mentoring and leadership. As Brian Stark, Vice President of Coaching, says, “To every 3rd grader, a 4th grader is a hero.” You don’t have to be very high in your climb up the ladder of success to realize that there are people following in your shadow.
Take Aways
Aside from the obvious, gosh this is a high-energy group of folks, there were a few key takeaways that I gleaned from the event:
- Don’t let fear (alone) dictate your actions – Fear can motivate, or it can debilitate. You’ve got to get past your fears: Fear of failure. Fear of not being liked. Fear of the what ifs.
- Indecision is decision – By putting off making a decision you’re not delaying the inevitable, you’re eliminating the possible. Opportunity can be a very perishable. Competitors can seize the very opportunity you’re considering. Market conditions can rapidly change leaving you with nothing.
- Believe you’re worthy of success – what you have to offer is worth something. You’re worthy of being paid for your time and effort. You’re worthy of being successful, so act like it.
- Being hated isn’t the worst thing that can happen to you – What’s worse than being hated? Being ignored. Being irrelevant. As Winston Churchill famously said, “ You have enemies? Good! That means you’ve stood for something.” Nothing breeds contempt like a little success.
What were your takeaways? I’d love to hear away your thoughts and the valuable lessons you gained from this year’s Be the Change Event.
Frank Geric, Director of Digital Marketing
