Assume Big Bold Roles that Pave the Way for a Sexy New You

Whenever I come across an article about a ritzy gala or fundraiser, I save the article and pictures. It's exciting seeing pictures of folks all dressed up at an event to raise money for a good cause. I imagine myself mingling with all of the influential people and doing good works. This is my philanthropist role. I’m unable to give as generously as the people at those events, but one day I will. I love the Willy Wonka-themed gala in Boston, wherein, participants wear shades of chocolate brown. For me, inspiration always stems for a sensory experience. I'm a big proponent of assuming big roles that you're not actually doing yet. I call these placeholder roles. There's nothing wrong with taking on new exciting roles and using them as a vision for your future. I just completed a five day course about sales and marketing by Stacey Boehman and she said once you have an exciting vision for your life, show up as that future self with each new person you meet! They only know what show up as! Give yourself the role of visionary or leader. Call yourself a novelist - anything that pulls you forward.

Here's my current role list and they all pull me into a sexy new me!

1. Spiritual / Transcendental Meditation
2. Lean & Strong
3. Visionary
4. Wealth Builder
5. Philanthropist
6. Partner
7. Dad
8. Family / Friend
9. Backgammon
10. Chef
11. Movie Buff
12. Joker
13. Writer
14. Creative Genius
15. Music Therapist
16. Executive Coach
17. Sales Pro
18. Prof. Speaker
19. Social Media Contributor
20. Productivity Expert

What's a sexy new role you need to assume right now??

Ep 13 - How to Be Your Very Best: Lessons from the World’s Greatest Sushi Chef

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is an inspiring documentary about the world’s best sushi chef, Jiro Ono. He owns Sukiyabashi Jiro - a Three Michelin star restaurant in Tokyo, Japan. This documentary inspired this episode of my podcast.
You’ll hear the following:

Embracing the power of simplicity

Importance of habit and a consistent approach

Striving to continually improve

Dedicate your life to your occupation

Develop mastery through repetition

Live by the shokunin way of life: be a master craftsman and work relentless towards the pursuit of perfection

Related blog posts:
What was Your First Peak Performance?

Achieve More by Doing Less

Peak Performance in the News

Share Your Talents, Strengths, and Gifts Freely

One of my favorite things on social media, in response to the pandemic, is when creatives freely share their gifts. I love hearing Dennis DeYoung, singer for the rock band Styx, belting out hits at his piano while in his living room. Plus, he adds a message of hope. It means something to see others going through the same challenges as you. Dennis isn't getting paid to sing on Facebook. 

Have you legendary actor, Patrick Stewart - Captain Picard on Star Tre Next Generation? He reads a Shakespeare sonnet every day - just for the enjoyment of it - love that!

Ted Nugent is another artist who's very giving with his music. He's one of the only musicians I've seen that brought his guitar with him to sit on the couch next to the tv host. And he'd jam out whenever. 

My sons have big dreams and goals and I always try to encourage them to focus on being of service. Help others! Give! It's not always easy - we want to know what we're getting in return. Heck - it took me nearly 50 years to get it through my thick skull that I should first be of service - not what I want.

Donald Miller, author of Building a Storybrand explains this beautifully: make your customers the hero and you be their guide - be the Yoda to their Luke Skywalker. Show your prospects and customers how they are going to win the day. They're the hero, not you!

As self-development legend, Jim Rohn, said, "Giving starts the receiving process."

How to Find Your Sweet Spot in Leading a Fulfilling Life

Have you ever abandoned something you enjoyed because you couldn't be the best at it?

I've fallen into that trap many times and didn't realize it until creating a podcast episode about my life's story. I started with my current purpose of being a productivity and life purpose expert and went backwards in time to figure out how I discovered that purpose.

In the fourth grade, I began playing drums and it quickly became my identity. I was the top drummer everywhere I went - well, until I wasn't. In college, I found myself surrounded by better drummers. Gradually, drumming became less of a part of my identity. I figured - what's the point of working at it if I can't be the best?

With the internet, it's easy to dive into subjects that interest us. It's also easy to see how there's always someone more informed than you. Maybe you have a different reaction and become more invested and stimulated because of the competition.

For example, I love the movie Jaws and joined a Jaws Facebook group. Initially, it was a lot of fun but after a few weeks, I couldn't keep up! Would this be the end of my love for Jaws? Hell, no! I wouldn't let that happen. I started wondering about this recurring pattern of mine. I decided to focus more on enjoying my hobbies whole-heartedly - without the need to compare with others.

Also, discovering what I'm most passionate about - ie/ productivity coaching - taught me that even though there are many other productivity experts, none of them see the world through my eyes. I have a completely original take and embrace it. This was an eye-opener! I had to believe in the value of my unique take on everything I do. I found my sweet spot between being content and striving to improve.

What are the vital areas in your life where you need to find your sweet spot? Make a list of the key areas in your life and brainstorm how your approach is unique.

Related blog post:
A Vision for Your Future
Podcast Ep. 3 - Life Story and Discovering Your Purpose

Snapshots of Joy: How Keeping an Audio Journal Can Make You More Productive

One reason I love keeping an audio journal is to capture the tiny moments of contentment in my life. I used to gauge my happiness by asking: did I have an enjoyable day? However when you come down to it, much of our day is spent transitioning between events. And we have ups and downs all day long. Focus on snapshots in time, as opposed to full days.

Examples:

• relaxed in a hot tub while listening to Pink Floyd’s Pulse album while drinking a cinnamon-rimmed pumpkin ale

• had a hot apple cider and apple pie cupcake at Whoopie-Doo and Cupcakes too

• Got in a positive state listening to Tom Petty while cooking beef burgundy

Related post:
What’s Sacred Anymore?

Podcast on Starting an Audio Journal

Leadership Development - How Much Humility and Empathy Do You Display?

1. Having empathy and humility are huge productivity hacks! Think of all the time you’re wasting butting heads. Naturally, you have to stick up for yourself but you can minimize a lot of stress by starting with agreement. Empathize with your partner. Grant Cardone talks about starting in agreement when selling to prospects. Never argue with a prospect! Show empathy. You’ll be amazed how quickly you can move beyond disagreement by displaying a little good faith empathy. Move on - get to the real work of completing the mission.

Think of the exercise bike company Peloton’s infamous commercial that many hated. Peloton failed to show empathy - quite the opposite! They blamed their target market for not getting the commercial! It backfired. Humility has become a buzz word for management scholars. Be a good person - what a concept! Humble leaders foster more collaboration, engagement, and encourage more information sharing between team members than those who are ego-driven.

Jim Collins said it years ago when he coined the term level 5 leader - a leader who is completely passionate and a go-getter yet is able to accept feedback. Level 5 leaders give credit to the team and not themselves.

2. In early March, a Biogen corporate meeting in Boston had three people with Covid. This led to 100 more cases. It was described as a super spreader. And how ironic that a company working to combat Covid would inadvertently spread it. I was struck by the names of the workshops that took place in that conference: Living Up to Our Purpose, Orchestrating Agility in the Matrix (not exactly sure what that one was about), and Where Science Meets Humanity. All fascinating titles for workshops. I would’ve loved to be there listening in if it weren’t for the pandemic. Just reading about workshops that explore purpose and good works gets me revved up! I love big bold plans. In Biogen’s defense, they donated $10 million dollars to help the fight of the virus.

3. One of my favorite things about great writing is how its details activate our senses. And with the sensory stimulation comes emotion. One example is the phrase “tin of cookies.” A plate of cookies is pleasant but a tin adds a new level for me: fancy, decorative, special, and a sparse few cookies in a beautifully-crafted tin. The transfer from thought to emotional state reminds me of transcendental meditation. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi explained when you focus on an aural mantra (of a syllable or word that has no meaning) you gradually perceive that stimulus as a feeling - perhaps of contentment. We severely overlook the power of tapping into connecting our feeling states with performance. As I am typing these words, I have Pink Floyd’s double live dvd, Pulse, playing in the background at just the right volume - as to be with me but not a distraction. It’s a huge enhancer. I’m very happy typing away and I have that content feeling throughout my body while I write. It’s not a happy coincidence. I know I enjoy writing but I have to set the mood with the background music.

4. Parallel play is when children play near one another and watch one another but don’t actually play together. The current issue of the Harvard Business Review draws comparisons to start-ups. These are companies that are in brand new markets where there isn’t a clear path. Whereas, in traditional businesses, companies strive to differentiate themselves from the competition, when companies are in brand new markets, there is no true path to follow - so founders must observe, copy, and test things out before committing fully to a strategy.

I love learning about creative play in children - it’s so powerful! It’s also super creative. When I think of identifying our life roles, I think of a child’s box of favorite toys. We must think big when identifying our roles. It’s disempowering to have a role of chauffeur or house maid. Think big - plan big roles for your future!

5. Speaking of leaders, I’ve noticed a trend. I often see leaders with their head buried in their computers at their desk when they could be making a much bigger impact if they were in the game. I realize there are things that need to be done on technology and correspondences to get to but jump in there. Think of one of the greatest leaders - Captain James T. Kirk. That guy was never hiding in his living quarters during emergencies - he was the first to beam down and get to the bottom of things. This is one reason I’m recording my voice more now - it’s a huge time saver. Dictate your thoughts and have someone complete the action. As a leader, allow your empathy and humility to come forward. Do that magic that only you can do!

Taking to Productivity Like a Trout to a Butter Worm

1. Our phrase of the day is from the awesome tv series, Blacklist, starring James Spader. The phrase is “he took to it like a trout to a butter worm” - very descriptive and concrete, hah? I scribbled down this phrase as soon as I heard it. So, what have been YOUR greatest and most consistent interests and passions through the years? What’s a natural fit for you? What’s something you can’t get enough of? It’s important to identify and honor these special interests - they can be the engine for your life’s work and well-being. 

I’m realizing the beauty of small things that give us good feelings such as confidence, strength, and rejuvenation. It can be as inconsequential as cleaning off your glasses with lens wipes! Don’t under-estimate the cumulative effect of all these good things throughout the day and evening. Make a list of the small things that make you feel positive feeling states.

2. Audio journal check-in: being home-bound most of the time, makes it harder to have privacy. In typical times, I enjoyed the routine of dictating my journal while driving home from work (hands-free, of course, to be safe). I miss that! With the pandemic, I’m speaking softly into my digital recorder at the very end of the night when I’m exhausted. This is usually around 1:30am! When I gabbed in my car, I got in state - I was loud, I spoke with excitement and had an engaging rhythm. I allowed my momentum to lead me to different areas. And I spoke for 7-10 minutes, whereas, now I speak 2-3 minutes. I need to get the old audio journaling me back. 

3. I’m frustrated with social media because I’ve gotten a taste for authentic dialogue with a select few people I’ve met online but a large majority of my interactions is B.S.! It’s to the point where I don’t even want to respond to people because I suspect they’re just sizing me up for the sales funnel. I hate that! And I keep getting drawn in! I’m easily tricked, it seems. It’s hard to determine when someone is genuinely asking what you do. I guess I need to work through that. 

4. Productivity tip: make it as easy as possible to take up where you left off each day - with everything! I love routines and systems - that’s the beauty of lists. Capture those gems quickly and move on. I use the Scrivener software program to organize my many categories of ideas. It’s a writer’s program and it’s only $49! 

Examples: 

• I use a one-subject notebook to jot down my creative snippets to dictate into my audio journal - it’s always at arm’s length

• My morning routine is: brush teeth, have a glass of water, do transcendental meditation for 20 minutes, and then hop on the treadmill

• Small stack of dvd’s pre-selected and in the batter’s box to watch - they’re next in line - everything is funneling through!

5. Social media strategy: I’m going to try to do a once a day strategy for all of my social media output: blog, Youtube video, Instagram, Facebook, and All the Hats We Wear podcast. It seems like a lot, but many social media gurus recommend doing much more. I tried creating a Monday, Wednesday, Friday routine for Youtube or Tuesday/Thursday plan for blogging but I couldn’t get into a rhythm. We’ll see! I figure if I did one thing a day on all my favorite platforms - that’s a good amount of material over the long-term. Anything more than one piece of content is gravy. I’m finding more and more than I need to do what I feel is right over doing the status quo. I’ve never gotten too excited over the 7 steps to blah, blah, blah template. 

6. My scrapbooking is going very well. I have 8 large 3-ring binders full of clipped articles and pictures. I”m currently creating an index document so I can sort them. So, I’ll be able to troll down to all my articles on “Productivity” for a coming article I’m writing or video.  I’ve spent an enormous amount of time cataloguing them for easy reference. I’m grinding this seemingly busy work so I can have the resources I need at mu fingertips for better posts and better preparing myself for being a productivity expert. I’ve been contemplating how I’m really in the idea business! So, I should curate and tend to my idea garden, as much as possible.  

7. My next project is to create a time management boot camp-type of e-course - perhaps using Thinkific. Which time management challenges should I cover in my e-course?

Ep 12 - A Mission Statement You'll Actually Use Everyday

This post focuses on mission statements and why you must create your own immediately! You’re going to create a mini-mission statement for each of your roles. Defining your mission is a powerful tool for keeping you on track and on purpose each day. We’ve all been told we should write a mission statement, but in most cases, they’re filled with fancy language and end up gathering dust - never to be read again. Your mission statement will be different – it will be a lifeline that will recharge you everyday. When you connect with your mini-mission statements, you are working on your masterpiece! What do you want to be your legacy?

Step one is to brainstorm a list of phrases, nicknames, keywords, and desired emotional states that you associate to each role. The most important question to answer is WHY each role is so vitally important to your well-being. You’ve got to know your WHY’s! Imagine you’re at your very best in each role – get in peak state when you brainstorm.

I’d like to share an example of how I created mission statements for some of my roles. The first role is “Genius.” Now, you might think genius is an awfully big title to give yourself. Yes, it is! But remember…we’re thinking BIG! Here is a summary of my brainstorming notes for my Genius role mission statement: engine, lookout tower, depth, Lightning Rod, momentum, elegance, wisdom, Frank Zappa, and John Coltrane. Once you’ve brainstormed ideas for your role, begin writing the first draft of your mission statement. Each role will have a 40-60-word mission statement.

Mission statement guidelines:

The first sentence should contain three words: “I’m a (insert role).”
Describe WHY the role is one of the most important areas in your life
Make sure you trigger desired emotional states. Listening to or reading these words should cause you to feel like you are at your very best in that role.
The last sentence should state the primary function of the role: “This is my _______ role.”

A list of most of my mini-mission statements:

I’m a spiritual person & meditator. Transcendental meditation brings beautiful depth to my life. When I’m deep within silence, I catch BIG FISH ideas. I experience bliss whenever I want. Meditation helps me find my center and gets me in the zone for the rest of the day. Being a spiritual person and lifelong meditator helps me share my SOUL with a world that desperately needs it. This is my magic reset button role.

I have an attractive, lean, & strong body. I’m in the best shape of my life. I love looking great in pictures. I act with discipline and exert will power every day. I practice mindful breathing and eat reasonable portions of nutritious food. I breathe fully and drink plenty of water. I need all the vitality I can get to live my purpose and strive towards my vision every day. This is my fuel tank role.

I’m a visionary. Creativity is my greatest gift. I think big every day & constantly absorb new insights and apply them. I’m a lookout tower and lightning rod. I’m a voracious reader and unstoppable force for good. My crystal clear goals keep me on track for achieving my juiciest dreams. This role is my Willy Wonka engine role that drives everything good in my life.

I’m a wealth builder. My abundance is the spark for all of my other roles. Money brings speed and choices. Each disciplined action I take compounds over time. I’m a millionaire. My vibrant relationship with money is a model for my sons - they are learning the mindset they need to have abundance in their lives. This is my abundance role.

I’m a giver. I’m a philanthropist in training. I constantly plant seeds for the future. I give time, money, and resources to worthy causes I’m passionate about. Giving is a habit. Therefore, my sons are becoming lifelong givers. Milton Hershey and Bill Gates are my models for living a generous and wonderful life. This is my legacy role.

I’m a Dad: I’m caring, supportive, & strong for my twins. I’m immensely thankful for them and live with gratitude. I’m in-the-moment. I’m consistent, fair, and always tell them the truth. This is my unconditional love role.

I’m a backgammon player. I love deepening my skills and appreciation for this classic game. Backgammon is a perfect fit for me. It involves skill, luck, and gambling. It’s an elegant and sophisticated game. I enjoy playing on my phone, with the kids, at the campground, or by the pool with friends. I’m a happy hobbyist. My passions, hobbies, & interests make my life colorful and keep me smiling. I also love: Ani, Ozzy, Metallica, heavy metal, B movies, horror movies, Jaws, coffee, mixology, WWII history, chess, special forces stuff, the Navy Seals, the secret service, luxury, cooking, reading, parenting, martinis, and journaling. This is my fun role.

I’m a chef. When I’m cooking a new recipe or an old tried-and-true one, I get into the zone. I experience a mix of physical and emotional well-being. I get into my flow state. Cooking is my connection with culture and sophistication. I love managing many things simmering at the same time. I enjoy a craft beer and listen to Van Halen or music whatever fits my mood. This is my flow role.

I’m a movie buff. Watching bad movies is one of my favorite things in life. Throughout the day, I consider which movie I’ll watch that night. Movies are my reward for making progress in all of my roles each day. Great movies connect me with friends and family. This is my reward role.

I’m the joker. My fascination with everything Joker over the years inspires me to be more playful and allow my sense of humor to come through. I’m attracted to the idea of someone who is highly intelligent yet devious. I like rooting for the villain. I’m interested in chaos and anarchy. Thinking like the Joker helps me see a new perspective to any challenge. I love the idea of a grand plan.This is my risk role.

I’m a writer. Being a lifelong journaler is the spark plug for my creativity. I consider creativity my greatest strength. Nobody can take it away from me. My creativity gives me courage to be at my most confident for my tribe and humankind. I’m passionate about improving my writing ability. Writing slows me down so I can savor good feelings. Reading strengthens my writing. My love for writing caused me to create a blog, in which I practice using new vocabulary. The blog’s url is called neverhoitytoity.blogspot.com and it’s something I look forward to publishing every day. This is my craftsmanship role.

I’m a golfer. One of my sons has really taken to golf and I want to encourage it. So, I am assuming a new role of golfer. It will be a fun way to connect with him on the golf course on sunny weekend mornings. He’ll love teaching me. It gives me a second chance on a fun hobby that I’d given up on. This is my something new role.

I’m a professional speaker. Speaking is the perfect vehicle for me to express my authenticity. It’s a role that’s helped me find myself - then package it for others. Speaking is a challenge that feels right. I practice and expand my skills so I can speak with an engaging rhythm and use carefully selected imagery to move my audiences. This is my authenticity role.

I’m an entrepreneur. I’m the founder of Scott Snow Speaks workshops and seminars and All the Hats We Wear Coaching and have other innovative and mission-driven companies in development. I’m a business student - always refining my mechanics and strategies for running a profitable business. I rely on mentors and role models to deepen my Warren Buffet-like business mastery. This is my life’s contribution role.

I’m a sales professional with swag. I’m committed to practicing and perfecting the skills of selling. Grant Cardone has prepared me for every selling challenge. I focus first on being of service and always show prospects and customers that I’m hungry for their business. This is my role for being of service.

I’m a professional life coach and executive coach. I’m the most exclusive and sought-after productivity coach on the east coast. I’m booked solid months in advance because of word-of-mouth referrals. I coach powerful individuals who are ready to become fully expressed in their lives. My All the Hats We Wear curriculum is my clients’ lifeline. I empower my clients by teaching them the time management skills they need to be joyful productive, and fulfilled in all areas of life. This is my secret weapon role.

I’m a social media contributor. I focus on being of service to my others. I am self-less. I contribute and add to conversations and give a boost to all I come in contact with. I build upon and add to what others are doing. I love being part of other people’s tribes and love leading a tribe of my own. This is my connection role.

I’m a productivity expert. I’ve dedicated my life to becoming as informed and knowledgeable as humanly possible in all areas of productivity. I have my finger on the pulse my industry and make innovative connections with industries outside my expertise as well. My authenticity shines through because I’m in complete alignment because my goals, values, actions, & mission are in sync. This is my alignment role.

I’m a music therapist. I focus my passion for music to enrich the lives of others. My private practice is proof that I can build a profitable business. I play guitar, sing, and play drums. Music connects every stage of my life. Music therapy is the launchpad to the badass productivity business I’m growing now. Music has taught me everything I know about humility, beauty, structure, and performance. This is my passion role.

It’s your turn to create your own mission statements so you reconnect with your why’s and stay on track with living your life’s purpose and striving towards your vision.

Related posts:
Podcast Ep. 11 - Mission Statements

Learn the Seven Stages of Project Management So You Can Accomplish Everything on Your Plate

The Stages of Project Management:

1.    Identify the Spark

2.    Gather

3.    Brainstorm

4.    Structure

5.    Action

6.    Refine

7.    Celebrate

Stage 1 – Identify the Spark

         The first step in any project is to light the fuse! You need a strong emotional connection to your project. Having an emotional spark with your project will give you the momentum you need to get through the inevitable challenges you’ll come across. What positive emotion does this project give you? If you’re working as a group, what positive emotions do your team members have in common? The smallest idea can grow into a masterpiece – consider Beethoven’s simple four note idea that became his Fifth Symphony. If there’s no spark, the project is dead in the water. But when you have that spark – you’re ready to go!

         Many corporate project management books I’ve read would call this stage – Identify the Problem. I disagree. We want to engage our imagination! Let’s pursue a project like a composer would create a beautiful piece of music. Identifying your spark shifts your creativity into high gear, identifying a problem feels like an energy-draining pursuit of mediocrity.

Stage 2 - Gather

         In the gathering stage, you lay the groundwork for your project. Become a collector! Be open to anything that comes your way related to the subject. Inspiration may come quickly or sporadically. Have a system to capture thoughts, conversations, pictures, film, music, art, books, and articles that surface. Twyla Tharp, famous choreographer, described her process in her book The Creative Habit. In essence, she grabs a box, slaps a label on it, and starts tossing stuff in there related to her project. 

Stage 3 – Brainstorm

         Brainstorming is the process of generating lots of ideas. Editing has no place here – strive for quantity not quality. Ask as many questions as you can! Your project will begin to have some focus.

Examples:

Why is this project important to me?

Who is this product for?

When do I need to have my first draft done?

Who else has done this?

What are the key challenges that could come up?

How many pages will this book be?

Do we want to have a theme for the party?

Stage 4 – Structure

         Here is where you make large-scale structure decisions and begin to visualize your project in its entirety. Here is where you would write an outline for your project. You’ll be choosing the form and parameters of your project. Is there a logical thread throughout the work? Is there variation? Contrast? A beginning-middle-end? If you’re working on a book, how many chapters will there be and what are their titles?

Stage 5 – Action

         It’s time to drop the needle and create! Whether you’re writing, creating, or taking action on your plan; this is the stage where you’ll do the bulk of the work for the project. Use centering to get into your most efficient mindset and practice the mantra “I am at my very best – right now.” Navigate between detailed and big picture work.

Stage 6 – Refine

         This is the detail work. The refining stage is often skipped over and it’s a shame. It’s fulfilling when you can dig in and enjoy the process of making your project sparkle. Stephen King said it best while describing a well-written poem. King said the inner-workings of the poem were so tightly connected that one could almost hear its support cables hum. And that’s how you should feel about your project after you’ve refined the heck out of it and made it shine.

Stage 7 – Celebrate

         The project is complete. It’s time to celebrate your accomplishment.

Take a large project that is on your plate right now and apply the seven stages of project management to it!

Related blog post:
Finish Large Projects with Ease - Podcast, Episode 4

Ep 11 - An Interview with Brieanna Lightfoot Smith, Founder and CEO of Black Girls with Purpose

Brieanna Lightfoot Smith shares the powerful work she's doing as Founder and CEO of the organization Black Girls with Purpose. Subjects include: discovering your life purpose, journaling for self-development, identifying your strengths, and applying Biblical truths to yourself and your business.