Be a Sponge: What’s That One Thing?

I remember sitting and listening to Zig Ziglar at one of his seminars back in the 1990s. He was inspiring and funny. I can still hear him ask a powerful question, “Is there one thing you could do today that would absolutely, positively make your life worse?” It still cracks me up. Yup! The truth wrapped in humor is priceless. 

Here is another perspective as it relates to you and your current challenge. Sometimes choosing to embark on a new path or take on a big project can be overwhelming. In the middle of this craziness, we can have the revelation that changes need to be made. Something has to give. Stella has got to get her groove back. What do you do? Where do you start?

Look back at what has worked for you before. Remember, as we travel down a new path, we will often find a different path or even a better path to take. Look at the wisdom in this idea. Part of the wisdom is realizing that we can only see that adjustment down the path, we can’t see it near the beginning on the starting blocks.

If you are like me, not knowing what is down the road can sometimes keep us in the starting blocks or worse, looking over at the starting blocks being indecisive. The one thing I remember from high school physics class is the term starting friction. The idea that there is always friction along the way. In the beginning, however, there is much more friction. The second thing I remember from the class is that an object at rest tends to remain at rest until acted upon by an outside force. That outside force can be as simple as an internal small decision to just do one thing. One small step can get us past the starter friction.

I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. We often need reminders. I hope this article is it for you. What’s that one thing you can do today to move forward? As you go down the path you can always make adjustments. Whether the experience is good or bad, it will help you adjust as you go.

Virtual presentations have now come to the forefront of the speaking industry. Since I train others, I realize I need to have my online sound and audio being more professional than most. It is an expectation. I get it. I know it. I’ve been wondering what I can do, without busting the bank, in these tight times. I already have a good microphone and decent lighting, but I see what some of the in-demand keynote speakers are doing. I know I have to up my game. 

I had been “thinking about it” and pondering for a couple months. I was wishy-washy at best. I was looking at the starting blocks but had no plan and this was a completely new world outside of my expertise. Something had to give. So, I decided to take one step forward. It was simple, I made a call. It was one thing I could do that day.

I called my friend Rob from Digital Edge Media and had him come to my house to advise me on what I needed. I wanted to know how much the investment would be and what would make the most impact. It was freeing. I got excited! When Rob came over, he gave me a plan and ideas I had not thought of. That was investing in advice from a pro. More importantly, taking that first step. It was that one thing I could do that day. What is it you want? What one step could you make?

• Want better stories? One thing you could do today is start a story file.
• Want to be more positive? Shut off the TV and grab a book.
• Want to upgrade your professional image on your website or slides? Set up a consultation with a designer.

What is one thing you can do today? Your goal: Momentum

A first step leads to progress. Progress leads to momentum. Momentum feels good and can carry you a long way. Remember, you can adjust as you go and you may just find a new path along the way. Try these three simple steps. 

3 Quick Steps:

#1) Decide on that one thing you could do today.

#2) Tell a trusted friend to keep you accountable.

#3) Do it.

Remember Zig’s line; there is also one thing you can do to make it worse. Don’t do that! What can you do today?

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