Competitive Spectrum
Hey Friend,
Man O Man, things are coming together for the book. I'm in tulsa this morning, but the physical copy for me to proof is sitting at home on the counter awaiting my return to examine it. Monica and I are scheming a cool, fun marketing mailer that will be an unexpected package to receive*.
This week was the second week I spoke at Shangri La, but the first for this client (Explorer Pipeline). I will be back the next three weeks to do it again, for a different set of employees each time. They did an iron chef experience that was really incredible. They also built bikes for charity.
I love working with organizations who are creative and generous. The last two weeks I have gotten to see and participate in such exceptional "team building" endeavors that go way beyond "activity". The unique efforts to engage everyone, offer a memorable experience and increase camaraderie are extremely effective. At the heart of most of them is competition.
People like to win. Also, people like to beat other people. More so, people like talking about beating other people. And they quite enjoy spotlighting other people not winning (even if they didn't beat them). It's hilarious to watch individuals reveal where they fall on the spectrum of competitiveness. Particularly when they are on the same team.
DOES IT MATTER?
I'm not a terribly competitive guy, except when I really want to win. Which I know is a funny statement. I guess it means it needs to matter to me. When I worked in youth ministry 30 years ago, a midnight game of capture the flag or extreme spoons motivated me to no-end to crush those junior higher's. 😜
I've met many who are competitive for competition-sake. The hate-to-lose syndrome appears in any scenario, whether it matters or not. I actually wish I had more of that in me. It's admirable, inspiring and compelling, as well as can be immature, gross and odd. Depends on where, when and how it shows up. But what an internal engine it provides!
MINDSHIFT
On a scale of 1-10, where do you fall on the competitive spectrum? What if this week you turned it up (or down) a lot?
RALLY MOMENTUM
Contrary to my deeply held belief in the Maybe Mindset - which refrains from labeling something good or bad, a win or a loss in the moment, because of future possibilities - there are extreme bursts of joy and momentum when a win occurs. The heart of our soul exudes a palpable energy that alters us at a DNA level. You see it. You feel it. You love it.
An individual with a competitive nature is a gift to a team. The internal burn to dominate whether fueled by an insecure ego or a big-hearted glee, rallies the less enthused. Though it may seem annoying to some, what's provoked is a belief of the possibility for victory. Even if not competitive, winning generates a powerful dopamine hit in us.
MINDSHIFT
What if this week your enthusiasm provoked others to believe in the absolute reality of triumph, even if it seems doubtful?
PLAY THE GAME
Lately the instagram algorithm has been showing me Michael Jordan and Larry Bird clips, with commentary. Arguably the two most competitive men ever to play basketball. They both were masters of the trash talk. It's hilarious and intimidating, because they had the skills to back it up. To hear it is one thing, having it said to you, is completely another. Talk about an explosion of emotions!
I had a friend in the speaking business tell me two years ago "I'm just playing the game" in reference to scaling her business. Since then she's had significant growth. I want that. I've never been a "game-player" but I do want to win with this upcoming book. I don't think I'll need to do much trash-talking, but if you hear some, you'll know I'm stretching myself beyond my current reach.
There is no one to compete against but myself!
I am not going to let limited-thinking-greg beat unstoppable-force-for-good-greg in this competition!
SHIFTED
I hope this week you access a level of competitiveness that moves you, your family and your team forward with passion and success. #ShiftAway
* If you think you're organization could benefit from an ownership experience with me, please let me know and I'll send a package when they're ready to go in January.
