The Seed Sower Coach

Learning New Tricks

“We’re doing twice the work we used to do and getting paid the same.”

“This new machine’s not as good as what we had before.”

Are these common refrains from your work environment? Although we’re all no doubt busy, I tend to find that the underlying issues have more to do with technological frustration and change more than most other factors.

Consider the first statement, which essentially addresses the “do more with less” argument. It is entirely true that nearly all of us are and are required to be more productive than we were 20 or even 10 years ago. Yet, look at the tools that are now at our disposal. Computer speeds are faster than ever. A single cell phone has more capability than the early computers that helped us land on the moon. Groceries and other goods are delivered to our doorsteps often within a day or even hours of ordering. Scientists developed an immunization for a threatening and sometimes deadly virus in less than a year, far exceeding our expected standards.

So yes, most of us are doing more than we used to do, yet with the aid of technology. If we are still where we were in 2001, we have simply not kept up.

Still, learning how to Zoom, text, or even email can be uncomfortable propositions for many. The reward for first tackling the challenge and then succeeding at it can be immensely rewarding.

In my work in college football, basketball, baseball, and softball for ESPN I provide statistical data and observations to the “on air” broadcasters during the course of a telecast. Basically the job description summary is to share information during an event that will enrich the production and allow the announcers to come across as even more informed and up to date than they already are.

Although sports has slowly made a return during Covid, the broadcasts are different. For one, there may or may not be fans in attendance. Further, the on air talent may not even be present, announcing from a room or basement in their home or some other venue. The same goes for me: out of the events I have been assigned and worked thus far in 2021 all have been from my home office in Florida.

I recall my very first remote production a few months back. Admittedly not as technically proficient as I would like to be, I was overwhelmed at how I was going to adapt, produce quality information, and communicate it effectively. From that experience, I developed a step-by-step formula that not only worked for me, but that I believe can apply to many of the challenges any of us face to make them seem not so intimidating. If I may share:

1. First of all be grateful that the powers that be have demonstrated the confidence in your abilities to entrust you with the responsibility. They may very well see or know some things that are not so readily apparent to you.

2. The long-time question and adage of “how do you eat an elephant?, “one bite at a time,” is very helpful. Break the project down into smaller increments.

3. Seek advice next from those who may have some experience with the same or a similar challenge.

4. Begin tackling the undertaking from the perspective of what you do know. For me that translates to studying game notes and statistics from a variety of websites and transferring that information into the format and tools with which I have most familiarity.

5. Next, tackle the technology options that are most comfortable. For me that is Zoom. In my instance it also meant acquiring two laptops to begin with—one for the live game broadcast and another in which to communicate notes specifically to on air talent.

6. A third laptop was then to be added to the equation in order to receive “live” or current statistical information.

7. Assure that internet connectivity is strong and that there is reliable back up, such as a cell phone “hot spot” in order to remedy a communications void.

8. Speaking of the cell phone, it plays a role in continuing to serve as a communication device, however, through an app that allows the ability to talk to the announcers and production truck, much like a headset at an on site event.

9. Finally take a deep breath, say a prayer, have a good show, and feel gratified that you did it.

Resourcefulness feels good. These sophisticated times of ours also provide a reminder that none of us are ever too old to learn new things. It is good for me to get a taste of obstacles similar to those I task to my coaching clients.

What is the new challenge that you’re going to take on?

The Seed Sower

Conquering Limiting Beliefs

November 15, 2024

Have you ever been told you had a unique skill or talent and were then challenged to do something with it? Perhaps it had something to do with a business or enterprise. “You should try opening up a boutique.” Maybe it had to do with a craft. “I believe your art would really sell.” Those with a predilection towards entertaining may have heard, “You ought to get involved with community theater.”

When I first launched my coaching business, I found myself quickly confronted with the most fundamental of operational dilemmas: how to market. Admittedly loathing self-promotion, I quickly came to the realization that any of us who own our own business have entered into the world of sales.

Writing has generally come easy for me, so it was most comfortable to convey my messages in the form of blogs posted on my website and through social media. After a short while I was invited to submit a piece in a monthly tabloid in the community where we reside. You may have read my writings through some of these mediums.

Over time these blogs have accumulated to where they now well exceed a hundred. As the century mark was reached and then passed, I said to myself, “I need to do something with these.” Unrelated to that thought, the publisher of the community tabloid commented, “you ought to write a book.” Hmmm. That was one motivator. The other one relates to comments such as what business coach Diann Wingert has observed:

“Should I write a book? Well, apparently, something like 81% of people dream about writing one, but only 3% of them actually do. Writing a book is a transformational experience that requires you to dig deep and let go of what you thought your book should be about.”

Sure, like the 81% I had thought about writing a book someday. What was further motivation, however, was the 3% part. “I have never been top 3% in anything; here’s the chance.”

“Thoughts for My Kids…and Other People’s Kids,” was released on Amazon last month.

What is your book? Of if not a book, something else? What is it that you want and maybe really need to do? Every day thinking about it is another milestone passed on the pathway to eternity. Is it:

· A travel dream to a long-awaited destination?

· Setting aside the time to train and then finally run that marathon?

· Honoring and memorializing your family’s heritage through cataloguing letters or pictures of your ancestors into an organized and centralized manner?

· Making amends, asking for, or offering forgiveness to a family member or good friend from the past to overcome the souring of the relationship.

· Taking the time or making the commitment to learn a new language?

· Finishing up your formal education?

What holds us back? Fundamentally might it be fear. Fear of not being successful, depending upon how we measure success. Fear of being criticized for not being good enough. Fear of being ridiculed as “weird” or out of conformance with the norms of our tribe. Fear of the time commitment when you’re already overcommitted. “I will get to it someday,” you say, but then another day passes by.

What is it that you really want to do? Consider what some who know a thing about what it takes to overcome limiting beliefs say:

· “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” Theodore Roosevelt

· “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” Henry Ford

· “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does—that makes you a winner right there.” Venus Williams

· “Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.” Richard Branson

· “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” William James

· “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream.” C.S. Lewis

· “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Wayne Gretzky

· “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” Suzy Kassem

My wife had a high school classmate in art class. To this day she remarks about his talent even then.

Following high school they went to different colleges. He graduated with honors, married, and pursued a “traditional” career route. After a few years, his wife became ill with cancer. As she lay dying, she encouraged him, “follow your dream.” That jarring loss was the catalyst that caused him to evaluate his own life and pursue what he had always wanted to do: paint.

A short time later he left his “conventional” job to “make his own little dent in the universe” as an artist. He eventually remarried, moved to France, and started a family.

Thomas Darnell’s paintings have been exhibited throughout the world. The wallpaper in our master bedroom reminds us daily of Tom’s talent, perseverance, and courage.

The Seed Sower

Change Vs Value

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Conquering Limiting Beliefs

READ MORE

Change Vs Value

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779