Tim Bursch

I recently checked in with a mentor about my goals and priorities. I knew I was trying to take on too many projects. I was doing a bunch of work good, but missing out on great.

I asked for feedback from this mentor and got some solid advice. Was it earth shaking? No. It was honest and helpful.

Sometimes it’s hard to hear feedback. In the short run though it can help you grow.
Do you ask for feedback? Find someone you trust and give it a try.

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Life is good. Life is hard.

Remember the happy place? It helps me to have some practices to get centered and get rid of stress.

Here are some of my favorite places to get centered:

• Writing at a coffee shop. Coffee, pen and paper.

• Grabbing a beer with a friend

• Cranking the iPod and cleaning (yup sometimes it works for me)

When life is stressful or the crap hits the fan, what do you do? Where do you go?

Image credit: brightsea

Tags: center.

I’ve been watching some of the Winter Olympics with my family. It’s inspiring and moving.

One thing that amazes me is that some of these athletes just win. For example Apolo Ohno has won in his sport, then tried Dancing with the Stars and won. Winner.

That kind of story makes me want to go further. And play bigger. What inspires you?

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I had the privilege to be part of KaneCo’s first monthly business book club. The book: Linchpin by Seth Godin. The group: all rockstars.

We had a lively discussion about work, being remarkable, and bucking the system. The book was good, but I think what Jen is building is even more interesting. She wanted to read more, connect with business leaders, and learn. I think she’s building community. Taking things deeper. Bringing others into learning together.

Okay, why not just have coffee with your friends and talk about a book you read last month? That works. You could just read great books in isolation too. You might miss a piece that someone different caught.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m in a good book I want to talk about it. I share pieces with friends and my patient wife. And it’s more than just being about a book. It is being open and transformed and learning. I think we all want more community. We are wired for connection as Seth says.

So, here’s my question for you: What is something you are practicing (reading, writing, blogging) that you could invite others into?

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I am trying to post every weekday here. I have a day job and multiple side projects. I knew that my goal would be tough in isolation. So I am working with a friend in accountability. Whether you like the word or not, it really is just about helping each other but you do have to choose it.

With my blog here is what I’ve done:
-Shared my goal and plan with a partner, he did the same
-Committed to a weekly check-in to share each other’s progress

-Opened ourselves to ongoing feedback for the purpose of getting better
-Said it outloud to others here.

How many goals have you put down on paper and never followed through with? I have pages full. Sure, self discipline is important. But you don’t have to do it alone. Find someone you connect with and trust. Ask, risk, try.

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I recently read a great article on Web Worker Daily about having an accountability partner in business. Fits with my idea of a village business.

So, expect a lot more writing, a post at least every weekday, this year. You will find posts on business, social media, social impact, ideas for your business, other voices, and more.

What about you? What helps you reach your goals?

Image credit: Ai@ce

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Last year (wow 2009 went by fast) I picked three words based on Chris Brogan’s idea, but did not put them out there. This year I want to be more public with my goals and direction. So, here are at least three words that I want to be intentional about in 2010:

follow-through, practice, stand

Follow-through

I love ideas. Especially new ones. I am going to work on following though with some existing projects and a few new ones. I might need your help. Watch for more on accountability and protection.

Practice

A book that impacted me in 2009 was The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It is about working through resistance in the creative process. This takes practice and action. I will be practicing a lot more writing and delivering ideas about the intersection of social media and social impact.

Stand

I really like to listen to people. Sometimes that can mean holding back when I probably need to say more. This year I want to stand. Especially for overlooked people and issues.

What are you going to be intentional about this year? How can I help?

(follow up post on the way about specific goals)

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I like leadership. Leaders are magnetic and draw people to a mission or cause. Leaders just lead.

I wonder though, if we are all leaders or striving to be, who will follow us?

I think sometimes we need to learn more about being a good follower. You see lots of books, seminars, classes, blogs, tweets on being a leader. Have you ever seen one on following? Why not a followership seminar? A leader doesn’t always have fans, but they usually have followers.

So, if you find yourself following a decent leader, what makes you a good follower? [I am making the assumption that when you follow someone you are using your head and not trusting a complete wacko]

• Attention- Listen and engage your true self with the mission

• Action- If the leader goes into a battle then jump in with them

What would you add? Can you follow?

Image credit: See1,Do1,Teach1

Tags: followership.

I heard a story recently that really made me think about being true to your self. Thanks to the wise man that shared this with me:

A family adopted a Border Collie from The Humane Society. They lived in the city and loved the dog.

The family asked a relative that lived on a farm to take the dog. “Of course,” said the relative. The city man brought the dog to the farm and stayed during the day. Later that day the farmer commented that the Border Collie was getting along fine. Actually the dog was in it’s element and already helping to bring the cows home.

What about you? Are in your element? Are you living out of your true self?

Image credit: greg westfall

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Lately I have noticed an interesting thing happen. People are sharing very personal stuff (mission, dreams, ideas) online. And then they get support and encouragement to do it. They put their stuff out there for everyone to see and find people and accountability. (Maybe criticism too, but that happens when you want to change the world.)

I wonder if we naturally want to help people be and do better. But how often do we open up about this? What about you? Are you willing to share your dreams with the world?

Here’s my attempt:
I want to change the world. Be a voice for overlooked people to business. Make strong connections. Give away ideas. Love my family and friends.

Want to share? Find accountability?

Image credit: BrittanyC:::HaloPhotography

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