Christopher D. Connors's Blog, page 56

William — this is SO true.

William — this is SO true. I’m really glad you pointed this out. There’s no doubt this is the case. I’m truly so grateful when I’m in the zone of creativity, because I know what it’s like to be on the outside looking in. Thanks for reading — good luck to you!

Thanks so much, Julian! I really appreciate it!

Thanks so much, Julian! I really appreciate it!

Henrikaly Anibal Thanks so much!

Henrikaly Anibal Thanks so much! I wholeheartedly encourage you to pursue the autosuggestion principle. I’m a big fan of positive encouragement and feeding the mind!

5 Ways to Grow Your Brand, Be Creative and Become the Expert in Your Field

“Creativity is more than just being different. Anybody can plan weird; that’s easy. What’s hard is to be as simple as Bach. Making the simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.” — Charles Mingus

The best lesson you’ll ever learn is that your education in life should never stop. Not only that, but the best education you’ll ever receive will most certainly not come in the classroom. You’re going to learn through your personal experiences, family, relationships and competitive ventures. And even when you think you have all the skills you need, you have to remind yourself that you always need more.

As a lifelong learner, I’m always looking for new ways to increase my knowledge and skill. I’m always looking for an edge — something to help distinguish myself in my field and to grow my brand. Great ideas can last a lifetime, though some ideas are ephemeral. They serve a purpose for a while, and then they go away. They grow stale. You need to rejuvenate, keep thinking, ideating and coming up with something new.

Here’s the thing — if you’re reading this article in this great publication, you probably recognize that your personal growth is a lifelong journey. There will be mistakes, adversity and many bumps along the way. In order to keep growing, you can’t rely on what you learned at home, in grade school, high school or even college. There may be no rush for you to go out and get a Master’s degree, either.

There are an abundance of resources at your fingertips thanks to the Internet. I’m encouraging you to be a player. Life is a contact sport, meaning, you can’t afford to sit on the sidelines and think the game is going to come to you. You’re going to have to get out there and get your hands dirty to make the plays that will bring satisfaction to your life.

The more I’ve made strides in my writing and coaching careers, the more I’ve encountered adversity in a variety of forms. But this adversity has been eclipsed by my successes. I’ve persevered through the tough times and I’ve grown because I’ve been willing to stick it out and learn. The more I feel I’m staying in the same place, the more I desire to keep growing — and keep learning something new.

Don’t sit back and think that you’ve become the expert just because you’re getting by in your job. You literally and figuratively cannot afford to do so, particularly when the world around you is constantly evolving. Technology changes, and smarter, more efficient processes enter the workforce. Bold, new ideas from incredibly creative people replace old ideas.

If you truly want to get what you want, you have to be willing to put yourself out there, find a way to dedicate time and get by through the help of others. I’ve detailed five ways to get where you want to be. We live in an expert’s world. The experts are the ones who are sought out for their expertise, because they’re the most knowledgeable and best at what they do.

We should strive to live happy, fulfilling lives that lead us to becoming the best person we want to be. There are plenty of opportunities for you to live this life. Here’s some methods to get started:

1. Dedicate 5 Hours per Week to Using Your Creative Imagination

“Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.” — Albert Einstein

I’ve found the absolute best way to do this is to immerse myself in solitude. It could be meditating early in the morning when it’s still dark out and the kids haven’t woken up yet. It could be finding 45 minutes of piece during a midday break from work. But I strongly prefer solitude. I like thinking of the things that I love, things that inspire me and sometimes listening to music.

But most of the time the most creative ideas that come to my mind are when I’m in solitude and able to reflect on the things in life that motivate, inspire and get my adrenaline going. I’m most creative when I’m in the zone about doing what I love, dreaming of the end goals that I’ve set out and thinking of celebrating in the winner’s circle.

When I wrote my first book, The Value of You, I often did so in solitude. I thought deeply about what each value meant to me. I thought about what inspired me most in my life and how my dream was always to become an author. I kept going and kept writing. Now, I’m on to new goals which I truly believe I’ll only be able to achieve if I use my creative imagination to imbue them with beauty and color.

Use your imagination. We’re all blessed with a beautiful mind that can create incredible things.

2. Take Advantage of the Online Courses at Your Disposal

This goes back to the idea that life is a continuing education and we are literally continuing this when we keep learning something new. I’ve taken courses online that taught me how to create a WordPress site. That’s how I created my first blog. I’ve read a lot online about branding and marketing, because I never had a formal education in these subjects.

I recommend Udemy, Lynda and Coursera. But bear in mind that this industry, like every other, is constantly changing. Something new always comes along that’s better, more user-friendly and perhaps even cheaper. Take advantage of YouTube and all the great learning videos there. And remember, Google is your best friend. There’s absolutely nothing stopping you — unless it’s a poor Wi-Fi connection!

3. Learn How to Master Social Media

If you’re looking to become the expert in your field in 2018 and beyond, you absolutely must use social media. That’s a must. It’s simply non-negotiable. If you want a seat at the table, you must start there. But it’s not just about starting and getting your seat. You need to learn how to differentiate yourself. First, it’s worthwhile to brainstorm on how you want to position your brand.

I can tell you that if you’re a writer, you’re going to want people to hear and see your most authentic voice when you’re posting and sharing on social media. Build your strategy around authenticity, around your passions and what makes your expertise unique. You will never, ever go wrong with this strategy.

One of the best lessons I ever learned is that the world absolutely needs you. It wants you to be YOURSELF and to be truly unique. And it most certainly doesn’t want you to sit on your butt and waste your talents. Be yourself and like anything, learn from the experts of who is succeeding at creating beautiful, inspiring messages on social media.

Emulate them, take what you can and then make it your own. This is the essence of creativity!

4. Develop One New Connection Each Week that Becomes a Mutually Beneficial Relationship

None of us make it on our own. We live in an interdependent world and our successes are the byproduct of the loving, nurturing seeds that others plant in our lives. Speaking of social media, get ready to use Linked in to your advantage. Go out and meet people. Be willing to ask someone for help. You have to be bigger than thinking people will just come to you.

Also, be willing to offer something. You may be looking to become a social media genius, but perhaps you have an awesome background in web design that you can share with the person you’re meeting. Offer something. Receive in return. Repeat. Once you meet more people, you’ll keep learning and growing. And you’ll gain allies and fans of you that will help you build your brand.

5. Focus on the DOING and Keep Going

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” — Sylvia Plath

Keep Going. Keep Going. Keep Going. Persistence and perseverance are absolutely paramount in becoming an expert and living life on your terms. Think of anything you’ve succeeded at, and look at the examples of people you admire. The common thread is unequivocally that you and they kept going to achieve your goals. This is plain to the eyes to see.

Yet, it’s not always easy to do. Focus on what you love to do, what you want to become and keep on doing. Keep producing, even on the days when you feel like lying on the couch and watching Netflix ’til you pass out. Eliminate time wasters like unhelpful perusing on Instagram and Snapchat. If you’re going to spend that time on social media, use it to grow YOUR brand!

Whatever it is you’re doing, if you find yourself at the intersection of passion and natural talent, please continue to keep going. Pour your all into what you’re doing and never, ever give up. Instead of looking up to the experts, one day, you’ll count yourself in their company.

Take a Bold Step Forward in 2018!

The Value of You e-book is available for a limited time for just $2.99! Order the e-book HERE!

Join my newsletter if you’d like, Follow my Facebook Page and join me on your journey. Let’s GO!

5 Ways to Grow Your Brand, Be Creative and Become the Expert in Your Field was originally published in Personal Growth on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Yana Yevsiyevich I completely agree.

Yana Yevsiyevich I completely agree. Hey- I never said it was easy! It has to be honest and a blend of what your heart and mind are telling you. I really appreciate you reading, Yana!

Syed Zubair Ahmad Thank you so much!

Syed Zubair Ahmad Thank you so much! Really heartwarming to see this comment. I appreciate it! Good luck to you!

Thank you, John!

Thank you, John! This means a lot to see this. Good luck and I’m so happy I could make a difference! Cheers! Christopher

ron salargo Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to write!

ron salargo Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to write! I’ve lived through the glory days and now some of the “almost” years. It’s getting better and hopefully we’ll soon have the championship we covet! Thanks again for reading — good luck to you and all my best for an awesome 2018! — Christopher

The Tom Brady Approach: What Matters Most is Right in Front of You

“I don’t care about three years ago… I don’t care about two years ago. I don’t care about last year. The only things I care about is this week.” — Tom Brady

Before the start of the NFL season a couple years ago, Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady shared a message with the world via Facebook. It was a remarkable insight into his thought process. First, he wanted to let everyone know about his desire to win a record-setting 5th Super Bowl for a NFL quarterback. But there was a lot more to the story.

It was a rare view into the mindset of the ultimate champion — and what inspires him.

He told a story from his playing days at the University of Michigan. One that has shaped his athletic and personal life. I can tell you with confidence, it’s done the same for me. I’m here to tell it.

“The Next One”

When Tom Brady played college football, he formed a friendship with the school’s long-time equipment manager, Jon Falk. That man had seen it all. He was there for the good and the bad. Mostly, lots of wins. Many conference championship teams with accompanying championship rings. Even one national championship. Jon Falk was a man of wisdom who knew a winner when he saw one.

Brady recalled from one of his many conversations with the equipment manager, a valuable nugget of information. It was his senior season and everyone at Michigan was thinking about winning yet another Big 10 championship. Falk approached him and said, “Tom, you know what my favorite ring is? ‘The next one. That’s what I think: ‘The next one.’”

Hopefully this quote gives you the chills, just like it does for me. It’s a microcosm for how we should approach each new day. Think of it in the context of how you see the world around you.

Your next step. Next game. Next opportunity. Next relationship. Whatever is next, is really all that matters.

If you’re like me, you love living in the moment. But you also think a lot about the future. Not in an anxious, worrisome sort of way. But with excitement! Vim and vigor! Encouragement that what comes next will be the best we’ve ever had. I’m always excited for the next day. You should be, too. I’m willing to bet you’ll find a lot of yourself within those words.

We all have things to look forward to in life.

Your Paradigm

“There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do — and I believe that.” — Derek Jeter

What if you viewed each day of your life as your next great moment? Instead of just showing up to work and going through the motions, you decide for Option A — giving this day your maximum effort, with a positive attitude. I guarantee you that you will see a positive change. Extrapolating this out, you gain the recognition that you have 365 days per year to be renewed with optimism and motivation for your next great move.

I’m a die-hard New York Yankees fan. Part of what makes baseball so special to me is the fact that for six months, there is a game played nearly every day. If a player or team fails, succeeds, loses or wins, there’s always the next game. There’s always tomorrow. A new opportunity. A brand new chance to do it again, and do it better than ever before.

Honestly, the feeling shouldn’t change in victory or defeat! We should be just as eager for the next opportunity, no matter whether we won or lost the day before. It’s the way we should view our lives. Next game. Next opportunity.Next relationship. Next… you get the point.

With baseball, it’s only six months per year. For us, it’s every day. This shouldn’t lead to monotony. This shouldn’t lead to a feeling of disillusionment. While we will have many more “next’s” in life, life also has this funny way of going by very fast. We have to make the most of each moment today. This way, we lock in gains of improvement that help to fuel our future results.

The Best Part

“Defeat is a state of mind; no one is ever defeated until defeat has been accepted as a reality.” — Bruce Lee

I hope Tom Brady’s story is one that inspires and excites you for each new day. Think of things this way: don’t get caught up thinking too much about what you’ve accomplished or what you haven’t done. That’s not the point. It’s not about celebrating too much in past victories, or beating yourself up over mistakes, failures and temporary defeats.

Life is always about focusing on the exact moment in time you’re living in.Like reading this article. Like living in the moment with your boyfriend or husband. Like pursuing your passion and giving it every ounce of your concentration and effort. This is definitely the best part of life! We have each new day, a blank slate to work from, create and explore.

So go out and give it the ole college try. You can rest assured that’s what Tom Brady is doing right now as he prepares for the Super Bowl in 10 days. It’s all about this week, then he can focus on next week and visualize the game.

What’s next for you? Make it your masterpiece.

Take a Bold Step Forward in 2018!

The Value of You e-book is available for a limited time for just $2.99! Order the e-book HERE!

Join my newsletter if you’d like, Follow my Facebook Page and join me on your journey. Let’s GO!

The Tom Brady Approach: What Matters Most is Right in Front of You was originally published in The Mission on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The First Step to Getting What You Want is Making the Ask

Any saleswoman or man will tell you, the first step is always to give it a try. To make the ask in the hope that it leads to a “warm lead” or some kind of positive next step. Maybe a meeting, maybe an opportunity for an “elevator pitch” or best yet, the fast-track to the actual sale. Selling a product is hard enough as it is — selling ourselves is even harder, but not for the reason you might think.

When I’ve studied the lives of successful people like Gordon Ramsay, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and countless others, I find many common threads. Ambition, drive, confidence, perseverance and plenty of natural talent. But I also find a remarkable courage that emanated from their faith and self-worth.

The successes of all three people can be traced to their courage to ask for an opportunity and to continue knocking on the door.

Gordon Ramsay didn’t just get handed a top-chef position at a Michelin-star restaurant or a TV show. He had to ask for the opportunities and then he did his best with what he had. Same for Steve Jobs. The man was fired from the very company (Apple) that he started! So he had to ask others for help to rebuild his career.

No one handed Oprah Winfrey anything. She had to ask for the opportunity and work for it. I can personally tell you that I launched my own career coaching business two years ago by first asking experts in the field how they did it. I only learned the ropes of running a business, running a practice and honing my craft by asking tons of questions to many people I didn’t even know.

It was well worth it! I think you’ll find this to be the case for any great success story.

How it Applies to You

So many people don’t end up doing or getting what they want for one simple reason — they’re too afraid to ask for it. It may be because they’re afraid of rejection or perhaps because they don’t feel comfortable asking someone else for something. They may feel that even though they have plenty of resources at their disposal, they simply don’t feel confident that their request or pitch will work.

So they squander an opportunity and succumb to fear. They wonder — what if I just took that chance? What if I just asked? But playing the “What if” game doesn’t get them anywhere near mustering up the courage to ask for what they want. It’s a vicious, toxic cycle that keeps spinning and leading back to the start. If you find yourself being driven by fear, please, stop what you’re doing and step back and take a deep breath.

This still happens to me as occasional struggles with anxiety and fear can calm like a thief in the night and grip me with an overwhelming power. Suddenly, I’m doubting myself. My big idea of wanting to become an industry-leading speaker seems like a pipe dream. But I know when I’m confident in who I am and comfortable with making the ask, I lack fear. I have strong faith that leads to an indomitable spirit of enthusiasm.

If you’re looking to become a leader in the field you’re in — start asking the leaders in your field for advice on how to be the best. Be willing to work around their schedule, buy them lunch, coffee or do something nice for them in return. But get that time to learn from them. That time may be worth its weight in gold.

There Are No Guarantees, But Better Odds

I’ve written previously about my willingness to ask a multi-millionaire for his secret to success and how it transformed my life. I didn’t get a job or a lead on an amazing opportunity. I got an idea that led to my development of a five-year plan. This is how I’ve continued to build my life and encouraged thousands of others to do the same in their life.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get an appointment, an opportunity or whatever it is that you want — but your odds of getting it are exponentially greater than if you never asked at all. Be bigger than waiting for someone to come to you. Pursue the hiring manager of the job that you want. That’s how I’ve landed nearly every job in my professional career. Ask for a conversation.

I landed my first professional speaking gig because I asked for it. I think I’m good at what I do, but who would really know if they never saw me? You get opportunities by asking for them. What is that thing for you? Art? Starting your own business? Having your website created? Launching a nonprofit? Be willing to ask for help. When you ask, the world has an uncanny habit of giving you what you ask for.

Getting what you want isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard either. It begins with asking for what you want. If you never ask, you’ll never know. If you do ask, you’ll find yourself rewarded with tremendous opportunity.

Take a Bold Step Forward in 2018!

The Value of You e-book is available for a limited time for just $2.99! Order the e-book HERE!

Join my newsletter if you’d like, Follow my Facebook Page and join me on your journey. Let’s GO!

The First Step to Getting What You Want is Making the Ask was originally published in Personal Growth on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.