I have a secret board of directors. They unknowingly guide many of my decisions. They are without a doubt the greatest assembly of mind, virtue and practice ever collected. I kid you not.
I assembled them years ago after being inspired by the writings of Dale Carnegie, Brian Tracy and Andy Andrews.
Just imagine if you had access to the sharpest minds in the world, or in all of history, to offer you advice in the areas of finance, health, relationships, professional success or whatever decision you are currently facing. Well, you do.
These board members I assembled were at first were just people I admired and whose point of view and values I would apply to major decisions I was facing. Some of them from history, long since deceased, and others so famous and successful that I would be unable to gain actual access to them. Still, I could study their lives. Their work. I could learn from their lessons, and I could apply their success and failures to my own life. And… I have.
This idea of a secret board of directors began to take on new iterations over time. I wondered, “What if I could ask them real questions and get immediate feedback?” I studied my friend circle and the connections I had made over the years and started categorizing acquaintances in particular categories that I admired. I would send them scenarios or questions and they readily shared their thoughts. I then shared their ideas with others in the same category of brilliance to gauge their response and development of the ideas.
In deep reflection, I would pose a questions to my diverse board. Perhaps I was making an expensive purchase for the family, what would my assembled board say, and how would they vote. These are big life questions, not grocery shopping mind you. I would journal the names of my ‘acting’ board. Pose the question. (Applying for a job, buying a home, etc,) I’d jot down notes of different perspectives, and tally the votes. Maybe this sounds crazy, but it works. You can’t consider every perspective or you’d remain indecisive.
My secret board of directors has served me well. Perhaps you are on mine. Seriously. You wouldn’t know. Click to Read More
Every person in this world has an amazing gift to share with you that could transform your life. Every single person. Despite their seemingly level of success or happiness, everyone has something incredibly helpful to teach us. If only we would allow it. If only we would connect. If only we would ask. Treat every person you meet as a possible candidate for your board.
In the early days of Twitter I as astounded at the level of access I had to some pretty prominent people simply because so few were on the platform at the time.
My Wired Educator Podcast has taught me the value of asking people to be on the show. It’s amazing some of the guests I’ve had. Why did they agree to be on my podcast? Well, I’m sure they did NOT believe that my podcast was going to help their careers, rather, they are amazing people that wanted to help me because I took the time to ask.
I’ve noticed that in life most people don’t ask. What do I mean by that? I mean exactly what I say, “Most people don’t ask.” They don’t ask a person out. They don’t ask for advice. They don’t ask for a raise. They don’t ask for a favor. They don’t ask to hang out. They don’t ask to collaborate. They don’t ask much of anyone. Why? I think they are afraid of rejection, AND I think they are afraid of having to show up.
First, ask.
Build that secret list of people you would want to talk to, hang out with, date, collaborate, work with and live alongside, and then ask them questions. Don’t be annoying, but ask questions you really want to know the answers to, and ask them questions that will transform your life. Whether they live next door or are in a book 200 years old, ask questions.
Second, act on what you are told.
You can read a hundred books and interview a hundred people, but if you don’t act on the advice you are given it is wasted. Work really hard on acting on very simple, practical, easy advice. Act on it. The best advice is usually the simplest. Then be consistent on acting on the advice.
Having a secret board of directors has opened so many doors for me. They have taught me how to publish books, create artwork, speak on stage, travel the world, build courses, parent children, stay madly in love, and live better. I sought out virtues I admired. I found the people who possessed them. I understood that they were great in this area and fillable in others, and stuck to the focal area. I asked them big questions. I applied what they taught be with consistency.
Now, know this… you might very well be on someone else’s secret board of directors. Who might be admiring your best work? Who seeks you out for assistance? Who seeks your counsel? Are you helpful? You should be.
Every person needs a mentor, and every person should be one.
Build your secret board of directors, and start designing a dynamic life. Organize it all in a journal for reflection and study.
I wonder who you will choose.
I wonder how your life might change.
Always forward,
Kelly
I am a professional speaker, and I would like to speak at your event.
Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.
Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
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Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
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