Unleash Your Inner Superhero
August 22, 2009 by admin
When I was a kid, I loved superheroes. I know - funny thing for a girl to like - but I loved watching the Superfriends. Truth be known, Batman was and is my favorite. Batman is just a regular guy using his passion, his gifts, and awesome technology to make a difference. He is an extreme expression of a normal person. So what sets Batman apart from “regular Joes” like us? It’s not just the spandex. Batman uses his talents and resources exponentially.
You and I engage our gifts, passions, and technology every day. What if you could exponentially increase your productivity? What if you could become a superhero in your own office by dramatically increasing your effectiveness as a person and as an employee?
Recently, I had the opportunity to read Price Pritchett’s You². In this concise handbook, Mr. Pritchett details his “high velocity formula for multiplying your personal effectiveness in quantum leaps”. In short, he explains how you can take the leap from “you” to “you²”.
Mr Pritchett asserts that you can take a quantum leap into increased personal effectiveness. A quantum leap is an interesting thing. In layman’s terms, it’s when an atom makes an inexplicable jump from one place to another. No steps in between point A and point Z - just a leap. What if you could do that? What if you could just pick a spot and leap to a new place in your journey to personal effectiveness?
It sounds crazy, and Mr. Pritchett acknowledges that not everything is possible. However, he also addresses the fact that we rarely reach for the edge of the things that are indeed possible when it comes to personal achievement and productivity. He encourages us to let go of the status quo, embrace creativity and press relentlessly toward the quantum leap of faith and productive genius that lie within us. He challenges us to accept the uncomfortable nature of this quantum leap and take a brave trip from average to extraordinary. It’s not without risk, though. Any courageous jump has the potential to produce spectacular failure, but failure is, according to Mr. Pritchett, part of the process. He says, “Failure is a resource. It helps you find the edge of your capacities.”
Perhaps my favorite section of the handbook is the section on risk. Mr. Pritchett brings attention to the fact that everything is a risk. Whether you are plodding through normal procedure to expected goals or taking a quantum leap to new heights; you are taking a risk. Playing it safe doesn’t mean that you are safe, and making a quantum leap doesn’t mean you have to be reckless. He exhorts the reader to “Risk believing in yourself. Risk acting on the assumption that you can succeed in making a quantum leap. Otherwise, the risk is that you will settle for only a fraction of what life has to give you.”
Recently, I saw the need to acquire a new skill in my role here at Delta Dallas…to use ASAP! I called everyone I know that has this skill, and the consensus was that I am crazy. Most of my skilled acquaintances have worked for several months/years to acquire this skill, and I am considered a bit audacious to think that I can just pick it up like a fallen apple. So what. I’m doing it anyway. A leap is, after all, a leap…not a shuffle. Of course there is a price for this leap. Anything that is worthwhile comes with a price! I know, though, in the long run, it will be a positive leap for everyone involved. My leap is part of my future.
The good news is that not everyone has written me off as certifiable. My boss has vision and is supportive of this leap. He can see the other side of it. I also have a friend with this desired skill who is wise enough to acknowledge the challenge I am facing while offering wholehearted support. It’s helpful to have experienced advocates to talk to during your leap. They keep you sane.
You² is a perfect read for these times. A lot of companies are dealing with reduced staff and increased demands on individuals. It’s an opportune time for individual employees (whatever their rank) to reinforce their value to their employers. The age of intelligence has arrived, and we all need to press forward into a brave new world of increased creative effectiveness in order to be considered valuable.
Tabitha Woods is Marketing Coordinator for Delta Dallas. Reach her at twoods@deltadallas.com or 972-788-2300.
