This is one that hits home for me for many reasons. Professionally speaking, I’ve always been good about speaking up and making my intentions known. I tend to be pretty open with my boss about what I want out of my career and how I plan to get there. I will ask for a challenging task, a raise, and even a promotion because the fact is, nobody is really going to do that for you. I attribute this to my growth and learning in the military. My trouble, however, lies in the initial acts of doing. Now, I’m not saying I don’t get it done. I pride myself on my work and my efficiency. What I’m referring to is the reaching out of my ‘comfort zone’ to get started on those things that I want. I won’t lie I’m a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to getting started. It’s the apprehension of doing something new that really gets to me and delays my initial reaction. It’s been this way MY ENTIRE LIFE! From learning to swim and riding a bike to even sliding down a park slide for the first time – embarrassing. I digress.

The whole concept of reaching out of my ‘comfort zone’ is intimidating, especially in a professional setting. Can you relate?
I think everyone can on some level. We all have a fearful place that we ignore or sidestep. We let others be the doers and see them reap the benefits. Well, let me tell you this from my personal experience…you can do it – it can be done! If you can dig down deep and suppress your apprehensions of doing something fearful, you will experience both success and true satisfaction. I now realize that this has been true throughout my life, but only recently, and as I begin my new business venture, have my eyes been opened to this epiphany. I’ve stepped outside that ‘zone’, survived, and prospered! I guarantee the same will be true for you. So please, heed my words…’comfort zones’ are overrated!
A few lessons learned:
• Latch onto someone that pushes your limits and holds you accountable to your goals and dreams – a spouse, a mentor, a boss, a coach, anyone.
• Take a deep breath, say a quick prayer (if you do that), and leap!
• Believe in yourself and your abilities. You have no idea what you are capable of until you try, and believe me you are capable.
• Realize why you are doing what you are doing, and do it!

Biography

Paul Porras is and accomplished business leader and military veteran driven by values centered on integrity, passion, and respect for others. Paul has a gamut of experience in the areas of operations, manufacturing, and logistics, and although his skill-set is vast, Paul has found his greatest passion is helping others recognize their true leadership potential. Now a leadership coach and mentor, Paul is motivated by helping current and future leaders refine their leadership skills. Through co-creative coaching and mentoring, focused on the principles of inspiration, influence, and confidence building, Paul looks to help you obtain the essence of an effective leader.

Website: www.refiningleaders.com

Email: paulporras@refiningleaders.com

Phone: 720-454-8110

Credentials:

Certified Coach: Coach Training Alliance

Associate of Arts in Business (AAB): University of Phoenix

Bachelors of Science in Business Management (BSBM): University of Phoenix

Master of Business Administration (MBA): University of Phoenix

Project Management Professional (PMP): Project Management Institute

As an Olympic Gold Medalist, I am asked frequently about my motivation, drive, and commitment towards excellence. What does it take to achieve beyond what you think is imaginable? How did you manage all of the hard work it took to get there?

First, I want to say that I believe the following principles apply to many circumstances – athletics, career, job search, etc. A few of my thoughts on this:

Goal Setting:

To start, I believe strongly in goal setting. What do you want to accomplish or be? Once you have that established you can then decide how you are going to get there. In order to have an unwavering motivation, I think it is essential to set small goals that are measurable and achievable. You need to feel like you are making progress in order to stay committed. These goals cannot be so difficult to achieve that you lose hope but must be challenging enough to make sure you are working hard and committing yourself towards your ultimate goal.

Appreciate the Journey:

Hard work is just that, hard. In order to manage the daily commitment you must derive meaning from the journey. It cannot just be about the end result, but you have to find of sense of gratification in pushing yourself towards becoming better. I look at my career in running. I ran at the Olympics for 44 seconds, that’s it. Not a significant amount of time in my life and if that’s all it was to me – the work, the discipline, the commitment for that amount of time, wow, what a waste. It is so much more. I have memories, relationships, and satisfactions along the way that no one can ever take from me. That is a lot more than 44 seconds and kept me motivated to push myself to the limits. You must find meaning and value in the process of becoming your best.

Significance/Meaning to you:

Motivation is affecting by the significance you feel in what you are doing. Caring about your performance and your commitment will drive you to work hard. I believe there is a strong significance in working hard towards a goal and that will provide satisfaction to you. Allow yourself to be fulfilled by your hard work and commitment.

If you follow a few of these principles, I believe they will strongly affect your motivation. You will feel a sense of meaning, an appreciation for your work, and a path to get there. Being willing to do this is not easy but it will provide meaning and satisfaction beyond your imagination.

Other speakers at the event included: Teri Clark, Bonnie Bessler, Chad Storlie, Tianna Robinson, and Evan Downey

Russ Hovendick & Tianna Robinson

Russ Hovendick speaking at the HRAM conference in Omaha.

Chad Storlie

Teri Clark

Bonnie Bessler

Evan Downey

Celebrating 365 days of gratitude

Recently, Russ had the opportunity to be a contributing author to the 2013 Gratitude Book Project. You can find his story featured in Celebrating 365 days of Gratitude. The book is a collection of short stories of people from all walks of life reflecting on reasons why they are grateful. It is a great way to think about all you have, and to not take things for granted. Start your days out with gratitude!

This book is now available on amazon.com