My life is definitely changing. Correction–it has changed. Personal evolution is a funny thing. In most cases, when you have changed, you are the last one to find out.
I have always been relatively busy, but never like this. Not consistently. I have always realized that people sometimes look up to me, but now it has become evident that I am a full-fledged mentor. A role model even.
Me? Yes dude…you!
I know I’ve said this before, but this still feels weird. It is becoming more familiar as I settle into this role, though it may take me some time before I fully ‘get it.’ I remember being a bright-eyed college freshman, clinging on every word speakers said at conferences. I remember hanging behind and talking to a few I truly idolized such as Steve Birdine and Dr. Lee Jones. These guys were intelligent, articulate, funny and were clearly some of the best I had ever seen at the time. They were larger than life itself.
Now I have become ‘that guy’ to some people. Wow. On one hand, I’m “only 31.” On the other hand, I have been studying and preparing for nine years. How much more time should I need? If it took me any longer I would be about to retire when I finally became ready. Sometimes its best to be thrown into the ring and let life be your tutor.
GETTING CAUGHT UP:
I got violently ill on the way back from DC. I don’t know if it was food poisoning or an airborne
virus. It was scary. I was alone in an Atlanta hotel room, unable to move, too sore to get up.
Certainly in no condition to speak. Fortunately, it was only a 24 hour bug. I hadn’t spoken
more than 7 words for the first time when I stood on stage Friday morning. I wasn’t sure if I
would make it through. I was clearly ‘off,’ but getting through the talk was victory enough.
Florida State was great. I learned a BIG lesson: the Power of Point of View.
I spoke to their student government and other key leaders. In doing my research, I learned of
some ethics concerns. I was going to go in there with guns blazin’, getting in their faces, putting
the fear of God in them. I was going to be like, “Y’all’s asses are going to be dirty politicians and
no good human beings if you don’t quit now!” Probably not the best approach.
The question I kept asking myself was who am I to them? I finally remembered that the only
way to produce change is to get people to want it for themselves. I shifted my focus from drill
sergeant to friend and coach. I was warm yet firm. I honored their intelligence and gave them
the pathway and reasons to make the right decisions when confronted with choices.
I felt very masterful. I smiled afterward, like a proud papa.
We had CONNECTED.
I had been just as vulnerable as I was commanding. Although the session was supposed to have
been three hours (on a Sunday no less), they stayed for an extra 45 minutes so we could talk
about more stuff. It was very good.
Perspective is a beautiful thing.
Points are powerful, but CONNECTION is key!
Jonathan
“Your Connection Coach”
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