Tougher than the Times: Going All the Way to the Top
December 30, 2008
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"Tougher Than The Times"
Relieving Suffering... Releasing Potential...
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Greetings!
Greetings! Are you feeling it? Can you sense the incredible time of opportunity that's here? The age-old saying, Every cloud has a silver lining, is as true today as ever. Man, things seem dark right now; and I will grant you these are tough times. But that is why it is more important than ever that we guard our thoughts, count our blessings and stick together. It is the optimistic, grateful and connected folks that will survive and thrive! Run to the Roar! Rolfe |
IN THIS ISSUE
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- Article 1: Do We Really Need To Go All The Way To The Top?
- Run To The Roar Award
- News & Events
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Do We Really Need To Go All The Way To The Top?
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| by Rolfe Carawan |
Last week I was in Warm Springs, Virginia, a wonderful little town nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, enjoying a much needed getaway with my wife. Feeling a little restless we decided to take advantage of the beautiful vista's surrounding us. We were encouraged by some friends to visit Ingalls Overlook They said there was a "short" trail that led to the top of the mountain and, should we take it, we would be rewarded with the most spectacular view in the region. Since it was so clear, despite the freezing temperatures, we decided that we did not want to settle for just the good view. We wanted the best view!
Though a bit of a steep climb the first few minutes were delightful, but soon the cold air and high altitude began to take its toll. Lungs burning and heart racing we came to a clearing that had a good view, and I began to think, "I like good views best."
I knew that Lea was cold and tired,"Do we really need to go all the way to the top?" " (We missed the sign that said 2.4 miles to the top and back) Should we just turn back now?" It was at this point, the point where we were willing to settle for what was good, that we had an unexpected surprise we saw a another couple walking toward us. And you guessed it, they were descending after experiencing the view at the top
We greeted each other and through a short conversation we quickly discovered numerous connections. We had graduated from the same college and knew some of the same people. As we ended our conversation they strongly encouraged us to keep going to the top. "It will be worth it," they said, "you won't regret the effort!" So with renewed resolve we kept climbing the mountain.
We finally made it to the top and discovered that, in deed, it was worth the effort. The view was breathtaking. It really was the best!
As I trekked back down the mountain I began to reflect on how much like life this little adventure was. Three things stood out to me.
- There is a really good reason why we need to invite others to hold us accountable to our goals. Why? Because when you are in pain your goals want to change! I wanted to reach the top, but when things became challenging and painful, my thoughts headed down hill. My negative thinking was giving me permission to quit. Therefore we have to be careful to guard our thoughts, and make them work for us and not against us.
- We need encouragement along the way. No matter how strong and independent we think we are, when we are tired and in pain, a word of encouragement is needed. It is especially empowering to hear from someone who has been there before us. It may be a quick conversation from an acquaintance or the sustained relationship of a coach, but we need others and their encouragement.
- Perseverance always pays off. I am absolutely convinced that, as the saying goes, "The good is often the worse enemy of the best." Too often I am willing to settle for what is good because I am not willing to persevere through the challenge or pain. I quit too soon. But if we will not give up on our goal to experience the best, we will be rewarded with a life full of vistas that few others have ever seen.
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Run To the Roar Award
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University of Richmond's Football Team - Head Coach, Mike London
by Rolfe Carawan |
 THAT'S WHY YOU PLAY THE GAME
I have repeated that phrase dozens of times when watching an "underdog" defeat a "favored" team. I said it again last night as I watched one of my clients, University of Richmond's Head Coach Mike London, win his first FCS National Championship.
After all, who was this upstart program? The favored Montana program had been in FIVE National Championship games. In fact, many thought Richmond was just lucky to be there. After all, they had lost three of their first seven games and were ranked 7th going into the FCS playoffs. Yet Richmond won!
Makes you wonder how that happens doesn't it? What did Coach London, his excellent coaching staff and players know, and do, to put themselves in this position?
What They Knew
When Mike London was hired at his alma mater he inherited a talented, but yet to be unified team. Coach London recognized that if his transition as the new head coach was to be successful, his first task was the same as any good leader, to build unity. Without unity there was no chance of his team reaching its fullest potential.
I was thrilled to be brought in at the beginning of this season's training camp to cast a vision for the players about the power of unity. I knew that if THEY chose to be unified, they were assured of great things happening. With the goal of turning that vision into a reality, I also worked with the coaching staff and presented the principles on how to be a unifying leader.
UNITY is Put To The Test, CHALLENGED, Yet VICTORIOUS
No matter the goal or challenge facing you right now, if you aspire to accomplish anything great you can be assured of one thing, you will be tested.
After a devastating last-second loss to 2nd ranked James Madison - the third loss in only seven games - the Richmond team made a crucial decision, one that would dramatically impact their future.
What did they do, exactly, to take a mediocre record and turn it around in time to make it to the playoffs and WIN? During a players-only meeting, the Spiders' re-dedicated themselves to playing together (unity) and pledged not to give up on making a playoff run. That decision and dedication to unity certainly paid off.
The Result? They never lost another game, although challenged again and again. They won an overtime victory in the last game of the season; defeated last years FCS National Champion Appalachian State; led a come-from- behind victory over Northern Iowa and finally, beat Montana in the championship game. How did they do it? In unity!
Coach London, his staff and team accomplished what most people only dream of doing. They united behind a single vision, chose to persevere even when it looked impossible, and stayed focused on the goal. And so can you. Let me know if I can help.
Way to Run to the Roar Coach London!!!
Read about it Click Here
Send us your stories about how your organization and family are running to the roar during these tough times. We would like to highlight your service on our blog and or newsletter.
Rolfe is committed to helping companies survive during these challenging times. Please see Rolfe's offer below.
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| WHAT'S GOING ON WITH ROLFE |
| News & Events |
- Rolfe and the Carawan Global team joined Tori Johnson and Good Morning America with the national Job Club initiative to help train and coach local job seekers looking for employment. For more information on how you can get involved click here.
- Jan 8-9 - Rolfe is providing training for all of Freedom Ford's employees to kick off their Driving Forward 2009 campaign.
- January 27, 2009 - Leadership Development seminar at the Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Annual Conference.
- February 1-3 District Camp Directors Annual Retreat in Portland, OR - Rolfe will facilitate a retreat focused on developing the skills necessary for a successful transition during organizational change.
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Rolfe Carawan
Carawan Global Communications & Consulting
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If you are looking to create MORE, achieve MORE, or accomplish MORE in 2009, Carawan Global would like to invite you to take advantage of a 1 hour COMPLIMENTARY COACHING session with Rolfe Carawan. If you want MORE, don't hesitate to redeem this offer.
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| Offer Expires: January 31, 2009 |
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