Thomas Mangum

Doing What It Takes to Get What You Want

If you've been following along, I'm at day 86 of what I'm calling the life redesign and what a friend calls my life overhaul.  Either way, it's a complete thing, not just one area.

I recorded this video last week in response to a question I got about what changed since I started AND it was very appropriate since I was preparing for a speaking engagement in front of some new executive coaches.   

Just in case, you're just joining, 2009 was probably one of the toughest years of my reality.  The bottom hit in November when it simply affected me emotionally and mentally so I didn't recognize Thomas.  VERY weird feeling...especially since I was able to "see" myself in this state. FREAKY!

Anyway, I was smart enough to ask this guy I call my "guide" to work with me.  We began daily accountability and and started the rebuilding process, taking one area, creating momentum and adding on as I went, so there were new habits yielding new results, therefore creating new references.

In it's most simple form, I believe progress really started at the point I discovered what it was where I'd do whatever it takes.  Whether you're starting out or starting again, this is key!

It's a funny thing since action is SUCH a great truth detector.  What I DID and did NOT do was excellent feedback. 

I stated a couple of answers to the questions "What are you willing to do where you will do whatever it takes?" i.e. Some action, objective, goal, outcome, destination.  

And for awhile I blew it and clearly I would NOT do whatever it took to accomplish the objectives I stated and then down the rabbit hole I went.... What is it then?  

I discovered that taking it down to the most simple answer is it.  There is NO wrong answer!

It just required AN ANSWER!  then ACT, CORRECT, CONTINUE.

So profoundly simple!  

I took something simple, did whatever it took to accomplish.  Did so for the sake of building a new habit (like exercising a muscle) until it changed the very perception.  

All I can say is I'm experiencing fulfillment more and more.  I'm experiencing a greater sense of harmony and all areas are measurably improving.  This is VERY exciting because it's not taking HUGE actions.  It's taking small actions every single day and apparently that is an unusual practice for many people out there.  I wouldn't have truly believed it, if I wasn't experiencing it. 

Enjoy the update.  Through my bearing my soul perhaps it helps you in some way. I know for me, it does.

A video follows.  If you don't see it, then you go to the source at www.thomasmangum.com

Your Playing Small Does Not Serve The World

Today I wrote a thank you note to the executive director of Hostelling International, San Diego Council.

This note was prompted by a report I get from StepRep, a service that monitors online identity so I know what is being indexed with my name.  

Apparently Hostelling International's annual report from last year popped up lately in searches. 

Me believing fully that there are no mistakes in the universe, only clues (or overt messages!), I thought it was curious since it was LAST year's report and it featured a quote I made on the definition of sustainable travel on page 5. 

“For me, sustainable travel is done in such a way as to minimize the negative impact on the land, people and culture I am visiting. I like to keep in mind that Iroquois Nation saying that is on every ‘Seventh Generation’ product. ‘In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.’ (Hostelling International) is in a prime position to take a leadership role by example. I believe that actions speak volumes and it is what we do and how we do it that communicates the message. I see this done by continuing to BE the change we want to see in the community—not just talk about, wish for it, etc...”  --Thomas Mangum, HI-San Diego Volunteer and 2008 HI-San Diego Volunteer of the Year.

As I come to the end of a culmination year of challenges and learning experiences on all fronts, the words seemed foreign to me to read.  Not that I didn't believe what I said, but that I had lost passion this year...for anything and "hearing" my own words reminded me of who I am.  

It brought tears to my eyes as I "heard" myself and a reminder that I am powerful when I stand passionately and speak out. This isn't about sustainable travel as much as it is leadership.

It leaves those that could care less behind and attracts those that do. 

Thank You

Thank you dear reader as you give me the opportunity to do what I do best. 

Again, another thank you to Sue Schaffner, the executive director of Hostelling International.  I want you to know that I'm grateful for this indirect reminder today to get on with my life's mission and model doing whatever it takes to use the talents I have and skills I've acquired, no matter what it looks like.  

Oh and if that clue wasn't enough, how about this? In small stack of papers on my desk, the Winter 2008 newsletter is poking out with Sue's editorial "The 5 Whys of Hostelling" inspired by an exercise I gave her group during a workshop.  

Yet another clue.....

The Point?

The best way to illustrate the point of this article is share the famous quote by Marianne Williamson that has inspired so many to stand up and lead....NO MATTER WHAT.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Read that again. You deserve to savor it. 

A Skilled Networker Never Misses This

There are many definitions of networking.  In fact some people define networking as something more like direct selling.  

For example, if someone is handing out their card or a brochure at the door to an event or even during a "networking meeting", that is more akin to direct sales versus networking.  Direct selling is fine.  There is a time and place.  I just don't confuse it with networking. 

Networking for me is sharing knowledge, resources and compassion. This leads to a conversation that MAY involve the sale of a product or service.

Compassion by far is the most underutilized AND it has the highest return on investment!!

When I say share compassion, I mean engage those skills of being present for the person.  When you ask how they are or how is the family, mean it.  When you ask how the job search is going, mean it.  

This takes major listening skills and just being there. 

Sharing this piece of networking takes less movement and more keeping still. 

The payoff?  I haven't met a person yet that wasn't struck by how much I truly cared about what was going on in their life.  It trumps any sort of other conversation.  

I suspect because most people aren't willing to truly "go there" and "be there" for another person in the business world. And this is memorable for the individual and they WILL remember you. 

That my friend, if you're counting, is a sale. hmmm so I guess you are direct selling....YOU.

[NOTE: Video follows. If you don't see it, you might need to go to the original post at www.thomasmangum.com]

  

Insights at Day 26 of the Life Redesign

Big insight as I blow off my first physical workout. Not cool. And it's a clue. 

It comes down to awareness of self-integrity which leads to harmony so that joy is a virtually constant thing. 

Thanks for following, watching and commenting and just plain giving me the space to debrief with you.  You DO realize what an amazing gift that is, right?  Love to hear you. 

[Note: Video follows. If you don't see it, click through to the original post at www.thomasmangum.com]

Being Your Own Guru

An exchange from the movie, Peaceful Warrior about Dan Millman.

SOCRATES:  Everyone wants to tell you what to do and what's good for you. They don't want you to find your own answers. They want you to believe their. 

DAN MILLMAN: Let me guess, and you want me to believe yours.

SOCRATES: No, I want you to stop gathering information from the outside and start gathering it from the inside. 

THOMAS: It's so easy to completely let go of power.  It happens unknowingly.  It's nice to reclaim mine and see other's answers for what they are--theirs.  Neither right nor wrong, simply theirs.  Use it, not use it.  My choice, my life, my power.  

Hello power, I've missed you. 

Looking For Opportunities to Engage This Talent

The biggest realization that I've come to so far since undertaking this life redesign is that one failure doesn't equal failure in other areas.  

Now that may be completely obvious to you.  It wasn't to me until I refocused.  I won't labor on that too much since I'm reconciling it though for clarification purposes if you're just joining me... I let personal financial failures throw me off my game in other areas of my life and it spiraled out of control.

Credit to me to being of sound mind enough to reach out to get my "game" back! 

My coach said something rather wise today. "You can either do what needs to be done in business, not do it, or hire it out".  None of those decisions changes your communications ability, training and other talents and skills.  D'oh!  That last statement is KEY!  

Suffice it to say, I decided that I'm not willing to do what it takes to operate a business solo at this time. I do my best work in collaboration with others and I'm so committed to that, that I'm making a decision and moving forward.  Actually it's been quite freeing.  On a regular basis I'd devote huge amounts of energy to doing all those other roles that are required in operating a business: Operations, finance and accounting, sales and marketing just to do my favorite FULFILLMENT. 

Sure, I actually made a lot of progress, though at what cost?  

There are people that LOVE to build business after business.  I'm clean with knowing that I LOVE being a technician..it's where I've always shined. 

I simply do not love building a business and that has gotten in the way of full utilization of my talent, skills and unique abilities.  

I feel free. Excited. Clearer.    

Going forward, my focus is on finding any opportunity to make best use of my presence and ability to engage and communicate with audiences in a training environment.  If you've met me personally, then you likely know better than me what I'm good doing.  First and foremost, it's stepping out there being open and honest no matter what. Hey, that's what this is!

I'm looking for your help.  Recruiters, HR, let's here from you.  Friends, family, I'm refocusing my networking.  Let me know who you know. 

The updated LinkedIn Profile is online at http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/ThomasMangum

To me this is first things first and doing what it takes to thrive in today's market.  Taking care of financial obligations, playing to passions, then build businesses and investments in a healthy harmonious way.   

Day 14 - Who Am I & Where Have I Been?

Day 14 of the self-labeled Life Re-Design and I feel like a completely different person.  

I'm going to choose to be grateful for this while the other voice is saying "dude, some of these feelings and awarenesses suck!". 

My physical body feels stronger and looks better.  Emotionally and mentally I feel like I'm on a roller-coaster because of some of the stuff that is being discovered daily.  

• Who knew that my personal financial state is independent from business(es)?
• Who knew that I was dragging yesterday's results into today?

Sure I'm the one doing the work and I really want to credit this coach because in only 14 days he has uncovered and is making quick work of what apparently has been embedded for many, many years.  I stress quick work because we're certainly not laboring on it...just saying "hi, I see you, now let's go". Nice!  

The best way to describe this is waking up from a drug-induced sleep and getting used to the new legs.  

Intuitively, I know this is good. In many ways, I don't like this unfamiliar reality and want to go back into lalaland. Of course, that's the point, huh?

Bottom line:  I feel more alive and true in the midst of chaos.  There are options on the table that I used to believe were non-negotiable AND I'm learning what I TRULY would do "whatever it takes" for.

Video follows. If you don't see it, no panic necessary, simply click through to the original post.

I'm Grateful For You

I think the title says it all.  

If you're feeling like you're not appreciated, then have a watch. I appreciate you.....more than you may even consciously know. 

Video follows.  If you're viewing outside the original post at www.thomasmangum.com, then click through to "View Original Post".

Oh, and please let me know you're out there with comments here or anywhere you want to reach me. 

The Real Why of the 90 day Life Design Challenge

Another in the moment video message (about 3 min) that gets closer to the main motivation to accept this challenge plus a bonus appearance at the end by Mei-Li.

A video follows.  If you're reading this outside www.thomasmangum.com, then you may not see the video. Click through to "View Original Post" or something like that to see it.

Day 5 - Being Authentic Leads To Deeper Connections

Why do we as humans feel that we have to filter what's really coming up in the moment?

It's silly massaging the words so someone isn't offended, when in reality, we can never control how someone will take what we have to share.  We're only responsible for how WE react and respond.

How many times has someone asked genuinely "Hi, how are you?" (not the fluffy I don't give a crap version) and I've said "fine" when actually I was in pain, lonely, had a burning question, pissed, in love, blissful, happy, tired or even confused? 

If I was doing the asking, that would be helpful information to know if you're tired, pissed or happy.  It's feedback that allows me to know "where you are" and guides the next step in the conversation.  

It would be crazy for me to get upset at you because you told me you were in a cranky mood.  Why? Because I ASKED THE QUESTION!

Ok and if I happen to be the only one here, then now you know how I operate. Authenticity is king.  I mean sure I don't want to be dumped on. I simply want honesty and authenticity.

Which brings me to the update that happens to be on day 5 of my 90 day life design challenge. 

I recorded a 3 minute video about how I'm feeling on this fine 5th morning and an a-ha about a couple of peeps that came back into my life after 2 years or so.  That's what prompted the "authenticity" thing.

Authenticity is memorable because it instantly creates a deep connection.  This can be either a good or bad connection.  Powerful if you take this lesson and apply it to all areas of life.  Comments?

Thank YOU for the space to explore my adventure called life. I know you're there. I can see you. I can feel you.

The video is here and of course if you don't see it, then you're viewing it outside www.ThomasMangum.com.  Please click "View Original Post" or something like that to see it.