Your Adversity Is Your Advantage!
How could that be? How do we turn our roadblocks into runways to our success, to our teams' success? And, if you have a goal that seems too big to reach, how do you achieve what seems impossible at times?
This is the subject of my upcoming book based on a whole lot of years of studying and overcoming adversity to the end of attaining what some said was downright delusional and absolutely amazing!
I have found myself lately teaching and speaking a great deal to many organizations and groups on this subject. I will share a little snippet of my proven formula to help kick-start you and your team into action, or reignite the success flame if it has started to wane. The goal is to help you get inspired and inspire others around you toward achievement!
VOLAR is the Spanish word for the act of flying, or to take flight. It is also an acronym, an easy way to remember those elements necessary for attaining a goal, despite Roadblocks - AKA Adversity.
What do I know of adversity?
I am the child of Cuban exiles in America, a woman who left home at age 17 and has since vanquished adversity like finding herself homeless and without money, escaping toxic, vampiric relationships, and finding her way to success through leadership positions, focus and a formula that never let her or her clients down - VOLAR.
VOLAR is what has always taken me from Vision to Actualization, from dream to dream-come-true. It is what I use as a coach to help my clients visualize, strategize and arrive! If you are facing a big challenge or a big dream that seems impossible, I am about to share some wisdom and direction. Isn't that what we all need? Well, partly. I can give you the map, but you need to make the moves. Here are some coordinates to help you along the way:
VOLAR - The V is for Vision!
This is where it all begins. You cannot erect a building without clear and specific blueprints and an exact rendition of the final model. Focus on the Vision in detail, in its full scope, in 3D! If you are trying to ignite a group into action, find what about that vision motivates each individually. When adversity hits, the Vision will be your driving force beyond it. Famously successful people take this step very seriously as it is the foundation to achieving anything of value. Knowing exactly where you want to arrive and how you will feel when you get there is what will propel you and your team forward, when roadblocks pop up to stop you in your tracks!
When coaching my executive clients, we use a number of exercises focused on this step. For example, when they are trying to motivate a team, I invite them to dig deep and really research what it is that drives each team member, what about the goal is truly meaningful to them personally, and what would life look and feel like to them when they hit it! If you can make this clear, make it real and make it feel attainable, you will inspire proactivity and meaningful action!
Years ago, I was living in New Jersey with my brother Michael, had grown tired of the cold and the winters, went out to Santa Monica on vacation, and, after being blown away by the Pacific ocean up against the majestic Santa Monica Mountains, decided to move there! The only problem was I had no money, no savings and no real contacts out there. But I did have a vision! My brother helped bolster that vision by posting a photo of the Santa Monica Pier on our fridge. How I accomplished the "impossible" to make that Vision a reality is quite a story and I will let you enjoy it when you read the book, but I can tell you this - the Vision step was crucial!
When all else fails and the end looks impossible to reach, Focus On The Vision!
Vision is the first and most important step in the formula - VOLAR.
*To learn about the rest of the steps in VOLAR, stay tuned for the next blog article in this sneak peek series for my upcoming book,
"VOLAR - Turning Roadblocks Into Runways!"
Mitch Savoie Hill is a Certified Professional Coach, TEDx Speaker, and DISC Certified Corporate Trainer, as well as the CEO and Founder of SavHill Consulting LLC. With over 25 years of experience in Sales, Hospitality, Training and Leadership, she delivers engaging and energetic presentations for any company or group wanting to clarify their vision, map out strategies and Stretch Their Horizons!
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