Life Is Short!

I was saddened today to hear of the death of rock climbing legend, Todd Skinner who was killed on October 23, 2006. I did not know Todd personally but felt like I knew him well from reading his book, Beyond The Summit. I first received this book over a year ago as a gift from a friend, Jim Juergens. Today I consider the book to be one of my Top 10 favorites. I have probably given out over 100 copies of this book during the last year to friends.

Todd was killed descending fixed ropes on the Leaning Tower of Yosemite. It appears that he and his partner Jim Hewitt were working on a free route on the 1,200-foot monolith. Todd and Jim were rappelling the route, “Jesus Built My Hot Rod” and were about 500 hundred feet above the base when the accident occurred. Apparently, Todd went first and suddenly fell; his rappel device and locking carabiner remained on the rope. Todd lived in Lander, Wyoming and is survived by his wife Amy, son Jake, and daughters Hannah and Sarah.

I discovered he had died today when my partner was attempting to call his office and schedule Todd to speak to our Coaching Seminar. What a shock to find out he had died at only 48 years old. Then my partner said something that made sense. Wow — he died doing what he loved and was passionate about it. He lived a passionate and fulfilling life doing what he loved. What a thought —- How passionate are we about what we are doing?

Your Agility and Your Ability

Think about the year 1996. 10 years ago, what were you doing? Did you use your cell phone nearly as much, if you had one? How about email? What about a web site? Or online banking? Now think about the year 2016. What do you believe will be different?

Too often people are focused on their ability. This is a good thing; however, the better thing is agility - your ability to change to the demands of reality. Are you constantly growing and able to incorporate change? Or are you finding yourself posing and pretending in situations which are new or risky? Your agility is the factor which will allow you to thrive. Without a constant attention and desire to change, grow and be agile, you may be overcome by the rapidity of the new economy.

What Do You Notice?

Looking straight ahead can make you miss things. When you do your life, do you take notice of the things peripherally? Do you see them in a different perspective? The route to work. What opportunities do you see?

Knowledge helps you take notice. The more you know, the more you are attuned. When you are in a conversation, do you see the opportunities? Can you capitalize on them? Do you know how to take a conversation to the next step? How will you do it? If you are not growing, your perspective will not either.