The Big “Mo”
Sunday, like most of America, I was debating the teams selected to play in the NCAA Tournament. Arguing with my four sons is always fun, especially since they are ages 9, 10, 12, and 12 but they act and think like they’re all in their fifties. No matter how much they pretend, one thing they can’t fake is a lived life. Experience teaches us lessons books cannot and my sons will each lose a dollar to their dad this year because they failed to show respect to this immutable fact.
Outside the wins and losses of each of the teams competing in March Madness, there are intangibles which the more experienced wager considers. Chemistry, coaching, and, especially, momentum always get my attention. The “Big Mo,” momentum, always plays a part in handicapping the tournament. Who has been building on successive and recent wins, who is getting hot at the right time, matters.
Momentum plays a part in how we live our lives, too. Setting up the small wins personally and professionally, so that the bigger victories come more frequently and more impactfully, is often an overlooked tool for our success. So how do we create our own form of momentum? How can we best start a successive trend of achievements so that our ultimate purpose and vision becomes a reality? Here are a few ideas for you to consider putting into play, today.
1. Find a mentor who is two steps ahead of you.
Everyone needs a mentor. It doesn’t matter how big you get; you will always need a mentor to keep you on the right path. Less is more.
You only need one mentor at a time, so long as that person is at least two steps ahead of you.
2. Forget about normal.
Forget about what everyone else has done to become successful, because chances are it may not work for you. You are unique, and the situations, obstacles and opportunities you face are, too. Discover what you have that no one else has, and then use this to create your own version of “normal.”
3. Forget about your purpose.
It’s not that having a purpose or vision is a problem. However, that vision of yours is often well in the future and you’re nowhere near achieving it right now. It can scare you and keep you stranded where you are and inaction will result in complete failure.
So, forget about your purpose, and instead focus on what you need to do over the next 30 and 90 days. Build momentum and keep it going, and trust your purpose and vision is out there. It’s about the journey, remember—not the destination.
3. Double down on what works and don’t be afraid to fail.
You cannot fear failure, and you cannot let it hold you back from experimenting and trying something new.
Try everything at least two to three times. Just because it may not work the first time doesn’t mean it can’t work at all. You need to iterate and innovate and accept that not all of your ideas will work the way you want them to. But, persistence does pays off, so long as you’re willing to experiment your way to success.
4. Spend four hours each day on these four key investments.
There are four investments that that have always improved my life:
- Knowledge: Learning
- Health: Working Out
- Audience: Networking and building my relationships
- Character: Reflection and knowing myself
Success (in business and life) rarely comes down to marketing, sales and operations. They play a part, sure, but you build the real foundations by focusing on your health, knowledge, audience and character.
No matter where you are right now on your journey, you get to choose what happens next. It’s never too early or too late, so take charge of your business (and life) today before it takes charge of you.
There are many role models around us, each of whom have likely deliberately or subconsciously mastered these five points. Many of these role models will be honored, March 20, 2022, during the Special Awards Ceremony at Inglewood Golf Club. I invite you to join me, now maskless if you should choose, in celebrating these outstanding examples of success across our Section.
A reminder that the PNWPGA will again be hosting some of the country’s best destination pro-ams this year. My personal thanks to the members who are currently in Las Vegas, making the 2022 Holcomb-in-One Las Vegas Pro-Am an amazing success. I am proud to report that we have added the Mexican Fiesta Pro-Am back to our schedule. Entries are now available, and space is going quickly so get your entry in now. Back by popular demand, the Arizona Sun Pro-Am returns to We-Ko-Pa Resort in December. Please look for entries to be released in April.
The PNWPGA runs one of the nation’s largest tournament programs. The first of our Section majors this year is the Northwest Open Invitational. This is our oldest Section Championship, and, for the first time, it will be contested at The Home Course, the “home of golf.” Our tournament program is the extraordinary member program it is in large part due to the generosity of our Section Partners. My special thanks this month to 2022 Pro-Assistant sponsors: Jared Bouchey/Farmers Insurance, Sally Schmitz with Bushnell Golf, Bryan Dickson with Sterling Cut Glass, Matt Pollitt with PTE Golf, and Darrell Livingston with GT Golf Supplies. Additionally, my sincere appreciation to Jason Ford and Antigua. Antigua is the Official 2022 Tournament Apparel sponsor and is providing additional support in celebration of our Section Centennial celebration.
As always, if I or our phenomenal Section Staff be of any service to you, please do not hesitate to contact any one of us.
Frank Talarico, CEO