What’s the point of a (72-hour) challenge?

Disney Leadership author jeff noel
Yesterday, October 9, Day 31 of an epic 365-day writing challenge.

 

What’s the point of a challenge?

Just think about the question’s significance for a moment. And be mindful we aren’t always receptive to someone else challenging us.

Maybe that’s why challenges, especially brief ones, may not be something we’d give serious attention too.

Maybe never.

What can possibly be accomplished within 72 hours?

Here are some of my 72-hour challenges, they all began small and all transformed me:

  • i conclude every speech with a 72-hour challenge (since 2013)
  • i always use lower case i in all communications (lesson in humilty, since 2009)
  • lower case name on book (which authors do that?) (2013 Amazon)
  • 1 year not using me, my, i, mine (email, text, 1825 blog posts, Tweets, FB, LI) (2013)
  • answer every message within 24 hours (since 07.01.15)
  • drive the speed limit without exception (since 1999)
  • start each day on your knees, without exception (since 1999)
  • remain patient, without exception (2003, when our son was 2 years old)
  • don’t go more than 72 hours without exercising, some exceptions allowed (04.01.99)
  • eliminate cursing (1984 when i returned to Disney)
  • remain in constant gratitude, even when the sky is falling (since 1996)

What is the power of a catalyst?

No spark, no fire

No fire, no hope

No hope, no plan

No plan, no transformation

 

It all starts with a spark; some small change that leads to transformation if practiced, and honed, long enough.

 

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This website is about our MONEY. To ponder posts about our HQ, click here.

 

A fourth simple question

Where would we be if we didn’t have the capacity to contribute?

 

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This website is about our career health. To leave this site to read today’s post on my home health website, click here.

 

On April Fool’s Day 2009, jeff noel began writing five daily, differently-themed blogs (on five different sites). It was to be a 100-day self-imposed “writer’s bootcamp”, in preparation for writing his first book. He hasn’t missed a single day since.

 

Epiphany pedigree?

PodCast screen shot
The host took 16 minutes before finally introducing his Guest, Jody Maberry. Why?

 

Epiphany pedigree?

When asked a question, the other person is telling me what’s important to them. i take this very seriously and have great skill in immediately sorting to the best answer from a lifetime at Disney.

When i’m asked to “share some Disney knowledge” i have no idea where to go with that.

Focus is key.

Invite me to be on your show, but only if you have important questions.

Speaking with Jody Maberry yesterday, this hit me. Thank you Jody.

 

__________

 

On April Fool’s Day 2009, jeff noel began writing five daily, differently-themed blogs (on five different sites). It was to be a 100-day self-imposed “writer’s bootcamp”, in preparation for writing his first book. He hasn’t missed a single day since.

This website is about our career health. To leave this site to read today’s post on my home health website, click here.

 

Immediate gut reaction was an emphatic, “No!”

Cinderella Castle
One of her field experiences will be Disney’s backstage tour, “Keys to the Kingdom”.

 

Facebook message out of nowhere: “Hey, are you interested in doing a three-day program in Orlando?”

Her fee is low, in my opinion.

Immediate gut reaction was an emphatic, “No!”

But, practicing patience, i paused and thought about what i’d be giving up if i didn’t accept her offer. i sensed a greater value than just the money.

We had a nice (and brief) phone conversation. i still have content questions, agenda questions, and ethical questions. Hopeful all those will pass with flying colors when we talk again in a few days.

Then the only question remaining is, “”Can we agree on a fee.”

 

__________

 

On April Fool’s Day 2009, jeff noel began writing five daily, differently-themed blogs (on five different sites). It was to be a 100-day self-imposed “writer’s bootcamp”, in preparation for writing his first book. He hasn’t missed a single day since.

This website is about our career health. To leave this site to read today’s post on my home health website, click here.

 

Will we look back with regret on our career choices?

Disneyland fireworks from Disneyland hotel room
Disneyland fireworks from the Disneyland Hotel hotel room. The room was complimentary. Well, it was actually paid for with 32 year of dedicated career service.

 

Listening to Lee Cockerell’s most recent podcast yesterday, i was struck by one thing in particular.

Lee expressed regret for being so professionally driven, and i had never heard him say that before.

It was in answering some of Joe’s questions that i reflected on the significance of these decisions:

  • Made a conscious decision (2007-ish) to not pursue any promotions at Disney Institute
  • Quit drinking in 2001
  • Began running in 1999
  • Became Catholic in 1999
  • Was grateful that our life savings was spent investing in parenthood, with zero guarantee between 1995-2001

Joe is seeking out positive-minded people to surround himself with.

 

__________

 

On April Fool’s Day 2009, jeff noel began writing five daily, differently-themed blogs (on five different sites). It was to be a 100-day self-imposed “writer’s bootcamp”, in preparation for writing his first book. He hasn’t missed a single day since.

This website is about our career health. To leave this site to read today’s post on my home health website, click here.