Strategize To Succeed
PC420 – 100 Is A Momentous Number

       Welcome to the next episode of Strategize To Succeed™.  Selectively applying the strategies which we discuss each week will help you as you progress from conditions to opportunities to successes.

       In today’s episode, we are going to discuss the monumental nature of reaching 100. Why, you may ask. One hundred can be a benchmark for many things: when a television show films its 100th episode, there are probably a few guest stars, and usually a large cake with candles, maybe even champagne. One hundred can also be noted as the approximate distance in miles between New York City and Wilmington, Delaware. And, of course, 100 pennies still make up a dollar. 

       There is another significance to the number 100. That is the number of episodes which now comprise this podcast. And, as Your Mentor, I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to share so much information with you over the past four seasons.

       As you may recall, in the first episode of this podcast, I referenced the generally accepted number that we each make approximately 35,000 decisions, both conscious and unconscious, every single day. And then, I continued by stating that “The paramount intent of this podcast is to guide you in your evolution from encountering and responding to conditions, to creating and recognizing opportunities; and then, from transforming those opportunities into your successes.”

       Now, we all recognize that not every path leads every person in an identical direction. However, each week, you have been offered a range of ideas, insights, and yes, strategies for approaching and conquering the volume of decisions which are your responsibility daily. And in each case, the objective has been to help put you in a position to make the best, most advantageous decisions which you can, in the midst of your current and long-term objectives.

       So, if that purpose has been met in the first 99 episodes, what can possibly be left to discuss? Surprisingly, there is more. However, in this episode, we are going back to basics. We are going to focus on two elements which should help you throughout your lives, regardless of the type and magnitude of your decision-making needs.

       In general, there are certain standards or frameworks which you need to put in place to guide you through your decision-making efforts. It is necessary to have these guidelines pre-established so that when the time comes for you to make a decision, you already understand your approach and will not be bogged down by the process. 

      To offer a manageable system, I suggest applying the ideas offered in an article by Marcel Schwantes, entitled “5 Major Decisions in Life Will Be the Difference Between Success and Failure” (Inc., March 21, 2023). Mr. Schwantes recognizes that we all make foolish decisions. Therefore, his thesis is to do what you can to cut down on the probability of bad decision-making by trying to line up ahead of time certain fundamentally good decision-making habits. His bottom line is to avoid being “sidetracked by outside influences and other temptations.”

      With this premise in mind, Mr. Schwantes cites certain “safe guardrails on the path to making good choices.”

      First, “stop measuring your success by other people’s standards.” Being realistic, your needs, wants, and desires, are not the same as anyone else’s, especially when you factor in available resources, existing obligations, and a myriad of other possible complications. Now, to harp on a reoccurring admonition for just a moment, beware of social media when it comes to setting your standards. Just because you watch someone on TikTok or Instagram doesn’t mean that they are showing you a perfect life which offers all of the right advantages specifically for you. There is always a downside, even if it is not easily visible.

       Second, “let your truth guide your decisions.” From the time that you were a small child, whether from a close adult, or in church, you were given guidance in the formulation of values which will last you a lifetime. Your values are to be leaned upon when you set about making decisions. They have been adapted and modified as you have progressed through life, and they should have a fundamental impact on your decision-making, more than any external influence.

      Third, “don’t try to do it all yourself.” This is probably one of the most underused techniques at all levels of one’s activities. The problem with delegating is that people have an inherent belief that no one else can do something as well as they can. This sentiment applies whether one is a CEO developing a policy, or one is at home loading a dishwasher. The conclusion is the same: no one can do everything, and we all need help.

      Fourth, “surround yourself with mentors.” Not to be self-serving here but, you have a much better chance of success when you have people around you who can help to guide you and develop your potential.

       And, fifth, “protect your reputation no matter what.” Of course, this becomes even more important if you participate in social media. In life, you work hard to develop a reputation and you will have to work even harder to try to fix a damaged reputation. This is best summarized by Warren Buffett who said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” This warning is universal in its application and should never be ignored.

      Following these five pointers will steer you in the right direction as you approach the need to make a decision. And when wrestling in earnest with making a decision, I always recommend using an old-fashioned pencil and piece of paper to help clarify the pros and cons of an issue.

       There is another element to making a correct decision and this is a general lifestyle approach, rather than a systematic process for reaching a specific conclusion. In the article, “CEO whisperer shares the simple brain trick he uses to make better decisions – it only takes a few minutes each day” (CNBC Make It, March 22, 2023), author Ashton Jackson looks to Jerry Colonna, an executive coach for how to make better decisions. 

       Mr. Colonna prepares for his decision-making process by engaging in “radical self-inquiry.” As he defines it, “Radical self-inquiry is a means to unabashedly, without shame and without seeking guilt, to understand who you are, why you do the things you do, so that you then do things out of choice, not for unconscious reasons,”

      To accomplish this, Mr. Colonna recommends asking yourself questions for a few minutes daily, such as “How am I really feeling? What do I want to bring to a conversation or situation?  . . . In what ways has my old programming helped me become the adult I am today? In what ways might my old habits be transformed? How are the things that shaped my childhood forming my current decisions?”

       Although you may feel uncomfortable dwelling on these issues in any depth, there was actually a Harvard Business Review report, completed in 2018, which supported such attention being given to introspection noting that such practices can “cultivate your self-awareness . . . making you a better communicator and decision-maker, with more confidence and creativity.”

       As with any activity, you don’t want to go to excess and become so consumed by boundless introspection that you lose all track of time and neglect to actually live your life. This self-questioning is to be used for the purpose of reaching an end point, it is not intended to be the end in and of itself.

       When dealing with the information obtained by answering these questions, Mr. Colonna advocates “separation and individualization” as a way to handle the data. The point is to separate the information obtained from any biases or emotions so that you are dealing with clear data and not intermingling information with the sources or reasons for having received the information. This approach to self-understanding can be of value as you move forward in each new phase of your life.

      Now, a few general notes. This 100th episode marks another milestone: it represents the last episode of this podcast series. As Your Mentor, I do hope that you have found some of the suggestions applicable and helpful in your own lives. And, maybe occasionally, you have also found some of the comments interesting or enjoyable.

      Although there will not be any new episodes, the 100 episodes will remain available both on the podcast website (www.strategizetosucceed.com) and also on numerous podcast broadcasting sites. 

       Likely, you are already aware, however, just to note, a transcript was provided each time an episode was released. Within those transcripts are the citations for each of the sources to which I referred, to the extent that I could locate valid information.  

      Also, several months down the road, we may be publishing a book based on the information found in this series. As progress is made, I will post it on Twitter.

       If, at any time, you have questions, or choose to submit your email address to be kept apprised of the book status, drop me a note at: strategize.mentor@gmail.com. 

       Thank you for sharing your time by listening to Strategize To Succeed™. It has been my privilege today, and throughout the previous 99 episodes, to help you to enhance your skill set. Remember, your application of strategic decision-making approaches can result in more beneficial outcomes for you, both professionally and personally. Why not turn that process into your opportunity?

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