Celebrate Small Wins
As I reflect on July 14, 2017, I think about the moment I clicked the button to publish my new book “Find Your Lane”. I remember so many emotions from “can you believe this is happening” to what have I done”. It was something I have wanted to do for many years. It was on my “life list” to share this story about my career – the ups and downs and what made me the person I am today. It was my story! I really wasn’t planning on writing a business book – I just wanted to write a book to share the story of encouragement in the workplace. Today I am excited to celebrate the 5th anniversary of “Find Your Lane”! What a journey.
I didn’t think about the book being recognized by “BOOK AUTHORITY” on the top 100 Career Change books of all time (currently #7), I didn’t think about selling over 5000 copies, I didn’t think about the keynote speaking appearances that would follow, I didn’t think about the personal letters of hope and inspiration that I would receive from people around the world, I didn’t think about the 100 plus 5 star book reviews I would receive on Amazon, and I didn’t think about the books that would follow – I just wrote it to share my story.
Now 5 years later it continues to be talked about by so many people… Last month I received a note from a guy named Michael that I had randomly met at a Starbucks in Dallas. He had heard about my book and saw a copy of it on my table as I was visiting with my brother. As we were leaving, he walked up to ask if that was the same book he had heard about – so I signed it and gifted it to him… He found me years later to tell me about a story about how the book I gave him changed his view on the way he looks at success. His review said “life changing read… It changed his career! I didn’t think about the wonderful lady I met in Fort Worth Texas that shared how this book gave her hope after her husband got sick and how she had lost her dreams, I didn’t think about the high school graduate that had been putting off college and later sent me a letter to let me know he is now pursuing his degree. I didn’t think the small wins that would all turn out to be big wins, I didn’t think about any of these things writing the book – I just wrote… and continue to write not sure of where it will lead me.
So today, I am celebrating with reflection and a few takeaways as I look back:
If you want to achieve something – you have to ACT – action changes things.
Everyone has a story. I started with a personal journal, then a newsletter, then a blog, then years later published the book… Find your lane and share your story!
Surround yourself with dreamers, believers, and people that inspire. I remember being inspired by many storytellers on my journey and now I have become a story teller.
The OTL rule (Over the Line - Thanks Adrianne) sometimes hurts – but it creates the win. When I published my book – I had a few errors in the book. I have since corrected. Sometimes we wait until its perfect, but we get stuck because it may never be perfect.
Include others. When I wrote this book – I shared my vision with very few people. When we involve more people, we get more perspective.
Say YES (Thanks Yvonne)! Once my book published, I was asked to speak at a few events. Those events gave me confidence and fuel to keep going. Today, I am keynoting about 20-30 events per year around the US.
Find Your Lane is really all about perspective and a story about how we can all create more joy in our career and in our life if we just look through a different lens. When we invest in people in our everyday, and live each day with a purpose through growth, planning, and sharing – we will find that lane of fulfillment.
If you have read the book, I would be honored for you to share a review on Amazon and how this book has impacted you or someone you know… share a picture or comment on LinkedIn and tag #findyourlane … and let’s celebrate together! Time is fleeting! Find Your Lane - Enjoy the moments – Celebrate the wins, and stay in pursuit… there are amazing things just ahead!
Say Happy Birthday #findyourlane on LinkedIn and you will be entered into a drawing to win a signed copy of one of my books to gift to a friend… It just might change their career!
Quote of the day… Find Your lane and drive with purpose. -Bruce Waller
Call to action: The best way to encourage someone is to smile and send them a book. Include a note that says I am thinking of you and they will remember it for the rest of their life!
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller! For more information, call 972-389-5673, or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com or check out my social media Facebook and Twitter page. Also, check out www.BruceWaller.com to review my leadership books “Life in the Leadership Lane”, “Find Your Lane” or pick up a copy of my journal “Milemarkers” to start recording your everyday. All books are available on amazon. Be sure to subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel to watch the video podcasts and other messages to help you lead in the workplace! “Life in the Leadership Lane podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform including APPLE, GOOGLE, and SPOTIFY. Interested in a book club? Join our book club “CLIMB” on Facebook.