Daily Greatness

I was reflecting on a time in my life when I experienced a maximum peak performance. The event itself and its circumstances are not important to this writing, but the feeling and outcomes are. At that peak moment with adrenaline coursing through my body and the support of a community, it was the long odds that were defeated. It was an experience of victory I will never forget. It is still today a source of confidence and self worth. A sense of achievement and accomplishment. It is proof that hard work and determination pays off even if it may take months to redeem. This day, at this moment, I was triumphant.

When I think of that particular moment in my life I sometimes pause to think about one question. At that moment, was I doing something I loved or something I was great at? The interesting thing is at that moment I probably could not have accurately answered the question and likely would have been puzzled by the inquiry. Looking back from my perspective today I can tell you both were present. That is what what made it so special and an iconic moment in my life. However, I cannot tell you if one or the other were dominant.

Is greatness more achievable by doing what you love or doing what you are best at? I have heard advice which has firmly claimed it is by path of one or the other. Certainly just because you love to do something does not imply you will be great at it. If you naturally possess excellence in something does it mean you will find personal fulfillment in doing it?

All I know is in that one event, I managed to create a defining moment in my own life and even touch the lives of others who were present that day. I would like to have that impact on my own life and the lives of others like that every day for the remainder of my life if it were possible. I would like to wake up each morning knowing I will be victorious against any odds because I am doing that which I should be. I recognize not every moment can be as epic as the one I reflect on from time to time. But perhaps each day can be greater than just existing and striving to get to the next day. Each day can be living a life of personal inspiration. Each day can have the potential for new defining moments.

The question is, would that be doing what one loves or what one is naturally gifted at?

Coffee Meetings

First of all, I enjoy good coffee. I associate relaxation, morning campfires and late night talks with a good cup of freshly ground french pressed coffee. I take it black or when I need a special treat I order up a soy latte of some flavor.

But this post isn't about my fondness for coffee. I had a couple of really great meetings yesterday with local entrepreneurs. We met over coffee and explored ideas for businesses and industries. We talked about past, present and the future of interesting topics ranging from social entrepreneurial activity to the rise of social media as a entrepreneur tool.

When meeting someone new over coffee the hardest part for me is just getting started. That initial introduction in person. Then after that it is almost always truly enjoyable at some level. It reminds me what makes social networks so intriguing, it is the people. I very much appreciate tools like LinkedIn where I can connect with others that I might never not meet with. But simply being in the same professional circle doesn't translate to a true connection. That is why I appreciate the coffee meetings.

I have met several successful entrepreneurs who are more than willing to allow you to come to their office for a meeting. But I have met fewer special entrepreneurs who are willing to meet for coffee and in a more casual way want to know more about me and what I may be doing. Those are the coffee meetings that are memorable. Given the opportunity, I would enjoy having that kind of cup each day.

Oh and by the way, if you are in the Boulder, Colorado area reach out to me if you are interested and lets grab some good conversation over a cup of coffee.

Cultivation of Entrepreneurs

I have been pondering the cultivation of entrepreneurial activity around the world. Most recently I have been considering that cultivation within the United States. I live in the Boulder, Colorado area and in my observation the University does a fantastic job in connecting the students to entrepreneurial activity in the area. I had the opportunity to work with the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic for a year on a project. There are many events hosted at the University for entrepreneurs in the community, a small venture capital fund run by the students and student business plan challenges campus wide. I have seen the proof. I have met several students turning entrepreneurs and building companies rather than take the traditional career path. With these observations and the advent of organizations like StartUp America and incubators around the country, it is clear the opportunity for recent graduates or even current students as entrepreneurs is encouraging.

Where I am discouraged is our cultivation of entrepreneurs across the entire age spectrum. I think lack of know-how, risk adversity and confidence result in many would-be entrepreneurs remaining in the cubicles of corporate America. When equipped, these same individuals could create value and jobs that would benefit the greater community. But instead, with a family and mortgage it is too much risk for a responsible leader. This unfortunately leaves entrepreneurial-ism to a narrow demographic. It appears repeat entrepreneurs are the norm because after selling a company they can afford to take more risk. Or recent University graduates with low expense and responsibility requirements can take a shot for a time. But is that truly a representation of our best entrepreneurs?

Eventually, I believe we will have to coax the entrepreneurs across the entire age spectrum to go beyond the safety of a corporate job to building something great that creates jobs for others. Perhaps someone took a corporate position out of college because that was the expectation at the time. However, the support model for entrepreneurs was very different 20 years ago. With the right support, could this same person have made a great company? And now, today... is this person any less of a great candidate to be an entrepreneur? I would argue maybe today they are even a greater candidate.

I started a LinkedIn group called "Help! I want to be an entrepreneur" in an attempt to let people explore these questions - particularly for themselves. Whether in their twenties or forties in age, explore with others whether or not building something is a passion you should cultivate. Learn to create value, jobs and wealth. In that order. By networking with other entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs. Get involved in the transition of the global workforce.