| Greetings! |
"What would you do if you knew you could not fail?" I've always loved that quote. But faced with day-to-day challenges of serving my clients, running a business, and volunteering in my community, I can certainly struggle to live that brave philosophy consistently. You too, huh?
But my perspective on failure changed recently when I had a tangible, hands-on chance to see what a difference it can make to set failure aside. This epiphany happened during, of all things, a rousing game of "Rock Band." I hope this month's article gives you a flavor of the experience--and a taste of bigger lessons learned.
Hmmm. . .what if I really could not fail? I guess I'd be doing much of what I'm doing now, just more of it -- more coaching, more speaking, more writing, more fun! And I couldn't do it if it wasn't for you, the Coach Darcy Community. Enjoy your April, and thanks for reading. |
| Playing in "No-Fail" Mode |
 My good friends Mollie and Dan are the proud owners of the game "Rock Band." If you're not familiar with this addictive, "oh-my-gosh-is-it-midnight-already" video toy, Wikipedia describes it as allowing "up to four players to virtually perform rock music songs on lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, and vocals using special controllers modeled after musical instruments."
The game inexplicably calculates "points" for hitting your notes on the right beat. Since the foursome typically includes whatever new guests join the household that night, it's easy for a first-timer to fumble the keys on their plastic pseudo-instrument and make some mistakes.
If they mess up enough, the system flashes "FAIL" on the screen and that person's instrument goes uncomfortably silent. (This also happens if, after a few glasses of wine, you've selected a difficulty level other than "easy"--not that it's ever happened to me. . . )
It's incredibly sad when you "fail" and the others keep playing, working hard to reach a successful conclusion of the song. It's even sadder when the entire band "fails," and the music fades mid-stream, with the ragtag group of avatars who represent you on the video stage looking ashamed and embarassed.
After a few weeks of playing, Mollie recognized there had to be a way to turn off this annoying "fail" mechanism. With the help of the 7th grader visiting at the time, she found it--the mecca, the bliss, the "no-fail" mode. 
So we picked up our sticks, guitars, and mike again. And got through the entire song--sometimes good, sometimes bad, but always complete.
"What Would You Do If You Knew You Could Not Fail?"
Writer and pastor Robert Schuller is credited with the above quote, although most know it better from inspirational pewter paperweights in holiday catalogs or on cardshop shelves. But that message sprung to life for us after we chose "no-fail" mode. . .
- We sang louder, unafraid of missing a word (which isn't easy when it's the French part in Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer.")
- We tried different instruments, breaking out of our comfort zone of our favorites.
- We increased our individual challenge levels--maybe not yet to "hard," but took a chance on "medium".
- We chose harder songs for the group as a whole -- literally saying to each other, "hey, we can't fail, so why not?"
- We just had more fun!
Okay, you're smart, and at this point, you get the metaphor. You know I'm suggesting that we play in our own "no-fail" mode in all the other areas of our life. And while it's not quite as simple as asking a 7th grader to help you find the right menu button, could it be as simple as just choosing something other than failure?
- Is a struggling business situation a failure--or a learning opportunity?
- Is leaving a dead-end job a failure--or a bold move to take your life back?
- Is being rejected for a promotion or new job a failure--or the stepping stone that frees you for what's coming next?
Failure is the ultimate "who says" game, primarily defined by our own judgement calls. In your work and life, the only thing that really matters is what you say. So why not choose "no-fail" mode? And if you're not sure of the words, just open your mouth and sing anyway! |
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What's New With Darcy?
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March came in and out like a lion--I thought it was just one or the other? Good thing I like lions! I appreciate all the "roaring" opportunities coming my way--and keep them coming! It is my honor to serve as many people and organizations as I possibly can!
One of those roaring opportunities was the Women For Hire career expo. I coached and reviewed resumes for more than 25 energetic jobseekers of all ages and backgrounds. WFH CEO Tory Johnson (you've seen her on Good Morning America) puts on a great, professional program, and it was nice to shake her hand and thank her for her work.
My good friend Peggy Titus-Hall invited me to join her show at The Career Coach on blogtalkradio (and simulcast via webcam). We had a great, energetic conversation on "What's So Important About Job Search Networking?" Join her online group here.
Finally, I'm announcing that I've given in and started Twittering. According to Twitalyzer (an analysis tool for Twitter), my impact there is "just emerging," so I'll keep working on it! My Twitter "handle" is CoachDarcyE, and you can follow me here. Lots happening in April and May, and I look forward to seeing you along the way! |
| Wanted: Your Referrals! |
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Are there individuals or organizations in your circle who are facing challenges in their work and career? If so, I'd love to help them and would value your referral.
My work is a good fit for professional people managing through major change, wanting to move up faster, or those wanting to make a change but feeling "stuck." I also can benefit companies and leaders seeking new ways to motivate employees, managers, and teams, especially those whose work is critical to the business' success.
There's no greater compliment than hearing that you've referred me to others. I am happy to reach out to your referred friend, colleague, or family member on your request, or they can contact me directly by email or phone at 404.313.0278.
When I can help more and more great people and organizations, their success grows and my business thrives so I can continue to help others. I count on you to help make the right connections and matches! Thanks for your support! |
Coach Darcy In the News
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| It was great to be featured in our local Atlanta Journal-Constitution in an article called "Where to Invest? Look in the Mirror."
The article by Laura Raines offers tips on cheap and easy ways to grow your own talents and skills today. My photo was taken at our local library branch--my favorite Wi-Fi haunt!
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