Consider your boatload of personal and professional relationships: is it time to chart a new course by letting any go?

If you're looking to get noticed for new opportunities, are you holding yourself accountable? taking charge to make things happen?

As a business leader, are you making quick, clear decisions, focusing on matters within your control, ready to change boats as needed?

Take a fresh look to see where you might save time, frustration, and spinning-in-place. Build your courage, confidence and commitment
by taking action in situations where you have control, while choosing to let the rest go.

*That's Outside My Boat*, by Charlie Jones and Kim Doren, is a favorite book I recommend often. Their metaphor can be applied to most any situation we're facing in everyday work and life.

As an Olympic reporter, author Charlie was disappointed to be assigned to the rowing and kayaking competitions (as one who loved rowing the Mississippi River, I think it'd be a great opportunity!).

He decided to give this disappointing assignment his best shot anyway.

BOLD! TIP: Give it your best shot...especially in a bummer situation.

While asking the athletes how they handle high winds, rough water, or a broken oar, they consistently responded, *that's outside my boat*.

BOLD! TIP: Learn to let go of things that are outside your boat/control.

When asked about preparing for competition, they replied, *that's inside my boat*. The athletes took charge of their individual training efforts, mindset, laser focus, and the resulting positive effect on their performance.

BOLD! TIP: Take responsibility for those things *inside your boat*, that you have control over. Set your goals and get laser focused, based on what you can control.

From these real-life exchanges come many examples of work and life situations where our energy and creativity is drained in worry, often while spinning our wheels or sinking where we actually have no control.

BOLD! TAKEAWAY: It takes BOLD! courage, confidence and commitment to get ahead in work and life. Stop and ask yourself if the situation or issue you're struggling with is actually inside or outside your boat.

Focus only on those things inside your boat/within your control...find peace and renewed strength as you allow yourself to let the rest go!

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