Chris McClure, Author at McClure Coaching

Chris McClure In Blog, Leadership, Personal Growth

What Motivates You?

As I was thinking about this week’s topic, I started to wonder about the various things that motivate others.

Writing a “motivation” article each week can lead to certain assumptions on my part if I’m not careful.

Most people would love to be more motivated and inspired in their lives and careers, but my guess is that few ever stop to think about what actually motivates them.

“What’s your ‘why’?” has become a popular question over the past decade, but have you slowed down to answer that for yourself?

Is it monetary gain?

Family?

Freedom?

Career advancement?

It could be one of many things that truly motivates you to get up with energy and go about your days with enthusiasm.

The key to being motivated is recognizing what motivates you in the first place.

I can’t motivate people.

You can’t motivate people.

The reason is that it’s an inside job.

We may be inspired by someone for a moment, but sustainable motivation starts inside each of us.

So, what motivates you?

And if you know what that is, are you tapping into it consistently so you can experience life at a whole new level?

Do some thinking and reflecting on this and adjust accordingly.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

Whenever you’re ready, here are two ways I can help you:

The Way to Greatness book – Discover the five continual choices that lead to The GREAT Life and how to implement them immediately.
The GREAT Life Bootcamp video course – In this self-paced course, I’ll guide you to learn how to experience the life you were created to live by improving your faith, relationships, mindset, stewardship, and time management. (Enter coupon code “MM50” at checkout to receive a subscriber-only 50% discount!)

Chris McClure In Blog, Business Coaching, Leadership

Two Key Success Factors: Clarity & Simplification

Pursuing any goal can be both exhilarating and frustrating…sometimes simultaneously.

I’ve discovered that it’s easy to complicate things by trying to have all the answers upfront when we really don’t know what will happen down the line.

Clarity is important because it’s vital to know and define what you want to achieve.

Simplication matters because if you can develop a simple strategic plan with clear action steps, you can accomplish much more in a shorter timeframe.

Think about a project or goal you’re working on.

Are you crystal clear on what you want to accomplish? Is your team?

Have you developed a simple action plan that shows you the obvious next steps to take?

If you answered “no” to either of these questions, I encourage you to go back to the drawing board to give yourself and your team a greater chance of success.

Clarity and simplification may not seem like a big deal at first glance, but when you truly define what you want to accomplish and simplify the steps and process to achieve it, things will go so much better.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

Whenever you’re ready, here are four ways I can help you:

The Magnetic Leader book– Grab your copy of my playbook to consistently attract and retain high-quality team members, customers, and clients.
Magnetic Leadership video course – Learn the 18 Essential Actions to attract and retain high-quality team members. (Enter coupon code “MM50” at checkout to receive a 50% newsletter subscriber discount!)
Magnetic Leadership Community – Join the community of growth-minded individuals focused on leveling up their leadership capabilities. (This is a monthly membership program that includes group coaching, expert interviews, the Magnetic Leadership video course, and bonus training)
Magnetic Leadership Community for Teams – Enroll your team for an 18-month leadership development program that provides a common leadership language and helps foster a thriving, attractive culture.

Chris McClure In Blog, Leadership, Life Coaching, Personal Growth

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

As I’ve been reading “Slow Productivity” by Cal Newport, something jumped out to me…

Most of our time-management problems are of our own making.

We can blame bosses, clients, the economy, our families, and a plethora of other entities, but the reality is that we have more control over our schedules than we think.

Unless you work in a job that gives you zero flexibility when you’re on the clock, you can control your schedule better than you’re probably doing..

Sure, we all have commitments, but most of us overschedule ourselves only to regret it later.

Over the years, I’ve planned out annual calendars that looked good on paper but became a nightmare because I didn’t account for unexpected meetings, projects, or vital commitments being added.

I’m certainly not an expert in this area. I’m still a work in progress.

But my point is that too many of us look outside of ourselves to blame someone or something else for our overly busy lives when we actually have more control than we admit.

It’s a fairly recent phenomenon that humans are scheduling themselves so poorly.

For centuries, people worked more seasonally and at a slower pace out of necessity due to the way the world operated.

This didn’t diminish their impact, but it certainly lowered stress levels.

Technology was supposed to ease our schedules and give us more margin to enjoy life, but the reverse has occurred.

Now, we try to cram more into our schedules in the margins that time-saving technology created.

As we enter this new AI era with tasks being done at rapid speeds, we need to be careful not to cram more and more into our calendars.

Use the tools available to you, but don’t just keep stuffing your schedule with “more” because you can.

We’re human “beings,” not human “doings.”

We’re not meant to be 24/7 productivity machines. That’s not how God designed us to operate.

We need rest.

We need recovery.

We need time with the people we value most.

But experiencing these things requires personal discipline to protect our schedules and map out our calendars wisely and strategically.

This will feel countercultural because it is!

But just because everyone else is operating at a breakneck pace doesn’t mean you should or that it’s healthy.

Choose to maximize your time with greater wisdom and more margin rather than jamming yourself up without any breathing room.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

Whenever you’re ready, here are two ways I can help you:

The Way to Greatness book – Discover the five continual choices that lead to The GREAT Life and how to implement them immediately.
The GREAT Life Bootcamp video course – In this self-paced course, I’ll guide you to learn how to experience the life you were created to live by improving your faith, relationships, mindset, stewardship, and time management. (Enter coupon code “MM50” at checkout to receive a subscriber-only 50% discount!)

Chris McClure In Blog, Leadership, Personal Growth

Fresh Ideas Come from Unexpected Sources

I recently ordered a book because the title captured my attention, but when it arrived, it wasn’t what I expected.

Rather than being disappointed, I found myself intrigued.

While the topic wasn’t what I anticipated, the ideas shared in the book made me think about business in new ways.

I’ve heard from many experts to look outside your industry for fresh ideas to implement in your own business. That’s what this book is doing for me.

An example of this concept is that Chick-fil-A looked to the hotel industry for how to upgrade their hospitality. That’s why you see flowers on the tables, which is rare for a fast-food restaurant.

Any industry can learn from others if you look hard enough.

Maybe you need to go to a different place to be jarred from your routine.

Maybe you need to listen to a podcast that seems completely unrelated to your business.

Maybe you need to simply slow down and pay attention when you’re running your routine errands to notice what other companies are doing.

As I’ve studied marketing in-depth the past few years, I’ve begun to watch commercials more intentionally to see how companies advertise their products and services and think about lessons I can glean for my business.

The opportunities to gain fresh perspectives and new ideas are endless if you pay attention to what’s going on around you.

When you feel stuck in the same old routine, intentionally get outside of your box and engage with other leaders or places.

Even grabbing a cup of coffee or having lunch with another leader to casually chat can provide new insights that are just what you need for the season you’re in.

I encourage you to look for fresh ideas in unexpected places and encourage your team members to do the same.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

Whenever you’re ready, here are four ways I can help you:

The Magnetic Leader book– Grab your copy of my playbook to consistently attract and retain high-quality team members, customers, and clients.
Magnetic Leadership video course – Learn the 18 Essential Actions to attract and retain high-quality team members. (Enter coupon code “MM50” at checkout to receive a 50% newsletter subscriber discount!)
Magnetic Leadership Community – Join the community of growth-minded individuals focused on leveling up their leadership capabilities. (This is a monthly membership program that includes group coaching, expert interviews, the Magnetic Leadership video course, and bonus training)
Magnetic Leadership Community for Teams – Enroll your team for an 18-month leadership development program that provides a common leadership language and helps foster a thriving, attractive culture.

Chris McClure In Blog, Leadership, Personal Growth

The Ripple Effect of Decision-Making

I’m a big college basketball fan, especially when it comes to my home state Kentucky Wildcats. Go Big Blue! 🙂

One year ago, I was disillusioned after they were beaten again by a much lower-ranked team in the NCAA tournament and I refused to place my new logo decal on my truck until we had a coaching change. (Yes, I was being petty!)

But just a short time later, Coach John Calipari made the stunning announcement that he decided to leave UK after a 15-year tenure to coach the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Most of Big Blue Nation celebrated the change but we were all concerned about who would become our next coach.

What happened next was unexpected. Kentucky hired Mark Pope, the head coach at Brigham Young University in Utah. Pope was the former captain of UK’s 1996 national championship team, but most of us didn’t know if he was a “big enough” hire to make the impact we desired.

Once he stepped on campus, however, we knew something special was happening.

When Pope left BYU, it left a vacancy in their program for a head coach. Kevin Young was then hired to lead that program forward.

This past weekend was the first weekend of this year’s NCAA tournament and what transpired is a great lesson for us.

All three teams mentioned above are now in the “Sweet 16” which is a huge accomplishment for first-year coaches in any program.

CBS Sports shared this graphic on social media because it was such a big deal:

John Calipari’s surprising move to Arkansas led to the ripple effect of Mark Pope being hired at Kentucky, which led to Kevin Young being hired at BYU. And all three fan bases are now celebrating during March Madness!

What initially led to uncertainty turned into very positive outcomes for all three programs.

Decisions start ripple effects of others to follow. Sometimes there are unintended consequences we couldn’t foresee. Other times, the consequences are predictable.

One change isn’t isolated from others that follow.

I love the question Greg McKeown asks in his book “Essentialism” –

What ONE decision eliminates 1,000 later decisions?

When we make decisions, movement begins for other changes to happen.

We must make wise choices because of this reality, but we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be paralyzed from deciding because we don’t know how things will ultimately turn out.

That’s where faith comes into play.

We can’t predict the future but we must understand that the decisions we make will certainly impact it.

What ONE decision do you need to make today that will impact many other decisions that will later follow?

Answer that strategically and you’ll experience a positive ripple effect in your life and business.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

Whenever you’re ready, here are two ways I can help you:

The Way to Greatness book – Discover the five continual choices that lead to The GREAT Life and how to implement them immediately.
The GREAT Life Bootcamp video course – In this self-paced course, I’ll guide you to learn how to experience the life you were created to live by improving your faith, relationships, mindset, stewardship, and time management. (Enter coupon code “MM50” at checkout to receive a subscriber-only 50% discount!)

Chris McClure In Blog, Leadership, Personal Growth

Are You Productive or Just Busy?

I’ve just begun reading a new book called “Slow Productivity” by Cal Newport.

I’ve enjoyed his previous books “Deep Work” and “Digital Minimalism” which have caused me to think a lot about doing what matters most and fighting against our very distracted digital age.

His latest book challenges our society’s obsession with “productivity” and defines our actions more accurately as “pseudo-productivity” because a flurry of activity doesn’t actually mean we’re accomplishing anything of value or quality.

He defines pseudo-productivity as “the use of visible activity as the primary means of approximating actual productive work.”

Basically, if we look busy enough, we think people will view us as productive.

So, the question becomes “Are you productive or just busy?”

Are you accomplishing valuable, quality work or are you chasing your tail answering emails, instant messages, text messages, and phone calls?

If I’m honest, I have to admit I often fall into the busyness trap.

I’ve learned to ask myself, “What will truly move the needle on this project?”

It’s in the calm quietness of the day that I get the best ideas and produce my best work. If I can have an hour or two of focused time I can accomplish more than I will the rest of the day.

Leaders can become extremely busy, but we need to truly and honestly assess if we’re being productive or falling into the trap of pseudo-productivity.

I encourage you to slow down, consider your daily work habits, and make adjustments as needed.

Then, if you lead a team or organization, help them do the same.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

Whenever you’re ready, here are four ways I can help you:

The Magnetic Leader book– Grab your copy of my playbook to consistently attract and retain high-quality team members, customers, and clients.
Magnetic Leadership video course – Learn the 18 Essential Actions to attract and retain high-quality team members. (Enter coupon code “MM50” at checkout to receive a 50% newsletter subscriber discount!)
Magnetic Leadership Community – Join the community of growth-minded individuals focused on leveling up their leadership capabilities. (This is a monthly membership program that includes group coaching, expert interviews, the Magnetic Leadership video course, and bonus training)
Magnetic Leadership Community for Teams – Enroll your team for an 18-month leadership development program that provides a common leadership language and helps foster a thriving, attractive culture.

Chris McClure In Blog, Leadership

Transformation May Just Be One Question Away

Last week I was trying to figure out how to update my website and I sent an email to a friend who I thought might know the answer I needed.

In just a few minutes, he responded and within an hour or so, my website received an upgrade that I had been wanting to do for a long time.

I experienced this another time recently with a repair on my son’s car while he was home from college. A friend of mine who loves working on cars helped us solve a problem and saved us hundreds of dollars in repair costs.

If I had tried to figure things out on my own, I probably would’ve been frustrated and potentially wasted much time and money, but by reaching out to knowledgeable friends, my problems were solved quickly.

This reminds me of the lesson from the book “Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

The premise of the book is that we can waste hours/days/months/years learning “how” to do something, but it’s better to find someone “who” already knows how to do it and ask for help or delegate the task.

Whatever you need help with, think about who you can ask for help or insight.

You’re surrounded by people with a variety of skills and knowledge that you probably take for granted or just don’t think about.

Whatever you need help with in your life or business, spend a few moments thinking about who you can ask for help and you’ll probably be amazed how quickly things can improve.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

Whenever you’re ready, here are four ways I can help you:

The Magnetic Leader book– Grab your copy of my playbook to consistently attract and retain high-quality team members, customers, and clients.
Magnetic Leadership video course – Learn the 18 Essential Actions to attract and retain high-quality team members. (Enter coupon code “MM50” at checkout to receive a 50% newsletter subscriber discount!)
Magnetic Leadership Community – Join the community of growth-minded individuals focused on leveling up their leadership capabilities. (This is a monthly membership program that includes group coaching, expert interviews, the Magnetic Leadership video course, and bonus training)
Magnetic Leadership Community for Teams – Enroll your team for an 18-month leadership development program that provides a common leadership language and helps foster a thriving, attractive culture.

Chris McClure In Blog, Leadership, Life Coaching, Personal Growth

What’s Your Legacy?

Last week I received news that my beloved babysitter from my childhood passed away at 93 years old.

“Miss Pat” was a faithful subscriber to my weekly emails and would occasionally reply to me and tell me how things were going in her world.

It was always great to hear from her as she played an integral part in my life during my preschool years and our family has stayed connected to her all these years later.

While it’s sad to know she’s gone from this earth, I’m grateful that I got to know her throughout my life.

It makes me think about my legacy.

What will others say when I’m gone?

What am I doing today that will leave a positive lasting impression on others?

Pat loved hundreds of children and their families as they passed through her childcare center, which was actually her home.

She always had a smile on her face and loved to laugh and encourage others.

She was a faithful servant in her church and a matriarch for her family.

She will be missed but certainly not forgotten.

What about you?

What legacy are you building today?

What do you want people to say and remember about you when your time is up on earth?

While we can’t control others’ thoughts about us, we can certainly live in a way that influences them to remember us long after we’re gone.

We’re all standing on the shoulders of family, friends, and leaders who have gone before us.

Everyone leaves a legacy of some kind.

Few are intentional about what they want to leave behind.

Let’s be part of the few who live with intentionality to love and lead those around us well so our lives count for something significant long after we’re gone.

Let’s honor those like Pat who have made such a difference in our lives by living in a way that builds upon the foundation they built.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

Whenever you’re ready, here are two ways I can help you:

The Way to Greatness book – Discover the five continual choices that lead to The GREAT Life and how to implement them immediately.
The GREAT Life Bootcamp video course – In this self-paced course, I’ll guide you to learn how to experience the life you were created to live by improving your faith, relationships, mindset, stewardship, and time management. (Enter coupon code “MM50” at checkout to receive a subscriber-only 50% discount!)

Chris McClure In Blog, Leadership

When There’s a Leadership Void, Step Up to the Plate

It’s not uncommon in organizations to have leadership gaps in different seasons or on different teams.

Sometimes it’s ignorant neglect. Other times, complacency sets in and people simply go through the motions.

If you find yourself frustrated that there’s a lack of leadership, take the initiative to step into the role that’s needed.

As John Maxwell has famously taught for many years, “leadership is influence.”

It doesn’t require a title, position, or special office.

Anyone can lead wherever they are.

If you’re at the top of the org chart, it’s implied that you’re supposed to provide leadership.

If you’re in the middle of the pack, it’s easy to hide.

And if you’re in an entry-level position, it’s natural to look to others to lead.

But the reality is that anyone at any level can be a leader to help the team and organization flourish.

A great book about this is John Maxwell’s “The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization.”

I’ve been in situations where the leaders above me were burned out and simply didn’t lead.

I’ve also worked under leaders who were afraid to speak up because they didn’t want to rock the boat among the other leaders.

I learned from each of these situations that a leader is needed regardless of how anyone is feeling, and it’s an opportunity to contribute when you step up to lead when others are backing down or shying away.

Don’t let a leadership void go unfilled when you have the ability to add value.

You may not be the most experienced or qualified, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a big difference.

You never know…your stepping up may be just what is needed to move others to do that same.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

Whenever you’re ready, here are four ways I can help you:

The Magnetic Leader book– Grab your copy of my playbook to consistently attract and retain high-quality team members, customers, and clients.
Magnetic Leadership video course – Learn the 18 Essential Actions to attract and retain high-quality team members. (Enter coupon code “MM50” at checkout to receive a 50% newsletter subscriber discount!)
Magnetic Leadership Community – Join the community of growth-minded individuals focused on leveling up their leadership capabilities. (This is a monthly membership program that includes group coaching, expert interviews, the Magnetic Leadership video course, and bonus training)
Magnetic Leadership Community for Teams – Enroll your team for an 18-month leadership development program that provides a common leadership language and helps foster a thriving, attractive culture.

Chris McClure In Blog, Leadership, Life Coaching, Personal Growth

How’s Your Vision?

When kids are growing up, it’s common to ask them what they want to be someday?

Their answers are often amazing.

They don’t put a limit on their dreams and worry about what’s “realistic.”

Instead, they think of what they’d love to do without limitation.

Unfortunately, we grow out of this childlike wonder as we age.

Whether it’s our environment, the people who influence us, or any other causes, we lose our vision for life as we get older.

When was the last time you dreamed?

When was the last time you had a clear vision for your life or business?

Vision is what motivates us.

It gets us out of bed with enthusiasm and is the fuel that helps us persevere when things aren’t going our way.

Vision propels us forward to become better and smarter.

It stretches us and shapes us into better versions of ourselves.

Beware of settling for less than you’re capable of living because you think your best days are behind you.

Even in old age humans can accomplish great things!

Our dreams may look different the older we get but the impact can still be massive.

Proverbs 29:18 in the Bible states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Vision is critical for life and progress.

It’s vision that builds nations.

It was vision that led the Wright brothers to figure out flight.

It was vision that led to all the products and services we take for granted.

If you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, lost or confused, it’s most likely because you’ve lost your vision.

It’s been said that if you lose your “why” you’ll lose your way.

Your “why” is your vision. It’s your purpose.

To regain motivation and get back on track to accomplishing great things, block out time to think, pray, and dream.

What do you want to accomplish in the next year, five years, or decade?

What do you feel called to do?

Who do you feel called to serve?

What would excite you to get out of bed every morning and energize you to tackle each day’s challenges?

Once you have answers to these questions, the “how” will come into perspective.

The people and resources will become evident.

But it starts with checking your vision and permitting yourself to dream again regardless of your age or life situation.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

Whenever you’re ready, here are two ways I can help you:

The Way to Greatness book – Discover the five continual choices that lead to The GREAT Life and how to implement them immediately.
The GREAT Life Bootcamp video course – In this self-paced course, I’ll guide you to learn how to experience the life you were created to live by improving your faith, relationships, mindset, stewardship, and time management. (Enter coupon code “MM50” at checkout to receive a subscriber-only 50% discount!)