You are always practicing something

by Matt Mattson

karate-kid-sensei-finish-him“You are always practicing something.  The question is: What are you practicing?” ~Martial Arts Sensei

I read that quote yesterday in Fierce Leadership by Susan Scott, and it has really been living in my head.  Maybe because I picture that intimidating Sensei from The Karate Kid (“Sweep the leg, Johnny.”)  It might also be because that quote has direct application to Dynamic Recruitment and Social Excellence.

Right now, you’re practicing some kind of recruitment.  What are you practicing?  Are you practicing waiting until “rush”/”formal recruitment”?  Are you practicing building a new relationship each day?  Are you practicing letting other people be in charge of your organization’s growth? Are you practicing being a “horse“?  Are you practicing year round recruitment? Are you practicing using your Names List everyday?  Are you practicing thinking up ideas for a great rush t-shirt?  Are you practicing only hanging out with non-members during officially sanctioned times?  Are you practicing being social or anti-social?

Whatever you practice, you’ll master.  Whatever you don’t practice, you’ll probably suck at.

Speaking of social… right now you’re practicing some level of social engagement.  What are you practicing? Are you practicing Social Excellence?  Are you practicing staying in your comfort zone?  Are you practicing not talking to that person over there?  Are you practicing shallow, surface-level conversations?  Are you practicing the deep zone/fun zone?  Are you practicing handshakes?  Are you practicing just making it through the day with the same amount of people in your life as yesterday?  Are you practicing curiosity, generosity, authenticity, and/or vulnerability?  Are you practicing mediocrity, averageness, boringness, and/or regularness?

Whatever you practice, you’ll master.  Whatever you don’t practice, you’ll probably suck at.