You Cold Busted!

There's something that you're not doing.  Yes, you.  I caught you.  And in the words of Oran "Juice" Jones (no, his Mama didn't name him "Juice"), "You cold busted!"  If you're wondering what that means, allow me to translate.  That means you've been caught red-handed.  I caught you in the act.  There's no denying the evidence against you.  Tell the truth and shame the Devil.  And finally it means, well, you're busted.  Straight up.  Word to Big Bird!  Now that you know how busted you are, what are you going to do about it?

You've got a choice. 

You could muster up the courage to do the thing or things you committed to doing at the beginning of this year.  Uh oh.  I just said something.  Yep.  I just called you out about your beloved New Year's Resolutions.  You know.  The ones that you were definitely going to keep and adhere to.  This time.  This year. 

The ones that meant more to you than those in the past.  Because you got that special word this year.  It set you on fiiire like the Ohio Players!  For about a week.  But now?  You're a little over three weeks into your year.  And you've already fallen off. 

What are you going to do about it?

You could also lie your way to laziness, lethargy, and loneliness.  That is, you could lie to yourself about why you haven't done what you haven't done.  Then, after settling for a settled-for existence, you could revel and wallow in your lethargy.  Boy howdy!  You'd be soooo much fun to be with!  Right?  Of course not!  That's where the loneliness comes in.  Because who wants to be around you if you've quit?  Not folk who keep moving forward.  So. 

What are you going to do about it?

Ok, full disclosure time.  You're not in this alone.  I've got to get back in the groove of a few things too.  Yep, I've slipped into the land of comfortable.  And I'm packing by bags and leaving it!  Ain't nobody got time for that!  I've got dreams to remember!  And so do you!  Together, we can do this!  I'll encourage you.  Then you've got to encourage some other folk.  Deal?  Thanks!  I appreciate you!  I've got a question though.

Are you really going to do anything about it?

You could  keep going down the dry and barren path of nothingness.  The path of the sluggard.  It's detailed throughout the book of Proverbs.  Most notably in Proverbs 6.6-11.  Verse 11 says, "...poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber."  In short, his path is wack!  But make no mistake.  It's a well-worn path, because so many have taken the easy way out.  Are you next?   

What are you going to do about it?

Aren't you glad that I asked?  Of course you are.  And here's what you're going to do. 

You're going to win. 

Because you're going to recommit.  Because you're going to refocus. 
Because you're going to re-engage.

And you're going to win.

You're going to put the work in.  You're going to believe in you again.  You're going to trust God's plans and promises for you again.

And in case you forgot...

You're going to win!

Because when you resolved to do your things three weeks ago, you were in it to win it.  And you still are.  You just have to make a few adjustments.  You may have to start from scratch.  And that's not a bad thing.  It might even be the best thing for you.  Take a look at your plan and reassess it before you do.  Because you don't want to do more than you need to.

Now ask yourself, what were you doing before you started reading this?  Just in case you have a selective memory, I'll help you.  Prior to reading this, you were probably ready to throw in the towel.  Shoot, it might be sitting on a pile of towels!  You also might have been ready to pack up your tent and go home.  Don't you do it!  Not while Coach Eric J. Watts is here!  Remember what I've told and taught you.  "As long as you're still here, you've got a shot!"  Newsflash!  If you're reading this?  You're. Still. Here.

And...

You Cold Busted! 

What are you going to do about it?

I need you to know something.  You are not alone (this is the part where you start singing Michael's song).  I'd love to help you figure it out!  As a Certified Coach, Teacher, and Speaker with the John Maxwell Team, this is what I do.  It's my life's calling.  This is no mere work for me.  It's my passion and purpose.  I want you to experience transformational coaching and inspiring teaching.  I am fully committed to adding value to your life and helping you reach your full potential.  Contact me and let's talk about how I can speak life into your existence!

It's your life.  In 2015, it's your time.  You've got one life to live.  

What are you going to do about it?

4 Ways To Help You Create Your New Look For 2015

Do you look back over the year to see how far you've come?  To see the things you could have done better?  I do.  Do you also look forward to the promise of a New Year?  I do.  You should too!  Because I know you're soooo excited about 2015, let's find out what you look like.  Let's take a look at a few ways to create your new look for the New Year!

When folk ask us what someone looks like, what do we say?  When they ask us what do we look like, what do we say?  Tall.  Short.  Brown eyes.  Long hair.  Bald.  You get the picture.  But what do you really look like?  Do you look like the way you describe yourself or do you look like what you've been through?   Uh oh.  I just said something.  Do you look like the hurt, pain, hard times, and the failures you've endured?  When folk look at you, what do they see?   Better question.  What do you see?  Do you look like that stuff, those things, them folk?  Are you carrying the residue from it?  "Well, now that you mention, Eric, I am.  How do I get rid of it?"  I'll share with you a few ways to do this. But first, I want to congratulate you on your courage and language.  You said, "How do I get RID of it?" Shout out to you for taking charge and tossing that junk out for good!  Yay you!  Now, let's hit a few ways to get rid of that mess!

1. You've got to have a short memory.  For my football fans, you know that defensive backs say this a lot.  They have to.  When they're guarding the speedy wide receiver who burns them for a touchdown, they've got to use that short memory to get their minds right back in the game.  They can't focus on what happened on that play.  If they do, the receiver will likely beat them for the rest of the night.  The same is true for you.  When negative and untrue things are said or done to you, you've got a choice to make.  You can dwell on it and buy into the negativity or you can utilize your short memory to forget about that mess and press on like Lee Nails.

2. You've got to have the mentality of a sifter.  You know, the little metal devices that you use to sift flour and similar ingredients.  Sifters break up the clumps of those ingredients.  Because you're not a Bad Landlord, you sift the things that attempt to come into your space.  You break down the clumps and determine what can stay and what must go.  You evict the junk that doesn't belong.  You tell it, "You don't have to go home, but you have to get out of here!"  You've got to realize that you're sifting for gold.  Have the mentality of a gold miner.  They're determined to find and only keep the gold they find.  That other stuff?  They toss it out.  But they've got to know the difference between the good stuff that needs to be kept and the pyrite or "fool's gold".  You've got to do the same thing.  Determine if what they said matters, should be sifted and kept, or if it's worthless fool's gold that you should throw out.  I'll give you a hint: You're looking for GOLD!

Evict the junk!

3. Put your makeup on.  Fellas, calm down.  I know half of you just passed out.  I'll give you a few seconds to come to...  Back?  No.  Ok.  A few more...  Alright, breathe.  Stay with me.  I'm going somewhere.  A few years ago, I remember reading about a new type of plastic surgery called permanent makeup.  You heard me right.  Permanent makeup.  Plastic surgeons will outline your eyes and color your cheeks with a permanent pigment.  "So, Eric.  This is what you want me to do?"  No, that's not what I'm saying.  Peep.  I want you to put your permanent makeup on.  That is, the make up that shows us what you really look like.  Make up your mind that you look like...Joy.  Peace.  Love.  Contentment.  Grace.  Faithful.  Kindness.  Warmth.  That's who you really are.  That's what you really look like.  If the previously mentioned types of make up don't go well with your "skin", guess what?  There are shades for ALL skin tones!  And with your permanent make up on, you're sure to shine and glow!  Yes, fellas.  Sometimes, even we glow.  Deal with it.  Uh oh.  I think they're down again.   

Your "make up" can look as flawless as Lupita's

4. Mind your mouth.  That is, instead of spewing fool's gold or buying it from someone else, what if you said...I AM a great teacher.  I AM a good business owner.  I AM smart.  I AM a good student.  I WILL succeed.  I WILL graduate.  I WILL finish on time.  I WILL publish my book.  I WILL start my business.  Don't just say these things.  Write.  Them.  Down.  There's something very powerful about seeing them in black and white or whatever colors you choose.  Yes, I want you to speak those things, because there's much power in the spoken word, but remember, I'm a sign guy.  I double up!  I speak those things and write them down.  Double coverage!  

So, the next time someone asks you, "What do you look like?"  A BIG, broad smile is going to break out all across your face.  Because you'll know exactly what you look like.  A champion who's ready to fly into and throughout the New Year and beyond!!!  

Headless Chickens - Part 2

Welcome back, y'all!  Good to see you again!  I know you're anxious to get going, so let's get after it.  You're surrounded by Headless Chickens.  What do you do?  Here are a few tips.

1. Keep your head.  It sounds like a corny play on words based on the title of this post, but it's 100% true.  Think on it.  When you "lost your mind", what good were you for anyone?  For yourself?  What good did it do?  You accomplished nothing.  Here's what you do instead.  Keep calm.  Process the situation.  Make a decision and act on it.  Execute your plan.

2. Speak up.  Headless Chickens tend to squawk.  A lot.  And they do it loudly.  I can tell you why this happens and explain such behavior, but we'll explore those things in another post.  Make sure your voice gets heard.  Don't just sit there.  After you've assessed the situation, speak to it.  Speak on it.  Don't worry about being right.  This is to show that you're engaged (I can't believe I just used that word.  More on that in a few.) and that you're concerned and care.  Because you do.  At times, that gets lost on folk because of the Headless Chickens and their antics.  Don't let it.

3. Black and white.  Confused?  Don't be.  Listen.  You've taken everything in.  You've got the facts and necessary information.  After the meeting/session, head back to your office or your desk and put your plan on paper.  Whether that's electronic paper such as a Word document or an actual piece of paper.  Who cares?!  Just get it down.  While the Headless Chickens are running about, you're coming up with a plan.  For now and--watch this--the future.  After all, you've seen the future and it will be.  You'll have something to present to your manager and explain to her why your approach is a good option.  It doesn't have to be the best one all the time (Note: Please don't fall into that trap!  The trap of perfectionism.).   

Those are a few things to help you survive and thrive while in the midst of Headless Chickens.  I know you've got more.  Share them with us!  Remember, we're here to help one another.  

As promised, here's a final thought about that word I mentioned above: engaged.  Shamefully, some folk in leadership roles use it with a negative connotation.  They say that you're not engaged.  Allow me to translate that for you.  "You're not running around like a chicken with it's  head cut off like the rest of us.  Like me.  Because you're not doing so, that means you don't care and you're not getting anything done."  That'd be cool.  If it wasn't a lie. 

Hears the deal.  You care.  You are engaged.  It's just in ways that they don't notice.  We'll hit those in another post.  Side note: I'm starting to realize that this is going to require a bit more examination than I thought.  It's all good.  I promise to hit in full.  Back to the point.  You to need to realize that you engage for different reasons, in a different way, and with a different end in mind.  You want more than an engagement.  You want a good, solid marriage with your clients.  After all, you're a relationship builder.  And you want to build and cultivate strong, solid, mutually beneficial, and life-giving relationships.  

Their thinking shotgun wedding.  You're thinking, "Engagement?!  I never accepted the proposal!  And y'all want me to marry this mess?!  No thank you."  Friends, that's one of the reasons that you have to speak up.  You can't afford to be attached to that mess.  That's why you've got to have a plan in black and white.  It's why you must keep your head.  In spite of the criticism.  I promise you that it'll bear you out.  It may take some time (It will.).  It may not happen in your current role, but it will happen. 

I encourage you to fight the good fight against Headless Chickens.  Believe it or not, there's a few things you can learn from them.  See, I told y'all this thing requires more examination.  I'll get after it.  In the meantime, think of and share some of the other ways and tips that you use when you're surrounded by Headless Chickens.   Additionally, think of some new ways that you can and will try as well.  

I leave y'all with a lil' bit of Kipling.  That's Rudyard Kipling to you.  :-)  This is from his poem, If.  It applies to everyone.  I encourage you to think on it.  Apply it to your life.  To your situation.  Hang it on your wall.  Remember it when you're surrounded by Headless Chickens.  After all, it just may help to keep you engaged until you get the proposal you've been waiting for and the wedding you deserve. 

"If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs...Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!"

Transitions: Get In the Car

Everything you need to know about The 90s.

Ahh, the 90s.  Such great times.  From VH1's Pop-Up Videos to Saved By the Bell to Steve Urkel and his beloved cheese.  I always wondered if he loved cheese more than he loved Laura Winslow.  And what about Myra?  And science?  And Carl "Big Guy" Winslow?  And.  Oh.  Sorry, I got distracted.  Some say the 90s were the last great decade.  I think I agree with them, but we'll cover the 90s some other time.  One last thing about that great decade though.  Remember the hip-hop group Arrested Development?  They had a few hit songs.  Most notably, the song Tennessee.  It was from their album 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of...  An interesting title.  Of course, it has significance.  It's how long it took them to get a record deal.  The length of time it took them to transition from being virtually unknown to superstardom!  Sadly, as with many bands, Arrested Development broke up due to...  You guessed it.  Creative differences.  A short, but fun-filled ride it was!  It took them a few years, but they made it!  This is the part where you envision Arthur "Cody" Jarrett, played by James Cagney in the film noir White Heat delivering those famous last words as he's perched atop of round, gigantic gas tanks.  "Made it, Ma! Top of the world!".  As usual, I hear you.  "Eric, what are you talking about?"  Stay with me.  I'm going somewhere.  Arrested Development transitioned.  In his own unique way, so did Cody Jarrett.  Now, I'm transitioning.  No, literally.  I'm headed into the next, best phase in my life.  I reckon I always was.  See, I was never satisfied with where I was or what I was doing.  I'd gone to college and majored in Business and Economics and made a pretty decent career for myself over the years, but it wasn't enough.  Something was missing.

Still, I pressed on like Lee Nails.  I worked my way into management and had my eyes keenly set on the corner office with the mahogany desk, bookshelf, and plush leather chair.  When I made it there, this lil' boy from Akron, Ohio was going to be all set!  One problem.  I never made it to the corner office.  Why?  That story will come out over the course of many posts, because it's multi-layered and was quite the journey.  Back to the point.  After doing all that I needed to do there, I left my previous employer, BISYS Fund Services, and headed to work for JPMorgan Chase (JPMC).  It was a promotion, a better opportunity, and you guessed it.  An increase in salary!   Hey, my Mama ain't raise no fools!  My journey to the corner office was reborn!   Or so I thought.  But alas, it was not meant to be.  And that brings me to today.  This moment.  There were ups and downs and ins and outs while I was there.  Frustrations.  Joys.  Happy times.  Sadness.  Anger.  Smiles.  Laughter.  All the time I was there, I couldn't wait to get out of there!  I even wrote a poem about it called, "Death March to Freedom".  It was about the day that I'd leave there and how much they'd realize what they'd lost.  I'd walk out and not miss a thing about that place!  There!  Take that!  But now that it's here and it's happening?  I find myself getting sad.  No, not because of the folk I'm leaving.  The relationships that need to continue will continue.  I just NEVER thought I'd miss that place!  Ever!  Did I say never?!  Ok, sorry.  I was having a moment.  As I contemplated the cause of my sadness, it hit me.  Much of the growing that I've done over the time that I was there was critical and crucial to where I am now and where I'm heading.  It was and continues to be an integral part of my story.  Boy, I didn't see that coming!  Hit me like a freight train!  But you see, it's because of the pruning, pressing places, and growth process that occurred during my time at BISYS and even more so at JPMC, that I'm finally able to walk away.  I had to get to a point where I would allow--yes, allow--God to do the work in and on me that He knew needed to be done.  I had to get to the point where I was Sweetly Broken.  Where I was finally willing to put it ALL In His Hands.


It's only then that we begin to live life wide open.  It was only then, only now, where I've been able to hear His voice calling me.  Clearly.  Gently.  No mistaking it.  No confusion.  It's only now that I know that my gifts and talents will be used for more than a cheap pop.  For more than a brief mountaintop moment.  I've always known there was more in me, but I wasn't always quite sure that it'd get the opportunity to come out.  I can tell you this much.  There's no way it should have come out before now.  If so, it would have been a mess.  A complete one.  Utterly and totally.  See, if you know me well, you know that I can be a tough nut to crack and God had to refine me.  I had to go through the Refiner's Fire (Note: Please be patient with me.  I’m still being refined.  Always will be.).  Not the most pleasant experience in my life.  Tears.  Lots of 'em.  Brokenness.  Lots of it.  Healing.  Lots of it too.  If you've ever been in that fire or you're in it now, can I get an Amen?!  'Cause it ain't no joke!  It's so rough, I had to use a double negative just now.  Did ya catch that?  Sorry, I got distracted again.  Ok, I'm back on course.  See y'all, the Lord is willing to heal those broken places, but we've got to be willing to give them to Him.  ALL of it.  In totality.  "But Eric, you don't know what happened!  It hurts!"  You're right.  I don't know what happened.  I don't know exactly how badly it hurts.  What I do know is that if you surrender that stuff, those things, them folk, what happened, and what they said or did.  If you give it to the Healer, He'll see to it that love will have the final word. 

How do I know?  Because it's having the final word as I transition.  I finally received permission to leave JPMC and do what He's called me to do and be all that He's called me to be.  What's that, you ask?  Stay tuned.  For now, know this.  It came as a bit of a shock to me.  I was hoping to be able to throw out a fleece like Gideon.  Nope.  Am I scared?  No.  Was I a little afraid at some point?  Yes.  I can hear you again.  "Wow, Eric!  You're super-brave!"  No, I'm not.  I'm just a man who knows the voice of his Shepherd.  A man who knows it's his time.  A man who trusts God.  A man who won't be looking back and wishing that he'd gotten in the car.  So, as I transition, I want you to do the same thing.  That is, I want you to...   No, you need to take some shots!  Take some risks!  Yes, you'll be challenged, but know that you can count on God's presence.  If He's told you to go, then GO!  Go with courage!  Is it risky?  Yep.  You'll likely never have complete assurance, but if you did, would that be faith?  So, ask, seek, and knock.  Find out what you can.  Warning!  He's not going to tell you everything.  At some point, you'll just have to trust Him.  I've reached that point and I know it's my time to transition and Get In the Car.