A basket ball soars towards the rim of a chained basketball hoops.

As we got close to the court, I was uneasy, even uncomfortable. I didn’t want to embarrass myself and I knew there was no way I could run with the group that was assembled there. I think Headley could sense my nervousness, because he came over and encouraged me: “Come on now, let’s go get these guys.” I told him, “I don’t even know how to play this game! And I don’t want to be the one that is responsible for defeat.” He chuckled and replied, “well that’s not gonna happen, so let’s go!”

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A man with two shadows reaches for the sky.

To start 2023, I committed to sharing life lessons learned. I let you know the reason for sharing was to honor the people who’ve taught me. As I was thinking about all those amazing people, and the wonderful lessons they shared, I started making a list. Some I’ve written about in previous posts…..the Power of Three, Practice or Quit, and Nothing on the Floor easily came to mind. Today the lesson that stands out for me as I reset and reignite future opportunities, is something my wife taught me in 1997.

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Small cat with a tiger shadow that represents the power inside.

To start 2023, I committed to sharing life lessons learned. I let you know the reason for sharing was to honor the people who’ve taught me. As I was thinking about all those amazing people, and the wonderful lessons they shared, I started making a list. Some I’ve written about in previous posts…..the Power of Three, Practice or Quit, and Nothing on the Floor easily came to mind. Today the lesson that stands out for me as I reset and reignite future opportunities, is something my wife taught me in 1997.

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Row of fresh baseball uniforms in lockers to symbolize a fresh start.

In July of this year, I was involved with an exit in one of our (TAG’s) largest companies: Launch Consulting Group. As we moved through the process, the excitement and sense of accomplishment was euphoric. But as the process wound down, I was introduced to feelings I had never experienced.
Rather than being jubilant and ecstatic, I found myself melancholy and lonely.

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An open notebook with blank pages awaiting New Year resolutions

It occurred to me that year after year, I make one resolution or another. And year after year, shortly after the celebrations are over, I fail to keep the commitment I had made myself. This year I wanted to change that, so I decided these elements needed to be present to give me a chance of being successful with any resolution I might make.

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An open notebook

Building something great starts with a cornerstone idea, then adding to it little by little. Incredible things can come from taking one step at a time with your eye on the future. Read what TA Group Chairman Rick Nelson learned from his cousin, Rob, who has done just that.

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Recently I had the pleasure of visiting with an impressive group of 40+ interns working in various areas of our business. They were meeting with me all together as part of their onboarding and integration process, so I won’t pretend they all signed on to hear what I had to say – but I was flattered that they appeared to have done their homework, knew who I was, and came prepared to ask very specific questions about my experience.

I’ve done these visits, virtually or in-person, many times. They are never the same and I leave each feeling that I received much more than I gave.

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When I share lessons I’ve learned, I often talk about my years in the business world—from the boss who gave me a shot at UPS, to the company that erupted in (and recovered from) scandal, to my position now as an advisor to a portfolio of companies, including Launch Consulting. But all the building blocks that got me where I am today are stacked on top of the foundation laid by my first job out of high school: the Air Force.

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Baseball field symbolizing practice or quit methodology

Like many of you, I’ve peeked in on the baseball playoffs a time or two over the last couple of weeks. I love competition and admire those who have the discipline and courage to pursue excellence in a field as competitive as professional athletics. I’ll admit that whenever I watch a team celebrate, I think, “If only I would have applied myself, maybe I could have had an evening like that.”

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