Hi Everyone-

I sure missed you all while on vacation! Happy to be back! While in NYC I attended a powerful dance event with some of the top choreographers in the US. Naturally, it attracted the serious and talented next generation of dancers. Listening to the choreographers and observing the dancers I identified 7 characteristics found in the most successful that can benefit the rest of us in business, careers, or just going after a goal. Here they are in no particular order:

Enthusiastic Approach- Top notch dancers take on training enthusiastically. They recognize an opportunity and go after it. This is no easy art form with long hours of training, aching muscles and joints, etc. The best eliminate excuses as an option. This has a lot to do with passion. If you are passionate about what you do the passion drives you.

Hard Work Ethic for Building Skills- The best dancers are willing to experience growing pains, discomfort in learning new awkward ways to move their body, and pay their dues with long hours of training. What are you willing to commit to fully? What skill will provide the greatest positive growth for you even if you initially experience discomfort and/ or awkwardness that leads to strength, expertise, or new results?

Listen to Advice- Growing dancers understand that critiques are for the purpose of improvement not a personal insult. They eagerly listen to advice of those with more experience with an open mind then choose how/ if to use it.

Stay Authentic- Grow in your areas of passion and strengths. Newer dancers often enthusiastically try out many different styles and approaches to dance. While doing so they may mimic dancers or teachers they admire. When you admire something in someone it is often a reflection of a part of you that may or may not have emerged yet. As the dancer develops they learn their strengths, what they like and dislike, and who they are as an artist. In addition, they stay true to the music and the vision of the choreographer. Trying things on will help you gain experience which leads to confidence, it helps discern who you are, and present your authentic self which stands out in a crowd. Resist the temptation to play it safe by presenting a watered down version in order to fit in. How are you fully sharing/ expressing who you are in your work and play? How are you being authentic to your company? Being authentic makes life easier, more fun, and exciting!

Leverage What You Have- To be authentic learn what your gifts are and how to leverage them to set yourself apart from others. My daughter is tall and slender. One of the choreographers suggested she learn to use that length to her advantage. As an example, he suggested learning to get lower than the shortest person in the room to create long extended lines. How can you use what you already have going for you in a way that will set you apart from others?

Balance- A dancer that is all technique or all performance is not the same as the exceptional dancer who is well balanced. Do not take your mission so lightly or too seriously that you miss out on experiencing the joy balance has to offer. When you are all business, career, goal-minded, etc. you miss out on the connection with your customers, clients, family, etc. And when you are focused all on putting on a show or having fun you equally may feel a void for not stepping into the vastness of your abilities.

Takes Risks- The exquisite dancer has leather skin. They have made themselves vulnerable at times to try new things, hear criticism in front of others, present a piece of themselves in their own choreography, faced rejection, been injured, etc. But the more they have put themselves out there the more they experience golden moments and success. Taking chances leads to the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to succeed and have a sense of fulfillment.

Review the above and see what speaks to you the most. What do you want to work on? Put the wheels in motion and leap your way into experiencing just how amazing you really are. We are all capable of so much more… Starting Now!