Then in 2011, the messaging app Snapchat repurposed the term “streak” to gamify the act of exchanging messages multiple days in a row. Snapchat refers to this uninterrupted chain as a “Snapstreak.” The app tracks these streaks and encourages users to continue their daily exchanges.

And now there is a new kind of streaking: Goal Streaking – a continuous series of one activity in pursuit of a goal.

Goal Steaking examples:

• exercise-daily streak
• recognize-someone-weekly-for-their-work streak
• make-a-new-connection streak
• make-the-bed streak
• team-huddle streak
• arrive-early-to-meetings-to-connect-and-banter streak
• return-emails-in-24-hours streak
• monthly-mentoring-conversations streak

Personally, I have two unbroken streaks that continue to shape my life:

(1) My Flossing Streak
In 2005, I had a dentist crush on Dr. Michael Hing when I lived in San Francisco. His warm, gentle personality prevented me from lying to him about flossing my teeth (like I had to other dentists!) So, I challenged myself to floss every night for one month before my next appointment. This evolved into my now 6,205-day flossing streak and has positively contributed to my dental health.

(2) My Writing Streak
I started my writing streak in March 2015 to hone my skills and consistently connect with my circle. The weekly Flash! article was born. I credit my now 364-week streak with expanding my network, strengthening our mentoring programs with weekly content, and generating my latest book (In a Flash!) and my next one: Jolt of Flash! (available Q4 2022).

Recently, I discovered two apps designed to support any of our habit-creating, goal-driving streaks:

• streaksapp.com
• goalstreaks.com

Like Snapchat and our Mentors, each app prompts, chronicles, and celebrates our commitment to any activity.

From the goalstreaks site: “The best way to achieve your goals is by taking regular, meaningful steps towards them.”

With fierce intentionality and relentless commitment, we can shift or create any habit, opening the gateway to our goals.

What streak will you start? 

© 2022. Ann Tardy and Mentor Lead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved.

This retort was maddening to us as kids. We wanted clarity, conviction, and action – we wanted an instant “Yes!” Instead, we got hesitation, ambiguity, and uncertainty.

But my mom’s “Maybe. We’ll see” bought her time to consider, assess, and reflect.

Unbeknownst to us, it did something else… it fueled our hope. We proceeded with the hope that maybe just maybe, she would say “Yes!” to our request or idea.

I didn’t realize how much I fed on that hope until I met a friend who doesn’t consider or explore ideas. This Debbie Downer consistently leads with an automatic “No” coupled with an excuse.

Her deflating “No” makes me crave my mom’s “Maybe. We’ll see.” Because “We’ll see” kindles hope – there was always a possibility that my mom would say, “Yes!”

In a recent study published by social scientist Shane Lopez Ph.D., hope drives 14 percent of the productivity in the workplace – more than intelligence, optimism, or self-efficacy.

Based upon this research, Dr. Lopez identified five characteristics that make hopeful employees more productive.

Hopeful people:

• show up for work
• are more engaged
• are more creative
• are more resilient during adversity and change
• are happy

He then offered three basic steps for cultivating hope:

1. Futurecast: envision a specific future goal
2. Create pathways toward that goal
3. Plan for contingencies and seek multiple solutions

And that’s how my mom cultivated hope! She met our goals with “Maybe. We’ll see,” keeping the pathway to those goals open while forcing us to develop a contingency plan.

“Maybe. We’ll see” may have exasperated us at times, but I’m grateful for growing up in a house of hope. It prepared us to be hope builders.

© 2022. Ann Tardy and Mentor Lead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved.

I think of Gramps fondly at this time of year because he looked like Santa Claus: thick white hair, big round protruding belly, bulbous red nose, and a hearty laugh.

I don’t pretend to know what he was like before he was sober, but I am inspired by who he became after:

• He dressed up as Santa Claus every year for the local photoshop and town parade.
• He served as a crossing guard at the grade school in his neighborhood.
• He graduated from college at age 65 with a degree in counseling.
• He sponsored others in AA.
• He pedaled his first century bike ride at age 70.
• He told jokes to anyone who would listen and laugh.

And in his wallet, he carried his Alcoholics Anonymous coin with the Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Lately, I’ve noticed that I’ve been operating with a shortage of serenity. So now, reflecting on how Gramps lived and evolved, I’m rewriting my Christmas list…

All I want for Christmas is:

1. Clarity.
Clarity around the changes I want to make.

2. Intentionality.
Purposeful conversations and activities.

3. Courage.
Courage to be bold and perseverant.

4. Patience.
Patience for the evolving journey that I am on.

5. Kindness.
Kindness and understanding for the journey that others are on.

6. Pause.
Deliberate pause in the moments that I fail at patience and kindness.

7. Wisdom.
Wisdom from intentionally curating insights.

Hope you get everything on your list!
Happy Holidays!

© 2021. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. www.mentorlead.com

• 59 years
• 1+ million miles
• 5+ million deliveries
• 0 accidents

Tom graciously attributes his safety record to UPS’s excellent training program and accountability. But we must also credit Tom’s common sense and his job love.

When The New York Times asked about his achievement, Tom offered the following tips for success behind the wheel. We can easily apply his wisdom for our own triumph in life.

1. Scan the big picture. Keep your eyes moving. 
We often fixate on details and miss context. Being aware of the changing landscape can allow us to make better decisions.

2. When the light turns green, count 1-2-3 before moving.
If we pause to count in any situation, we can take action deliberately, not emotionally.

3. Check the mirrors. 
We all have blind spots, and moving forward without looking for them limits our potential.

4. Let erratic drivers pass.
We can’t change people, but we can protect ourselves.

5. Keep your mind focused.
It’s dangerous to drive on the road or go through life while staring at a screen. Being present gives us the power to choose our next steps purposefully.

6. If there’s rain, snow, or sleet, slow down.
We cannot control some changes; we must adapt, adjust, and persevere accordingly.

7. Assume the other guy is daydreaming.
Other people do not perceive the world as we do and assuming they do fuels miscommunications, conflict, and altercations.

8. Use your turn signal.
When we communicate our intentions and expectations, we engender trust and strengthen relationships.

Tom doesn’t just have a safe driving record. He has job love: pride, purpose, and passion from executing his job in a way that makes a difference.

Safe driving, job love, and wisdom… three things that would benefit us all!

© 2021. Ann Tardy and Mentor Lead. www.mentorlead.com

In his compelling memoir, Marc referenced screenwriter William Goldman (All The President’s Men; The Princess Bride), who described Hollywood in three words: Nobody knows anything. Goldman explained that nobody can truly predict how a movie will do until after it’s released, regardless of the budget, or the caliber of the script, the director, or the actors involved.

Marc applied this same theory to describe Silicon Valley: nobody knows which concepts will succeed until one does.

When he originated the idea of renting DVDs over the internet in 1997, many people (including his wife) said, “That’ll never work.”

But their prophetic declarations were simply assumptions based on their knowledge and experiences.

At the time, Blockbuster was a $6 billion business, and internet consumption was relatively new. So, of course, it was hard to imagine using the internet to rent a movie instead of driving down the block to a video store.

And in 1999, when Netflix decided to evolve to a subscription model with no late fees, people said, “That’ll never work.” Because at the time, subscriptions were for magazines, not movie rentals, and charging late fees ensured movies were returned!

Nobody knows what will eventually happen, including mentors. Instead, people merely reference their past experiences to inform their future predictions. And then they forecast and pontificate about what will and won’t work. For example, in 1995, astronomer Clifford Stoll brazenly declared in Newsweek magazine that the internet would be a passing fad. (Good thing Marc didn’t heed Clifford’s warning!)

Growth happens in action, not speculation.

Incidentally, mentors don’t want to be your fortune teller. They signed up to be part of your journey. That’s the only way they’ll grow too.

So, invite their opinions, advice, perspectives, and ideas. But then explore those as you move, don’t adopt them while you’re standing still. Think critically. Consider context. Take a chance. Evolve as you discover, as Netflix continues to do.

At the end of the book, Marc concluded, “You’ll learn more in one hour of doing something than in a lifetime of thinking about it.”

Welcome wisdom but apply it mindfully and actively.

© 2021. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. All Rights Reserved. www.mentorlead.com

Michael Che was a standup comic in NYC when he met Colin Jost, a comedian and sketch writer for SNL.

Michael was performing a comedy set in Brooklyn when Colin casually approached him, “You ever want to write sketches?”

Michael described his response as follows, “I blew him off. I don’t know how to write sketches! I’m not going to audition and send in a packet. If they don’t like it, then I have to go through life knowing that I suck. So, I just blew him off. But Colin kept messaging me urging me to come in.”

Then Colin shared with Michael an opportunity at SNL for comedians to be guest writers for two weeks. Finally, Michael responded.

He said, “I ended up getting a sketch on TV. SNL let me finish the season, and I’ve been with them ever since.” Today Michael is co-head writer and co-anchor on SNL’s Weekend Update.

Michael was a bit self-deprecating about his imposter syndrome throughout this interview. But my favorite insight occurred when Michael reflected, “SNL is a dream job that I did not know that I could possibly do.”

He did not know that he could possibly do it. And, left to his mind chatter, he wouldn’t have.

Fortunately, he had a Spot Mentor who stopped him from missing the opportunity: Colin Jost.

Spot Mentors show up when we are about to overlook or neglect a moment.

By definition, spotters are trained to look for something. Typically found at a fitness studio or a construction site, spotters ensure someone’s safety and provide situational awareness.

Spot Mentors offer us similar protection from and awareness of our blind spots and missed opportunities. Their objective is not to prevent us from falling or failing. Rather they are determined to hinder our heedlessness. They see what we can’t or won’t. And by connecting our potential with possibilities, they practically dare us to get out of our own way.

Weightlifters and equipment operators don’t operate without a spotter. So, why would we traverse any path without seeking a Spot Mentor? And while we’re at it, serving as a Spot Mentor does wonders for the soul and society.

© 2021. Ann Tardy and Mentor Lead. www.mentorlead.com

I’ve observed my dogs Elwood and Flash masterfully navigate the fickleness of this holiday for years. And here’s the advice I’m confident they would offer all of us to ensure festivity and folly:

1. Greet everyone eagerly.
My dogs welcome each person as they arrive, barking excitedly, jumping enthusiastically, and wagging their tails with great anticipation. (Of course, they assume the feelings are mutual.)

2. Be incessantly curious.
Everyone is interesting and intriguing to my dogs, so everyone gets thoroughly (and regularly) sniffed.

3. Harbor no ill will.
My dogs don’t stew over unresolved arguments or upsets. Instead, they forgive and forget quickly.

4. Provoke play.
Everyone is a potential ball thrower or rope tugger to my dogs. So they constantly bring old toys to new people, encouraging them to engage immediately. And soon enough, play ensues. Success!

5. Ignore what others think.
My dogs ignore judgment and criticism. They never feel incompetent or insignificant in the presence of others. They couldn’t care less what my holiday guests think of them.

6. Never compare your life to others.
My dogs don’t waste a moment judging themselves or others. It’s unimportant and foolish because it would distract them from what’s most important: eating, playing, peeing, and sleeping.

7. Don’t try to solve every problem.
My dogs don’t fret, fear, or fix. Rather, they stay maniacally focused on their priorities (eating, playing, peeing, and sleeping).

8. Create the environment.
My dogs wouldn’t dare ruin the holiday with negativity or a contentious debate about politics or religion. Instead, their playfulness lifts spirits, and they know it.

9. Take breaks regularly.
My dogs go outside for fresh air (and to do their business). This momentary pause rejuvenates them physically and emotionally.

10. Nap without apology.
As soon as they’re feeling tired, my dogs curl up in one of their favorite beds without excuses or justifications.

___________________________________________
To all my readers, I’m grateful for our weekly connections. You inspire me with your commitment to making a difference in your roles as mentor, mentee, boss, peer, and human being.

Wishing you a happy-as-a-dog holiday!

© 2021. Ann Tardy and Mentor Lead. www.mentorlead.com

One day a recruiter from a competing firm called and intrigued me with a different model for practicing law and enticed me with the prospect of exciting projects.

I was conflicted. I didn’t want to leave – I loved my current firm. But I also didn’t want to miss the opportunity.

I swirled in indecision. I floundered in uncertainty. And after reluctantly interviewing, I feebly accepted an offer. I switched firms in what felt like a default instead of a conviction.

I don’t regret the decision. I regret the process. I regret going through it alone and confused. And I was quick to blame my challenge on a lack of mentoring.

But I had a terrific boss who would have gladly mentored me. And I had access to thoughtful, strategic people at work and in life who would have eagerly contributed their advice… had I asked.

But I lacked the courage to be mentored.

• courage to pause and reflect
• courage to be vulnerable
• courage to ask for help
• courage to share aspirations
• courage to make mistakes
• courage to take advice
• courage to be responsible

Recently when a friend didn’t ask for help as he embarked on a career change, I felt disappointed. I have experienced what he is experiencing; I have insights and wisdom to contribute; I have ideas and resources to share. But he didn’t engage me.

At first, I took it personally. And then I realized that he might be oblivious to or insecure about seeking guidance.

With compassion, I extended a mentoring offer, “Let me know if you might benefit from my advice, perspectives, or ideas. I’ve been through a similar experience, and I’m happy to help!”

Most people struggle to find the courage to change. Let’s ease their burden of also finding the courage to be mentored. When we anchor formal, structured mentoring programs to any career or leadership transition, mentoring becomes an integrated part of the process. Not something else to neglect or navigate.

© 2021. Ann Tardy and Mentor Lead. www.mentorlead.com