Where are you sitting today?

I didn’t just wander…I walked with intention. I was able to get from the third level of the MGM Grand… all the way down to the front of the stage. And when I got there, I thought, the view down here is so much better.

 

There was a guy standing near the stage, so I did something simple. I got out of my comfort zone and I engaged him in a conversation. “Excuse me,” I said, “what time does the concert start? I thought it was supposed to be at 10:00.”

 

He said, “Well, it’s supposed to start at 10, but technically my Uncle Phil isn’t scheduled to be on stage until 10:15.” I said, “Uncle Phil… as in Philip Bailey, the lead singer?” He said, “Yeah. Why? Are you in the business?” I said, “No… I’m a motivational speaker.” He smiled and said, “Oh really? Can you motivate me?” I said, “Of course.” So I did what I do.

 

I shared one of my favorite Zig Ziglar lines “Any day above ground is a good day.” Then I talked about vision, goals, and being fully engaged.

 

He stopped me and said, “Wow… you’re really good. But I’ve got to go take my seat.” So I asked him, “Where are you sitting?” He said, “Down in front. Where are you sitting?”

I pointed to the third level where my girlfriends and I had seats. He said, “Wait right here.” He went backstage. A few minutes later, he came back with three all-access badges and said “Take these. Sit anywhere you want—even in the front-row.” And then he said something even better: “Meet me right here after the show, and I’ll take you backstage so you can meet my uncle and the rest of the band.” I ran back to my girlfriends. They said, “Where have you been? These people tried to take our seats!” I said, “They can have them… because we’re going to the front-row.” They wanted to know how I did it this time. I simply acted. I acted as if I knew where I was going. I took action on getting out of my comfort zone. I engaged in a conversation with a stranger. As a result, we had an amazing front-row experience at a concert and a memorable after party meeting with the band. 

This experience also solidified my brand in helping others live and lead from the front-row. Because on this night, I saw life as a venue, and people can either stay stuck in the balcony (disengaged, bad view, not good), meander around in general admission (comfort zone, not bad but not great) or take action to be in the front-row (fulling engaged, living life to the fullest). 

 

• Don’t like their seat 
• Don’t like the view 
• Don’t like who they’re sitting with      

And yet… They stay there. And complain. But they don’t move. Today, I want you to take a look at your life and where you are sitting in the different chairs of your life. 

Where am I sitting right now? 

Then ask: What would the front-row look like for me? Define it. Get specific. And then, this is the key, ask yourself, what is one action I can take to move closer to the front-row? 

 

Because if you don’t like your seat, you have two options: 

1. Get up and move. Start a conversation. Take some sort of action. Make a decision. Or: 
2. Shift your perspective. Re-engage. Show up differently. Bring energy to where you are. 

But staying stuck? That’s not one of your options. 

Final Thought Don’t wait to be invited to the front-row.  Take a chance to get out of your comfort zone today and choose to move closer to your front-row life.