Tip#295: Put On Your Captain’s Hat - Star Trek Generations

In the previous blog entry (tip#294) I wrote how I needed to solve an immediate financial challenge before the end of that workday. I am happy to say that I accomplished this task within 2 hours.

It was my optimistic mindset that allowed me to focus on taking command of my situation and truly KNOW I would solve my crisis. And I kept in mind of what was said in the film Apollo 13, "Failure is not an option."

The first step I took was to ask key contacts for advice. Then I looked at the obstacle in front of me and saw that I could divide it into smaller pieces and just deal with the one piece that was the true immediate goal to focus on. I took a calculated risk and made a proactive decision like the captain of any ship in a crisis.

Star Trek - Generations 1994

There is a scene in the movie Star Trek - Generations that demonstrates how to solve an immediate challenge. This was the 7th feature film based on the Star Trek TV series and it opened with Captain Kirk (William Shatner) as a guest aboard the maiden voyage of the new U.S.S. Enterprise-B.

They quickly receive a distress signal from ships needing immediate rescue caught within an energy storm in space. The new captain of the Enterprise is clearly inexperienced thus lacking the confidence to solve this crisis. Thankfully he is wise enough to ask Kirk for suggestions.

Kirk immediately suggests moving the Enterprise closer to the surviving ship to rescue the passengers. The new captain replies that this would put the Enterprise in the same energy storm that had trapped the other ships. Kirk says smiling...

"Risk is part of the game if you want to sit in that (captain's) chair."

I've often thought about this scene when faced with overwhelming obstacles in my career or life. It reminds me that dealing with unexpected change or crisis is about taking one small step at a time. And it's about taking a risk even when that one small step takes you into the unknown.

So remember that any obstacle, whether it's financial, career or life related, can be solved. Remember to ask for advice and assistance in your life or workplace when you are at a loss for answers. And know that risk is part of your life lessons. Risk is an important step to achieving success.

Put on your captain's hat today and feel your inner confidence take command!

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
Your Motivational Wingman!
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009