Robert Wilson - THE UN-COMFORT ZONE

MARCH 2010
Sometimes You Have to Rip the Cover Off the Book

When you discover someone's passion, you have discovered what motivates them. And, that is the key to communicating with them in the most productive way possible. Bubba's passion was prize-winning show chickens. Read full story.

FEBRUARY 2010
The Examined Life

Innovators are known for their ability to think outside of the box, but more than anything it is their broad-based knowledge that gives them the courage to challenge accepted beliefs. The most successful innovators are those who make the acquisition of knowledge part of their lifestyle. Read full story.

JANUARY 2010
The Buck Starts Here

Money is a powerful motivator. It is the original carrot dangling from the stick. The exciting thing about money, or, more specifically, prosperity, is that it is a great equalizer. Read full story.

DECEMBER 2009
How Cool Are You?

Cool is when there's a problem and you do not get upset by it. When everyone else is panicking, rushing around and over reacting, the cool person is the one who stays calm, assesses the situation, then makes a reasoned decision on what to do. Read full story.

NOVEMBER 2009
Thrown Into the Driver's Seat

When leadership is thrust upon us, many of us are motivated to rise to the occasion. Sometimes, however, leadership must rise in a vacuum. What motivates us to become leaders when there are none? As a manager, you can motivate your employees by giving them a mantle of leadership. With a position of responsibility, those persons will be empowered to do more and be more. Read full story.

OCTOBER 2009
More Powerful Than You Know

Nine words. Nine little words that were so heartening that over the next 15 years they grew into hundreds in my mind. Nine words that motivated me to stick to my dreams. My point? Even the least bit of praise can be powerfully motivating. So, don’t keep it in – use your power! Read full story.

SEPTEMBER 2009
Pack Mentality

When our dog became an adult and her instincts kicked in, I learned that our family was her pack, that I was alpha-dog, and that she had no intention of being at the bottom of the pecking order. It's all about status and exclusivity. And human beings are just as motivated by it as a pack animal. Read full story.

AUGUST 2009
Be a Copy Cat

Think of the occasions where you found a role model to show you "how it's done." Now go out and find someone who is already doing what you want to do. Watch them, talk to them, then get started! Read full story.

JULY 2009
The Main Ingredient

There is one ingredient that makes the cake, and that is simply your belief that you will succeed. It’s called Self-Efficacy. Your belief in your ability to achieve what you seek is the biggest part of actually getting there. The best part is that self-efficacy is a trait that can be acquired at any age. Read full story.

JUNE 2009
Defeating the De-Motivator

We all suffer doubt occasionally, and its cure is always the same: proof. Proof that we are indeed talented enough to do what we set out to do. A proof doesn't need to be big to eliminate doubt. A series of little ones can be just as effective. Read full story.

MAY 2009
The Most Powerful Motivator

During my presentations I frequently conduct straw polls, where I ask my audiences what motivates them. The first answers are usually about desires, but eventually someone remembers the most powerful motivator of all: FEAR. Read full story.

APRIL 2009
Will You Freak-Out or Hunker Down?

How do you react during a crisis? Whether you sink or swim depends on how you respond to the situation. Read about two men who made very different choices at their times of crisis, and had very different outcomes. Read full story.

MARCH 2009
Bleed It Out

Half a century ago marketing consultant, James Vicary, pulled a hoax on the American people as a way to promote his advertising agency. He reported that he flashed the words "Drink Coca-Cola" and "Eat popcorn" on the screen for a millisecond during a movie in a theater, and caused large numbers of people to visit the concession stand. Read full story.

FEBRUARY 2009
Don't Get Stuck in Reverse

I love this quote by Gandalf the Gray from the book Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien: "When we despair we cease to choose well. We give in to short cuts." It's so true, and we all know that we have been guilty of it at some point in our lives. Read full story.