Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to work with the amazing Lou Heckler, veteran television broadcaster and keynoter par excellence. Lou also happens to be a lovely human being—a gracious host and generous mentor. He is challenging yet accepting, encouraging but never false. His wife, Jonellen, an acclaimed writer, is equally warm, welcoming and insightful. My two days as a visitor to their home has changed me—as a speaker, leadership advisor, business owner, and person.

This may sound over the top, I understand that. But let me assure you, it’s all quite heartfelt. Here’s the skinny on why I went to Gainesville to see Lou. (Be sure to check out next month’s Liz on Leadership, where you’ll find four tips for your own rapid business improvement and personal growth).

Let’s start here: 2019 is the Year of Change for me. I’ll be talking about that at greater length in coming articles, video clips, and keynote speeches. Here’s a peek:

On New Year’s Eve, I went to brunch with two of my closest friends. We talked about what our best lives would be in the coming year. My friend, TeriLyn, challenged me and our friend, Robin, to pick just one word as our theme for the new year. It was not to be a resolution or objective per se. Just a single word to represent our focus for the next 12 months.

My word is: Elevate.

I can apply it (and already have begun) in a wide variety of ways. I can, for example, elevate:

• the way I spend my personal time
• my attention to vital relationships
• the talent and skillset of my team
• the variety of approaches I bring to the work of helping organizations get better, faster, more meaningful results

And, perhaps most important of all, I can improve where and how I dedicate time, effort, and energy. From a professional point of view, this means diligently focusing on those clients who are open, growing, navigating change, and ready to get there faster.

Which brings us back to Gainesville. I’d recently engaged Lou as a mentor and coach, to help me further elevate my performance as a professional speaker. A 40-year veteran of stage and screen, Lou offers an abundance of practical advice and guidance. And though I have been speaking for years to an array of audiences, what was once sacrosanct must periodically be re-examined for potential revision or a new perspective. In 2019, I will be speaking about Slow Down to Speed Up® in exciting new ways. Now, having spent two intensive days working with one of the best in the business, I can’t wait to hit it out of the park!

Read my article in February, for the four lessons you can apply to elevate your effectiveness and increase impact right away.

In the meantime, make sure you downloaded your Accelerating Success Action Plan™ to make sure you’re getting the right things done.