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License to LEAD

April 17, 2014Mike SisselBlog

imagesDear Teenager,

What are your thoughts about the following statement?

The day I finally get my driver’s license will be the day I achieve true freedom.

Do you agree or disagree?

Whether you currently possess a driver’s license or not, I’m fairly certain that you at one time or another have perceived this small plastic card to be a symbol of complete freedom.  Freedom from the restricted confines of your home . . . freedom from the daily ride requests of mom and dad . . . or freedom from the embarrassment of being dropped off at school. 

For many of you, a driver’s license not only serves as a one way ticket to freedom, but also a chance to leave the dreaded passenger seat behind.  In fact, the mere thought of holding the steering wheel may invoke a tremendous sense of power.  After all, as a driver you can literally steer your vehicle wherever you’d like to go.  Whether you’re driving to a friend’s house to work on a project or making a quick stop at the local convenience store for a bottle of water, as the driver you get to choose your destination.

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but in my experience these imagined freedoms are only temporary.  It’s highly likely that once you obtain your license, you will quickly realize that this small plastic card comes with countless, unexpected limitations.  In fact, here’s what usually happens next:

Mom or dad begin to set parameters on when and where you can drive the car.

You are now the official “gopher” in your family.  Please go to the store for me . . . please go pick up your brother at practice . . . please go to Aunt Patty’s and drop off this dish I borrowed from her.

The family rules remain intact (e.g. curfew), and you can’t take your car on that weekend trip you had planned.

You get your first traffic ticket for parking illegally and the fine is twice the amount of money you have in your bank account.

Your gas tank is low, and your parents ask you to use your own money to fill it.

Does this sound like freedom?  Before obtaining your license, the last thing on your mind was contemplating the thought of dropping your brother off at his friend’s house.  Now, you find yourself asking questions that typically begin with “You mean I still have to . . . ?”

So if freedom isn’t located behind the steering wheel of a car, then where is it?  In order to answer this question, you must be willing to embrace a new perspective of freedom–one that extends far beyond the limited freedom that comes from driving an automobile.  The freedom I’m referring to derives from a single choice. In my opinion it’s the most important choice you will ever make in your life.  Furthermore, it’s a choice that you have the ability to make each and every second of the day.  I’m talking about the choice to LEAD (Live Every day As a Driver).  Choosing to LEAD means that you are assuming the role of driver–not only in a car but, more importantly, in your life.

Here’s the great news.  Regardless of your age, gender, race, or ethnicity, each of you already possesses a license to drive the most unique and powerful vehicle in the world: YOU.  Unfortunately, a large majority of you aren’t even aware of this license and therefore have been operating as a passenger, allowing other people or things to drive your life. 

All great leaders, regardless of age, recognize the fact that true change occurs from the inside-out.  If you want to change others, you must first learn to change yourself.  This process begins with your choice to LEAD. 

Boys and girls, start your engines.  You now have permission to drive your lives.  I believe in you. 

Sincerely,

Mike Sissel – Former Teen

 

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“Wow! What an amazing person! We are so fortunate to have Mike Sissel in our lives. Having two daughters that compete, I cannot thank him enough for all of valuable lessons learned. He empowers my girls with tools and strategies to become not only better athletes but better people. He helps them to build strong character traits that will benefit them long after their time in completion has come to an end. He's had a positive influence on the mindset of our entire family and for that we are truly blessed.”
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“Having been in the coaching profession for many years, I’ve gained the most satisfaction by having the opportunity to help shape the character of my players, ultimately preparing them for life beyond baseball. Mike Sissel is a masterful coach who shares a similar passion for the 'game of life'. His ability to connect with athletes is unmatched. If you have an opportunity for Mike to work with your team, it will truly be the 'gift' that will keep on giving. He has been a blessing to my family.”
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“Mike Sissel is an amazing man. With a positive force driving his ultimate vision to help the world be a better place, he reminds young and old what it means to be and do good by finding it in within. His practical steps are accessible to children and admired by adults. Whether he facilitates a retreat, in-service, assembly, or consults, positive and tangible results will be the outcome. I highly recommend him!”
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“The power of positivity is infectious and Mr. Sissel has a real gift of helping others believe that they have the mental strength within themselves to get past whatever they might be struggling with. We were introduced to Mike through Gold Medal Gymnastics and seeing the impact he has made on the lives of so many including our daughter is astounding. He helped her to overcome the feelings of insecurity, feeling bullied and showed her how to focus and 'change her lens' so that she could perform successfully.”

 

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“The power of positivity is infectious and Mr. Sissel has a real gift of helping others believe that they have the mental strength within themselves to get past whatever they might be struggling with. We were introduced to Mike through Gold Medal Gymnastics and seeing the impact he has made on the lives of so many including our daughter is astounding. He helped her to overcome the feelings of insecurity, feeling bullied and showed her how to focus and 'change her lens' so that she could perform successfully.”  
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“Our school mission has always been to educate the 'whole child', including their social and emotional development. Mike’s contribution to this mission, through the delivery of his meaningful, engaging lessons, has made a lasting impact on our school culture. In addition to the rich content he shares with our students, the energy he brings to each classroom is contagious. He has been an inspiration to our staff and students and truly lives the leadership principles he teaches.”

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“Our school mission has always been to educate the 'whole child', including their social and emotional development. Mike’s contribution to this mission, through the delivery of his meaningful, engaging lessons, has made a lasting impact on our school culture. In addition to the rich content he shares with our students, the energy he brings to each classroom is contagious. He has been an inspiration to our staff and students and truly lives the leadership principles he teaches.”
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“Mr Sissel has been such an unbelievably positive presence both at Gold Medal Gymnastics and at our daughter's school, CEE. There is always enthusiasm and excitement when she knows that they will be having a session with him. The topics that he addresses are so important and he helps the kids see not only life's big picture, but also how individually they can make a real difference for themselves and those around them with their choices. We are thankful and look forward to more work with him in the future.”

 

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2017-09-14T15:04:38-07:00

Margo Ingram

“Mr Sissel has been such an unbelievably positive presence both at Gold Medal Gymnastics and at our daughter's school, CEE. There is always enthusiasm and excitement when she knows that they will be having a session with him. The topics that he addresses are so important and he helps the kids see not only life's big picture, but also how individually they can make a real difference for themselves and those around them with their choices. We are thankful and look forward to more work with him in the future.”  
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/margo-ingram/
"At Nike, I like to say ‘You Own Your Career’, Mike presented to my team and provided them with strategies & tools that inspired them to take ownership of their actions, performance, and careers. It was Motivational Coaching that impacted all attendees – regardless of their roles. All team members learned what behaviors make good leaders, and that all of us can be a leader. Mike was an energetic, passionate and effective presenter. I look forward to seeing my team practicing and implementing these skills into their Personal & Professional Developmental Plans.”

Jeff DuMont

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2018-05-23T09:41:45-07:00

Jeff DuMont

"At Nike, I like to say ‘You Own Your Career’, Mike presented to my team and provided them with strategies & tools that inspired them to take ownership of their actions, performance, and careers. It was Motivational Coaching that impacted all attendees – regardless of their roles. All team members learned what behaviors make good leaders, and that all of us can be a leader. Mike was an energetic, passionate and effective presenter. I look forward to seeing my team practicing and implementing these skills into their Personal & Professional Developmental Plans.”
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“Mike has an amazing ability to reach our children and to challenge their thinking. His positive outlook and desire to help every child be the best they can be is inspiring. My daughter comes home from her time with him with a smile on her face and new words of wisdom to share with me.  My 13 year old son watches his motivational videos and every time turns to me and says "He is so right. Everything he is saying is so true".  So thankful to have him in my children's lives.”

 

Sally Moore

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2017-09-14T15:01:56-07:00

Sally Moore

“Mike has an amazing ability to reach our children and to challenge their thinking. His positive outlook and desire to help every child be the best they can be is inspiring. My daughter comes home from her time with him with a smile on her face and new words of wisdom to share with me.  My 13 year old son watches his motivational videos and every time turns to me and says "He is so right. Everything he is saying is so true".  So thankful to have him in my children's lives.”  
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“Mr. Sissel has been an incredible positive influence for my kids! Every time he goes to their school they look forward to learning something new from him! I have a teen and preteen and they have had him for the last several years and have quoted his lessons to us at home. Mr. Sissel has a special gift of teaching ALL ages with passion and dedication and truly knows how to connect with his audience, which makes it fun. I have also recommended him as one on one coaching for my dear friend’s son after she went through a divorce and her son was acting out and his insight truly helped her.”

Judy Salinas

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2017-09-14T14:39:25-07:00

Judy Salinas

“Mr. Sissel has been an incredible positive influence for my kids! Every time he goes to their school they look forward to learning something new from him! I have a teen and preteen and they have had him for the last several years and have quoted his lessons to us at home. Mr. Sissel has a special gift of teaching ALL ages with passion and dedication and truly knows how to connect with his audience, which makes it fun. I have also recommended him as one on one coaching for my dear friend’s son after she went through a divorce and her son was acting out and his insight truly helped her.”
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