Champions are Oak tree performers

OakTree

5 Tips to survive & thrive

By Jim Fannin

The mighty oak tree is an age-old symbol of strength, endurance, and longevity. Do you reflect the qualities of this majestic plant? How do you fare when the going gets tough? Do you stand tall against injustice, insubordination, inequality, defiance, discrimination, unreasonableness, irrationality, insolence, and insubordination? Are you an oak? An oak is a tree of the beech genus with approximately 600 species. Many oaks are 500 years old with the Seven Sisters Oak in Louisiana estimated at 1500 years old. That’s endurance! This incredible timber can withstand violent storms, floods, and drought due to its dense trunk, fortified branches, and deep root system, albeit many are having difficulty surviving the record wildfires of 2021. Nonetheless, in November 2004 the United States officially proclaimed the oak our national tree, replicating a distinction already existing in other countries. Does this resilience represent how you react to hardship, moments of truth, disrespect, unexpected events, confrontation, or fierce competition? How’s your strength, endurance, and longevity? Here are five tips from the imposing oak you can use in your life, business, or sport.

1. Make a stand. When you are confronted with something disagreeable, use this power phrase, “This is NOT acceptable.” Say this phrase while looking people directly in the eyes. Say it slowly and practice silence following the word NOT, as in “This is NOT…acceptable!” Whoever speaks next, loses. Mean what you say and be firm like the mighty oak.

2. Stand tall. With positive principles, morals, and values solidifying a foundation of conviction, rely on these strong roots to foster consistent growth. Hold fast to your principles of equality, justice, fairness, integrity, and honesty. Keep these out in the open for all to bear witness. In the toughest of times, it is these principles that ground you and keep you on course for success, without compromise.

3. Weather the storms. Surprises happen. Expect the unexpected. The oak tree adapts and readjusts to swiftly changing conditions. When a “life hurricane” arrives, absorb the negativity, let it pass through you like a palm tree, but stand tall like the oak. Swiftly grow back broken branches. Repair what needs to be repaired without complaint, malice, or revenge.

4. Change with the seasons. Just like the imposing oak, know your seasons (if any). Every business and/or sport has cycles that can be historically predictable. Prepare for them. Stockpile cash for the off-season. Ramp up personnel in the heavy times such as retail businesses do before the holidays or the vacation business when school is out. MLB players prepare to play in cold weather in April. Champions change with the season.

5. Be a great leader. “Acorns don’t fall far from the tree.” An oak tree drops its acorns and in its image this seed doesn’t stray far from basic philosophies and lessons learned. Create new oak trees that stand by their beliefs, expectations, and convictions. Be a mentor, coach, and leader to the next generation. The mighty oak tree will probably outlive us all. It knows how to survive and thrive. At times, we need to be the oak tree and exude all its amazing qualities. Be in the Zone! © copyright.

All rights reserved. ZoneCoach, LLC 2021

Author

IMG_4283

Susan Sinderson: Downers Grove Community Adult Day Center Director calls Elmhurst home

Canopy program participants take part in specialized equine therapy through Christine's Dream Equine Program. The program is led by an experienced PATH International-certified instructor and supported by caring volunteers.

Rich Support: York High School Distinguished Alumnus Jerry Rich offers support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Hair loss problem after covid search Instagram Post Minimalist -

Is hair loss on your mind? Reclaim Your Crowning Glory

The camaraderie of the volunteers often keeps them involved after their student graduates.

Budding Boosters: York High’s Booster Club sees to the extras for students athletes

Elmhurst Art Museum offers a range of art, from this Captain America Cover by Alex Ross at the Marvelocity exhibit that just concluded, to be followed by Picasso: 50 Years Later.

Down to a Fine Art: Behind the scenes of today’s Elmhurst Art Museum

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick

The DuPage County Crime Forensic Science Center aids the criminal justice system of DuPage County

151-Entrance

Making It Better Every Day: The leader who sets the pace

Photo-3-e1694187215332

Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th

IMG_4543

A Tennis Player’s Dream Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club

IMG_4883

Live Music at Elmhurst City Centre

IMG_5249

Movie in the Park

The Arizona Biltmore is chock-full of history and a magnet for notable guests.

Discover Arizona: From Cowboys to Hollywood elite, the American Southwest holds something for everyone