We recently connected with Sherri Tilley and have shared our conversation below.
Sherri, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
A highly successful businessman once told me, “If you don’t ever want to make a mistake, then go find a place to sit down and don’t get up.” Conversely, if you ever want to accomplish anything, you have to get up, get moving, and resolutely accept the fact that you just might initially fail before you ultimately succeed. Fortunately, taking a carefully calculated risk does not have to be a fearsome proposition. When facing a daunting task, challenging adventure, or unpredictable enterprise, it is important to come to terms with the fact that mistakes are an inevitable part of the overall learning process. Nonetheless, in order to thrive robustly amidst life’s unceasing demands while simultaneously mitigating the inherent risks involved, I find it extraordinarily helpful to address challenges by using an effective three-step approach.
1) Take Baby Steps
Whenever a task seems too big, break it down into manageable parts; and don’t bite off exceedingly more than you can possibly chew. Assess or alleviate the most evident associated risks before determining a series of deliberately strategic yet reasonably cautious steps forward.
2) Maintain Focus
Create a plan of action through due diligence and thorough research, and don’t neglect advice from others who have already walked the same path. Begin honing any necessary skills, visualize the path winding to a positive outcome, and, by all means, combine and utilize all related talents and resources for the maximum impact.
3) Take It in Stride
Always extend forgiveness to yourself and others when things don’t go as planned. A wealth of knowledge can be gained from the process of failing if we have the grit and fortitude to honestly evaluate our shortcomings, diligently learn from our mistakes, and reattempt endeavors with an optimistic expectation of consistently increasing success.
I once accepted an opportunity to go tandem paragliding for the first time ever. After a busy day of filming an adventure-themed promotional video for an automobile manufacturer, I arrived with eager anticipation at the sunlit Torrey Pines Gliderport in beautiful La Jolla, California. I received a safety briefing along with a thorough set of instructions which included the words, “Run, run, run … and when you get near the edge of the cliff, keep running!” In other words, the way to overcome any imminent fear of literally endangering my life was to resolutely forge ahead with complete abandon. Because the potential risk of injury was significantly minimized by the fact that the equipment was motorized, the pilot was certified, and the venue had a proven track record of successful flights, I ran as fast as I possibly could toward the edge of the cliff until my feet transcendently lifted off the ground and my entire body was hoisted like a feather into the bright blue sky. Riding on the warm breeze, I soared high above the sparkling ocean waves, opulent beachside mansions, pod of dolphins swimming below, and the picturesque green fairways of the premier Torrey Pines Golf Course. And while I certainly do not recommend haphazardly plunging willy-nilly into high-risk situations, the immense reward of wild fun and stunning views in this particular event far outweighed the carefully calculated, cautiously controlled, and strategically minimized risk.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As an award-winning journalist, photographer, videographer, and content strategist, I have produced and implemented hundreds of promotional campaigns as the owner/publisher of TheFlashList.com entertainment guide and TheArtOfGallivanting.com travel guide. Known for providing newsworthy insights about unique experiences and interesting people from around the world, my featured work as a digital media liaison includes national news, consumer reviews, celebrity interviews, and much more. My reputation for journalistic integrity and artfully-executed media coverage is derived from extensive professional experience as a fully-networked digital news provider, travel writer, voice-over artist, community advocate, and brand liaison for top entertainment venues and business organizations globally. I am a strong proponent of expressing inner God-given talents in a way that cultivates joy and a sense of well-being within ourselves and others. And for me, a daily dose of creativity is absolutely crucial. Any day spent writing insights, taking photographs, producing video, narrating audiobooks, cooking a recipe, arranging flowers, or decorating a tablescape is unquestionably a day well spent.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
All great achievements start with a strong mindset and positive attitude. For that reason, I consider the three most important stepping stones to success to be faith, hope, and love. Faith is necessary because, above all, we must believe that we were created with an intentionally-designed unique purpose. Similarly, hope becomes the catalyst for activating the imagination and putting specific thoughts, dreams, plans, and intentions into motion. And love is the dynamic means by which we are able to express the individual gifts, talents, abilities, and resources that we have each been given. I believe that stagnation of expectancy can produce unsavory consequences both physically and emotionally, but an optimistic stirring of the soul can bring about exceptionally valuable results.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
For revelation about our true identity, abundant life in Christ, and a good God who loves us beyond comprehension, the go-to source is obviously the Bible. But additionally, everything about the foundation of my way of doing business can be found within the chapters of Napoleon Hill’s Laws of Success. All sixteen lessons are absolutely fascinating and easy to implement, but the one particular concept that “the man who does more than he is paid for will soon be paid for more than he does” has proved to be especially true multiple times over. The axiom that “what goes around comes around” is especially significant to me since the Bible itself indicates that “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” and “with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” I am steadfastly assured that a gracefully cultivated life of compassion and lovingkindness will undoubtedly yield a plentiful bounty of never-ending rewards.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sherritilley.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrssherritilley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrssherritilley
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherritilley
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrssherritilley
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mrssherritilley
- Other: https://www.theflashlist.com
- Other: https://www.theartofgallivanting.com
