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Here’s more of my conversation with Jack Altschuler, CEO and executive coach, plus, creator of the “Fully Alive Leadership” program.

Jeff Blackman: What mindset does effectively “showing up” require?

Jack Altschuler: For most of us, our days are jam-packed. We hurry to the next thing. We multitask.

The present consists in large measure of anticipating the future, rather than being in the present. Showing up requires a mindset of sincerity and genuine interest in the present and that requires the courage to set aside living in the future. Or, hanging on to what is past.

My father used to say, “Make haste slowly.” It sounds counter intuitive. Yet actually, it’s sound advice.

When going fast, we’re prone to mistakes or we dash through the present and miss it!

JB: What skillset does it require?

JA: The only skills required are to be human and to know life always happens right here, right now. It never happens anywhere else or any other time.

JB: What “gets in the way” or “blocks” most people’s success?

JA: Humans are most inventive at creating obstacles! One of my favorites is the, “I can’t” message.

We each carry our unique list of self- imposed messages or limitations. Things like “I can’t be the best in my industry” — “I can’t sustain a high level of success” — “I’ll never have enough money.”

While these limitations sit in our heads, they become self-fulfilling prophecies. Genuine brick walls in the path of our life. The trick with “I can’t” stories or beliefs, is to let them surface, and then stare them in the face.

My workshop participants say once they identify their “I can’t” message(s) and say them out loud, they begin to sound silly! They then realize, there’s no “can’t” about it. It simply becomes an “I will” or “I won’t” story. The limitations are now gone!

JB: What are successful people or “A gamers” willing to do, that others won’t?

JA: They’re willing to be responsible. They insist upon their own accountability. They don’t play the blame game. And, even though these are already high achievers, they’re lifelong learners. Even in the most fundamental situations, they always seek to be their best.

JB: How does one with an A-game, get better or take it to an A+ game?

JA: Jeff, it’s all about continuous improvement. To give 100 percent all the time, takes enormous work and energy and most people don’t want to work that hard!

At times, each of us, is a spectator, watching the game. My invitation to others, is to get on the field. Play the entire game!

That takes:

-- A continuing mindfulness of the moment.

-- A refusal to live life on autopilot.

-- The decision to choose success.

-- The effort to be right here, right now.

Because that’s where life always happens!

To learn more ways to get in the game and then flourish on the field, contact “Coach Jack” at 847.272.9254 or Jack.A@comcast.net.

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Jeff Blackman is a speaker, author, success coach, broadcaster and lawyer who lives part-time on Marco Island. His clients call him a “business-growth specialist.” Send an e-mail to jeff@jeffblackman.com or go to www.jeffblackman.com to subscribe to his free e-letter.