Are You Coach-Able?

NOTE: This post was NOT created with any AI.   Funny!  I now have to tell the world that it was me, Dane, who wrote the content of this post from my heart! But I did use spellcheck.:)

In life, we sometimes never genuinely know who we have influenced or impacted until much later, or perhaps never at all.

That is okay... it is simply our responsibility to stay the course and focus on the journey of watering and seeding life for others.

Our society is way too results-oriented. Results matter, don't get me wrong, but we have to depend more on God to take care of the results. The journey is the most important!

This link below is to a testimonial about my new book, Coach-Ability, by my mentor, Lee Ellis.

Lee's recent LinkedIn post on how my new book is helping him grow as a leader was very humbling for me. See Lee's LinkedIn post link at the bottom of this newsletter edition.

I have learned a great deal from Lee over the years, and I am honored to call him both a friend and a colleague. I am also thankful for all the coaching I received from him over many years.

I am a better character-driven leader today because of Lee and his character-driven leadership coaching. You can learn more about Lee and his Coaching here: https://www.leadingwithhonor.com. Thank you, Lee!

Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Therefore, in terms of leadership, we could also say, as I have heard many leaders quote, "We are only as good as the top five leaders we surround ourselves with."

Who do you have closest to you today? Are they helping you grow as a character-driven leader or simply coaching you on techniques and strategies?

I love General Schwarzkopf's quote: "Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy."

You see, the most crucial point, even for this General, is not the technical or the strategy as vital as they are, but it is the Character.

Right now, the world is in such great need of not just great leaders, but more importantly, great character-driven leaders!

With Technocracy on the rise, and AI and other disruptive technologies that do not respect our privacy and freedom, we must increasingly become like Sherpas, navigating the rugged technical terrain of life, and helping guide others to grow as character-driven leaders as well.

Please take a minute and read Lee's comments about my Coach-Ability book. I hope you will pick up a copy to help you continue growing and coaching yourself as a Character-Driven Leader, and more importantly, to learn how to coach others and allow others to coach you, becoming a better Character-Driven Leader in the process.

You can read Lee's LinkedIn post here:  https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7333466088891994114?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAB-7ScBOYa_AbTKbQuk5fOgfvHeOeUNez0

As a gift to you, and to help you get started, here is an opt-in link to stay connected to me and a FREE download of the Foreword and Chapter 1 of Coach-Ability: Coaching Character as the Foundation of Leadership: https://optin.coach-ability.com/coach-ability

Keep it Rollin' and Trike On....Dane:)

#character #leadership #thetricycleeffect

Master the 3 D's That Shape Champions in Life Through This Chalk Talk by Coach Dane

Here is the podcast to this episode on the 3D's!

 Master the 3 D's That Shape Champions in Life Through This 

Chalk Talk by Coach Dane

Believe it or not, some of the most powerful lessons for life and business don't come from corner offices or boardrooms. Sometimes, they come from unexpected places – like a gymnastics gym.

Coach Dane Deutsch recently gave his gymnasts a "Chalk Talk" that, while aimed at young athletes gearing up for trick season, holds profound wisdom for anyone looking to achieve a goal, start a business, or simply move beyond "plotting through life."

He laid out a simple yet potent framework: the 3 D's: Dream, Desire, and Do.

Let's break down how these apply directly to you, the adult, the aspiring entrepreneur, the goal-setter.

The Power of the 3 D's for Adults

1. Dream (Visualize)

Coach Dane emphasizes that "dream" is the same as visualize. It's not just a vague wish; it's about getting a clear picture in your head of what you want to achieve. For his gymnasts, that meant visualizing next year's routines, the tricks they wanted to nail, or the strength they wanted to build.

For you, this means clearly envisioning your business idea, your personal goal, or that next big step in your career. What does it look like when it's successful? How does it feel? You need that sharp mental image, that clear target in the future that you can almost see happening. This is the starting point.

2. Desire (Be Hungry)

The second D is Desire, and Coach Dane describes it vividly. It means to "stoke up the desire," "fan a flame of desire," and "be hungry." He clarifies this doesn't mean literally wanting food, but having a strong drive, a deep internal fire, to get something done.

This is the passion, the hunger for your dream. Without it, even the clearest vision won't lead to action. It's about cultivating an intense internal motivation, a yearning that pushes you forward. For anyone starting a business or pursuing a challenging goal, this desire is your engine, especially when things get tough.

3. Do (Take Action)

The third D is the crucial part: Do. This is the action phase. You can dream all day, but if you don't do, nothing will happen.

Coach Dane highlights how these D's are interconnected. You need to visualize (Dream) to fuel your drive (Desire). You need that drive (Desire) to motivate you to take action (Do). And if you just "do" things without a clear dream or strong desire, you're likely just "running around in circles." Your "doing" becomes aimless effort rather than focused steps towards a purpose. Your desire is the "why," and the "do" is the "how" – and the strength of your "why" directly impacts your willingness to figure out the "how" and actually do it.

A Real-World Example: Building a Business from Scratch

Coach Dane shares how this framework has been his operating principle his entire life. He first dreams or visualizes something, then checks if he has a "hunger" (desire) for it. If not, he tosses it out. If the hunger is there, he takes action and does it.

He provides a powerful example that resonates deeply with adults, especially those interested in entrepreneurship: starting his own gym with his wife, Kathy.

While living in Turkey years ago, they first visualized their big dream of having this gym. When they returned to the United States, they had "no money, no house, [and] nothing." This situation meant they "had to be hungry" (Desire) to make their dream a reality. Despite the potential for failure – recognizing it was an opportunity to succeed, they "actually took action" and "did it."

Fast forward over 35 years, and the gym is a success. But Coach Dane's definition of success goes beyond just making a living. For him, the true success lies in the "significance that we could add value" to the thousands of children and families who have come through the gym.

This story powerfully illustrates how Dream, Desire, and Do are the fundamental building blocks for achieving significant goals and creating something lasting, even starting from nothing.

Are You Just Plotting Through Life?

Coach Dane starkly contrasts this intentional approach with how he sees "most people, even adults, in this world," who are often "just plotting through life." These adults, he notes, often "don't have any real dream" and are simply focused on getting through the day or the week.

It's a challenging image, but one that prompts self-reflection. Are you actively shaping your future with a clear vision, a burning desire, and deliberate action, or are you just going through the motions?

The Challenge for You

Coach Dane's simple framework, born in a gym, is a profound reminder for all of us. To move beyond just plotting, you need:

•

A clear Dream: Visualize what you truly want to build or achieve, personally or professionally. Make it a sharp mental image.

•

Burning Desire: Cultivate that hunger, that deep drive for your dream. Find what gives it meaning and makes you passionate about it.

•

Consistent Doing: Identify the concrete steps, even small ones, and start taking action. Let your desire fuel your efforts.

Think about any dreams you might have dismissed. How might things change if you consciously applied these three elements? Could it change what you believe is possible for you?

What's just one small, concrete step you could take today towards one of those dreams you've been holding on to? Dream it, desire it, and then, most importantly, Do it.

Want to get coaching from Coach Dane?

3 ESSENTIAL KEYS TO BUILD CHARACTER AS YOUR COMPETITIVE LEADERSHIP ADVANTAGE https://coach.lmdc.us/3Keys.  Hint:  There is a FREE Bonus here too!

Download this asset and learn how to "TRANSFORM YOUR LEADERSHIP WITH CHARACTER AS THE FOUNDATION FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL & CEO-LEVEL SUCCESS"

You can also visit his blog at:  https://theararatconnection.blogspot.com/2025/05/unleash-your-inner-entrepreneur-3-keys.html

Or visit Coach Dane on this podcast at: https://danedeutsch.podbean.com/e/unleash-your-inner-entrepreneur-the-3-keys-to-making-your-dreams-happen-straight-from-a-gym-coach/

You can also watch Coach Dane delivering his Chalk Talk: https://share.descript.com/view/fa8iAklJVha

How to Crush Imposter Syndrome and Lead with Character-Driven Confidence

 

You’re Not Alone in This Battle

Ever feel like you’re just one mistake away from being “found out”?

Like no matter how much success you’ve had, deep down, you’re still questioning if you’re really the right person for the job?

That’s Imposter Syndrome, and guess what? You’re NOT alone.

I’ve been there.

Every great leader I know has been there.

But here’s the truth...

Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re unqualified—it means you’re growing.

And the key to overcoming it isn’t faking confidence. It’s something WAY deeper.

It’s building the kind of character-driven leadership that makes you unshakable.

The Leadership Lie That’s Holding You Back

Somewhere along the way, we started believing that leadership was all about skills, titles, and results.

And while those things matter, they are NOT what create real confidence.

Think about when you learned to ride a bike...

Did your parents just hand you a two-wheeled bike and say, “Good luck”?

Of course not!

They started you on a tricycle—because you needed to build strength, coordination, and confidence before you could balance on two wheels.

And here’s the thing…

Leadership, success, and business growth work the same way.

But most people are trying to skip the tricycle and jump straight onto the two-wheeled bike with success.

Then, when they wobble (or fall), they think:

❌ “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”
❌ “Maybe I’m a fraud.”
❌ “Maybe I should just quit.”

But falling doesn’t mean you’re failing.

It means you need a stronger foundation before you can truly balance.

That’s where The Tricycle Effect comes in.

The Tricycle Effect: A Framework for Leadership That Lasts

Most people are leading on a shaky foundation.

They focus on technical skills and people skills—but they forget the ONE thing that holds it all together…

👉 Character Skills.

Here’s how it works:

🚴 The Front Wheel (Character Skills) – This is your steering wheel. It’s your integrity, resilience, and mindset. Without it, you’re going nowhere.

🚴 The Back Left Wheel (People Skills) – Leadership is about influence, not control. You need to connect with people to create real impact.

🚴 The Back Right Wheel (Technical Skills) – Yes, expertise matters. But skills alone won’t make you successful if you don’t know how to lead yourself.

🪑 The Seat of Courage – This is what holds everything together. It’s the boldness to keep pedaling forward—even when you doubt yourself.

Here’s the truth:

Before you can coach others, before you can overcome imposter syndrome, before you can lead a team or grow a business, YOU have to lead yourself first.

And that starts with character-driven leadership.

The #1 Reason People Stay Stuck in Imposter Syndrome

I once had a gymnast who was working on a difficult skill.

I had been spotting her, but at this point, I was barely touching her. She was doing it herself.

So I asked her:

"Can’t you believe you can do this skill? I’m hardly spotting you anymore!"

And she looked at me and said:

"That would be a lie."

Wow.

She actually thought that believing in herself before she had "proven it" was lying to herself.

But here’s the thing...

She was already capable. She just hadn’t done it alone yet.

And that’s the key to overcoming imposter syndrome.

It’s not about proving yourself first.

It’s about trusting the process and stepping into confidence BEFORE you feel ready.

---

5 Steps to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Lead with Character

Ready to step up and lead with confidence?

Here’s what you need to do TODAY:

1. Add the Word "Yet" to Your Thinking

❌ “I can’t do this.”
✅ “I can’t do this YET.”

👉 ACTION STEP:

• Write down 3 things you feel you can’t do.
• Add “yet” to each of them.
• Read them every morning for the next 7 days.

Watch how this tiny shift changes your confidence.

---

2. Trust the Process – Focus on Systems, Not Goals

Most people set big goals but don’t focus on the daily habits that actually make those goals happen.

👉 ACTION STEP:

• Identify one key habit that, if done consistently, would change everything.
• Focus on mastering that habit, not just the end goal.
• Example: Instead of saying, “I need to get 100 clients,” focus on “I will connect with 5 new people every day.”

If you trust the process, success takes care of itself.

---

3. Fail Forward – Every Fall is a Step Forward

🔥 John Maxwell said it best:

"The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure."

👉 ACTION STEP:

• Write down a recent failure.
• Instead of focusing on what went wrong, ask:
  • What did I learn?
  • How can I improve?
  • What will I do differently next time?

By doing this, you’ll train your brain to see failure as growth instead of defeat.

---

4. Play Before Perfection

Somewhere along the way, we stopped playing.

As kids, we learned by playing, exploring, falling, and getting back up.

But as adults, we become so obsessed with getting things right that we stop experimenting, failing, and enjoying the process.

👉 ACTION STEP:

• Instead of asking, "Am I good at this?" ask, "Am I enjoying this?"
• Shift your focus from perfecting to playing, and watch your fear of failure disappear.

---

5. Find a Character Coach

The best athletes, CEOs, and leaders all have COACHES.

A Character Coach helps you:
✅ Strengthen your mindset
✅ Develop unshakable integrity
✅ Lead with confidence—no matter what

👉 ACTION STEP:

• Find a mentor, coach, or trusted leader who will challenge you to grow.

Success isn’t about going it alone.

It’s about learning from those who’ve already walked the path.

---

The Next Step – Will You Take It?

Right now, you have two choices.

❌ Stay stuck in imposter syndrome, doubting yourself, and waiting for "proof" that you’re good enough.

✅ Or step into character-driven leadership and start leading with confidence.

If you’re ready for real growth, I invite you to join the 90-Day Leadership Blueprint here:

https://optin.coach-ability.com/leadership-blueprint

🚀 Sign up today and start leading with confidence: [Insert Link]

Let’s make leadership more than a skill—let’s make it a legacy.

Because the world needs your leadership. And that’s the truth. 🚀

Trike On!

Coach Dane

Entrepreneurial Resilience: The Character-Driven Path to Success

 

What Was the First Hardship You Overcame, and What Did You Decide to Do About It?

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your journey—whether as an entrepreneur, a leader, or just someone striving for success—you’re not alone. Every great leader faces hardship. The difference between those who break through and those who break down is found in one word: resilience.

Resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about leading with character, aligning your values with your actions, and staying committed to growth even when things get tough. I want to take you through five pivotal moments in my Hero’s Journey—moments that shaped me as an entrepreneur and continue to define my mission today.

---

1. The Call to Leadership – From Gymnastics Coach to Entrepreneur

My first leadership experience wasn’t in a boardroom—it was in a gymnastics training center. Coaching taught me that leadership isn’t about power—it’s about influence. I saw firsthand how trust, discipline, and belief could transform an athlete’s performance. That same truth applies to business. The greatest entrepreneurs don’t just build companies; they build people.

2. The Leap into Entrepreneurship – Turning Passion into a Business

Starting Deutsch’s Gymnastics Training Center was an enormous leap of faith. I had no blueprint, no guaranteed success—just a vision and a willingness to work. What I learned fast is that passion without discipline leads to burnout, and talent without character leads to failure. I had to become the leader my business needed, not just the technician running it.

3. The Struggles & Setbacks – When Leadership is Tested

Every entrepreneur will face moments that make them want to quit. For me, it was the reality of financial pressure, staffing struggles, and self-doubt. I had to ask myself: Do I really have what it takes? That’s when I learned my first great leadership truth—skills might get you started, but character keeps you going. Without a foundation of trust, resilience, and integrity, no business can stand the test of time.

Are You Struggling with These Leadership Challenges?

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running in circles, trying to lead a business, manage people, and stay motivated, you’re not alone. That’s why I wrote Coach-Ability: Leadership Begins with Character—to help leaders like you build a foundation that lasts.

➡️ Get Your Free Chapter Here: Coach-Ability Book

---

4. The Breakthrough – The Tricycle Effect & Scaling My Impact

The breakthrough came when I developed The Tricycle Effect, my leadership framework based on balancing Character, People Skills, and Technical Skills. I realized that most leaders struggle not because they lack knowledge, but because they lack alignment—their heart, thoughts, and actions are not in sync. That’s when my business, my leadership, and my mission began to grow exponentially.

5. The Mission Today – Coaching Leaders to Build Character-Driven Success

Today, my mission is simple: help leaders develop Coach-Ability, so they can lead with character and create lasting impact. That’s why I created the 90-Day Leadership Blueprint, a step-by-step plan to transform your leadership approach, master resilience, and unlock your full potential.

Why the Law of Attraction Alone Doesn’t Work

Many entrepreneurs buy into the idea that if they just visualize success, it will happen. While visualization is powerful (I learned this from my gymnastics coach, AB Fredericks, who did his doctoral thesis on it), it’s not enough on its own. Why? Because success requires congruence—alignment between your heart, values, thoughts, and actions.

If a leader’s mindset and actions are not in alignment with their character, they may attract short-term success but struggle to sustain it. If you’re saying you want success but your habits, decisions, and leadership style lack integrity, trust, and authenticity, you create internal conflict. The subconscious mind recognizes this incongruence, leading to self-sabotage, hesitation, and failure to follow through.

True influence and success come when your external leadership aligns with your internal values. When you lead with character—honesty, discipline, humility, and service—you naturally attract opportunities, people, and success that match that energy. Character is the real magnet for meaningful success because it fosters trust, builds strong relationships, and ensures that when opportunities come, you're ready to sustain and grow them.

The Bible’s Answer to Entrepreneurial Resilience

One of the most powerful scriptures on this truth comes from:

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Your heart (values), your thoughts (mindset), and your actions (leadership decisions) must be in alignment. That’s why character-driven leadership is the foundation of true entrepreneurial resilience. When your heart is strong, your vision is clear, and your actions are intentional, you don’t just survive the hardships—you thrive through them.

---

Final Thought – What’s Your Next Step?

So here’s my challenge for you: Where are you in your Hero’s Journey?

• Are you at the starting line, wondering if you have what it takes?
• Are you in the struggle, facing resistance and roadblocks?
• Are you ready for your breakthrough—but just need the right framework to get there?

Wherever you are, know this: resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build.

That’s why I created the 90-Day Leadership Blueprint, a proven roadmap to help you develop resilience, overcome leadership challenges, and create lasting success.

➡️ Start Your Leadership Transformation Today: 90-Day Character-Driven Leadership Blueprint

Live, Lead, Love, and Trike On!

Dane Deutsch
#Leadership #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #CoachAbility #CharacterFirst

Personal Development isn't Just Practical Skills

 

Personal development doesn’t have to be all about practical skills. Personal development is about learning something new, and that can be anything! We haven’t talked much about hobbies, but taking time to do things we enjoy is essential to mental well-being.  Hobbies are especially good at helping us learn new skills to boost professional and personal development. People who regularly engage in hobbies have the opportunity to experience new things and interact with different people. The skills learned through hobbies can also lead to specialized knowledge that you can impart to people with similar interests.  In fact, having hobbies can have a meditative effect on your thoughts because, no matter what you are doing, your awareness becomes completely focused on the hobby. So if traditional meditation isn’t something that you’re interested in, taking up a hobby can have the same effects! What are some of your hobbies? If you don’t have any currently, when was the last time you took part in a hobby? There are many avenues to learn new skills these days. Whether you want to reconnect with a passion from your past or you’re up for learning something completely new, it’s easier than ever.  Many people use YouTube to share their knowledge. Whether you want to learn a craft such as painting or an activity like yoga, YouTube is a great place to start.  Additionally, websites such as skillshare.com offer hundreds of online classes for you to explore new skills and inspire creativity. We are motivated to educate as many people as possible which is why we host many events. From in-person educational experiences to virtual webinars and even parties to celebrate our clients, we encourage everyone to get involved with all of our offerings. Take a look at all of our exciting events here: https://www.lmdc.us/coming-events --- LMDC Call Us Here: 17159534844 Check Out Our Website: www.lmdc.us

The Heart of Connection: Character as the Front Wheel in The Tricycle Effect and Chicken Soup for the Soul

When was the last time a story touched your heart so deeply that it stayed with you long after you read it? It could be a tale of kindness, perseverance, or forgiveness. You know exactly what I mean if you’ve ever read a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. These stories connect with us on a profoundly emotional level, stirring something inside that resonates with our deepest values and aspirations. But why? What makes these stories so impactful? The answer lies in character.

Character is the heart of connection; in The Tricycle Effect, it’s the front wheel of the leadership framework. Just like the front wheel guides and directs the tricycle, character steers our lives and relationships. It’s what makes the Chicken Soup for the Soul series so universally beloved—every story reflects character traits like kindness, courage, forgiveness, and empathy. These stories don’t just entertain; they inspire us to be better people.

Why Stories Rooted in Character Connect to the Heart

Reading about someone overcoming adversity with resilience or showing compassion in a difficult moment reminds us of the power of good character in action. These stories resonate because they speak to what is most human in all of us. They highlight what we strive to be: trustworthy, caring, loyal, and empathetic. They show us that even in the face of challenges, we can choose the high road, build bridges, and leave a positive impact on others.

In The Tricycle Effect, character is described as a skill—one that can be grown, developed, and practiced every day. Similarly, Chicken Soup for the Soul stories showcase ordinary people choosing extraordinary character in pivotal moments. They teach us that character isn’t something we’re born with—it’s something we cultivate through our choices and actions. Just as the character wheel on the tricycle supports and directs leadership, these stories guide us toward living with purpose and significance.

The Front Wheel: Character in Action

Imagine a tricycle with three wheels. The front wheel—the largest—is character, while the two back wheels represent technical and people skills. Without a strong front wheel, and spokes on that wheel to make sure it can spin "true" without wobbling, the tricycle cannot move forward or stay balanced. It’s the same in life and leadership. Your character sets the course and keeps everything aligned.

When we read stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul, we see character in action. We see people leaning into the spokes of the character wheel—trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, empathy, and more. These spokes hold the wheel together, just as they hold our lives together. Every decision, every relationship, and every leadership moment is guided by this front wheel.

Why Character Is Universal

What makes Chicken Soup for the Soul so widely read across generations and cultures is the universal nature of character. Traits like kindness, courage, and forgiveness aren’t bound by geography or status. They are human qualities that unite us all. They remind us that no matter our differences, we all share the same capacity to choose character over convenience, courage over fear, and connection over isolation.

Bringing It Back to You: Your Own Character Wheel

So, what does this mean for you? Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or your own personal journey, the stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul are a reminder that character is the foundation of everything, especially leadership. They show us that no act of kindness is too small, no moment of courage is wasted, and no effort to build trust and empathy goes unnoticed.

If you’re ready to grow your own character wheel and lead with integrity and purpose, I invite you to explore The Tricycle Effect framework. My book, Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect, dives deep into how you can develop character as a skill and use it as the foundation of your leadership and life.

Call to Action

Want to take the first step toward strengthening your character wheel? Download a FREE Foreword and Chapter 1 of Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect to see how your character can transform your life and leadership. 

Click here to start your journey today.

Remember, just like the stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul, your own story can inspire, lead, and connect. It all starts with character. Trike On!