This week a friend who was way too young died as a result of bleeding on his brain. This time last week he was alive and well. On Monday he was gone. Many of you may have had a lot more experience dealing with sudden and unexpected losses in your life. Fortunately for me, I have not. It hurts like crazy and I am having a hard time answering questions like "why him?"
Whether it's a life changing loss or something forgotten by the end of the day none of us like to give up something (or someone) we rely on and think is absolutely necessary for our well-being. When it comes to the life changing events we find that there are truly very few things we really need. Health is certainly at the top of the list. Loss is hard. Change is hard. Yet, through our struggles we grow stronger. This is true in life, friendships and business.
What's true in nature is true in our lives as well. Sometimes in order to grow in to the full measure of what we were created to be we have to be pruned in order to achieve full growth. Pruning hurts and nobody ever wants to go through it. Oftentimes people look at change as pruning. There are people that would rather hide in a closet than have to experience change. Even those who say they like it are not totally comfortable with it because with change come uncertainty. Is it really possible to embrace pruning and change? Candidly, I'm not sure. I am sure that the closer we can get to that state of mind the better we will be able to succeed after change, loss or pruning has come.
There may be some changes that you never fully recover from. My friend's wife of 27 years will never stop missing her husband and his children their father. Knowing them though I know that through their hurt they will find the ability to gain strength and live life better in spite of their pain. This is an inspiration and a challenge to me. Not only does it minimize what I think my problems are but it shows me that love, determination and faith triumphs tragedy. I cannot think of a better example of living life to its fullest than that.
I have heard it said that the only thing certain in this life is change. We may not like it but I am challenged after this week to look at it differently. Life isn't fair, life isn't always easy. If we count our blessings, determine to thrive as we go through difficult times and find ways to create some good out of those times then we will successfully find that though we may bruised and beaten we are not defeated. Conquer your challenges and embrace uncertainty my friends! Add what only you can as you go through your trials and tribulations. If you do, everyone wins.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
The Cure for the Summertime Blues
The older I get the more it seems what gets the most attention in the media is how bad the economy is and how crazy the weather has gotten. Both may be a result of neglect on all of our parts to make sure that we are doing everything we can to protect this world we live in while holding accountable those elected to public office with the hopes of helping to create a better (economic) future for ourselves and our children. Those are different topics for a different day.
It is human nature that no matter how good things may be we all long for years gone by when "things were better." Business was better, the weather was better, our children behaved better, it was easier to travel on summer vacations, etc. You name it, and add a few year's gap to anything and we seem to forget the difficulties and remember only the good things. Never mind the struggles we faced and obstacles we overcame. Those are long forgotten. Meanwhile, our world continues to be redefined by new products, technological capabilities and industries that have been created that we never realized were necessary but we now can't live without. Don't believe me? Open your eyes the next time you go "surfing the net."
Once again this summer I just returned from a week at my church's Youth Camp as a counselor for 8th grade boys. I can't say for sure if last week was better than the week I spent a year ago but I can certainly say it was one of the greatest weeks of my life. 14 and 15 year old boys are a funny group to hang out with. They are somewhere between adolescents and adults and still trying to figure out a lot of things, not the least of which is how to enter high school and take on the responsibilities and obligations that come with that. I love being able to counsel and advise young men how to live lives of significance and some of the pitfalls to avoid. The pressures and burdens some of these kids carry at such a young age is heartbreaking and yet by giving a week of my time I feel I am making a positive difference in the world. I gave up a lot to go last week but oh boy what I really gained! It seems that the Apostle Paul was right when he said "it is better to give than receive."
So no matter what your excuse is for the Summertime Blues, I encourage you to look outside yourself and see where you can make a positive difference in your corner of the world. With all apologies to Eddie Cochran and the many since who have sang the lyrics "Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do, But there ain't no cure for the Summertime Blues," I say the cure lies in your willingness to take action and do something positive that will pay rewards well after summer has come and gone.
I spent a week not worrying about what was happening with the economy, which country was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy or who the next president of the United States is going to be. To a lesser degree I also let go of the concerns and pressures at home and especially at work associated with all of the above. I didn't make a lot of money last week but I received more rewards and bonuses than I will ever earn running a business. Where can you and I look to create our next fortune for ourselves and those around us?
It is human nature that no matter how good things may be we all long for years gone by when "things were better." Business was better, the weather was better, our children behaved better, it was easier to travel on summer vacations, etc. You name it, and add a few year's gap to anything and we seem to forget the difficulties and remember only the good things. Never mind the struggles we faced and obstacles we overcame. Those are long forgotten. Meanwhile, our world continues to be redefined by new products, technological capabilities and industries that have been created that we never realized were necessary but we now can't live without. Don't believe me? Open your eyes the next time you go "surfing the net."
Once again this summer I just returned from a week at my church's Youth Camp as a counselor for 8th grade boys. I can't say for sure if last week was better than the week I spent a year ago but I can certainly say it was one of the greatest weeks of my life. 14 and 15 year old boys are a funny group to hang out with. They are somewhere between adolescents and adults and still trying to figure out a lot of things, not the least of which is how to enter high school and take on the responsibilities and obligations that come with that. I love being able to counsel and advise young men how to live lives of significance and some of the pitfalls to avoid. The pressures and burdens some of these kids carry at such a young age is heartbreaking and yet by giving a week of my time I feel I am making a positive difference in the world. I gave up a lot to go last week but oh boy what I really gained! It seems that the Apostle Paul was right when he said "it is better to give than receive."
So no matter what your excuse is for the Summertime Blues, I encourage you to look outside yourself and see where you can make a positive difference in your corner of the world. With all apologies to Eddie Cochran and the many since who have sang the lyrics "Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do, But there ain't no cure for the Summertime Blues," I say the cure lies in your willingness to take action and do something positive that will pay rewards well after summer has come and gone.
I spent a week not worrying about what was happening with the economy, which country was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy or who the next president of the United States is going to be. To a lesser degree I also let go of the concerns and pressures at home and especially at work associated with all of the above. I didn't make a lot of money last week but I received more rewards and bonuses than I will ever earn running a business. Where can you and I look to create our next fortune for ourselves and those around us?
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Seizing is Believing
Many times in this forum I have referred to an anecdote my father has articulated to me perhaps more than any other. Those of you that know him know he has a lot of them, many of which would be inappropriate to share publicly. I am fairly sure he has used this one to inspire me to greater achievements although as those who know him will attest he has a way of saying things that make you really wonder what he's really thinking. Anyway, the somewhat famous utterance "If it was easy, anyone could do it" comes to mind as I embark on this week's missive.
All of that to set up the thought that in spite of all of the negativity in the media, bad economic news and the promise of a summer and early fall of political rhetoric that will numb all of our minds, opportunities exist all around us. Everywhere you look in almost every situation there are opportunities. Not just small, insignificant ones either. In fact, I suggest there are HUGE opportunities all around us, all the time.
Indeed, many of the world's most admired companies were launched in the midst of an economic recession. Microsoft, Amazon, MTV and Fed Ex are just a few examples of companies with indisputable success that were conceived and launched when many people were more focused on cutbacks and survival. What are the differences between those who find opportunity in the midst of down times versus those who would rather bury their head in the sand and hope for better days ahead? In a word vision. They see the same things everyone does but they act and react differently than most. Anyone can SEE an opportunity but very, very few are willing to SEIZE an opportunity. To seize an opportunity you have to not only be creative but also a problem solver and most importantly make life easier for your customers, perhaps in ways they don't even know they need.
Let me say that if you are committed to doing things the way you have done them for (insert adjectives that describe a long period of time) then you might as well disregard the rest of this article. Change is the new normal. It isn't going away and it doesn't have to be scary. I am willing to bet that whatever your job is the way you do it today is radically different than they way you did it even just a couple of years ago. Why? Because new products, processes and efficiencies have made it so. More than that, game changing ideas have changed the way we live. Who would have dreamed 25 years ago that we would stand in line and pay $5 for a cup of coffee and that a visit to the local mall would be more about buying the coolest new gadgets versus shopping for clothes which can much more easily be bought on those gadgets.
Study any of the companies and their leaders listed above and you see what separates them from the rest of us. Herein lies the challenge for this week. First, failure is a distinct possibility. I addressed overcoming the fear of it in a recent post. Next, discipline is a must. Lack of it has led to many a failed dream or idea. Next, realize that by deciding to seize your opportunity you are crossing the bridge from concerned to committed. Commitment along with discipline will determine your outcome. Finally, realize that along with the failures you will encounter, the discipline and determination you need to reach your dreams and seize your opportunity takes time. Often times years instead of weeks or months.
In times like these there are opportunities to really seize your dreams. Will you be one of those who believe in yourself enough to make a difference? The older I get the smarter my dad gets.
All of that to set up the thought that in spite of all of the negativity in the media, bad economic news and the promise of a summer and early fall of political rhetoric that will numb all of our minds, opportunities exist all around us. Everywhere you look in almost every situation there are opportunities. Not just small, insignificant ones either. In fact, I suggest there are HUGE opportunities all around us, all the time.
Indeed, many of the world's most admired companies were launched in the midst of an economic recession. Microsoft, Amazon, MTV and Fed Ex are just a few examples of companies with indisputable success that were conceived and launched when many people were more focused on cutbacks and survival. What are the differences between those who find opportunity in the midst of down times versus those who would rather bury their head in the sand and hope for better days ahead? In a word vision. They see the same things everyone does but they act and react differently than most. Anyone can SEE an opportunity but very, very few are willing to SEIZE an opportunity. To seize an opportunity you have to not only be creative but also a problem solver and most importantly make life easier for your customers, perhaps in ways they don't even know they need.
Let me say that if you are committed to doing things the way you have done them for (insert adjectives that describe a long period of time) then you might as well disregard the rest of this article. Change is the new normal. It isn't going away and it doesn't have to be scary. I am willing to bet that whatever your job is the way you do it today is radically different than they way you did it even just a couple of years ago. Why? Because new products, processes and efficiencies have made it so. More than that, game changing ideas have changed the way we live. Who would have dreamed 25 years ago that we would stand in line and pay $5 for a cup of coffee and that a visit to the local mall would be more about buying the coolest new gadgets versus shopping for clothes which can much more easily be bought on those gadgets.
Study any of the companies and their leaders listed above and you see what separates them from the rest of us. Herein lies the challenge for this week. First, failure is a distinct possibility. I addressed overcoming the fear of it in a recent post. Next, discipline is a must. Lack of it has led to many a failed dream or idea. Next, realize that by deciding to seize your opportunity you are crossing the bridge from concerned to committed. Commitment along with discipline will determine your outcome. Finally, realize that along with the failures you will encounter, the discipline and determination you need to reach your dreams and seize your opportunity takes time. Often times years instead of weeks or months.
In times like these there are opportunities to really seize your dreams. Will you be one of those who believe in yourself enough to make a difference? The older I get the smarter my dad gets.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Missing the Forest for the Trees
It's a battle we fight all day every day. Replacing the important with the urgent, putting out fires, keeping all the parts of the machine moving, etc. Whatever you want to call it just know that it is a dangerous game to play - especially in today's environment. During the last 3-4 years it has been easy to keep your head down and just "work hard" until "things" get better. The problem is while you're waiting for a sunny day the world (and the market you do business in) is being changed every day by people brave enough to plan for the future.
If you are a leader or an aspiring one of your organization and you aren't spending at least 20% of your time focusing on what's next for your organization then you and the person they hire to take your place are in a lot of trouble over the next few years. If that sounds harsh, good! Last week I talked about living and working to make a difference. This week I'm encouraging you to actually do something about it!
It depends on what type of industry you work in but I recently read a study in the Harvard Business Review that suggests that many companies only invest around 10% of their resources on "game changing" products, services or initiatives. The other 90% is spent on what's called core and adjacent projects. In other words, almost every minute of every day is spent singularly focused on what is right in front of us with no thought about what the future needs let alone demands of our customers might be.
While these numbers may not shock you, if you have the same reaction I did when I saw the next set of data then consider this your wake up call. For those companies that are considered high performance and are busy investing in all three types of projects their total distribution of returns looks like this: Core 10%, Adjacent 20%, Game Changing 70%.
In case these numbers are a little confusing for you let me give you a quick summary. Are you spending 90% of your time chasing 30% returns or 10% of your time chasing 70% returns? If you operate in a mature market that is looking and feeling more and more like a commodity market where the only difference in competitors is price then this should shake you out of your slumber. The world is getting smaller every day and today's pricing efficiencies are tomorrow's fat. If you want to spend the rest of your career figuring out how to cut more fat so you can sell on price not value then good luck to you. If the status quo suits you then God's speed. In reply I would offer the Italian author Machiavelli's quote: I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.
I would much rather work in an environment where we are working to redefine the market and create ideas, projects and products that customers will gladly pay (more) for. It's a lot more work and more effort than keeping the status quo. It's also a lot more fun and also a good way to attract really great people to work with, associate with and do business with.
We all need to open our eyes and our ears. We need to use all of our senses and God-given abilities to determine what's next. I suggest you start by getting out of the trees and getting a much clearer picture of what your forest looks like. It's the most important thing you can do. Your future depends on it.
If you are a leader or an aspiring one of your organization and you aren't spending at least 20% of your time focusing on what's next for your organization then you and the person they hire to take your place are in a lot of trouble over the next few years. If that sounds harsh, good! Last week I talked about living and working to make a difference. This week I'm encouraging you to actually do something about it!
It depends on what type of industry you work in but I recently read a study in the Harvard Business Review that suggests that many companies only invest around 10% of their resources on "game changing" products, services or initiatives. The other 90% is spent on what's called core and adjacent projects. In other words, almost every minute of every day is spent singularly focused on what is right in front of us with no thought about what the future needs let alone demands of our customers might be.
While these numbers may not shock you, if you have the same reaction I did when I saw the next set of data then consider this your wake up call. For those companies that are considered high performance and are busy investing in all three types of projects their total distribution of returns looks like this: Core 10%, Adjacent 20%, Game Changing 70%.
In case these numbers are a little confusing for you let me give you a quick summary. Are you spending 90% of your time chasing 30% returns or 10% of your time chasing 70% returns? If you operate in a mature market that is looking and feeling more and more like a commodity market where the only difference in competitors is price then this should shake you out of your slumber. The world is getting smaller every day and today's pricing efficiencies are tomorrow's fat. If you want to spend the rest of your career figuring out how to cut more fat so you can sell on price not value then good luck to you. If the status quo suits you then God's speed. In reply I would offer the Italian author Machiavelli's quote: I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.
I would much rather work in an environment where we are working to redefine the market and create ideas, projects and products that customers will gladly pay (more) for. It's a lot more work and more effort than keeping the status quo. It's also a lot more fun and also a good way to attract really great people to work with, associate with and do business with.
We all need to open our eyes and our ears. We need to use all of our senses and God-given abilities to determine what's next. I suggest you start by getting out of the trees and getting a much clearer picture of what your forest looks like. It's the most important thing you can do. Your future depends on it.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Falling Forward
Recently I read the difference between successful and unsuccessful people is that those who are unsuccessful fail 3 out 5 times they try something while the successful ones fail 2 out of 5. This is a much narrower margin of success - or failure depending on your point of view - than most people would guess. What do all of these people have in common, including you and I? We and they ALL fail. Every day, many times, perhaps.
If you are like me you want to live a life of meaning. It is not my intention to try to define what success means to you. I believe we each have our own definitions that are deeply rooted within that are as unique as we are. I also think we all have a desire at the end of our career or of our lives to want people to remember us and think of us as someone who made a difference. Just last week I read a quote Steve Jobs made to the Wall Street Journal in 1993 that says it wonderfully: Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful...that's what matters to me.
For a long time in my life I have not done a lot of wonderful things. Why? Because I was afraid to make a mistake and mortified at the thought of appearing to be a failure. With a little more wisdom to go along with my gray hair I am learning to embrace what is important to me and to work steadfastly to do some wonderful things with the rest of my life. The more I do, the more I want to do. Does this mean that everything I do turns to gold? Of course not! I have found that as I become more aware of the reasons why I fail I become more self-aware and less likely to repeat the same actions or attitudes that have held me back in the past. I am stretching and learning and doing new things. I can honestly say I have learned more in the first few months of this year than I have learned in a long, long time.
The reality is I am the same person I have always been, albeit more focused on achieving meaningful goals and objectives. The difference between my mistakes of the past and my failures today is how I view them. Instead of obstacles I am treating them as opportunities for growth. Instead of making it the focal point of my day I make it a point to evaluate what I can improve next time and then move forward with more resolve to improve myself and my results next time. I no longer view myself or others as a failure but rather as people with the courage to try something new and better and be willing to celebrate the victories and accept the failures that go along with it.
I encourage you to examine yourself and your mindset as it relates to getting outside your comfort zone to try to make yourself a better person. It takes courage and it takes humility. Much more than that it takes you beyond yourself and gives you the opportunity to live your life to the best of your ability. Falling forward feels a lot better than doing nothing and hurts a lot less than knowing you haven't given life everything you've got.
If you are like me you want to live a life of meaning. It is not my intention to try to define what success means to you. I believe we each have our own definitions that are deeply rooted within that are as unique as we are. I also think we all have a desire at the end of our career or of our lives to want people to remember us and think of us as someone who made a difference. Just last week I read a quote Steve Jobs made to the Wall Street Journal in 1993 that says it wonderfully: Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful...that's what matters to me.
For a long time in my life I have not done a lot of wonderful things. Why? Because I was afraid to make a mistake and mortified at the thought of appearing to be a failure. With a little more wisdom to go along with my gray hair I am learning to embrace what is important to me and to work steadfastly to do some wonderful things with the rest of my life. The more I do, the more I want to do. Does this mean that everything I do turns to gold? Of course not! I have found that as I become more aware of the reasons why I fail I become more self-aware and less likely to repeat the same actions or attitudes that have held me back in the past. I am stretching and learning and doing new things. I can honestly say I have learned more in the first few months of this year than I have learned in a long, long time.
The reality is I am the same person I have always been, albeit more focused on achieving meaningful goals and objectives. The difference between my mistakes of the past and my failures today is how I view them. Instead of obstacles I am treating them as opportunities for growth. Instead of making it the focal point of my day I make it a point to evaluate what I can improve next time and then move forward with more resolve to improve myself and my results next time. I no longer view myself or others as a failure but rather as people with the courage to try something new and better and be willing to celebrate the victories and accept the failures that go along with it.
I encourage you to examine yourself and your mindset as it relates to getting outside your comfort zone to try to make yourself a better person. It takes courage and it takes humility. Much more than that it takes you beyond yourself and gives you the opportunity to live your life to the best of your ability. Falling forward feels a lot better than doing nothing and hurts a lot less than knowing you haven't given life everything you've got.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
One More Step
I am really proud of myself. Except on those occasions where I disappoint myself. I have spent a great deal of the last 20-30 years acquiring "head knowledge." Not that I can't still learn new things every day but at this point in my life I know more than enough to be as wildly successful as I want to be according to my definitions of success. I bet you do to. Go ahead, give yourself credit.
If we know everything we need to know then it stands to reason that we should have all achieved most of our goals and objectives by now, right? Neither have I. Why? It's a simple question with an even more simplistic answer. Because we are unwilling to take the final step or two of faith and commitment that leads us to our desired outcomes. Think about it. How many times have you been within reach of a goal in your life only to stop short? I do it all too frequently. On the occasions where I am willing to pay the price and to venture out of my comfort zone in order to achieve my goal I feel like a million bucks. You know the feeling too. When you do something you weren't sure if you could do it inspires you to do more and try more the next time. Success begets more success.
I have been running a lot lately. After many months of doing it at least 4-5 times per week I am running distances and for amounts of time that I never imagined I could do before. It is exhausting. And it is exhilarating. So the end results and the ancillary benefits are well worth the time and effort I am putting in to living a more healthy lifestyle. That's one of approximately 25 goals on my current radar that I need to work on to be a better. It feels great to finally reach an important goal but I have a lot more work to do.
What would it take for you and me to pay the price to reach all of our goals? None of set out to be mediocre. There are hundreds if not thousands of presumably good reasons to veer off of one thing to spend time on another. It is easy to justify in our minds why we can't or won't remain steadfast in our pursuit of better things for ourselves and others. It is well said that the enemy of great is good.
My challenge to you this week is to evaluate your goals. If you don't have any set aside some time to come up with 2 or 3 goals that if you could accomplish in the next 90 days would have a significant impact on your life. But then you have to take one more step that most people aren't willing to take. Commit to the goal. Every day. Do one thing that will take you one step closer to reaching your desired outcome. Just one. I can't promise you the steps along the way will be easy or without challenges. I can promise you that you and those around you will be glad you did.
If we know everything we need to know then it stands to reason that we should have all achieved most of our goals and objectives by now, right? Neither have I. Why? It's a simple question with an even more simplistic answer. Because we are unwilling to take the final step or two of faith and commitment that leads us to our desired outcomes. Think about it. How many times have you been within reach of a goal in your life only to stop short? I do it all too frequently. On the occasions where I am willing to pay the price and to venture out of my comfort zone in order to achieve my goal I feel like a million bucks. You know the feeling too. When you do something you weren't sure if you could do it inspires you to do more and try more the next time. Success begets more success.
I have been running a lot lately. After many months of doing it at least 4-5 times per week I am running distances and for amounts of time that I never imagined I could do before. It is exhausting. And it is exhilarating. So the end results and the ancillary benefits are well worth the time and effort I am putting in to living a more healthy lifestyle. That's one of approximately 25 goals on my current radar that I need to work on to be a better. It feels great to finally reach an important goal but I have a lot more work to do.
What would it take for you and me to pay the price to reach all of our goals? None of set out to be mediocre. There are hundreds if not thousands of presumably good reasons to veer off of one thing to spend time on another. It is easy to justify in our minds why we can't or won't remain steadfast in our pursuit of better things for ourselves and others. It is well said that the enemy of great is good.
My challenge to you this week is to evaluate your goals. If you don't have any set aside some time to come up with 2 or 3 goals that if you could accomplish in the next 90 days would have a significant impact on your life. But then you have to take one more step that most people aren't willing to take. Commit to the goal. Every day. Do one thing that will take you one step closer to reaching your desired outcome. Just one. I can't promise you the steps along the way will be easy or without challenges. I can promise you that you and those around you will be glad you did.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Storm Troopers
We live in a time of great opportunity and great blessings all around us that we oft times take for granted. Sometimes our fortunes are recognized when through crisis or concerns our routines become anything but. Great health is something I have become especially grateful for because the older I get the more I see people who don't have it and realize how fortunate and/or lucky I am. A couple of years ago spending ten days in a hospital has made me much more appreciative and determined to live a healthy(er) lifestyle and be grateful than I am a generally healthy person.
Which got me thinking this week, how do we handle the storms that come to us from time to time? Some of you may be in the midst of a horrible storm and see no way out right now. We've all been there and can sympathize with you. I am always amazed in nature how a storm of incredible force can wreak havoc for a time but then when it's over the sun returns and the peace and calm is more evident than before the storm hit. Isn't it true in our lives as well? In fact, like a tree bent by the storm's fierce winds when it's over with we become stronger and more deeply rooted in ourselves and our resolve to see the storm through the next time it comes.
There are those who even in the midst of incredible challenges remain calm, cool and collected and others who flip out at the first sign of trouble. My wife is and always has been a calming force in my life and able to accurately see things as they are whereas I have a tendency to worry and imagine things to be worse than they really are. It's only taken me twenty-something years but I am realizing the need to imitate her more closely and try to become less of a worry wart every time something doesn't go my way.
Not only does she see things and situations more clearly but she almost always makes better decisions and has more wisdom and peace about situations than I do. I am starting to think that all of these character traits must work together to make something very good. And I am starting to observe the things I need to do to become more even keeled every day. I wonder if like me some of these character traits would be helpful for you. Here is a list of things I am working on:
Be(come) a great listener: This is a lost art but is absolutely necessary if you're going to accurately asses a situation and form accurate opinions about the best course of action.
Evaluate a decision from multiple points of view: Instead of rushing in to a decision or conversation take time to evaluate the opportunities and obstacles from not only your perspective but those of others you trust.
When is as important as what: Sometimes we have to make "gut decisions" based on present circumstances. Many times it's better to step back from a storm and take time to make the right decision instead of the first thing that comes to mind.
Wisdom: If you don't have someone who challenges you to become a better person and always seems to have the answers, start looking for one. There is incredible value in being able to have a sounding board to listen to you and challenge you to think in new and different ways.
Patience: How many stories can we think of throughout history, business and even fictional stories where those who have rushed in to a storm didn't survive and were perceived as fools? Conversely, those who perhaps dealt with great internal struggles yet perservered and solidified their ideas and plans of action are the ones who eventually won the victory.
In to every life a little rain must fall. The person who is best prepared is the one who most easily weathers it and is often the person we admire the most.
Which got me thinking this week, how do we handle the storms that come to us from time to time? Some of you may be in the midst of a horrible storm and see no way out right now. We've all been there and can sympathize with you. I am always amazed in nature how a storm of incredible force can wreak havoc for a time but then when it's over the sun returns and the peace and calm is more evident than before the storm hit. Isn't it true in our lives as well? In fact, like a tree bent by the storm's fierce winds when it's over with we become stronger and more deeply rooted in ourselves and our resolve to see the storm through the next time it comes.
There are those who even in the midst of incredible challenges remain calm, cool and collected and others who flip out at the first sign of trouble. My wife is and always has been a calming force in my life and able to accurately see things as they are whereas I have a tendency to worry and imagine things to be worse than they really are. It's only taken me twenty-something years but I am realizing the need to imitate her more closely and try to become less of a worry wart every time something doesn't go my way.
Not only does she see things and situations more clearly but she almost always makes better decisions and has more wisdom and peace about situations than I do. I am starting to think that all of these character traits must work together to make something very good. And I am starting to observe the things I need to do to become more even keeled every day. I wonder if like me some of these character traits would be helpful for you. Here is a list of things I am working on:
Be(come) a great listener: This is a lost art but is absolutely necessary if you're going to accurately asses a situation and form accurate opinions about the best course of action.
Evaluate a decision from multiple points of view: Instead of rushing in to a decision or conversation take time to evaluate the opportunities and obstacles from not only your perspective but those of others you trust.
When is as important as what: Sometimes we have to make "gut decisions" based on present circumstances. Many times it's better to step back from a storm and take time to make the right decision instead of the first thing that comes to mind.
Wisdom: If you don't have someone who challenges you to become a better person and always seems to have the answers, start looking for one. There is incredible value in being able to have a sounding board to listen to you and challenge you to think in new and different ways.
Patience: How many stories can we think of throughout history, business and even fictional stories where those who have rushed in to a storm didn't survive and were perceived as fools? Conversely, those who perhaps dealt with great internal struggles yet perservered and solidified their ideas and plans of action are the ones who eventually won the victory.
In to every life a little rain must fall. The person who is best prepared is the one who most easily weathers it and is often the person we admire the most.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)