STARTING THE RACE IS NECESSARY IF WE SEEK CHANGE…FINISHING IT IS ESSENTIAL…

In order to grow and succeed – to contribute to the growth of those around us – one cannot do only what has been assigned (regardless of how well each individual assignment is performed) or get by doing the bare minimum.  One cannot fill the cup of others when he or she is busy trying to fill their own leaky sieve.  One cannot safely support or transport another when their boat is leaking so badly that it might sink before it safely reaches shore.  Looking back towards where we have been rather than ahead towards where we wish to be – remaining content with the present rather than building upon it as a springboard to the future by doing what works as opposed to seeking what might work better – are signs of a life in stagnation – signals that one accepts the status quo as being the best that could ever be or that mediocrity is good enough (negating the need or desire for exceptionalism).  If one wishes to achieve “the possible” rather than being content to accomplish only those things that have already been tried and achieved by others as their thoughts, ideas and abilities are acted out, they must be willing to try what has not yet been considered.  It is rare that individual dreams of the future can be identified and developed from “what is” into “what could be” without taking intentional action to finish the race rather than being content with good starts and consistent progress.  To ensure that such transformation can occur we must: 

1)            Understand the difference between efficiency with effectiveness.  An e-mail may be efficient, but a conversation might more effectively resolve an issue without extended “replies and clarifications.”  Effective individuals make sure that every investment of time and/or energy has a direct and measurable impact.  They accomplish things that need doing in order to move forward – and do them well – rarely wasting time or energy doing unnecessary things that “might be nice” but are not related to the accomplishment of their objectives.  Efficient individuals accomplish all things well whether or not they serve to advance their cause or move them towards a defined objective.  An immediate e-mail communication may efficiently promote conversation but might not effectively resolve an issue.

2)            Recognize that NOBODY is irreplaceable.   If an individual feels that nobody could EVER do what he or she does, that person has probably (unknowingly) limited what he or she can accomplish, how he or she is viewed and where he or she might be able to advance.  When we feel nobody could ever do the things we do as well as we do them, we become so enamored with our abilities that we fail to identify our possibilities.  If nobody else can do (or even wishes to try doing) what you can then you will never move beyond where you are – potentially competent and poised for greatness but unable to progress or move up the ladder to where you wish to be.

3)            Acknowledge that you MAY NOT know all the answers.  Though it may seem that whatever some do or say is right – that any direction they take turns out to be the path that is chosen – nobody has the experience or abilities to make all the right decisions regardless of the situation, environment or timeframe.  People knowing how to think through all the possibilities so they can ask the right questions are much more valuable than those who feel they are able to give all the right answers because they feel they already know all the questions that could ever be posed.  We can truly contribute to our success and profitability – or experience all that life might be able to offer – ONLY after identifying our limitations (real or perceived) and asking questions about how they might be overcome.  Nothing will change, however, until we decide to act – to move forward by implementing the answers received from the questions we ask (rather than doing things as we have always done them because we think we know all the answers).

4)            ALWAYS give credit to others.  People recognizing and acknowledging the ideas and actions of others tend to share a never-ending ride to success and satisfaction – enjoying a seemingly unlimited potential “upside” while tempering their individual “downside” risk.  Those that take credit for another’s ideas should like themselves a lot because they may not have supportive friends to prop them up in the future if credit or praise is given sparingly. 

5)            Add to existing abilities and upgrade outdated skills while refusing to accept “what is” as “what will always be.”  What was once necessary to maintain a life-long job or to enjoy a long-lasting relationship is no longer sufficient.  People who refuse to learn new skills or different ways of doing things typically fail to grow – those who refuse to retrain may not remain.  Unless an individual brings more into a relationship than he or she could ever expect it to return – is willing to give another more than is taken (unconditionally and without expectations) as they seek to gain more by sharing than by receiving – he or she will never realize the treasures awaiting them beyond their current reality. 

While we may be able to start a race on our own, we need the help, support and efforts of those around us to finish.  Life is not a sprint – it is a marathon.  To accomplish much, we must give much.  To receive support from those around us we must first encourage and support them.  To rise to the top – to finish the race – we must not only build the foundation upon which we stand (so that we are firmly rooted in our convictions) but must also accept the encouragement and support of those around us as we grow – recognizing both our ability AND our need to change.  Only then will we be able to finish the race as we seek to “travel where no one has previously gone” in order to achieve that which has not been previously accomplished.