SIMPLE GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR LIFE

An axiom is a self-evident or universally recognized truth – a principle that is accepted as true without proof as the basis for argument.  As we go through our lives we constantly seek guideposts to “show us the way” so that we do not become lost within a detour while the rest of the world passes us by.  We seek to grasp onto the tail of a rising star in the hope that we, too, might be carried towards success.  We search for answers (often more than we seek to formulate questions) to explain away the “bumps” we experience while trying to find the smoothest path available as we move towards our destination(s).  Perhaps if we were to focus more upon the path we take – enjoy the journey as we move toward our ultimate goals – we would feel more peace and joy (rather than hectic tension) when we arrive.  Thinking about some of life’s “universally recognized truths” as we find our way through this world might help to focus our efforts on those things that are important – things or situations that can be controlled or influenced through our own devices and that truly have or result in significance.  Axioms often help us to understand what is important and critical to life (rather than what is wanted or desired) so that we can shrug off those things that do not matter while holding tightly to those that do.  Some of the axioms that have helped me navigate my journey (so far) would include:

INDIVIDUALS UNABLE TO SPEAK POSITIVELY ABOUT WHAT THEY DO ALWAYS RESORT TO SPEAKING NEGATIVELY ABOUT WHAT ANOTHER DOES.   Far too many individuals find it easier to bring someone down to their level than to bring themselves to a higher plain. We cast stones without thinking that our own glass house could be easily shattered.  We console ourselves by justifying that “everyone else does it” so it should be OK (even when we know what we are considering is wrong). Though elevating yourself is often far more difficult than pulling others down, we gain far more by lifting ourselves up – bringing others with us – than we could ever achieve by immersing ourselves within a pool of mediocrity.  Recognizing and understanding that “complainers” often have very little confidence in their own abilities or pride in their own accomplishments may not quiet their noise but it should help to minimize the impact it has on your life.

IF YOU CANNOT BE KIND, AT LEAST HAVE THE DECENCY TO BE VAGUE.  It seems that our society revels in the details of the fall – refusing to accept “what is” as being reality while seeking all the thoughts, rumors or information available (or fabricated) that might help to explain the “why” more than the “what.”  Many do not seek answers to unfortunate situations so they can avoid them – rather they seek all the sordid details to establish their own superiority.  They do not seek details so help might be provided – rather they seek to embellish the facts and broadcast their version to bring attention or importance to themselves while talking to others.  People often inquire because they are nosy - gathering details for personal gratification rather than empathetic consolation.  Perhaps we SHOULD try to help more while consciously trying to hurt less – seek to provide a cushion upon which others might land rather than an open abyss into which they will fall.  Unless we can constructively criticize then provide the tools and support necessary to help an individual initiate change, what do we accomplish when we tear down without lifting up – or even remain silent when we could have shed light upon an issue?

EVERYONE BRINGS JOY TO LIFE – SOME WHEN THEY ENTER, OTHERS WHEN THEY LEAVE.  OK, so this one is tongue in cheek – but so appropriate!  How often has someone interrupted you during the middle of a thought – as you were just about to solidify an epiphany that would surely change the world forever?  Sure, we need others to live life to its fullest, but we all have times when it seems that others might “do more good” talking to someone else than they do disrupting our thoughts!  Enjoy the variety that people give the world around you – if everyone thought and acted as you do it would be a terribly boring (or an extremely predictable) world!  Do not isolate yourself from those around you as their perspective (no matter how disruptive it might be) just might be the key that unlocks the door to our understanding.

Several within the novel “Atlas Shrugged,” Ayn Rand’s epic tale about how the “engine of the world” was silenced (whose fiction is hauntingly similar to the reality we see within today’s headlines) would include:

·         A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve – not by the desire to beat others.

·         The hardest thing to explain is the glaringly evident fact that everybody has decided not to see.

·         Achieving life is not the equivalent of avoiding death.

Do you have any baseline “truths” upon which your lift has been built?  Perhaps you could find hope by not asking (or seeking) “who is going to let me” but rather living (and believing) “who is going to stop me?”  Do not become your own worst enemy by believing a dream to be impossible – abandoning it before the journey towards its realization can even begin.  Do not apply “blame” without accepting responsibility.  Do not look for reasons that would keep you from accomplishing something, rather seek ways that would allow it.  Do not refuse to establish goals for fear of failing – rather establish lofty expectations that require hard work and effort to accomplish so that you might be proud of your efforts when (not if) you do succeed.  Remember that all things are possible, some just take a little longer to accomplish as they require a bit more creativity, thought or planning. 

In the big picture, improbable does not mean impossible.  Equality is not the same as equitability.  Holding back does not mean giving up UNLESS you fail to begin.  Life has many beginnings but only one end.  Make the most of your opportunities as you seek new and different ways to make life truly matter – taking the time to develop and hone the talent needed to equip yourself with the tools needed to transform who you are to the successful individual you wish to be (and know you can become)!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS CAN BE MISLEADING...

Because we are people (and tend to rush to judgment), our “first impressions” often label those we encounter as being either “good” or “bad” (before we take the time to validate our assumptions).  While we often must act quickly, if we want to develop long-lasting or meaningful relationships we must take time to learn about others – about why they think, act and respond as they do rather than basing our opinions ONLY on what we see being accomplished – if we are to accept (or at least understand) people “as they are” rather than force them to become “what we would wish them to be.”  Four things we should consciously (and intentionally) avoid when meeting people for the first time (as our initial impressions and perceptions are established) would include:  

Investigate fully before making a judgement rather than allowing unfounded perceptions or “surface-driven” first thoughts to form your baseline from which all other actions, thoughts or decisions are built.  Working with a small machine shop that was struggling financially, a business owner reported that he would like all his employees to be like the 76-year old machinist that came back to work after retiring for a couple of years.  He cited the man’s loyalty and experience-based leadership – his ability to set an example for those working with him.  When asked, employees said that working with this “poor man” reinforced that they should jump at the first job opportunity that came along because they did not want to end up working until they were 76 because retirement was no more than a dream.  A “first impression” could have been established by listening to either the owner or the employees but looking into the “rest of the story” revealed an unconsidered truth.  The 76-year old knew what the owner thought and was pretty sure what his peers thought about his working but that both were wrong.  He stated (because someone had asked) that “if they knew my wife they would know why I like coming to work!”  Often our perceptions taint our thinking and we make decisions based on inaccurate (or untrue) information.  Always learn all the facts before making a judgment.

Before acting, clarify some of the “whys” before rushing to judgement on what was done (or not done) as anticipated.  Many years ago, my wife and kindergarten son were engaged in a heated discussion when I arrived home from work.  He found himself in trouble at home after going to the principal’s office for hitting another child with leaves on his first day of school.  My wife could not understand why he was sent to the office for hitting another child with leaves and he did not understand why she kept asking him the same question after he had clearly and concisely answered her inquiry with a specific and detailed response.  She was trying to extract an answer based on the information she had been provided – that he had hit someone with leaves and been sent to the office to explain.  He was answering her questions without offering any more information than asked – that he had hit someone with leaves and did not understand why he had been addressed.  I looked at my son and said, “How big of a stick were the leaves on?”  He quit crying and said “only an inch or so but nobody ASKED me about the stick!”  We often lose sight of where we are going because we so focus on what we think we know to be right.  Never form an opinion without first thinking about all the things that COULD BE rather than simply focusing upon what we think IS or has been in the past.  Acting on available information without asking for expansion or seeking clarification can often lead to disaster.

Do not assume to know what others are thinking or limit what they could contribute by inserting personal biases into their lives or extending your own limitations into their potential.  One of the most critical components within any relationship is to identify both strengths and weaknesses – maximizing the positive contributions while limiting those that might be more detrimental.  When asked, “What is the purpose of your job, an employee told me it was “…to bring to fruition the dreams of the owner.”  While this answer did nothing to define job responsibilities, it DID speak volumes to the owner about the employee’s understanding of his role in the company.  After reading that one response the employer started to think differently about his workforce, including them in decisions because they were much more invested in their future than he had previously thought.  In thinking that his employees “did only what they were told” rather than believing they could “contribute positively to his dream,” the owner had stifled the expression of improvements his staff could have made.  By listening to their suggestions – regardless of what he thought they might be able to contribute – his company began to grow and prosper exponentially.  Though many of us fight hard to “do things our way” and overlay that “way” upon those we work with, whenever we listen to others we find their contributions can be meaningful IF ONLY we allow them to express their thoughts, learn through failure and feel safe to grow. 

Think before acting – then act before your thinking paralyzes you.  Many individuals tend to shoot before aiming – often prior to even establishing a target – then spend countless hours repairing the damage they may have done through their rash actions.  While “things” can often be repaired or replaced when damaged by actions that disregard potential consequences initiates failure, PEOPLE tend to “scar” more easily and “fail to forget” more than they could ever learn from criticism (be it gentle OR relentless).  Forming a “first impression” is normal and natural BUT refusing to move beyond that baseline after learning more about a person, place or situation creates the basis for ongoing disappointment, frustration and failure.

People can contribute positively to us OR weigh us down, depending on how we approach them.  Rather than allowing “first impressions” to set your direction, make sure you pay enough attention to what is being said by others, why things are being done as they are, and what else could be accomplished.  When we verify our perceptions before we pass judgment we can often avoid making assumptions that could lead us down the wrong path.  If we actively seek what others think, listening to what they say (with both their words and their actions), we may find things are done for a reason (though not necessarily YOUR reason), move forward with good intentions (though not necessarily YOUR good intentions) and accomplish much (though not necessarily what YOU thought should be accomplished). 

ECONOMIC AND EMOTIONAL HALFTIME OBSERVATIONS FOR 2015

Baseball is moving towards its all-star break (and the Tigers are struggling).  The Women’s World Cup has been completed (with the United States victorious).  Nike just signed a major contract to “outfit” the University of Michigan’s athletic teams (football season must be just around the corner). Surprisingly, 2015 has reached its halfway point, as well – revealing some interesting highs and lows that warrant discussion.

Michigan has experienced an excellent “growing season” to date – with crops and mosquitos greatly exceeding expectations (though golf courses and other facilities depending upon warm, dry weather are suffering).  Our Great Lakes, inland lakes and streams have reached near-record levels due to our abundant rainfall (but the west coast is preparing to ration water due to several years of drought). Our strategic oil reserves have reached capacity so a brief period of relatively inexpensive gasoline is helping us to travel more this summer (but government and environmental authorities seem committed to advancing solar and wind power by investing heavily into not-yet proven technology). Our economy seems impervious to disruption (though finding qualified workers is posing a significant challenge to our local employers and the International Financial situation in Greece has significantly subdued our national economic growth). We seem to be experiencing a time of contradiction – a period when all looks well on the surface until we dig down a bit to reveal a convoluted and unpredictable core.  Looking into some of the issues we are facing, some sad realities become apparent.

Why do we expect inexpensive gas and oil to be an everyday reality when we celebrate the fact that major oil companies must pay unprecedented penalties ON TOP OF repairing damages created by workplace accidents?  How can we expect alternative energy sources to emerge when we place in their paths insurmountable roadblocks?  How can we harness the wind’s energy when everyone wants turbines placed in someone else’s backyard?  How can nuclear energy grow when it takes nearly ten years to approve and build a new power plant?  Renewable energy sources are part of the solution – yet wood-burning furnaces have been restricted in many communities because they put out too much pollution.  While the impact on individual lives is staggering, the same people who enjoyed high-paying jobs within energy-producing companies lobby for compensatory relief and life-long security from their former employers should an accident occur.  Have we become a nation that takes credit for the good in life, seeking bounty from its offerings, yet assigning blame to others for the bad, seeking retribution and gain from their losses?  It seems that this dark aspect of our nature has not changed during the first part of 2015 – far too many seek to gain from others pain rather than trying to benefit from their own investments of sweat equity.

Small companies are expanding but are operating with fewer people making more things.  Since efficiency is up, expanding opportunities will not likely return our workforce to previous levels.  New companies are entering our region BUT employees able to do available work are coming with the company from outside of our current workforce (not everyone is eager to learn new skills).  While jobs are available, a higher level of expertise is required for employees to program machines, work with computerized systems and effectively communicate with others (both internally and externally).

While most companies have not given excessive pay increases during the last several years (if one pays attention to the media, our employers are exploiting their workers and making obscene profits), lower-paid employees have been added to the workforce so average rates do not appear to have increased as much as they have.  Interestingly, whether the economy moves along at a 2% or a 4% growth curve, average worker wages seem to increase (on average) about 2.5 – 3% (reflecting an influx of lower-paid workers into an economy filled with highly experienced workers).  Automotive suppliers seem to be stronger than in the recent past (but anticipate a bit of a slowdown through the first part of 2016).  In that next year is an election year, we often see a general slowing of the economy after May or June until the outcome of our vote has been revealed.  The service-sector is growing yet many non-profits depending on State funding are justifiably concerned as their income streams have been effectively choked off.  Our economy is improving but balances precariously on edge with any shift or delay from current growth trends poised to deal a staggering blow to our recovery.

As the second half of 2015 approaches, perhaps it is time we all returned to our roots – a free-market economy in which demand (rather than mandate) established supply and innovation (rather than mass-production) fulfilled our countries’ needs.  Long-term success always has (and always will) come to ethical people who produce an excellent product, provide exceptional service at a competitive price and/or enter into meaningful 2-way relationships that provide “win-win” situations rather than “my way or the highway” exclamations.  Though our region’s economic engine has not yet fully abandoned its “full steam ahead” expectation, we do hear initial rumblings asking, “What happened to all we had?”

Looking back at mid-year should encourage us to celebrate our accomplishments mildly – to enjoy all that we have done and immerse ourselves in the good that has come to us.  We must also, however, maintain awareness of what has yet to be identified (achieved or accomplished).  Much positive has happened during 2015 – perhaps it is time we allowed those things that have been but visualized to this point to become inspiration and destination for those around us as they continue to move forward through the second half of this year - as we bring reality to the dreams of our future.

Are MANAGEMENT and LEADERSHIP Synonymous?

Management is the ability to transform one person’s talents into performance.  Good managers identify each individual’s unique talents and abilities.  They treat people EQUITABLY rather than EQUALLY – determining what is best for them based on their abilities and how they can contribute most rather than assuming all should receive equal benefits even if they do not add similar value.  Good managers define and communicate expectations, then assign tasks to persons having the greatest potential for success – giving them the ability to act independently and the right to assume responsibility for results. 

Experienced managers leverage individual talent and experience towards the successful accomplishment of organizational goals and objectives – identifying existing abilities and maximizing contributions by assigning duties and managing priorities RATHER THAN focusing on training individuals to “fix” their shortcomings.  While training is critical and often necessary, it should not be seen as the “ends” but rather as the “means.” Recognizing that all employees contribute differently, and accepting that individual contributions are a necessary part of success, helps to define a great manager.  A good manager might try to elevate all employees to their highest potential.  A great manager will utilize an employee’s inherent ability to accomplish great things.  Should employees need additional training, a great manager will know how each employee learns best and set up programs that cater to individual needs and differences. 

Leadership is moving people (as opposed to individuals) towards a common good – rallying the team to accomplish great things together rather than capitalizing on an individual’s existing talent.  A leader needs to be eternally optimistic – knowing that people working together will eventually accomplish things better and more easily than those working alone.  Great leaders make employees feel that anything is possible – that no mountain is too high to climb and no valley too deep to enter – by “showing the way” rather than providing tools for them to move forward by themselves.  Leaders demonstrate what must be done and accomplished rather than by telling them and staying out of the way. 

Leaders motivate through actions rather than through words and assignments as they join in to make sure the team accomplishes things as a cohesive and collaborative body rather than as a group of talented individuals.  Great leaders communicate clearly by defining expectations and focusing on anticipated results as they motivate individuals to work with others to maximize the impact of their group’s efforts.  Leaders live their words through their actions.  Effective leaders are able to identify individual potential that can be nurtured and melded into a great functioning team.  Should a team need additional training, great leaders would develop programs to teach skills that will benefit the organization rather than strengthening individual talents that already exist within the team.

Are you a Manager or a Leader?  Far too often we see problems caused by well-intentioned supervisors managing when they should lead OR trying to lead when times call for strong management.  A strong MANAGER tends to accomplish specific things more quickly.  Tasks are clearly identified, people having proven abilities are assigned to accomplish them, and results are expected immediately.  A strong LEADER will pull others towards outcomes rather than pushing them towards pre-defined destinations.  A leader will draw others forward using a carrot while a manager may tend to carry (and liberally apply) a stick.  Both styles are necessary (at times) in order for organizations (OR relationships) to thrive BUT there is a time and a place for each.  Choose your “time and place” wisely to help maximize the results your group can achieve!

GRASPING SUCCESS FROM THE CLUTCHES OF FAILURE

Failure is not a life sentence.  It does not have to produce a long-term, insurmountable negative impact on you or your life.  Given the right conditions, the proper setting and a learning attitude, failure can often empower you to achieve a level of greatness you never dreamed possible.  When we eliminate the FEAR of failure by minimizing the repercussions that often prohibit us from trying new things – by embracing the possibilities that unproven approaches can provide – the sky becomes our limit.  Rather than looking into a dark tunnel (hoping that the light we see is the other end rather than a train) we can peer out from the tunnel into an unexplored horizon.  

Many successful salespeople have learned that each success is preceded by many failings

– but too few individuals embrace that reality.  When trying to discover the secret of electricity, Thomas Edison declared that rather than failing he simply discovered many possibilities that did not work.  The inventor of “Post It Notes” could have wallowed in his failure (because he did not invent his intended super adhesive) but chose to find a purpose for something that met none of his intended consequences (the rest being history).  There are four lessons we must learn if we are to transform individual shortcomings into immediate success, creating opportunity from apparent disappointment.  These transformational secrets include:

·         Change your perception of "success" and "failure"

Most people see themselves caught between two extremes – success and failure.  They feel they must either fully accomplish the goals they have established OR their falling short will automatically label them a failure.  What would happen if we altered this perception – seeing failure as but one of the paths to success – if we studied our failings as openly as we celebrate our successes?  What more might we be able to accomplish if we claimed the freedom to learn as much from what DID NOT work as much as we do from the actions that accomplish our intentions?  If we were to view failure as inevitable – as a requirement rather than as a possibility – and be judged not by whether we MAY HAVE failed but rather by what was learned WHEN we fail – perhaps we could accomplish great things by taking risks once thought unacceptable.  While I would never suggest that anyone actively SEEK failure, if they simply ACCEPT IT as being inevitable –as a necessary stepping stone along the path to success – it will become a more regular building block to the dreams that define your future.

·         Intentionally increase your rate of failure

Nobody could argue with the premise that the more we try the more we ultimately succeed.  If “trying” means doing things that we have not done before – things we are not trained to do nor accustomed to doing – then it is logical that as we attempt to do more we fail more, also.  Advancing the thought, if trying more results in both failure and success, and we learn from our failings as we move towards success, should we not intentionally increase our failure rate so that we succeed BOTH by “winning” AND by identifying what should not be repeated when we experience loss? 

·         Set Flexible targets (processes and guidelines) rather than firm goals (absolute  destinations and inflexible expectations)

Everyone sets goals BUT we usually establish our goals around the successful accomplishment of a specific task, project or activity.  What would happen if we focused on the process as opposed to the outcome?  If we do things the way they have always been done while expecting a different result we would define insanity.  If, however, we expect different results BECAUSE we are doing things differently, seeking new and untested methods to accomplish them, we would inevitably expect to encounter failure from which we would learn along the way.  Think how much might be accomplished if we set a goal of trying five new ways to accomplish something (knowing that at least four of the paths could lead to failure) rather than trying so hard to accomplish one specific goal.  How much more could we “win” (and how much greater could our “wins” be once we identify the roadblocks) if we truly focused on the “new” (the possible) rather than constantly seeking the tried and true (the probable)?

·         Accept your successes gracefully but celebrate your failures with reckless abandon

It is natural to be excited when we taste success.  We want to celebrate – to reward ourselves.  While it would be ridiculous to minimize the “victories” we achieve, we far too often fail to maximize the successful navigation of each detour as we seek to finish our journey (those things we see as being distractions or bumps along the way).  Why do so few celebrate PROGRESS when many minor accomplishments pave the path to completion?  Far too many people save their celebrating until their goal has been accomplished (a single act or event that was the culmination of many starts and stops).  Do not “dodge” the praise of another when it is sincerely offered – gracefully accept it AND spread it around when appropriate – but refuse to live only for the recognition of others (for when you most need to be acknowledged, you may

be the only individual present).  Successful individuals allow life to be a series of small celebrations rather than a set of significant events.  If we build our hopes on reaching a destination, where do we go once there?  Should we not feel more exhilarated as we move forward TOWARDS an objective (knowing we have many more options and activities to celebrate along the way) than we do once we have “arrived?” 

Individuals that require a “why” before moving on may be waiting for success to reveal itself from the jaws of failure.  Those that find joy in the journey, however – that are able to move forward accepting THAT things happened without having to understand why – are able to leverage potentially negative situations into a springboard that will catapult them towards potential opportunity (that may never have presented itself had they been doing what they had always done to achieve the same results they always achieved).

When is the last time you rewarded yourself for failing?  Instead of mentally punishing yourself for not succeeding, buy yourself an ice cream cone (or a coffee – or some other desire of your heart) and say, "I'm one step closer to success!" Stop letting failure have the negative hold it has on your thoughts and emotions.  Use each step backwards as an opportunity to collect your wits as you strive to move forward – continuously seeking what life has yet to offer rather than accepting those things it has provided as our only reward.

INFLUENCING AND MOTIVATING OTHERS TO SUCCEED

Whether managing people, relationships, situations, teams, products, processes, your temper or yourself, someone has written a book guaranteed to make you an expert.  Since there are far fewer managers than people being managed in this world, however, I’ve often wondered why so little attention has been given to influencing “from the bottom up” rather than to managing from “the top down.”   In that we are all human, whether or not we manage, I would like to propose seven “keys” to making yourself more influential as you interact with others.

1)                  Recognize it is your responsibility to SELL an idea, NOT someone else’s responsibility to BUY the concept.  Good salespeople identify and relate to the needs of the buyer, not their own needs.  While making a sale will obviously benefit the seller, a buyer must recognize why he or she will benefit from his or her buying decision before a sale will ever be consummated.  Remain positive and upbeat, focusing on what YOU can do to “make things right” rather upon what others could do to make things fail.  Until you truly “sell” change, you will be but an implementer rather than an initiator. 

2)                  Consider how change will impact “the whole” rather than how it might advance your personal objectives.  Since most people are hesitant to abandon the status quo, if you want something to be different than it is, you must convince others that the promises of change are better than the comforts of staying the same.  In order to initiate change, every individual must take full responsibility for being understood.  If you wish to influence another’s actions you must clearly demonstrate how resultant change will positively impact that individual, the organization, their environment, and their future

3)                  Present a realistic cost-benefit analysis of your idea as you define and communicate value.  Whether it be a major corporate decision or a family vacation, be prepared to have a realistic discussion on the cost of change as well as the results of change.  Acknowledge that implementing your idea will probably mean that someone else’s idea was not used.  Recognize that whenever anything has changed in history, the benefits of change have outweighed the costs.  It is your job to clearly communicate this if you expect to be heard.

4)                  Treat those you are communicating to with the same respect and courtesy you would like yourself (OR that you would utilize with a customer).  Recognizing that the person to whom you are communicating IS your customer when presenting an idea or concept will help you be a better salesperson.  Within your personal relationships, “dictating” might be a quick remedy…but selling (rather than telling), discussing (rather than imposing)…will be much more effective over the long run.

5)                  When a conclusion is reached, whether or not you fully agree with it, adopt the final decision as your own.  Many ineffective influencers will “own” decisions with which they agree and “credit others” with the ones they may not have wholeheartedly supported.  Remember that you will not always “win” when influencing upwards, but you will gain tremendous credibility if, after all the discussions and debates, you own any solution that is not illegal, unethical or immoral.  We can always live to fight another day as long as we don’t impale ourselves upon the sword of principle today.

6)                  NEVER advance an idea without having a sincere belief it will make a difference…regardless of who might receive the credit.  If we lose sight of the result of our ideas, focusing instead on getting credit for the concept, we often discredit others to make ourselves come out on top.  When we consciously make others feel that they are right or responsible, rather than continually elevating ourselves into a role of infallibility, our ideas have a better chance of implementation.  Assuring our desired results are realized will provide for better long-term rewards than will being recognized for short-term contributions.

7)                  Rather than focusing on what has (or has not) happened, dream about what has yet to occur.  Far too many individuals are haunted by what went wrong… losing sight of what went right…as their ideas come to fruition.  When we are mired in a world of failure we cannot possibly reach out towards success.  When we focus on “what did not happen” it is difficult to consider what could still be done differently to alter results before they become “final.”  When we accept “what is” we cannot realize “what could be.”

We all invest tremendously in the acquisition of knowledge.  Until we learn to sell our ideas, however, rather than expecting others to simply buy them from us, our knowledge will never be leveraged into positive change.  We must look forward rather than backwards…convincing others to travel along the winding road with us…if we ever expect to influence change.  We must acknowledge that we are capable of achieving more than we might think possible (as long as we are willing to invest our time, talent and abilities into realizing the transition) if we expect to initiate change. 

 

It is not enough to recognize change is needed for us to become all that we might wish to be.  We must understand the ramifications of complacency (as well as the rewards of transformation) and the gains of doing something (which must be greater than the pains of doing nothing) if we are to grow and succeed (or influence and motivate others to thrive).  We will never be able to encourage others to grow unless (and until) we recognize our own potential.

WE CAN ACHIEVE ALL THAT WE BELIEVE IF WE BELIEVE THAT WE CAN ACHIEVE

We often receive an unexpected boost from motivational quotes.  Many originate within the world of sports BUT life is more than playing games – it is about dreaming what might be our reality if only that which is could become what we hope, wish and dream it to be.  It is about reaching beyond our wildest expectations to grasp a slice of reality from a pie not yet baked.  It is about setting goals beyond what is achievable so that we force ourselves outside of the box in which we are comfortable and move towards things yet to be considered by standing upon the cardboard to search for those things that have not yet been imagined.  We all stumble and fall while travelling through life – the difference between success and failure being whether we stay down or we get back up – and what we learn from the experience.

People react to challenges differently.  Some seek comfort from every storm – preferring to remain within the safe harbors of life, never venturing outside the protected coastal waters as they accept the remnants and wreckage that wash up to shore.  They allow others to seek new adventures – to conquer unknown territories and discover treasures far beyond their ability to imagine.  They are gulls finding sustenance in things discovered and discarded by others.  To them, a gentle breeze may appear to be a raging storm – the tranquility of their calm disrupted by even the smallest pebble tossed into the sea.  If one were to equate such an existence to the hyena it would be apparent that scavengers ARE able to exist.  Rarely, however, does an individual reach greatness when they rely upon “pack mentality” to survive NOR does one receive the “first fruits” when they gratefully accept what comes to them rather than seeking to discover how much more might be available if only they were to stretch beyond their accepted paradigm.

Others seek adventure – preferring to march into the storms of life head on and face forward.  They hear the howling in the wind and seek to identify its source – wish to find where it came from before watching it go away.  They recognize that the wind cannot be contained nor captured but often dream of riding upon it – of soaring above the earth that holds them as they seek new horizons not yet discovered.  They prefer to identify opportunities as they move boldly forward in life rather than seeking comfort in what they (or someone else) already accomplished.  Where some could not fathom being a hawk hurtling down towards an unknowing prey, these individualists could not tolerate being a scavenger relying upon the efforts of another for sustenance.  Their need for autonomy – for independence – is far too great to accept the path forged by others.  They capture the wind within billowing sails – riding it as far as it may take them without allowing their concern for a safe return to detract from the journey.  They accept potential peril as the inevitable return on their unrestrained investments towards the accomplishment of their dreams.

As we move through life we must leave our yesterdays behind as we pass through our today in anticipation of all that tomorrow might bring.  Unless we fill our emotional pantries with thoughts and visions of grandeur – with hopes and promises of a yet to be defined future reality rather than doing as we have always done while expecting different things to happen to us – we MAY find momentary happiness but will never find the peace to accept that “what is” is all that “could be.”  Whenever you begin to feel that “where you are” is better (rather than just safer or more secure) than “where you could be,” consider the following: 

·         As you begin (or refresh) your journey through life, take time for the little things to become big.  Do not move so fast that you fail to enjoy the journey as you seek a destination BUT do not become so enamored with the journey that you never rest or recharge along the way.  Find time to help others along the way – to share your strengths and experiences so they might be built up rather than run over.  When the going gets tough others may be the only lifeline available to keep us going.

·         Live life to its fullest – focusing as much on the joy in the journey as you do the gold at the end of the rainbow.  More than anything, find peace and joy in all that you say and do – seeking comfort from your discoveries rather than being satisfied to discover comfort within the status quo.  Seek moments of rest as you seek to fulfill your dreams rather than sanctuaries and safe havens that might keep you from reaching beyond the shelter of today to experience the potential of tomorrow.

Some find that motivating thoughts or inspirational phrases keep them moving forward rather than looking back.  In order to experience gain within our lives, we must realize change – and must keep our eyes on the prize as we move relentlessly towards it if we expect to grow.  Thankfully, all thoughts ARE NOT sports metaphors - some of the thoughts I find most helpful including:

·         Dreams take time, patience, sustained effort, and a willingness to fail if they are ever to become anything more than dreams – Brian Linkoski

·         The greater danger for most is NOT that our aim is too high and we miss, but that it is too low and we reach it - Michelangelo

·         We know what we are, but know not what we may be - Shakespeare

·         When the winds of change blow, some people build walls while others build windmills - Chinese proverb

·         If all you seek to become can be defined by what you have accomplished, accept comfort in who you are but allow those who know you mourn the death of what you may have become – Dave Smith

There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we seek results and conclusions rather than recognition and credit.  We can find ongoing satisfaction when we claim success during the journey – acknowledging each step taken as we run the race rather than waiting until our quest has ended to find satisfaction in the efforts we exhibited.  We accomplish many things not yet imagined and bring to fruition countless things not previously realized when we allow our dreams to materialize – to become a new reality as we travel the road to ever-changing destinations – when we see each station as a stop along the way rather than an end in and of itself.  We gain much from life when each step is celebrated as an accomplishment rather than looking only to the goal at the end of our journey as a win/lose, make it or break it destination.

We cannot allow our eyes to drift from the prize if we seek to move from “good” to “great” in our lives.  Though it may not “take a village” to raise our self-awareness, it DOES take commitment, determination and intentional action to move beyond the storms that often darken our lives to the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Accept nothing but your best as you seek new destinations – learning from your failings as you turn adversity into opportunity while reaching new heights with each passing day.  Capture the wind to move forward after each accomplishment rather than finding comfort and accepting as final the rest stops along the way and each never ending beginning will lead towards the better life you wish for (and deserve).