It's that time of the year again. Resolution review. As I get ready to set new goals and make new resolutions for the upcoming year, it's important for me to examine how I fared on last year's aspirations. Like many other people, I almost always fail miserably on at least one goal or resolution I set for myself. For instance, this year I was supposed to re-learn playing guitar. With just 8 days left in the year, the guitar remains standing untouched in the corner. I suppose that goal will be added to this year's list again.
This year's list. Yes, it's an actual written list, as it has been for the past 25 years. It's proven that writing down your goals is vitally important to actually achieving them. So, whatever it is you're contemplating to accomplish next year, write 'em down! Periodic review throughout the year is recommended to ensure steady progress, measure results, and adjust objectives if necessary.
I try to keep my list as simple and specific as possible. I actually strive for a few specific personality improvements and then a handful of personally meaningful, challenging but achievable goals I wish to reach. If I succeed at one of them, I can cross it off and add something new. If I fail, like with the guitar, I can carry it forward or decide it's no longer a priority and take it off the list. In other words, keep your list manageable. If you put everything on your list all at once, you'll undoubtedly feel overwhelmed and struggle harder to achieve anything - often leading to complete surrender. How many people do you know who fail in their resolutions year after year? Find success - write 'em down, be reasonable and specific in your expectations, and include easily achievable goals to help build confidence for the more challenging goals.
To enjoy success and stay actively focused on your goals involves one essential element. Discipline. That's my first and most important Cornerstone. Stay tuned - I'll begin discussing each cornerstone in more depth as the week progresses. For now, start thinking about your list of objectives and write 'em down!
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Never* Say No to Yourself
Never* say no to yourself. This has become another personal axiom, adopted from a good friend of mine who taught it to me. On the surface, it may seem selfish or arrogant, so let me explain exactly what it means, and just as importantly, what it doesn't. (See author's cautionary footnote.)
Have you ever desired something that required action by someone else but then assumed they would say no, so you didn't even ask? (ie: you'd like a raise, need a ride, or some other minor favor.) Instead by not asking, you essentially said no to yourself - probably out of fear of rejection or embarrassment, or a lack of confidence. If you think about it though, getting a 'no' leaves you no worse off than if you hadn't asked. The potential benefits of being surprised by a 'yes,' however, are enormous. I adopted the "Never Say No to Yourself" philosophy 100% after my friend convinced me to ask for something I was 100% convinced would be denied. Not only was I wrong, but they were delighted to accommodate my request. I was pleasantly stunned - and became an enthusiastic practitioner ever since. Of course, the answer sometimes comes back 'no' too. Don't sweat it. You're no worse off for having asked.
One last point - this axiom is not intended to be taken in a context of "do whatever you want" or "deny yourself nothing." There are numerous instances when saying no to yourself is absolutely required and appropriate. (You know exactly what I mean!)
I urge you to conquer your fear. There are plenty of people who will say no to you. Don't say it to yourself. Simply ask. See what happens. You might, like me, be pleasantly surprised at the results!
* Author's Note: Never does not mean Never. Apply axiom responsibly and as intended or suffer irreparable consequences of your own making.
Have you ever desired something that required action by someone else but then assumed they would say no, so you didn't even ask? (ie: you'd like a raise, need a ride, or some other minor favor.) Instead by not asking, you essentially said no to yourself - probably out of fear of rejection or embarrassment, or a lack of confidence. If you think about it though, getting a 'no' leaves you no worse off than if you hadn't asked. The potential benefits of being surprised by a 'yes,' however, are enormous. I adopted the "Never Say No to Yourself" philosophy 100% after my friend convinced me to ask for something I was 100% convinced would be denied. Not only was I wrong, but they were delighted to accommodate my request. I was pleasantly stunned - and became an enthusiastic practitioner ever since. Of course, the answer sometimes comes back 'no' too. Don't sweat it. You're no worse off for having asked.
One last point - this axiom is not intended to be taken in a context of "do whatever you want" or "deny yourself nothing." There are numerous instances when saying no to yourself is absolutely required and appropriate. (You know exactly what I mean!)
I urge you to conquer your fear. There are plenty of people who will say no to you. Don't say it to yourself. Simply ask. See what happens. You might, like me, be pleasantly surprised at the results!
* Author's Note: Never does not mean Never. Apply axiom responsibly and as intended or suffer irreparable consequences of your own making.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Unqualified Sharing
Someone asked me recently, "what qualifies you to give life advice?" Good question. I'm not qualified. I'm unqualified. I'm also not giving advice. I'm sharing my experiences and the lessons they've taught me. You decide if there's something of value to apply to your own life.
The Reason 87 is really a vehicle for my own personal growth - sort of like a journal - that I've chosen to share. I share my creative writing on The Twilight Blue. I share thoughts on other topics on
3 More Monkeys. Writing helps me think better, helps me work out my troubles, and helps remind me of the lessons I've learned along the way.
The Reason 87 isn't intended as "advice." Think of it more as an invitation into my head. If something resonates with you, benefit from it. If it doesn't resonate, ignore it. It's entirely your choice. So, no advice - just unqualified sharing.
The Reason 87 is really a vehicle for my own personal growth - sort of like a journal - that I've chosen to share. I share my creative writing on The Twilight Blue. I share thoughts on other topics on
3 More Monkeys. Writing helps me think better, helps me work out my troubles, and helps remind me of the lessons I've learned along the way.
The Reason 87 isn't intended as "advice." Think of it more as an invitation into my head. If something resonates with you, benefit from it. If it doesn't resonate, ignore it. It's entirely your choice. So, no advice - just unqualified sharing.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Second Chances
Second chances. Have you gotten one lately? We all secretly wish for them, don't we? And occasionally, they do arrive. But have you been busy preparing for your second chance in the interim? If not, you'll likely repeat your mistakes rather than overcome them. Be vigilant in your preparation because as you'll see from my experience, the years might pile up in between first.
Second chances in life can be few and far between. When you get one, it's a unique opportunity for a new choice or behavior - different than the first chance where the choices made turned out to be missteps. Meaningful second chance opportunities don't come around often. By meaningful, I mean those few important times in your life that you'd like to have back again - to act differently - to choose differently. Most often, we take the lessons learned from those original instances and apply them in other similar instances going forward but rarely, if ever, do we get a second chance at the exact instance. Lately, my own life has experienced a series of meaningful second chances that completely took me by surprise.
As I've mentioned before, I don't live in the past. I live quite contentedly in the present, totally at peace with my past missteps. Some of those missteps were pivotal in my personal development despite the pain caused or endured. Like many other people, I've bungled a few critical moments in life. Some lessons I've learned, others I'm still learning, and undoubtedly, there are some I'm probably destined to never learn. Such is life. We do the best we can. The key is to remain a willing pupil throughout.
Strangely, the second chances I was presented with were several decades old. I accepted and resolved my particular missteps in those situations a long time ago. I had no desire for an exact second chance on either front. Getting an exact second chance is a scary test of if you've really learned anything. If you fail it, it's a case of 1 step forward and 2 steps back. Not fun. In my own case, two second chances arrived nearly simultaneously, and my initial reaction was to avoid taking either test. I quickly realized, however, that's a case of 1 step forward, 1 step back. Stuck, not going anywhere. I equated that with failure because actually taking the test offered a chance to progress. My advice is to embrace the second chance for better or worse.
The first of my second chances was my 30 year high school reunion, that I initially sought to avoid. I'm glad I didn't - 2 steps forward. The other second chance, an exact carbon copy, was professional and dealt with matters over a decade old. I'm confidently determined to make different choices because I faced my original failure and resolved it long ago, never expecting or desiring the second chance thrust upon me. But I'm increasingly thankful about getting it nonetheless. I suppose I'm about to find out if I've really learned anything.
My point today is that you never know when or in what form that second chance opportunity might occur in your life. The two personal instances I shared stacked several decades in between first. Probably a fortunate thing for me, because I'm fairly sure I'd fail the test if they had come sooner in my life. I didn't realize it explicitly until afterwards, but I've been preparing for those second chance tests for several years, applying and re-learning the lessons of ill-fated choices and behaviors through the 7 Cornerstone principles of Discipline, Faith, Determination, Perseverance, Sacrifice, Patience, and Loyalty. There is no secret formula for living - only useful guides for the grueling process of improving - so you can be better prepared for your second chances.
Second chances in life can be few and far between. When you get one, it's a unique opportunity for a new choice or behavior - different than the first chance where the choices made turned out to be missteps. Meaningful second chance opportunities don't come around often. By meaningful, I mean those few important times in your life that you'd like to have back again - to act differently - to choose differently. Most often, we take the lessons learned from those original instances and apply them in other similar instances going forward but rarely, if ever, do we get a second chance at the exact instance. Lately, my own life has experienced a series of meaningful second chances that completely took me by surprise.
As I've mentioned before, I don't live in the past. I live quite contentedly in the present, totally at peace with my past missteps. Some of those missteps were pivotal in my personal development despite the pain caused or endured. Like many other people, I've bungled a few critical moments in life. Some lessons I've learned, others I'm still learning, and undoubtedly, there are some I'm probably destined to never learn. Such is life. We do the best we can. The key is to remain a willing pupil throughout.
Strangely, the second chances I was presented with were several decades old. I accepted and resolved my particular missteps in those situations a long time ago. I had no desire for an exact second chance on either front. Getting an exact second chance is a scary test of if you've really learned anything. If you fail it, it's a case of 1 step forward and 2 steps back. Not fun. In my own case, two second chances arrived nearly simultaneously, and my initial reaction was to avoid taking either test. I quickly realized, however, that's a case of 1 step forward, 1 step back. Stuck, not going anywhere. I equated that with failure because actually taking the test offered a chance to progress. My advice is to embrace the second chance for better or worse.
The first of my second chances was my 30 year high school reunion, that I initially sought to avoid. I'm glad I didn't - 2 steps forward. The other second chance, an exact carbon copy, was professional and dealt with matters over a decade old. I'm confidently determined to make different choices because I faced my original failure and resolved it long ago, never expecting or desiring the second chance thrust upon me. But I'm increasingly thankful about getting it nonetheless. I suppose I'm about to find out if I've really learned anything.
My point today is that you never know when or in what form that second chance opportunity might occur in your life. The two personal instances I shared stacked several decades in between first. Probably a fortunate thing for me, because I'm fairly sure I'd fail the test if they had come sooner in my life. I didn't realize it explicitly until afterwards, but I've been preparing for those second chance tests for several years, applying and re-learning the lessons of ill-fated choices and behaviors through the 7 Cornerstone principles of Discipline, Faith, Determination, Perseverance, Sacrifice, Patience, and Loyalty. There is no secret formula for living - only useful guides for the grueling process of improving - so you can be better prepared for your second chances.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Past, Present, Future
I revisited my past this weekend when I attended my 30 year high school reunion. If you read my last post, you know I was apprehensive about doing so, but it was something I felt compelled to do despite my misgivings. The compulsion I felt was similar to when I ran for political office. It was just something I needed to do for reasons I couldn't entirely explain even to myself.
I don't believe in examining the past unless it's simply to remind myself of a lesson already learned. I'm not interested in dwelling on consequences of mistaken choices or actions that can't be undone. It's pointless. I find it's better to take the emotion out of the equation, learn the lesson, and then try to apply it going forward. I try not to think about the future too much either. If you let your thoughts get too far ahead of yourself, you'll develop an unhealthy habit of worry.
The solution is to live in the present. Easier said than done, but very rewarding if you can pull it off with any consistency. I entered the reunion hall unsure of what to expect but was determined to embrace the experience for better or worse. No matter what, I wasn't going back to the past or who I was in high school. I was going to be fully engaged in the present and be who I had become. I gave zero thought to the future and what I might feel like if it went poorly. In I went, still not knowing why I needed to be there.
When it was all over, I still wasn't entirely sure what I had accomplished but I knew I had had fun and enjoyed myself from beginning to end. I never once went back to high school that night. Whatever irrational remnant of high school memory that had subconsciously haunted me, had been erased. I resolved something I still can't even identify. Interestingly, one of my old friends remarked to me "you are always exactly where you're supposed to be" while we discussed our own personal ups and downs. Though I had heard the phrase many times before, it took on greater clarity in that moment because I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I was in the present - enjoying every minute of it. In a million years, I would never have imagined a moment like that would ever occur at a high school reunion.
I don't believe in examining the past unless it's simply to remind myself of a lesson already learned. I'm not interested in dwelling on consequences of mistaken choices or actions that can't be undone. It's pointless. I find it's better to take the emotion out of the equation, learn the lesson, and then try to apply it going forward. I try not to think about the future too much either. If you let your thoughts get too far ahead of yourself, you'll develop an unhealthy habit of worry.
The solution is to live in the present. Easier said than done, but very rewarding if you can pull it off with any consistency. I entered the reunion hall unsure of what to expect but was determined to embrace the experience for better or worse. No matter what, I wasn't going back to the past or who I was in high school. I was going to be fully engaged in the present and be who I had become. I gave zero thought to the future and what I might feel like if it went poorly. In I went, still not knowing why I needed to be there.
When it was all over, I still wasn't entirely sure what I had accomplished but I knew I had had fun and enjoyed myself from beginning to end. I never once went back to high school that night. Whatever irrational remnant of high school memory that had subconsciously haunted me, had been erased. I resolved something I still can't even identify. Interestingly, one of my old friends remarked to me "you are always exactly where you're supposed to be" while we discussed our own personal ups and downs. Though I had heard the phrase many times before, it took on greater clarity in that moment because I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I was in the present - enjoying every minute of it. In a million years, I would never have imagined a moment like that would ever occur at a high school reunion.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
30 Years On: Reunion & Relationships
I have done the unimaginable. I purchased a ticket to my 30 year high school reunion. The only plausible explanation for that is I'm now a pod, as in the movie, Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
What gives? I managed to avoid all the previous gatherings without so much as a second thought. I don't particularly have fond memories of high school or any affinity for the vast majority of my classmates. When graduation arrived, I never once looked back, choosing to keep in touch with only 1 true friend. And yet, I've made a non-refundable hotel reservation.
As a result, I've been examining my motivation to attend in light of my past tendency to avoid. I think it has something to do with relationships, an area in which I've always struggled. Relationships are critical to the quality of a life. Strong, healthy ones enrich your own experience. They broaden your perspectives, magnify your achievements, and soften your disappointments. They are symbiotic, providing as much as taking. They are our tether to this world and that which makes life worthwhile.
During high school, I was shy and introverted. I had difficulty being outgoing enough to forge strong relationships. I wasn't unhappy - just afraid, I think. Plus, building relationships simply wasn't important to me. The foundation for all of that certainly was rooted in irrational fear - of rejection, of awkwardness, of ridicule. I wasn't taking enough chances and that pattern didn't change much over subsequent years until relatively recently when I had an epiphany. Relationships matter.
That was a tough revelation for me. Once it clicked, I realized how few meaningful relationships I had formed. It became important to me to rectify that. Oddly enough, I've been with my wife, Ann for nearly 28 years so I had an excellent relationship building model to refer to.
I made a conscious decision to find ways to push beyond the comfort zone I had created. I accidently became a community activist (read that long tale on The Rotterdam Windmill), ran for political office, and became a Realtor in my spare time. All of these activities forced me to actively engage people. It was scary but through it all, I solidified one of my personal mantras. "I'm not worried by what others think of me." Essentially, I learned to like myself. Sounds corny, I know, but I know who I am now and I'm comfortable with it. Of course, I managed to form some valuable, lasting relationships along the way.
Today, I still have fewer strong bonds than I'd prefer but I'm constantly reminding myself to take the risks necessary to build new relationships (or renew forgotten ones) and strengthen the already existing ones. I try to embrace the sometimes uncomfortable opportunities to do that now rather than run from them...which is why I think I have a ticket and hotel reservation.
What gives? I managed to avoid all the previous gatherings without so much as a second thought. I don't particularly have fond memories of high school or any affinity for the vast majority of my classmates. When graduation arrived, I never once looked back, choosing to keep in touch with only 1 true friend. And yet, I've made a non-refundable hotel reservation.
As a result, I've been examining my motivation to attend in light of my past tendency to avoid. I think it has something to do with relationships, an area in which I've always struggled. Relationships are critical to the quality of a life. Strong, healthy ones enrich your own experience. They broaden your perspectives, magnify your achievements, and soften your disappointments. They are symbiotic, providing as much as taking. They are our tether to this world and that which makes life worthwhile.
During high school, I was shy and introverted. I had difficulty being outgoing enough to forge strong relationships. I wasn't unhappy - just afraid, I think. Plus, building relationships simply wasn't important to me. The foundation for all of that certainly was rooted in irrational fear - of rejection, of awkwardness, of ridicule. I wasn't taking enough chances and that pattern didn't change much over subsequent years until relatively recently when I had an epiphany. Relationships matter.
That was a tough revelation for me. Once it clicked, I realized how few meaningful relationships I had formed. It became important to me to rectify that. Oddly enough, I've been with my wife, Ann for nearly 28 years so I had an excellent relationship building model to refer to.
I made a conscious decision to find ways to push beyond the comfort zone I had created. I accidently became a community activist (read that long tale on The Rotterdam Windmill), ran for political office, and became a Realtor in my spare time. All of these activities forced me to actively engage people. It was scary but through it all, I solidified one of my personal mantras. "I'm not worried by what others think of me." Essentially, I learned to like myself. Sounds corny, I know, but I know who I am now and I'm comfortable with it. Of course, I managed to form some valuable, lasting relationships along the way.
Today, I still have fewer strong bonds than I'd prefer but I'm constantly reminding myself to take the risks necessary to build new relationships (or renew forgotten ones) and strengthen the already existing ones. I try to embrace the sometimes uncomfortable opportunities to do that now rather than run from them...which is why I think I have a ticket and hotel reservation.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Death As Part of Life
There’s no getting around it. You live. Eventually, you die. Dwelling on the reality of your own eventual death is not something I recommend, but putting that reality into perspective is essential to living your life more fully. Many people understandably seek to avoid thinking about their own mortality. The prospect of death upsets people. I get that. But I am of the mind that acknowledging and confronting your own mortality, and death in general, is healthy.
Our time here is finite. If you can conquer your fear of death, the time you have, no matter how long or short, becomes that much more meaningful and precious. Achieving happiness today becomes easier. What’s truly important takes on greater clarity. Too often, I think, we don’t realize these truths until death robs us of the opportunity altogether or we are in our waning years. I won’t pretend to tell you how to put death in perspective. I understand it’s different for each of us. For me, Faith (one of my cornerstones) is a critical tool, but not the only one. Death is scary. Death can be cruel. Death is a part of life.
I think death is harder to deal with when it’s not your own. The impact from a loved one’s death can be traumatic and devastating. I know the sorrow of losing both my parents. I know the sorrow of losing friends. Every death leaves its own unique hole in your life. These holes can’t be filled in. They’re permanent. But I have found that if you look deep enough into the sadness, you can find joy too. It’s a paradox I can’t explain but if you’ve known death in your life, you may know what I’m talking about. The death of others around us may be the hardest part of life, and the underlying cause of the desire to avoid thinking about our own mortality. Personally, I forced myself early to deal with death head-on to ensure the grief didn’t consume me. It was among the best actions I’ve ever taken.
The late Steve Jobs, before he got sick, had this to say about death,
That’s insightful, I think. It’s an attitude worth assimilating into our lives, if possible. Live life. Live it fully.
I apologize if this post seems unfocused or rambling but I’m prompted to explore this topic today as much to remind myself of the fragility of life, and to motivate myself and you to appreciate every moment of it completely, as to search for that joy hidden somewhere in the sadness. Tragically, the unique and painful hole of losing a child was imposed on the life of a friend of mine yesterday. As a consequence, my paradigm of coping with death is being tested fiercely.
Our time here is finite. If you can conquer your fear of death, the time you have, no matter how long or short, becomes that much more meaningful and precious. Achieving happiness today becomes easier. What’s truly important takes on greater clarity. Too often, I think, we don’t realize these truths until death robs us of the opportunity altogether or we are in our waning years. I won’t pretend to tell you how to put death in perspective. I understand it’s different for each of us. For me, Faith (one of my cornerstones) is a critical tool, but not the only one. Death is scary. Death can be cruel. Death is a part of life.
I think death is harder to deal with when it’s not your own. The impact from a loved one’s death can be traumatic and devastating. I know the sorrow of losing both my parents. I know the sorrow of losing friends. Every death leaves its own unique hole in your life. These holes can’t be filled in. They’re permanent. But I have found that if you look deep enough into the sadness, you can find joy too. It’s a paradox I can’t explain but if you’ve known death in your life, you may know what I’m talking about. The death of others around us may be the hardest part of life, and the underlying cause of the desire to avoid thinking about our own mortality. Personally, I forced myself early to deal with death head-on to ensure the grief didn’t consume me. It was among the best actions I’ve ever taken.
The late Steve Jobs, before he got sick, had this to say about death,
"Death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life’s change agent. The benefit of death is you know not to waste life living someone else’s choices."
That’s insightful, I think. It’s an attitude worth assimilating into our lives, if possible. Live life. Live it fully.
I apologize if this post seems unfocused or rambling but I’m prompted to explore this topic today as much to remind myself of the fragility of life, and to motivate myself and you to appreciate every moment of it completely, as to search for that joy hidden somewhere in the sadness. Tragically, the unique and painful hole of losing a child was imposed on the life of a friend of mine yesterday. As a consequence, my paradigm of coping with death is being tested fiercely.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
There Is Always Hope
Hope. I’m a big believer in hope. Sometimes it’s the only thing that gets you through to the next day. When you’re at the end of the rope and there appears to be no help, no answers, and no way forward…there is always hope…and sometimes only hope.
Hope won’t solve any of your problems or provide immediate relief from what ails you, but it can be the bridge to keep you off the bridge. Hope will occasionally fail you. Be prepared for that. Hope will come up empty sometimes and when that happens, you’ll start to question everything. Ironic, but it’s also hope that will get you through those times.
Often times, it’s you who can provide some hope to others. Today is one of those opportunities.
Each year for the past several years, my family and I participate as a team in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Albany, NY. It’s an important event, but not solely in terms of fundraising. It’s an event that also provides hope. Hope for a cure. Hope for survival. Hope for strength. Hope for necessary care, both for prevention or treatment. And on and on. When it comes to cancer, sometimes hope is all you have. I’ve relied on it more than once. I’m saddened to say it has failed me on occasion. I go on hoping anyway.
Today, I’m humbly asking you to consider making a donation in order to provide hope to those that might be experiencing difficulty mustering some at the moment. You can do so easily by clicking the secure link at the end of this post. I hope you’ll support me if you can.
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/michaeloconnor
Hope won’t solve any of your problems or provide immediate relief from what ails you, but it can be the bridge to keep you off the bridge. Hope will occasionally fail you. Be prepared for that. Hope will come up empty sometimes and when that happens, you’ll start to question everything. Ironic, but it’s also hope that will get you through those times.
Often times, it’s you who can provide some hope to others. Today is one of those opportunities.
Each year for the past several years, my family and I participate as a team in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Albany, NY. It’s an important event, but not solely in terms of fundraising. It’s an event that also provides hope. Hope for a cure. Hope for survival. Hope for strength. Hope for necessary care, both for prevention or treatment. And on and on. When it comes to cancer, sometimes hope is all you have. I’ve relied on it more than once. I’m saddened to say it has failed me on occasion. I go on hoping anyway.
Today, I’m humbly asking you to consider making a donation in order to provide hope to those that might be experiencing difficulty mustering some at the moment. You can do so easily by clicking the secure link at the end of this post. I hope you’ll support me if you can.
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/michaeloconnor
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
The Grinder, Part II : Phoenix Rising
"It's not about you." That's the opening line from Rick Warren's best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life. I stumbled across that book after my Grinder experience. I think that opening line is a great life guide for managing an ego.
At any rate, my "adjustment" didn't happen immediately or all at once. I daresay, some would say it hasn't happened at all. It's certainly far from complete. And it's those times that are the most gut-wrenching and most instructional. When my "old self" makes an appearance, it's ugly. I don't like it. The dilemma for me, I think, has been separating the wheat from the chaff. Many of the traits that have helped me succeed in life are the same ones that have held me back. For me, it's been a matter of appropriate application of some of these traits. I'm still learning. But I also know I'm making progress so I keep going, trying to learn and grow from each experience.
So what's the secret? There isn't one. If there was, it would've been dispensed by someone long ago. There's life. Sometimes it's hard, real hard. Like everyone else, I'd like to find my true purpose, feel more fulfilled, feel more inspired, feel more content, impact others more positively. My strategy involved prefacing each of those objectives with the phrase, "what choices can I make today to..."
Life is about decision-making and making choices. You won't always choose "correctly." That's okay. Unfortunately, too many of us think if we choose poorly, that's it, we're stuck. Not so. It's just time to choose again. If you're seeking an objective, you've got to be willing to keep being a decison-maker. Keep making choices until you accomplish your objective. You can't afford to sit back and just let life happen. You've got to actively participate.
At any rate, my "adjustment" didn't happen immediately or all at once. I daresay, some would say it hasn't happened at all. It's certainly far from complete. And it's those times that are the most gut-wrenching and most instructional. When my "old self" makes an appearance, it's ugly. I don't like it. The dilemma for me, I think, has been separating the wheat from the chaff. Many of the traits that have helped me succeed in life are the same ones that have held me back. For me, it's been a matter of appropriate application of some of these traits. I'm still learning. But I also know I'm making progress so I keep going, trying to learn and grow from each experience.
So what's the secret? There isn't one. If there was, it would've been dispensed by someone long ago. There's life. Sometimes it's hard, real hard. Like everyone else, I'd like to find my true purpose, feel more fulfilled, feel more inspired, feel more content, impact others more positively. My strategy involved prefacing each of those objectives with the phrase, "what choices can I make today to..."
Life is about decision-making and making choices. You won't always choose "correctly." That's okay. Unfortunately, too many of us think if we choose poorly, that's it, we're stuck. Not so. It's just time to choose again. If you're seeking an objective, you've got to be willing to keep being a decison-maker. Keep making choices until you accomplish your objective. You can't afford to sit back and just let life happen. You've got to actively participate.
Monday, September 17, 2012
The Grinder, Part I : Fall from Grace
Have you ever been through the grinder? I have. It's not fun.
I'm talking about that humiliating kick in the crotch. You're young, you're invincible, you've got the world by the b*lls. And then it happens. The Humbling. Life as you know it derails and your ego gets crushed. Grinder time. It's time for complete reevaluation, like it or not.
When it happened to me, my life (and mainly my behaviors) got redefined. That was good for the rest of the world, bad for me in the moment. I had an extremely difficult time accepting my new set of circumstances. After all, I was king. But it became abundantly clear that I wasn't. I was just a self-deluded cog. Ouch. It was a defining moment in my life. Ego is a terrific tool for success but it's simultaneously as dangerous if you don't have it in proper perspective. I didn't.
My point is, there's reality, and then there's our perception of that reality. Grinder Time is the mechanism that reconciles the inconsistencies between the two. Of course, the degree of that variance will vary from person to person and so will the corresponding "adjustment." But don't kid yourself, it comes to us all eventually. It almost always involves your ego.
I'm talking about that humiliating kick in the crotch. You're young, you're invincible, you've got the world by the b*lls. And then it happens. The Humbling. Life as you know it derails and your ego gets crushed. Grinder time. It's time for complete reevaluation, like it or not.
When it happened to me, my life (and mainly my behaviors) got redefined. That was good for the rest of the world, bad for me in the moment. I had an extremely difficult time accepting my new set of circumstances. After all, I was king. But it became abundantly clear that I wasn't. I was just a self-deluded cog. Ouch. It was a defining moment in my life. Ego is a terrific tool for success but it's simultaneously as dangerous if you don't have it in proper perspective. I didn't.
My point is, there's reality, and then there's our perception of that reality. Grinder Time is the mechanism that reconciles the inconsistencies between the two. Of course, the degree of that variance will vary from person to person and so will the corresponding "adjustment." But don't kid yourself, it comes to us all eventually. It almost always involves your ego.
(to be continued tomorrow...)
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Old Man and the Sea
Know your limitations. That's the simple lesson learned from reading Hemingway's classic tale. It's a valuable lesson.
What's the best way to determine exactly what those limitations are? Most of the time, it's determined by pushing beyond your comfort zone. That as we all know is a challenging undertaking, not always a pleasant one, but one with potential for unexpected rewards. Of course, consequences are equally likely.
I rely on the 7 words from my previous blog entry to keep me motivated toward goals which sometimes seem unachievable. Funny thing about limitations is that they usually change over time. You never know when unless you're willing to test the boundaries every now and then.
Previously posted December 7, 2007 on The Rotterdam Windmill
What's the best way to determine exactly what those limitations are? Most of the time, it's determined by pushing beyond your comfort zone. That as we all know is a challenging undertaking, not always a pleasant one, but one with potential for unexpected rewards. Of course, consequences are equally likely.
I rely on the 7 words from my previous blog entry to keep me motivated toward goals which sometimes seem unachievable. Funny thing about limitations is that they usually change over time. You never know when unless you're willing to test the boundaries every now and then.
Previously posted December 7, 2007 on The Rotterdam Windmill
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Cornerstones
Some time ago in another forum, I discussed 7 words that serve to guide my actions. I like to refer to them as cornerstones. They are simple words with straight-forward meaning. Easily understood by many but applied to daily life with difficulty by most. Though each impressively is able to stand alone, it is the relationship to each other and their eventual combination that truly unlocks the powerful influence on a life.
DISCIPLINE
FAITH
DETERMINATION
PERSEVERANCE
SACRIFICE
PATIENCE
LOYALTY
Reprinted from
Live Richly: Collected Philosophies of an Ordinary Man
© 2006 M. O'Connor. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
DISCIPLINE
FAITH
DETERMINATION
PERSEVERANCE
SACRIFICE
PATIENCE
LOYALTY
Reprinted from
Live Richly: Collected Philosophies of an Ordinary Man
© 2006 M. O'Connor. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Reality Check
I originally had another post in mind today but decided on a reality check instead. For the past week or so, I've dispensed a fair amount of fancy talk. That's because I believe it. If you don't first believe it, you're already half defeated before you start. I'm a believer.
Fancy talk resonates with me. Not because I am lulled by its promises. I believe great initiatives begin with that kind of talk, in fact, they require it. In my own experiences of trying to motivate people to be better than they believe they can be (myself included), to achieve the seemingly unachievable, to make a difference, to simply not accept what every other fiber of their being is telling them cannot be done, the essence of success can only be embodied in that kind of fancy talk. Achieving begins by doing, and doing begins by believing. Knowing the obstacles and eliminating the doubts is not the same as pretending they don’t exist. I believe solutions and improvements always exist, even when they might not necessarily be apparent. Because something is behind a wall, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Finding the way over, under, around or through the wall is the challenge. It can always be done with the right belief, determination, and perseverance.
But make no mistake, I understand life is hard. Harder for some than for others. Sometimes it's so f-ing hard it shatters the lives of the strongest among us. "It's a long climb up but a quick fall down," was a line I heard just last night in the movie Being Flynn.
I was never an addict. I wasn't abused. I'm not homeless. But I've had my own set of struggles and hardships to endure. I have my own set of personal demons and inadequacies to battle. I don't assume to know your set of challenges but I'm certain of some age-old qualities that are vital in combatting them. I'll start sharing some in the posts ahead. You've heard many of them before I'm sure. It's a matter of adopting them as personal rules.
I don't like being a victim, certainly not of myself. I have limited patience for those that do. (Patience is perhaps my most difficult ongoing struggle.) Is that callous, cold-hearted, even selfish? Maybe. Probably. I suppose so. I'm not proud of my deficiencies but I know who I am and I'm comfortable with accepting it while I try my best to improve it. I'm flawed and weak just like everyone else.
That doesn't neccessarily mean I'll just ignore your troubles but you've got to truly want to help yourself. Some have to hit "rock bottom." I think that's a lot of wasted time feeling sorry for yourself or making excuses. I guess at the bottom of the barrel you finally run out of excuses. Call it fortitude, willpower, or whatever but I'm not going all the way to the bottom of the barrel before I get a grip and help myself. You don't have to either. I call it discipline - plain and simple even though we both know it's anything but simple. Couple it with a few other things and it's a program for living life richly - the good and the bad.
I said it in my Choice in the Quest for Calm post the other day - there is no magic formula. Life is hard. But your choices can make it easier.
Fancy talk resonates with me. Not because I am lulled by its promises. I believe great initiatives begin with that kind of talk, in fact, they require it. In my own experiences of trying to motivate people to be better than they believe they can be (myself included), to achieve the seemingly unachievable, to make a difference, to simply not accept what every other fiber of their being is telling them cannot be done, the essence of success can only be embodied in that kind of fancy talk. Achieving begins by doing, and doing begins by believing. Knowing the obstacles and eliminating the doubts is not the same as pretending they don’t exist. I believe solutions and improvements always exist, even when they might not necessarily be apparent. Because something is behind a wall, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Finding the way over, under, around or through the wall is the challenge. It can always be done with the right belief, determination, and perseverance.
But make no mistake, I understand life is hard. Harder for some than for others. Sometimes it's so f-ing hard it shatters the lives of the strongest among us. "It's a long climb up but a quick fall down," was a line I heard just last night in the movie Being Flynn.
I was never an addict. I wasn't abused. I'm not homeless. But I've had my own set of struggles and hardships to endure. I have my own set of personal demons and inadequacies to battle. I don't assume to know your set of challenges but I'm certain of some age-old qualities that are vital in combatting them. I'll start sharing some in the posts ahead. You've heard many of them before I'm sure. It's a matter of adopting them as personal rules.
I don't like being a victim, certainly not of myself. I have limited patience for those that do. (Patience is perhaps my most difficult ongoing struggle.) Is that callous, cold-hearted, even selfish? Maybe. Probably. I suppose so. I'm not proud of my deficiencies but I know who I am and I'm comfortable with accepting it while I try my best to improve it. I'm flawed and weak just like everyone else.
That doesn't neccessarily mean I'll just ignore your troubles but you've got to truly want to help yourself. Some have to hit "rock bottom." I think that's a lot of wasted time feeling sorry for yourself or making excuses. I guess at the bottom of the barrel you finally run out of excuses. Call it fortitude, willpower, or whatever but I'm not going all the way to the bottom of the barrel before I get a grip and help myself. You don't have to either. I call it discipline - plain and simple even though we both know it's anything but simple. Couple it with a few other things and it's a program for living life richly - the good and the bad.
I said it in my Choice in the Quest for Calm post the other day - there is no magic formula. Life is hard. But your choices can make it easier.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Inspiration
My last post got me thinking about the people I’ve met that inspire me to be better than I might otherwise be. We all have our own list I suppose but I thought I’d share some of the individuals on my list. I’ll intentionally limit myself to only those people who I’ve actually met and had substantive contact with.
My wife, Ann is absolutely the most influential person on my life. I’m consistently amazed at her insight on all matters complicated and delicate. Her advice is always speedy but never hasty and rarely off the mark. Truly the most remarkable person I know, she is my greatest resource.
Before Ann came along, I was most influenced by my parents and a few special teachers. My Dad was a WWII veteran who grew up through the Depression. I was always impressed by his work ethic and commitment and ability to make sacrifices without ever making them apparent. I think I’m only now beginning to fully appreciate that and understand how to incorporate some of it into my own behavior. My Mom was the one who nurtured and encouraged me in a way my Dad never would. She was the first person who made me understand the importance of believing in myself and that giving my best effort was all that was important in the scheme of things.
The most influential teacher on my life was my 7th grade English teacher, Mrs. Kaplan. She encouraged my writing, especially creatively, and introduced me to public speaking. To this day, she remains a valuable resource.
I also had the great fortune, which often times felt like a great misfortune, of growing up alongside two individuals that went on to even greater accomplishments. Kevin Short, who is a northeast professor responsible for pioneering the compression technology that gives your cell phone those fancy rings among other things, and Walt Weiss, of Oakland A’s fame. Both provided enduring examples of excellence that I could directly relate to.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of being invited to an intimate investment seminar in Vail, Colorado. Several individuals had a profound impact on my thinking but two stand out prominently. The first is Tom Kirk, Jr. whom I’ve already mentioned previously and the second is General Hal Moore. These two men are renowned for their ordeals but it was their distilled advice which seemed so utterly simple that was of most impact. In the context of what they had endured, their demeanor and insight on life was remarkable and compelling, yet surprisingly straightforward and simple.
These people I’ve mentioned are but a few of the direct influences on my life and how I choose to approach things. It’s amazing to me the shared qualities between those famous and those ordinary. We all know individuals with these qualities; the qualities hard to define sometimes but easier to recognize. We can all be inspired to be better than we would be otherwise if only we stay alert to the wisdom that touches our lives every day.
My wife, Ann is absolutely the most influential person on my life. I’m consistently amazed at her insight on all matters complicated and delicate. Her advice is always speedy but never hasty and rarely off the mark. Truly the most remarkable person I know, she is my greatest resource.
Before Ann came along, I was most influenced by my parents and a few special teachers. My Dad was a WWII veteran who grew up through the Depression. I was always impressed by his work ethic and commitment and ability to make sacrifices without ever making them apparent. I think I’m only now beginning to fully appreciate that and understand how to incorporate some of it into my own behavior. My Mom was the one who nurtured and encouraged me in a way my Dad never would. She was the first person who made me understand the importance of believing in myself and that giving my best effort was all that was important in the scheme of things.
The most influential teacher on my life was my 7th grade English teacher, Mrs. Kaplan. She encouraged my writing, especially creatively, and introduced me to public speaking. To this day, she remains a valuable resource.
I also had the great fortune, which often times felt like a great misfortune, of growing up alongside two individuals that went on to even greater accomplishments. Kevin Short, who is a northeast professor responsible for pioneering the compression technology that gives your cell phone those fancy rings among other things, and Walt Weiss, of Oakland A’s fame. Both provided enduring examples of excellence that I could directly relate to.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of being invited to an intimate investment seminar in Vail, Colorado. Several individuals had a profound impact on my thinking but two stand out prominently. The first is Tom Kirk, Jr. whom I’ve already mentioned previously and the second is General Hal Moore. These two men are renowned for their ordeals but it was their distilled advice which seemed so utterly simple that was of most impact. In the context of what they had endured, their demeanor and insight on life was remarkable and compelling, yet surprisingly straightforward and simple.
These people I’ve mentioned are but a few of the direct influences on my life and how I choose to approach things. It’s amazing to me the shared qualities between those famous and those ordinary. We all know individuals with these qualities; the qualities hard to define sometimes but easier to recognize. We can all be inspired to be better than we would be otherwise if only we stay alert to the wisdom that touches our lives every day.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Introspection
I never understood the appeal of continual complaining or repeated bashing solely to complain or bash. It gets old fast and for the most part, is unnecessary if not redundant.
I do my fair share of complaining too but now I try to move past it to find a solution. It’s just plain unproductive otherwise. My best bet would probably be to realize that some people like to complain. And then they complain some more. And that’s all they’re ever going to do until they draw their last breath. I should learn to avoid those people.
I’m reminded of some good advice given to me by Mr. Tom Kirk, Jr. “Look in the mirror each day and ask, have I been the best father, the best husband, the best son, etc that I could be today?” That may sound like dorky advice unless you know who Tom Kirk, Jr. is and what he lived through. I’ll let you dig around on your own to find out (or you can ask me) but he’ll likely come up again in later posts. In the meantime, look in the mirror and ask the question of yourself. The answer may help you to stop complaining. I know it helped me.
I do my fair share of complaining too but now I try to move past it to find a solution. It’s just plain unproductive otherwise. My best bet would probably be to realize that some people like to complain. And then they complain some more. And that’s all they’re ever going to do until they draw their last breath. I should learn to avoid those people.
I’m reminded of some good advice given to me by Mr. Tom Kirk, Jr. “Look in the mirror each day and ask, have I been the best father, the best husband, the best son, etc that I could be today?” That may sound like dorky advice unless you know who Tom Kirk, Jr. is and what he lived through. I’ll let you dig around on your own to find out (or you can ask me) but he’ll likely come up again in later posts. In the meantime, look in the mirror and ask the question of yourself. The answer may help you to stop complaining. I know it helped me.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Take Time to Relax
This is a recent photo I took at the Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine. In this busy world, it's easy to forget to take time for ourselves just to relax. Relaxing is important too. York, Maine has been our family's sanctuary for nearly 25 years now. It's easy to see why in this photo. This view was uncomparable. Obviously, whoever inscribed the bench knew it too.
REPOSE - REFLECT - REJOICE
I would've enjoyed sitting on that bench forever but certainly am grateful for the time I got to relax there.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Choice in the Quest for Calm
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by life? That everything is spinning out of control no matter how hard you work to control it? Unfortunately for all of us, life has a way of being difficult sometimes. When that happens, peace can seem impossibly elusive. For those times, I'd like to share a quote from an esteemed friend, John Mroz, that has comforted and inspired me in my difficult times.
I'd never thought about peace like that before. External forces will always be there affecting our lives and emotions, but it's really our internal reactions to those forces that dictate calm and peace.
Choose your reaction. That's one of my main tenets. For me, it was the above quote that helped me finally understand how Choice is king. Choice, whether consciously or subconsciously, forms and determines our habits and actions, and ultimately, how we feel and react.
It is no small feat to choose your emotion. If you're like me, it's one of the hardest things to do, let alone, do consistently. I'm certainly still a work-in-progress. But habits are developed over time not overnight. Similarly, it takes time to undo behaviors. There are many sources of advice on how to accomplish this - and I'll be laying out many of the motivating principles I used in more detail in future posts - but I think it's important to reflect properly first on the concept (and power) of Choice in our lives.
There is no magic formula for leading a happier, more fulfilling life but there are a few strategies that can help move us in the right direction. They all rely on Choice.
"Peace is not the absence of chaos or conflict, but rather finding yourself in the midst of that chaos and remaining calm in your heart."
I'd never thought about peace like that before. External forces will always be there affecting our lives and emotions, but it's really our internal reactions to those forces that dictate calm and peace.
Choose your reaction. That's one of my main tenets. For me, it was the above quote that helped me finally understand how Choice is king. Choice, whether consciously or subconsciously, forms and determines our habits and actions, and ultimately, how we feel and react.
It is no small feat to choose your emotion. If you're like me, it's one of the hardest things to do, let alone, do consistently. I'm certainly still a work-in-progress. But habits are developed over time not overnight. Similarly, it takes time to undo behaviors. There are many sources of advice on how to accomplish this - and I'll be laying out many of the motivating principles I used in more detail in future posts - but I think it's important to reflect properly first on the concept (and power) of Choice in our lives.
There is no magic formula for leading a happier, more fulfilling life but there are a few strategies that can help move us in the right direction. They all rely on Choice.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Be Yourself
I am a giant fan of Chris Cornell, solo artist and lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave.
I find the Audioslave song “Be Yourself” from their album “Out of Exile” to be particularly inspiring. The lyrics are simultaneously straightforwardly simple and insightfully complex.
…To be yourself
is all that you can do (all that you can do)
Hey...
Be yourself
is all that you can do
even when you've paid enough
been put upon or been held up
with every single memory of
the good or bad, faces of luck
don't lose any sleep tonight
I’m sure everything will end up alright
you may win or lose
But
to be yourself
is all that you can do
Yeah...
To be yourself
is all that you can do…
I take these simple words to heart every moment of every day. To fully appreciate it, I hope you'll take a moment to listen to Chris' recording.
I find the Audioslave song “Be Yourself” from their album “Out of Exile” to be particularly inspiring. The lyrics are simultaneously straightforwardly simple and insightfully complex.
…To be yourself
is all that you can do (all that you can do)
Hey...
Be yourself
is all that you can do
even when you've paid enough
been put upon or been held up
with every single memory of
the good or bad, faces of luck
don't lose any sleep tonight
I’m sure everything will end up alright
you may win or lose
But
to be yourself
is all that you can do
Yeah...
To be yourself
is all that you can do…
I take these simple words to heart every moment of every day. To fully appreciate it, I hope you'll take a moment to listen to Chris' recording.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Tell Me I Can't
I love it when someone tells me “it can’t be done.” The argument usually goes a little something like people have tried before to do it and didn’t succeed so you’re wasting your time. It doesn’t seem to matter if they desire the change or not. They just are resigned to the fact that it can’t ever change. Never. Ever.
I’ve been told exactly that several times in recent memory. The first instance was when I tried to get my neighbors involved to obtain long-overdue road reconstruction and drainage relief for the neighborhood. Every single person I encountered said it would never happen. I was wasting my time. Did I know how many times they had already tried and failed? This was a decades old problem that no one was ever going to address. Never. Ever. Thankfully, enough people were willing to go along with my foolhardy notion that this time might be different. They didn’t necessarily believe me but they were willing to stand with me. It took nearly 5 years, but we persevered through a host of obstacles and emerged with an approved project.
During that same period, I also mounted an effort that most everyone thought was sheer lunacy. I opposed Wal-Mart and their plans to build a new super center in an inappropriate location. No one believed that the behemoth that was Wal-Mart could possibly be thwarted…but we prevailed there too…despite the declarations that it simply couldn’t be done.
In 2009 I waged an independent campaign against the major parties, with limited resources and without mud-slinging. That was also a pipe dream, no matter how noble, according to the experts. First they laughed at me. Then they tried to ignore me. Then they attacked me. Then I surprised them by winning the Republican primary. Then they worried about the independent ballot line I created too. The line they said was impossible to create. In the end, I came up a tad short on Election Day but still accomplished a great many “unachievable” goals along the way.
And still, I occasionally run into the person that says, “It can’t be done.” When I ask them why they think that the reply is something like, “because – it’s just the way it is and you’ll never be able to change that.” Incredible isn’t it? They just reluctantly throw up their hands and say oh well, that’s the way it is so I guess I have to accept it. I don’t accept it.
I had the great privilege of watching my oldest daughter obtain her MBA from Union College a few years ago. I can’t describe in words how proud of her I was that day. She worked hard. I bring this up because the commencement speaker struck a theme of perseverance I could personally relate to. Interestingly, his remarks contained a secret I learned myself long ago and perhaps is the reason for my own successes. Failure is a key component of success. Every time you fail, you actually get one step closer to your desired goal, because you learn something. You learn what doesn’t work. It sounds cliché, but it is the absolute truth. It’s all about perseverance. You don’t have to accept the status quo simply because it is. You can change it.
So please… tell me I can’t. It’s the biggest motivating force there is. The more I hear it, the more confident I become that I’ll eventually reach the goal. I won’t ever stop persevering. Never. Ever.
I’ve been told exactly that several times in recent memory. The first instance was when I tried to get my neighbors involved to obtain long-overdue road reconstruction and drainage relief for the neighborhood. Every single person I encountered said it would never happen. I was wasting my time. Did I know how many times they had already tried and failed? This was a decades old problem that no one was ever going to address. Never. Ever. Thankfully, enough people were willing to go along with my foolhardy notion that this time might be different. They didn’t necessarily believe me but they were willing to stand with me. It took nearly 5 years, but we persevered through a host of obstacles and emerged with an approved project.
During that same period, I also mounted an effort that most everyone thought was sheer lunacy. I opposed Wal-Mart and their plans to build a new super center in an inappropriate location. No one believed that the behemoth that was Wal-Mart could possibly be thwarted…but we prevailed there too…despite the declarations that it simply couldn’t be done.
In 2009 I waged an independent campaign against the major parties, with limited resources and without mud-slinging. That was also a pipe dream, no matter how noble, according to the experts. First they laughed at me. Then they tried to ignore me. Then they attacked me. Then I surprised them by winning the Republican primary. Then they worried about the independent ballot line I created too. The line they said was impossible to create. In the end, I came up a tad short on Election Day but still accomplished a great many “unachievable” goals along the way.
And still, I occasionally run into the person that says, “It can’t be done.” When I ask them why they think that the reply is something like, “because – it’s just the way it is and you’ll never be able to change that.” Incredible isn’t it? They just reluctantly throw up their hands and say oh well, that’s the way it is so I guess I have to accept it. I don’t accept it.
I had the great privilege of watching my oldest daughter obtain her MBA from Union College a few years ago. I can’t describe in words how proud of her I was that day. She worked hard. I bring this up because the commencement speaker struck a theme of perseverance I could personally relate to. Interestingly, his remarks contained a secret I learned myself long ago and perhaps is the reason for my own successes. Failure is a key component of success. Every time you fail, you actually get one step closer to your desired goal, because you learn something. You learn what doesn’t work. It sounds cliché, but it is the absolute truth. It’s all about perseverance. You don’t have to accept the status quo simply because it is. You can change it.
So please… tell me I can’t. It’s the biggest motivating force there is. The more I hear it, the more confident I become that I’ll eventually reach the goal. I won’t ever stop persevering. Never. Ever.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Unravel
Have you ever had anything unravel on you? Not implode or explode, but unravel? It’s a slow progress that winds up gaining unexpected momentum. The results can often be devastating. By the time you realize it’s happening, it’s too late to reverse. Sometimes you realize it’s happening but choose to ignore it, dismissing the significance of the early warning signs.
The truth is that almost every single thing is vulnerable to an unraveling. That’s right…almost everything.
It takes care to avoid complacency. Most things are more fragile than thought. An unraveling begins imperceptibly. There is an advantage gained by those who perceive it early.
The truth is that almost every single thing is vulnerable to an unraveling. That’s right…almost everything.
It takes care to avoid complacency. Most things are more fragile than thought. An unraveling begins imperceptibly. There is an advantage gained by those who perceive it early.
(Reprinted from The Rotterdam Windmill. Originally posted January 25,2009)
Friday, August 31, 2012
Is It Time?
"There comes a time in everyone's life when they must choose to be extraordinary."
I recently stumbled upon that insightful comment while reading another blog. We all have our own set of dreams, desires, wants, and hopes. Our own personal version of what constitutes "extraordinary." But time has a way of disappearing quickly and we can find ourselves wondering how our opportunity to realize those hopes vanished along with it. The thing is, it's never too late. "Too late" is just one of the excuses we use not to challenge ourselves. It's easier to choose to be "ordinary." Choosing to be "extraordinary" is scary. It introduces risks and uncertainties that are otherwise easily avoided. But if you're lucky (and brave for long enough to take that first step), "there comes a time." Be ready for it and then act because choosing to be extraordinary is also fulfilling.
So is it time? It is for me. (And I hope for you.) I've squandered quite a bit of time and manufactured enough excuses to prevent me from chasing a few of my lifelong dreams and ambitions. I'm choosing to be "extraordinary." I hope you will too.
Oh yeah...welcome to my new blog, The Reason 87.
I recently stumbled upon that insightful comment while reading another blog. We all have our own set of dreams, desires, wants, and hopes. Our own personal version of what constitutes "extraordinary." But time has a way of disappearing quickly and we can find ourselves wondering how our opportunity to realize those hopes vanished along with it. The thing is, it's never too late. "Too late" is just one of the excuses we use not to challenge ourselves. It's easier to choose to be "ordinary." Choosing to be "extraordinary" is scary. It introduces risks and uncertainties that are otherwise easily avoided. But if you're lucky (and brave for long enough to take that first step), "there comes a time." Be ready for it and then act because choosing to be extraordinary is also fulfilling.
So is it time? It is for me. (And I hope for you.) I've squandered quite a bit of time and manufactured enough excuses to prevent me from chasing a few of my lifelong dreams and ambitions. I'm choosing to be "extraordinary." I hope you will too.
Oh yeah...welcome to my new blog, The Reason 87.
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