Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Your Guess List


 
 
How long is your guess list? Everyone has one, whether they admit it or even know it or not. This list outlines all those things that failed to thrive in our lives, including ourselves routinely, because it’s natural to wonder why things turn out meanly as they do.
Yet rightly used, guess lists are designed to deepen our trust and our ability to understand what truly matters to us. As this becomes clearer, our lists become shorter and our steps surer. Certain things will remain, even as others are added. T
he difference, however, is in our savvy, because so much of what we question and complain about is insignificant once we figure out what truly matters.

 
 

Friday, December 6, 2013

EASY


 
It’s easy to be easy on ourselves. But with each stroke we forfeit our hopes and break our hearts, diminishing also our flame and spark. Those who excel give themselves hell, metaphorically speaking, lest they be content with average. Their idea of easy makes it hard for them to stroke themselves. They aren’t reckless but they are relentless.

 

Monday, November 11, 2013

ON BLOOMING

 
Most of us don't bloom where we're planted because we believe that we've been handed the proverbial raw deal. So we live as if purpose and destiny aren't real. Yet just as every soul has its season, God likewise has a reason for planting us where we are though for the moment things are hard. If we remember this, we won't miss our season when it comes. The key meanwhile is to renew our vows to greatness while we are waiting (and working) on our change!
 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

THE DANCE

 
There is no pretense for being dense; either we are or we aren’t, without which we lose our warrant to success. Density in fact is the test.
Endurance is often the difference between average and greatness. Talent is important but not preeminent.
After all, how many people with average talent do we see helping to pilot the age?
Yet they endured and stayed with it even as those who were more gifted were sifted by circumstances.
In this regard, only the dense attend the dance where success and greatness are celebrated.
This means that we must choose to rebound no matter how many times failure frowns on our efforts.
In doing so, we give our dreams the chance they deserve.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

ON SELF-MADE SOULS

 
Who have you helped besides yourself? When others encounter you, are you a fresh breath?
 
How committed are you to helping without compensation (financially speaking) those who are seeking to accomplish greatness?
 
Most of us are so consumed with getting paid that we don't pave roads for others to walk.
 
In doing so, we make success capricious and relationships suspicious, wanting to know "what are they after" or "what's in it for me."
 
No wonder dreamers of greatness are dying breeds, because no one is self-made. We all need other's aid to excel and ascend to the summit of greatness.
 
Are you a mentor or an inventor of excuses on why you can't get involved?

Friday, July 19, 2013

OUR CONTRIBUTIONS

 
OUR CONTRIBUTIONS

Our contributions are often invisible but this doesn’t mean that they aren’t valuable. Unfortunately, however, ours is an age wherein value is valid only when it is known, professionally especially.

So, we obsess over who gets the credit rather than on making the contribution that we should, sharing ourselves freely to help others with achieving their goals.

Doing so makes sense; it also makes society insatiable and insensitive to those whose efforts aren't announced on the news or in the next company bulletin.
Unless these souls are strong they will get the sense that they don’t belong or that their contributions don’t matter.

To prevent this, we should be diligent in discovering those hidden heroes whose actions enhance organizational life. They remain unsung only because they are unsought.

As leaders, managers and persons, our job is to promote others and to provoke greatness in all of its degrees. In doing so, we strengthen relationships, energize organizations and encourage these hidden heroes to contribute without feeling unappreciated.
Make it your task to find one today!

Friday, July 12, 2013

WORK, WHY? DIARY OF A DREAMER

 
WORK, WHY? DIARY OF A DREAMER
 
I'm sitting at work watching people doing nothing. What a waste! Some are checking emails and others are being blackmailed. Time is the ransom they pay for neglecting their talent. Instead they play and complain about circumstances. Who cares? It's up to the person, not the employer to improve himself because jobs aren't designed to satisfy our quest for growth or yearning for greatness. Most only require a partial commitment. Growth begins, however, when we commit. Until then we play, pretend and squander our potential in narrow places. (9/6/2000)

Monday, July 8, 2013

ON RESISTANCE

 
ON RESISTANCE

Resistance diminishes when we learn how to be vulnerable without being fragile. Then we don't have to "punch-back" or push others to gain support, usually.

We must also recognize that some resistance is inevitable because we are individuals. 

Therefore we seldom see things identically. As long as we do so similarly, however, is sufficient if we are articulate in expressing ourselves and genuinely concerned about others' interests..

Moreover, those who resist us often have issues of trust that transcend us. So they won't understand despite the demands we make on ourselves to get along or be alert to antagonisms, minimizing these accordingly.

Forgive them, move on and work to form more fruitful alliances.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

PAUSE, CAN YOU?


 

 
Sometimes we must pause, retracting the claws we use to climb towards success, embracing the moment without design or distress. Otherwise we will continue to be anxious and thankless, annoyed daily and hard unnecessarily on ourselves. Unfortunately, however, most of us confuse pausing with passivity.

So we work without rest thinking that doing so will help us to accomplish our goals faster. Yet this logic is toxic, personally, emotionally and relationally, leaving our spouses to wonder and our children to watch as we work ourselves out of meaningful relationships with them because of an undisciplined desire to provide for them.

Moreover, in refusing to pause we forfeit the power of renewal, which would help us achieve our goals by giving us greater clarity and more energy for our tasks. Yet we choose to labor beleaguered by fatigue because of some misguided notion of self-determination. It’s okay to be determined, driven, even, but neither annuls the need to be renewed, to pause and reflect rather than to push and act indefinitely (often detrimentally).

In this regard, pausing isn’t passivity, complacency or indifference. It simply means that we recognize the need to suspend our efforts without accusing ourselves of abandoning them. Besides, we won’t arrive any faster than we do no matter how we construe our efforts. So, relax, reflect and let time do what only it can. Your loved ones will be glad you did!
 

Sunday, June 23, 2013

THE END!


 
Though most of us won’t admit it, we are secretly inhibited (and anxious) about our end, desiring to know when it will end. Maybe that’s why we lose ourselves setting goals and courting greatness. Beyond the natural need to nurture our time and talents, we also do so to help maintain our balance, which is more elusive than we admit.

Even so, we are deeply concerned about our end; not, however, simply about the outcome of our efforts but more so about what happens when life has left us. This concern inspired existentialism, fatalism and every other historical ism. It also inspired the wisdom of the sages as revealed through the ages. A sense of mortality instinctively produces such when we allow it to touch us in ways we routinely deny and ignore.

Then we ask ourselves, “What am I doing this for?” Though rhetorical, this question is also rewarding because it forces us to fix our gaze beyond the ways we devise to achieve our goals and the privileges we hope to gain when we succeed. Thus, some people pursue religion for answers; others pursue pleasure instead, seeking to silence the interrogations that inspired Kierkegaard’s dread.

Even so, we want to know about our end, when it will end. Some of us may even want to know how and where it will end. To deny this inquiry as natural is to make detachment inevitable. How can we rightly relate to others when we are indifferent to ourselves about what matters most? In fact the quality of our lives is determined by the degree to which we have embraced our mortality.

Unfortunately, some people become ruthless and aimless in response. Others become ambitious and obsessed. Yet no goal or gain can censor mortality whether or not we respond. The time will come when we will be disarmed and must answer or perhaps ask, as did the Psalmist, “O’ Lord, help me to understand my mortality and the brevity of my live! Let me realize how quickly it will end.” (39:4)

Unlike many of us, William Shakespeare refused to ignore or deny the sovereignty of mortality. In fact he confessed, perhaps as an antidote, “I have immortal longings in me.” Maybe Shakespeare’s willingness to confront his mortality immortalized his writings. Maybe that’s why he was able to embed creatively what he couldn’t embody existentially. Maybe our work would be more enduring if we weren’t in denial about our mortality. Maybe we could increase our force if it were rightly faced.

Aptly embraced, legacies and legends result, depending upon our influence. But even if we never achieve this status, our lives will be more authentic because we confronted our mortality. Maybe facing it would make us more cheerful and charitable also. If we understood just how quickly our lives do end, no matter how long we live, maybe we would be the difference that makes the difference in the lives of others before nature pulls the covers.

 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

CLOSE...

 
Things get easier as we keep aiming towards our goals. It may not seem like it because we aren't always as clear as we imagine on what these are. We generally have more ideas than we do exacts. Ideas get us started but exacts keep us going (and committed). They also enable us to accelerate our pace, and to recognize our place when we reach it.

Consider, for example, driving to a destination, maybe even somewhere you've been before but you aren't exactly sure of where it is. You have a general idea instead, enough to convince you to get in your car and drive. After a while you find yourself in the vicinity but not at your destiny (destination).

Thus, you may feel anxious or excited or even annoyed because you know you are close. You even have a strong idea of where you are but you aren’t where you want to be. Hence the importance of clarity, whether in driving cars or pursuing goals. Here we see clearly the difference between exacts and ideas. Our success is routinely determined by our degree of clarity regarding our goals and dreams. Without clarity we occupy the vicinity but don't reach the destiny we desire.

Today, so many people are vexed by vagueness and victims of the indefinite. They lack the ability to say clearly what they want. Of course this doesn’t mean that they can’t succeed because they can. In fact, sometimes in being too precise we miss opportunities when they emerge because we lack the urge to pursue them, especially if they contradict our conceptions.

Generally, however, clarity is a prerequisite for success. We must be able to express clearly what we desire deeply. In this regard, failure to achieve is often a failure of clarity. Clarity is the ability to express clearly our goals without being clouded or constrained by contingencies. If we can’t express this to ourselves, we will have trouble expressing it to others also, which will hinder their ability to help us.

That’s why it’s important to take time to ask ourselves, “What am I really after; what are my true goals.” Answering this anchors us in our pursuits. It also increases our confidence and changes how others experience us. Clarity enables us to be decisive and assertive rather than tentative and timid. Consider again how we drive when we aren’t sure of where we are or where we are going. In these instances, having an idea isn’t the same as having an exact, practically or emotionally.

Clarity, however, isn’t something we get once and for all. On the contrary, it accrues over time as we take time to assess where we are and what we want. Otherwise we will get in the vicinity without reaching our destiny as we desire.

 

 

 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

GETTING TO YES!


A book entitled, Getting to Yes, appeared several years ago. It focused on the art and science of negotiation, and how to make beneficial compromises as we each pursue our peculiar aims. As used in this article, however, getting to yes implies mastering the steps needed to experience the greatness deeded in your soul. Once you do this, you experience the bliss of an unmuffled yes! As simple as it sounds, to get to yes you must first say YES to yourself and your dreams.

So many people are wedged between no and maybe instead. They lack the certainty that characterizes destiny. Destiny is the belief that your yes is your right to succeed and not just a wish to do so. If, however, you haven’t said yes to yourself and your dreams, uncertainty will stifle and you will stumble in getting started and in staying committed till the end. The way you get to yes is to not second-guess yourself or your right to success. This is much different from second-guessing your methods, your means and your maneuvers.
Unless you are omniscient you must change these routinely, sometimes remarkably, for various reasons. Second-guessing as it relates to tactics and strategy are part of the anatomy of greatness. It becomes detrimental, however, when you second-guess yourself. Hence the need to examine your assessments and assumptions, making sure you get to yes and stay there as it relates to your belief in your right to success and greatness. The key is in being decisive and convinced without bowing to contingents.
Things will happen, plans will fail and people will change their minds about you. You, however, shouldn’t change your mind about yourself. Once you get to yes by agreeing with yourself, stay there! Whenever you find yourself feeling anxious and uncertain, don’t let these feelings push you into no and maybe regarding your dreams. Second-guess your tactics and strategy when necessary but not your right to and belief in your ability to achieve your dreams. In doing so, you make better and more beneficial compromises with other and yourself.

 

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

WHAT ARE YOU COMMITTED TO?



    What are you committed to? When all is said and assessed, what desire has possessed you so that you are willing to go to the end to realize it? Do you have such a passion? Do you dream such  dreams? If not, why not? What would you do if you truly believed in you the way you say? Would you be living the same life as you are today? If so, that’s okay. Still, it’s good for us to ask ourselves, what are we committed to. In doing so, we maintain our priorities rather than adopting those imposed from the outside. More importantly, we renew our strength and resolve to invent ways to achieve our goals, whether personal or professional. So, as you go about your day today, take time to ask yourself, “What am I committed to.” In answering this you take risks consistent with your aspirations, which is the prerequisite for living a life of greatness! Enjoy: http://youtu.be/sI7kabeZqzY


Wednesday, June 5, 2013

3 STEPS TO LIVING A LIFE OF GREATNESS



     All of us are fascinated by greatness whatever its form, sports, entertainment and even gardening! We love to see people doing ordinary things in extraordinary ways. We feel likewise when seeing extraordinary things being done in extraordinary ways. Something about the sight stirs our senses and provokes remembrances of when we entertained visions of our own greatness.  The good news is that you still have time to design a life of greatness if you are willing. You might not be able to achieve that NBA dream but you can do something that will pique your passion so that you can stop rehashing what might have been.

     The first step to living a life of greatness is to simply DECIDE that this is what you are going to do. Simple as it sounds, many people haven’t decided to live a life of greatness. They talk about it and are enamored by it but they never decide to commit to its pursuit. Characteristically, they are great fans but poorly focused when it comes to their dreams. The problem, however, isn’t a lack of focus but rather indecision. Once you decide, focus comes; plans form and magic follows provided you stay committed. Do it now and you will see how things change.

     The second step to living a life of greatness is DESIGN. You have to design what greatness looks like for you, not what someone else designs for you. Design is the art of greatness which, by the way, is just as important as the science. The great thing about design is that it’s so liberating. In fact design allows you to reflect (and promote) your quirks and your competencies –your unique lifestyle-- which becomes a life-statement of who you are. So, it’s okay to collect ideas, just as you would when furnishing a house or accessorizing your home.  But ultimately you must decide what your design will include, no matter how eccentric. Ignore naysayers because everything is impossible until it's done!

The final step to living a life of greatness is to DARE. You must dare to believe that your dreams of greatness are not only possible but that you are responsible for their fulfillment. This doesn’t mean that you have to stress but you should strive daily for success. Daring, moreover, shouldn’t be draining but charming instead because you never know what will happen as you go forward. That’s what makes life exciting! That’s what makes greatness fascinating. That’s why each of us pauses whenever greatness appears from some unlikely place. These achievers, DECIDED, DESIGNED and DARED to live a life of greatness. You can too; decide today to commit your way to living a life of greatness.
 
BE PASSIONATELY PATIENT AS YOU ARE MAKING IT HAPPENI

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The Diffidence of Greatness

It's difficult not to be diffident amid despair. But that's when we must believe that we will get there, though for now how eludes and life elects to deny our progress. Even so, we must continue to go in the direction of our dream. In doing so, we diminish the sting of failure and the nagging "whether" that makes us wonder if we will ever succeed. Yet then more than ever we must believe. Doing so is better than quitting, all things considered.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

THE ANGST OF GREATNESS

 
     We become thankless when we are anxious because we lack patience to believe truly in our own greatness. Yet there is no greatness without patience and gratitude. This doesn't mean that we won't be anxious. On the contrary, it means that we must learn not to let anxiety inhibit and hinder gratitude. More than that, we must be willing to turn its angst into art, maintaining our start until we finish, faint or die. Without this attitude we will merely try but not triumph in our pursuits. Fear instead will take root until we run from our course because its curse defeats all who embrace its lies. Fear of course is real, yet so is passion when rightly regarded. With it we can become stern and stout-hearted, enough at least to achieve the greatness we envision. Checkout the following to maintain your fire!
 
 
 

Saturday, February 16, 2013

GARNERING GREATNESS

    
     Greatness is exhausting. So it's normal to get discouraged when days fail to deliver what we envision for ourselves. Then more than ever we are tempted to resign our pursuit. In doing so, however, we are allowing inevitable delays and dilemmas to bring our passion to a simmer rather than keeping it inflamed. That's why it's important for us to gain the right perspective regarding our endeavors. Unfortunately, however, most people under-estimate just what it takes to be great.
     They routinely assume talent to be sufficient, at least until they discover that it isn't. Success at acheiving greatness also demands that we monitor our attitude. In this regard, we must be willing to fail repeatedly without being defeated or becoming indifferent toward our dreams. That's one of the things winners do that others don't. Others tend to focus exclusively on outcomes. They fail to develop the insight necessary for greatness. Outcomes matter but they are routinely contrary to what we envision for ourselves. Thus, we should strive to control our attitudes when we can't control our outcomes. If we focus on doing this, outcomes will change inevitably as we adjust accordingly to practical demands.
     If we want to garner greatness we must make acommitment to ourselves to manage our attitude. In doing so, we are creating a climate of greatness for ourselves. Moreover, we must find joy in the moment by occasionally stepping away from our efforts to appreciate other aspects of our lives. We must use undesirable outcomes to deepen our insight on into ourselves, our circumstances and what we truly envision. In doing so, we will find ourselves refreshed, empowered and better able to garner greatness!

Saturday, January 12, 2013

THE WINNER'S WAY

 
Courage is never given except in a crisis. Otherwise it's unnecesary.

People admire courage but despise crisis. They want to be accomplished but hate to be challenged. Most of them don't understand the law of opposites. So, they think that courage and acclaim are coincidental. But those with both understand their essence. They also grasp the importance of paradox. Thus, while the whimsical wonder what it's like to win, winners lose until they win. They aren't broken by defeats or conquered by crowns because they realize that both are fleeting. They also understand that loss isn't lessened by regret. Neither is victory sweeter by being over-blown. From without, however, the imagination always embellishes.

Friday, January 4, 2013

DISCOVER IT!

 
 
 
It's hard to lift the burden when you're it.

     Making a difference begins with discovering our destiny. Until then we make a mess trying to make amends, collecting enemies and disgusting friends.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

OPENING GIFTS


Not every gift is opened when it is sent. Thus, it must find a place for itself to vent though the time it invests doing so seems ill-spent. Yet every gift must be convinced that it was not idly sent. On the contrary, the Sender foresaw what would be needed to unthaw the age in which it was laid. So, time was allotted and space extended until the gift became content whether or not others rent the package to take advantage of its excellence. Not even failure deters because real gifts know how to stir themselves until the time the Sender is inclined to reveal its shine.