Month: July 2016

Failure is ALWAYS an Option

If we don’t take on this mindset and grab onto the cliche and incomplete opposite of it, we miss out. Others miss out. The world misses out.

Allowing failure to be foreseen, accepted, acknowledged, embraced yields in a more whole, integrity driven result.

We lose the ability to make inappropriate excuses, “band-aid” the problems, shift blame, avoid work that matters.

I’m going forward accepting that I will fail. And when I do, I’ll expect a hard but incredibly full path.

Drop changed to Splash

Sometimes my efforts feel like a drop in the bucket…a very large bucket that will inevitably never be filled.

I need to re-phrase the bucket to make it more like a small cup, espresso sized or maybe even a smaller vessel. This helps me see the actual impact and stay motivated to continue to contribute.

With incredibly complex issues surrounding our Nation, we must redefine the vessel we are contributing to. It is vital for us to stay motivated and persevere. This doesn’t mean diminishing the problems or efforts but it means looking hard for where our work is impacting. Instead of reaching far away for impact I’ll be looking close to home for continued motivation.

Escape Is Unnecessary

Often I look for an escape. A place to get away.
It is necessary to step away and take a break.
More often though this want of escape can cripple. It keeps the Good Work from being done. Started. Completed. Followed through on.
Wholeness, integrity, can be found in the moment of chaos. In the hurt. Pain. Destruction. Running won’t solve. Action solves. As the chaos is around, retreat cannot be an option. We must believe in the possibility. There is possibility, I promise it.
This promise is only good if I, you, we, step into the chaos and act.

Why Wait?

What am I waiting for? What are you waiting for? What are we waiting for?
There will always be excuses. Reasons to avoid. Haters.
We should listen to the environment and surroundings but also know there is an inner critic that won’t stop.
We should take action. Send your idea. Organize the rally. Forward the email. Have the conversation.
Tomorrow isn’t promised should be enough to take action but often it isn’t. When it isn’t, I’m going to remember that I am needed and obligated to act. You are needed and obligated. We are needed and obligated.

Leading by Going

As a leader, in whatever capacity that may be, we should always be focused on going where those around us are.

I’ve found  most success by travelling to other’s life narratives and embracing that perspective and worldview. When we go to this place, we do not go wanting to bring them somewhere else but going purely to go and be with them.

Often they will bring us to new places and often we will bring them to different places but the goal should be to simply go and be there. Embrace the narrative of the other and work to best understand that.

Take it Slow

The best things often come slowly.

I can often feel the need to say yes, take on more, add that to the calendar, be that person…

This is draining and I’ve found I lose the ability to do things well.

I’m going to move slower. Learn the art of saying no.