Integrity of Action

“Learning” rather than “Proof of Concept”

When we innovate, pilot, try out something we are better off seeing it as an opportunity to learn rather than a proof of concept.

Even the best of us will sway a test towards success, if we view it as a proof of concept, especially if our reputation, a promotion, etc. is on the line.

Instead, seeing a new trial as a learning opportunity opens the door for the final product to be holistically better than the test. We do not try to fit the test into the actual but instead use the test to more accurately understand the actual.

P.S. I know a proof of concept is often needed but only after pilot or tests are completed and the product is refined thoroughly…

Enhance over Expand

More often than not, we have expanded beyond our reach…If we are truly driven, we have no issue with expanding. Expanding should not be the priority.

Instead, we should focus on enhancing.

Enhance the cohesion of our team rather than expand it.

Enhance the usability of the widget rather than expanding it elsewhere.

Enhance your audience engagement rather thane expand it.

Enhancing will win in the long run. And likely expansion will come whether we seek it or not.

Legacy over Dynasty

I used to think I wanted to leave a Dynasty…

There are selfish roots in this, its about MY family name, MY contributions, MY dynasty, MY kingdom.

I’ve changed this word to Legacy in my mind and on paper. Legacy can only be carried on by others. It requires investment in other people rather than solely investment in infrastructure or self impact.

Legacy seems healthier, more holistic and integrity driven. Whole.

When I think of Legacy, I think of who is next, who to pour into, who is not here…

Leading with Humility

“…but in humility consider others better than yourself.” -Philippians 2

When leading or attempting to lead others, I consider myself and my interests first and often only.

The passage above asks for a different attitude in leading. It requires us to think of the success of others. Consider that they are better and more deserving, more worthy of the credit, the success, the benefits.

I’m going to look for ways to lead considering the other more. Consider their needs but also and even more consider them better than I. Consider their success over mine. Look to have them succeed even if I gain nothing.

That’s the leader I want to follow.

Power

We are able to create life in a petri dish, construct skyscrapers with mind bending engineering, send robots almost 250 million miles away to Mars, raise children who are valued members of society, foster life that overcomes horrific addictions…

We have more power than we even could hope for.

When we feel powerless or weak, we should remember the intricacies of creativity and life we have been given.

We are on the hook for this power.

Dynasty

I’ve been reading this below when I need a pick me up:

Focus now!

Dynasties are made with long term, specified impact

Develop your uniqueness as full as possible

Disregard and delete all toxic negativity around you and push forth

You will be connected with like-minded others and opportunities will arise

You have what it takes. Now go out and live it!

Reflect, Stretch, Enact

Uncomfortable situations are promoters of growth. In these moments, we are able to reflect, stretch, and enact. If we do not allow for these three segments to engage in times of challenge, we lose the opportunity. 

Reflect-Allows the moment to bring realization that otherwise is missing

Stretch-Leans us into trying something new and tasting the goodness of that environment. 

Enact-Take the moment beyond just that. Makes the experience something that can be embraced and embodied again and again. 

Prioritize

Most often, we will have the resources to say yes or step in.

When we do, we must do so with confidence and I’ve found this confidence of saying yes or stepping in comes from knowing priorities. Of myself, my family, and those around me.

I can chose to start something with my team if I know they all prioritize the main objective of the thing to start.

I can give my time and resources to a cause if it lines up with my and my family’s priorities.

Having priorities in mind, gives way to a more holistic self view and in turn lets us interact with our environment in a more full way.