Month: June 2010

I am reminded often of all the change that the world is going through. Change can be seen in everything from the economy to the oil spill to kids growing up to growing older ourselves. Some would have us believe that change is bad. Others would say that change is good. I guess I feel that change is just that … change. And I think that change helps to keep you aware, sensitive and awake to the world around you. Change tends to be uncomfortable which inherently keeps you from having your days mindlessly go by. Being aware of your environment actually causes even more changes – since you see the things that are not as optimal as you would think they should be. If you don’t pay attention to what is going on with your days, you miss a whole lot of opportunities to advance yourself. So, embrace change – which creates more change – which you can again embrace. Have a great weekend to you all.

Have you ever messed up in a way that embarrassed you or cost your company money to get it solved? It seems that I do it at least once a month, and sometimes multiple times per day! Although swallowing my pride, taking ownership of the mistake and doing what is right to resolve the situation is painful, I know it helps me grow into a better person. It seems that those painful moments are a strong reminder of what not to do if a similar situation happens again. I love it when my employees go through that process. It may be a bit expensive in the short term, but it is the best way to learn what not to do. We all know that “telling” someone what not to do has limited success.

So, the next time you find yourself in an uncomfortable position, once you follow through to solve the issue, look at it as a growth opportunity that makes you a more valuable person and employee.

Have you ever noticed that life sometimes throws you curves that you don’t necessarily like? Those times seem to be the twists and turns that are much like the path that a raindrop takes when it falls from a storm. The big difference is that a raindrop will usually follow the lowest path – and may even break through walls to get there.

I feel that people have the option to go against gravity when we reach an obstacle – and that doing so grows our inner strength and capabilities. There are many times that I get bummed out when life throws me what I perceive to be a negative twist. Those feelings help me to look at other options to the twist (usually thanks to my wife who is sick of me being grumpy). Most of the curves that life has tossed my way in the past have been very beneficial now that I am through them. Most of the time, I decided to take a risk for some events (most were tiny risks) and just let it pass by entirely when it really was not that important. Of course, I too followed gravity on some curves. And for some of those, I burden a little bit of regret.

So, as life throws you curves, I would recommend that you be sure to take the time to look at the past, present and future around it. If it will not hurt anyone else, consider taking a small risk rather than just letting your emotions lead you down your path. Try to go against “gravity” and grow yourself.