Life is a Team Sport

 

We are not meant to do life alone. People are not really capable of doing life alone. We need community. Humans need teamwork. The trials and tribulations of our lives are challenging. Each of us needs all the support, advice, hugs, and cheers we can get.

 

The business world of life is certainly not a solo sport. None of us individually possess all the skills required to produce results. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and we all work differently. The sport requires that we combine our different skill sets and working styles to accomplish common goals.

 

Don’t try to do life alone. There is no special prize for that! Take the time to recognize what you are good at, and what you need help with. Lean on your team! Life is a team sport!

 

*Some of this MMM material is taken from The Working Genius Podcast – Patrick Lencioni

Recyclable/Non-recyclable

 

As a society, we are becoming more conscientious about recycling, as we should.  The coffee cup I had in my hand this morning had something printed in the side about how it was produced from a certain percentage of recycled material.  We should all be concerned about recycling.  The world is not an endless source of resources. 

 

One thing that you cannot recycle is time. We all get the same amount of it every day.  We can say we don't have enough time, but that will not get us any more than the standard 24!  Once time is wasted, it cannot be recycled.  It does not mean that we must doing something productive every waking moment.  It does mean that every waking moment is precious and irreplaceable. 

 

Don't worry about recycling time, just use it wisely. 

Character vs. Reputation

 

It occurs to me that character and reputation may at times become confused, the words even used interchangeably.  It is probably obvious, but they really are quite different. 

 

Reputation – The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something.

 

Character – The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

 

We live in a world that is very image oriented.  What people drive, where they work and what they wear can dictate their reputation.  We all know these things have little to do with one’s true character.  Great emphasis may be placed on how we outwardly appear in public, but that is not what really matters.  Our character, who we are on the inside, what we stand for, what we hold dear, are the things that really matter.  We should concern ourselves more with those things than what others see on the outside.  When we do that, a good reputation will follow.  A person’s reputation is not insignificant, but it may not be accurate.  Our goal should be to be a person of great character on the inside which will lead to a great reputation on the outside.

9/11

 

Twenty-one years ago, yesterday, our country was changed forever.  Those old enough, will remember exactly where they were that morning.  The attack, now known simply by the date of its occurrence, was nothing like this country had ever seen before, and hopefully never will again.  The images were, and still are, horrifying and unforgettable.  We were unified as a country, and we rallied together in the subsequent days, weeks, and months.  Unfortunately, that unity has faded away, but that is a story for a different day. 

 

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.  It is a fascinating collection of stories and memorabilia located at the base of the Twin Towers.  I found it to be incredibly well done, powerful, but somber and reverent.  My granddaughter, who was not even born at the time of the attacks, was riveted.  She came home with a true feel, and true feel for that tragedy that she will never get from a textbook.  I encourage you to visit there if you have the chance.

 

Don’t ever forget!