What are you known for?

Cities are known for things like food, culture, and architecture.  Celebrities and politicians may be famous for specific good deeds, or maybe more often certain indiscretions.  Even certain years in history are known for what happened during them.  What are you know for?

It is a question often discussed in real time about public figures, but for a lot of us it does not come up until someone leaves this earth.  We tend to discuss legacies only once someone passes away.  We are known for who we are NOW, and what we do while we are alive!  Our regular daily behavior leads us to have a certain reputation.  Our legacy is being built as we speak.  The good news is that it can be changed before we die!

How will you be remembered for “the dash” of your life?  What will you be known for during the years between your birth and death?  If you don’t like the answer, get to work on how to change it while you still can!

Take the High Road

Everybody has heard the saying "take the high road", and most people probably have their own idea as to what it means.  I recently read some thoughts by John Maxwell on this phrase.  Consider the following simple thoughts regarding taking the high road...

·         Don't keep score

·         Forgive others quickly

·         Learn to serve others

·         Don't be concerned with getting even

It involves being humble and selfless and what's even harder, not holding a grudge.  Life is too short, take the high road!

Summer Vacation

As you are reading this, I am on one!  Vacations don’t have to be in the summer but many are, and summer is here!  What a great idea, vacations, time to get away, relax, visit family, friends and new places.  They provide us an opportunity to see and do things we don’t get to do every day.  We often feel revitalized and rested after some time off.  Vacations do not have to be far away, exotic or elaborate. However, I think they should include some of these traits, family time, a good book, unplugged time, a great meal, some time outdoors, true relaxation and maybe an unplanned adventure.  We live in a big beautiful state in a really large and diverse country on an incredible planet.  There is lots to see both near and far.  Make it point to take a break from the daily grind and take in some of this great world with your loved ones.

Volume

Is it productive for anger and frustration to be expressed through increased volume?  Do strong leaders become loud to convey important facts?  Is yelling truly a better way to communicate urgency?  I suggest that the answer to all of these questions is no.  Unfortunately, I do not always live that way.  It is a very human reaction to “get loud” in certain circumstances.  Other than large crowds or great distances, and of course sporting events, what good is loud screaming?  The person you are communicating with was probably hearing you just fine before you got emotional and turned up the volume.  Sure, voice inflection and some degree of volume change can be used in communicating a message, but out and out yelling, no.  Communication with excess volume can foster anger and disrespect.  It can undermine good leadership and it can feel demeaning and degrading to the listener.  Consider this the next time you feel the volume increasing for no good reason. 

The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success,
his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one
of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. --James Allen