Vote

 

Are you unhappy with your local or national government?  Do you wish you could weigh in on the direction of our country?  Would you like to be heard?  Your opportunity is now.  Voting is both a right and an obligation.  Although not uniquely American, voting is woven into the fabric of this great country.  We may not always like the options or the process.  We may not care for the party system or the outcome, however we have the opportunity to participate.  Voting is speaking up.  Voting is taking a stance.  Voting is a privilege.  Take some time to educate yourself on the issues and candidates and then exercise your right to vote!

We have the privilege….let’s take advantage of it and go vote!

Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes

 

“Only you can change you.”  That is so true.  To implement change, you need to be intentional and proactive.  It takes action and determination.  Resolutions do not instigate change.  Goals do not prompt change.  Good intentions only go so far.  Nothing changes if nothing changes.

 

Change is not easy.  We humans are resistant to it.  It is important to note that big changes usually start with small steps. There must be an initial step, a starting action item, a simple goal.  Make incremental changes to your diet.  Increase your workout frequency or intensity over time.  Start a new daily habit of quiet time, reflection, or prayer.  Eliminate the negative forces or distractions. Set a stretch goal in your professional life.  These are all easier said than done.  However, they have one thing in common, they all require something to change. 

 

Nothing changes if nothing changes.

Outside the Box

 

“Thinking outside of the box” is an overused phrase, but what does it really mean?  Did you know that sticker burrs (yes, like you find in a field of weeds) were the inspiration for the fastener we now know as Velcro?  That is outside of the box thinking!  It makes sense, but I sure would not have thought of it.  When we look at the familiar with fresh eyes, we really open our minds to creativity. It is not easy to do. I am not the most creative guy around, but I try to look at business problems with an open mind.  It is very easy to get caught in a rut, to live with blinders on.  We tend to only see things within the parameters we are accustomed.  But wild ideas are often really very creative solutions.

“Thinking outside the box” might be overused, but it is an absolutely necessary way of thinking.  It does not come naturally. It requires intentionality. We must consciously force ourselves to see with fresh eyes and think outside of the box.

How will you see things this week? 

Be An Example

 

There is plenty of advice being passed around out there these days. Social media has created a lot of experts and it facilitates an increased amount of opinion sharing. Much of that has no tangible actions associated with it. Advice and opinions need to be replaced by lives of example. We know that humans learn by the examples they see and interact with daily. It is true of our children, our co-workers, and followers. A life lived by example is a life of influence.

 

There is nothing wrong with genuine, sincere, and well-meaning advice. I wish it was all that way. If you really want to impact someone’s life, don’t just tell that person, show them by how you live your life.

 

Remember, a pint of example is worth more than a barrel full of advice.

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