The other day, after being on the road for nine days, and working seven straight days to prepare for the nine I succumbed to drinking soda. I was SO tired and needing to pick up my game to make it through the home stretch without seeming/getting tired and/or crabby. So I’m drinking this soda and someone says to me “I never drink soda.” Okay, this is a conversation opener that can lead down many paths. One, I could have said that I rarely drink it except when exceedingly tired and in need of immediate sugar and caffeine at a price point below Starbucks. Or, I could have shared how many sacrifices I’d recently made to pull together a situation for so many others in lieu of my own needs. Or I could have done the I’m a lacto-vegetarian – unless you’re a vegan you may want to back off judging my soda. What I did however was say, “that’s great!” and meant it. Because what is the point of being “right” at the cost of another? What is the point of success on the backs of others? What is the point of huge profit while over extending and at times breaking your employees? What is the point of working yourself so hard that you bring little to nothing to your home? We talk about moderation when it comes to food like it is a no brainer. How long will you wait to talk about moderation in the work place? This is particularly hard if you are the boss. Depending on your corporate culture it may feel damn near impossible. But what it boils down to is this… We know we can’t have it all. So what is YOUR priority? Is it driven by a healthy environment or profit?
Happy YOU Year!
Happy YOU year! Make this year about being the best you you can be. This will empower you to be the best you can be for others at work, home, with friends, etc. Does this mean being ‘perfect’? No, no it does not. It means being happier. Now go set your course!
See The Value, Even In A 2001 Corolla
I drive a 2001 Corolla. I love it. This car has literally driven from sea to shining sea and then some! Some of my friends and family don’t love my car as much as I do however. I see its growing imperfections as character, things coming unglued, etc. They see them as a reason to get a new car, perhaps even embarrassments. Yesterday the inside door handle on the passenger’s side broke off in my hand. This means rolling down the window to open the door at the moment. Again, not so much appreciated by some on lookers. But to me, the minute that handle broke off a fantastic opportunity was created. I’m going to fix it myself! Ordered the part off of ebay for $5.36 last night. My car’s challenges create growth opportunities for me. Like a good friend it provides both support and growth for me. I don’t know how long this relationship will last. The Corolla has over 126,000 miles on it and there is a fairly decent shot there will be a future blog post about how installing an inside door handle made me triumphant via a short path on the insanity trail. But I do know this… Whether it is a person, place or thing, we miss the best opportunities, growth and happiness wise, when we are seeking purely the easy/convenient path.