Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 02:50 PM EST
[General]
One day while enjoying an episode of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with my two sons, Leonardo (the turtle with the blue mask) spoke of a lesson that his master taught him. It went something like this: "When presented with two paths, always choose the more difficult path." I would have never thought that I could learn a valuable life lesson from a talking, Ninja Turtle.
Why should we choose to take the more difficult route?
Because, of what You WILL become when You venture down the more demanding direction. Think about it for a minute.
If you woke up a million dollars richer tomorrow, would you be a different person? Sure, you would pay all of your debts, buy everything you want, give money to family and friends and travel the world. But what happens after the money is gone? Your life would go back to the way it was.
Now, what if you were to earn that million? It wouldn't happen over night, but the feeling of Earning that million would be much more gratifying than just receiving it. Your Bills would be paid, you would own everything you wanted, you could teach your friends and family how to earn more money and you can travel the world. You could donate to your favourite charity, have a comfortable "early" retirement, and put your children (or future grand children) through college. The best part of it is: Since you are Earning the Money its not going to just disappear and can offer limitless possibilities. Knowing there is more Money coming feels way better than Knowing that more Money is going.
So, the next time You have a choice between an easy or hard path to follow; You may want to consider the more challenging of the two. Your Reward: You WILL become a better person.
While undergoing some Leadership Development I came across a saying that I have never heard before. It went something like this: "Most People Don't Lead Their Own Lives, They Just Accept Them." For Some Reason this little Quote really sang to me.
What I gathered from this little Adage is that whatever life throws at us, We tend to just take it without Question or Reluctance. It's that Good 'Ol "Spit Happens" Mind-set. At times I am Accountable of such; when things don't go according to plan I feel ill-treated, and start complaining. According to the quote above that is what "Most People" do.
The funny thing is, I never, ever considered myself to be "Most People". And I'm guessing neither have you.
We all aspire to be considered as Someone who is both Unique and Original. Perhaps that's just the way We think. Many of Us under no circumstances will ever admit to being a follower but can, without difficulty, never admit to being a Leader. So, if the majority of us are not Leaders, doesn't that make a Leader Unique and Original?
Leaders are not "Most People"; they take what life throws at them and sculpt it and turn it into something they can really benefit from.
The Next time life takes you in a direction that You don't want to go, Be Unique, Be Original, Be the Leader That YOU Truly Are. Remember its Your Life and You LEAD IT.
Not too long ago I saw an incredible quality in my Mom. Actually, it's always been there I just didn't see it for what it is. In dark times, she's a shimmer of light. Whenever some one she knows passes away, she's there making things easier for everyone. Whether it's consoling, getting things set up or making snacks, she's there. No one ever asks her to do these things, heck, she doesn't even volunteer. She just does it. While everyone is wondering what to do next, she's doing something and people are helping her without her asking, they just fall in line.
Personally, I used to think she was running around like a chicken with her head chopped off.
But I now see it for what it really and truly is: LEADERSHIP! My Mom is a great leader. That's what leaders do they just show up and make things happen. Not to take anything away from my Mom, She has very little education and special training. What I'm trying to say is we don't need those things to be a successful leader. All we need is action.
I want everyone to know this to help them see this quality in themselves, I know I did. We all have times of action and people just seem to follow naturally.
Now that I have seen how great of a leader my Mom is I can only aspire to become a great leader myself, in business, for my family, and in life. I am very grateful to have a Mom like her.
Recently, my Dad passed away his name was John Henry Charles, and I would like to share a moment that we had together. A moment where he passed some wisdom on to me that helped me change my life. For years I lived on Welfare, I was perfectly capable of working, but I guess I just wanted an easy life. Anyhoo, I asked him for help, ie: money, and what he said became the begining of a direction in my life.
"I can't help you until, you can help Yourself." he said. I looked at him confused,
"but then I wouldn't need help" I said.
"Exactly" he replied.
The seed that he planted in my mind began to grow. Soon, I was working full time making plywood. I no longer relied on "help" from others, I was helping myself. Now as an entrepreneur, business owner and family man that little bit of wisdom helps to guide me. I share this with you so that you may benefit from that moment we shared. Here's to your success.
"Your mind is a powerful magnet that will attract to you the things you identify yourself with. If you have sad thoughts, you will attract tragedies, if you are a good man (or woman), you will attract the company of good people." - Alfredo Karras
