Know Your Constituency

Know Your Constituency

Opponents are as easy to find as opinions. Neither are worthy commodities since they come in over-abundance. No matter who you are or what you do, however good or bad, someone will always tell you you’re right and someone else will always tell you you’re wrong.

Knowing which voices to heed and which to ignore comes from proof; harken to people who have done and proven that their ideas actually work.

But, that “proof of competence” test should come earlier. First, choose your destination wisely, then heed the voices who want you to get there. They are your true constituency.  · · · →

Shift Focus, Blame, or Mirrors

Shift Focus, Blame, or Mirrors

Anyone can think the sky is falling when the “other” guy wins an election. Friends say what we don’t like, we make baseless insults, then we complain about a divided nation.

If you’ve enjoyed the same old, bland, partisan, well-mannered non-progress for years, then a populist like Obama or Trump comes along to rub you the wrong way—well, anyone can go loopy. Some of us grow thick skin before others.

Post-election conniptions are normal. Don’t blame for people having them, don’t join them either. Spread some love. Focus on the problems in the bathroom mirror—not the rear-view mirror.  · · · →

Keep Going

Keep Going

Perseverance, endurance, persistence, and just not giving up are more than wheel-spinning “motivationals”. There are specific reasons why some things only happen if we keep going, burning calories to name one.

Sexy muscle tone, athletic reflexes, instinctive self-defense, and merely good posture are acquired through repetition. The same is true of music, dance, art, programming, carving wood, pottery, knitting, cooking, and even friendship, leadership, and, most importantly of all, servanthood. Almost anything you are trying to get done includes “continue” somewhere in the instructions.

They say, “Time heals many wounds.” And, that’s true as long as your body keeps going.  · · · →

Keep it Simple

Keep it Simple

Don’t overreach. Don’t overdo it.

It’s easy to think that “high standards” always help. High standards can help, but not if they become entry-level requirements.

Allow people to grow. Allow yourself to grow. Allow “on ramps” everywhere in your life.

High standards are not about expecting every rookie to start out as a seasoned pro. We don’t only want to “set” high standards; we want to reach them.

Search for potential. Allow for the best. Teach and encourage even the worst. When people excel, get out of the way. Above all, look for passion. Anyone can learn anything when fascinated.  · · · →