"On the other hand, an organization filled with people who are rewarded for shaking things up and generating game-changing products and services just might discover that outcomes they are dreaming of are in fact what happen. The enthusiasm that comes from believing that this one might just resonate with the market is precisely the ingredient that's required to make something resonate." ~ Seth Godin's Blog Post 11/19/2011
I would like to think of myself as someone known for "shaking things up" (in a positive way of course :)). I will tell you though that the above post resonated with me not for that, but for the realization that I have spent a good part of my working years at organizations that are "...both pessimistic and operationally focused...". Ugh.
“Life is a headlong rush into the unknown. We can hunker down and hope nothing hits us or we can stand tall, lean into the wind and say, ‘Bring it on, darlin', and don't be stingy with the jalapeños." ~ "Red" Spicer (Ultra Runner & Texan)
One of the hardest things to coach people on AFTER you get through to them on discovering and nurturing their true passions, is getting their butt to the right bus. The frank reality is that most of us are on the wrong bus, but at a minimum in the wrong seat. Humans are creatures of habit. We like what we can control. We like what we know. We do not like change. We do not like surprises.
So what is the secret?
Move. Be bold. Bet on yourself.
One of the unfortunate realities of our economy today is the fear factor...the absolute paralyzing fear that has gripped shareholders, executives, small business owners, and every other person who has the role and responsibility to make a decision in their jobs. No one can make a decision. We have groomed a lot of good test takers and rule followers..great. Now who is going to lead them? Who is going to take the risk and start a business out of nothing? Who is going to buy a business and grow it? Who is going to create a new product out of nothing? Who is going to hire someone "different" (and I mean that word for all that it could entail).
"If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative." ~ Woody Allen
You know what is wrong with the U.S....with the world? No one uses their brains anymore. Basic common sense has gone the way of the horse and buggy. We have to change that. We have to teach our children how to think, and we need to work on their parents while we are at it. We need to work on ourselves.
Whose to blame? We all like to have someone to blame for our lot in life. Well, we can look in the mirror. All of us have to own the state with which our homes, businesses, cities, states, nations, and our world is in. Change starts with one person. Well, this mess started with one person too.
I am bemused and saddened by the state of the world I live in every day. I mean why is it acceptable to accept mediocrity? We do it too. Every. Day. In our politicians, in our bosses, in our children, in our spouses...we have got to get back to "optimistic enthusiasm" as Seth Godin stated.
So the next time you feel yourself settling for second best, being pessimistic, or shirking from the big ideas and game changing opportunities...Stop. Take a deep breath. Own your own behavior, your own attitude, and your own your own future.
"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily difference we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee." ~ Marian Wright Edelman
Sunshine Dreams to You ~ Today and Every Day! :)
