I could have a successful business, but…
I could become a better leader, but…
I could lose weight, but…
I could go back to university, but…
I could have a happier marriage, but…
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The motto for Blue Origin, the Aerospace company of Jeff Bezos is, “Gradatim Ferociter” which means, “Step by Step, Ferociously.”
It’s a great motto for such an ambitious project, but it’s also a terrific reminder of how we can approach the challenges that face us in life.
The reality is that we won’t get everything that we want in a moment.
It will happen over time.
The NBA season started today and in the first game of the season, after young Boston star Jayson Tatum started complaining about a dodgy call, his coach, Brad Stevens yelled out to him, “Hey, next play!”
It’s great leadership and a great reminder to us all that there will be times when things don’t go our way.
Not every decision will go in our favour.
You will make mistakes.
You can quit if you want to.
You can give up any time you like.
You can shrug your shoulders when things get too hard.
You can pull the covers over your head and try to ignore your calling.
But there is a purpose for your life.
When you’re in the basement, the lift can only go up.
When you’re in the penthouse, down is the only option.
And of course, when you’re somewhere in the middle, either choice is yours.
Sideways isn’t an option and lifts only get stuck for so long.
Sometimes, we over-complicate what it takes to stand out from the crowd and be successful.
Today, I want to encourage you to just turn up.
Every day.
Every single day without exception.
Pharmacists are in the business of dispensing medication.
Teachers are in the business of dispensing knowledge.
But what about everyone else?
Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor and one of my favourite speakers, Benjamin Zander says, “I am a dispenser of enthusiasm.”
It’s true, he is, but the rest of us can (and should) be as well.
Where there is a lack of leadership, there is an opportunity to step up.
Where there is a lack of hope, there is an opportunity to inspire.
Where there is a lack of resources, there is an opportunity to become more resourceful.
Where there is a lack of fun, there is an opportunity to inject humour.
There’s a gap between one river bank and another.
Between the base of a mountain and the summit.
Between the tee and the green.
Between an aspiration and an achievement.
You can bring excitement and enthusiasm to your day.
Or you can bring bored indifference.
You can bring positivity and gratitude.
Or you can complain and moan.
You can expect good things to happen.
Or you can walk in with your shoulders slumped, already defeated.
But whatever attitude you bring, is most likely going to be the experience that you end up with.
