I love the term face-plant. I should, I've recently become the undisputed master of face-planting. Sure, it's not the title I was hoping for...but, one must accept reality and deal with it.
Reality
That's where I have the most trouble...I don't do well with 'dealing with' face-plants, despite my apparent world-class ability to pull them off with unparalleled consistency. The unique skill that I have developed is that I only execute on said face-plants at the most inopportune times.
Yes, I can tell you're envious.
How can he be so effective one moment, and yet have the steely nerve to fall completely flat on his face the next? I wish I could explain it friends.
I REALLY wish I could explain it.
But, alas...
Pity Party
Of the various strategies I've attempted to overcome this massively annoying trait, the proverbial pity party has been a go-to for some time now.
And it's been a failure each time...as in..
every.
single.
time.
Thus, I'm heading down a new path. One that I hope will allow me to, as all great champions should, pass the torch of 'undisputed' along to the next unsuspecting soul who has no idea what is about to hit them.
The path you ask?
Reflection.
Self-examination.
Prayer.
How About You
What is the secret to removing this awful title? How have you battled your missteps and mistakes and come through better than ever?
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
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For every time I didn't speak up...
shame.
For every time I didn't challenge the bigot...
shame.
For every time I had that sinking feeling in my stomach but remained still...
shame.
For every time a leader crossed the line and I looked away...
shame.
For every time the group went too far...
shame.
For every time I heard my conscience question, but I didn't answer...
shame.
And for everything I've learned from failing so long ago...
thank you. I am no longer silent.
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
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inspiration
"When I look back upon my life,
it's always with a sense of shame.
I've always been the one to blame."
Happy Holidays?
One of the most exciting times of the year is kicking off right now...the hectic, joyous, family-oriented and festive stretch from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. I love it...even though I know I can't see everyone that is important to me, it is still a great time of year. Plus, I will make sure I connect with those that are too far away for me to see in person.
But not everyone in our personal and professional networks will experience the holidays in this way. The burden of life's struggles, the challenge of broken relationships, the disappointment of a stalled career...can all build up to a very different view of "the best time of year."
We have an opportunity to make a difference in their lives.
Happier Holidays!
There is no simple solution to "help" our friends and colleagues. One thing is clear to me though, doing nothing adds no value.
Here's a short, and admittedly woefully inadequate list of options available to us this year that might...if nothing else...bring a moment of caring front and center for those in need.
- call them
- connect via social media
- send a note (yes, an old school hand-written note)
- give a public shout out to let others know how special they are to you
- invite them to spend time with you
- encourage others to reach out to them
- purchase a small gift to show them you care
How About You
"So I look back upon my life,
forever with a sense of shame.
I've always been the one to blame."
Lets not have this be the mantra for those in our world this holidays season.
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
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