Life, Leadership, and the Pursuit of Living the Life You’ve Imagined

We learn something new every day, whether in a classroom, on a computer, being a parent, or even simply conversing with colleagues at the office.  My personal philosophy about life is exactly why I’m here, putting myself “out there”—to me, life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself….  At the top of my website just under the sunflowers you’ll see the powerful words of Gandhi, by which I try to live my life each day, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

I believe you’re the only person that can truly either block your dreams or unlock your passions.  Sometimes both.  It’s all up to you.  Try new experiences, learn about new topics, what do you have to lose….you never know if you don’t try….

I derive so much in life from art and working with my hands, especially clay, I have created my own little spin on a popular motto—“Carpe Muddum.” Seize the CLAY.  Literally, simply grab the experience with both hands, don’t be afraid to get a little dirty and “muck around,” and mold, flex, and fashion the experience into becoming a part of you—uniquely you.  I have learned from experience that you CAN do everything you want; simply do one thing at a time until you accomplish what you like. 

Don’t limit yourself, don’t leave any stone unturned, and you will have no regretful “what if…” moments to haunt you. 

I believe that all the knowledge, experience, your relationships you’ve built, and your actions are the only things you take with you when you leave this life—so make it count.  Because, according to Alice Fulton’s Sensual Math, “Life is too short to blush.”

The only constant in life is change, don’t fight it, embrace it.  As the trend continues towards viewing organizations from a more organic, systems view, the push is on to harness the power of chaos that ignites change, learning, and growth.  This change promotes growth opportunities which stretch, pull, and often hurt/wound both individuals and leaders—that’s why they call ‘em “growing pains.”  These wounding experiences serve as some of the biggest defining moments and learning opportunities in a leader’s life; and, although painful, these can be incredible opportunities for reflection, deeper understanding, growth, and self-improvement.   To quote a little inspirational picture on my desk, “I never said it would be easy; I only said it would be worth it.”  By choosing to embrace and understand the wounding, turning into the storm instead of away from it, incorporating any opportunities to change and evolve, and move forward, these courageous leaders gain power, wisdom, and insight.  To quote Dylan Thomas, leaders can choose to “(Do) not go gentle into that good night.  Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

Good leaders always need to keep their identities clear—both of themselves as a person and also as a leader.  When crises or wounding experiences come around and knock you off balance, it’s easy to “lose yourself” and become confused or lose your personal, spiritual, or professional path.   With that in mind, it is essential to work at getting yourself “centered” again.  This critical reflection practice helps you stay grounded.  Incorporating activities such as hobbies or interests can combine with this reflective practice to create a “time out” to step back, regroup, de-stress, and reflect on both self and the situation at hand.

So, what will each of us do differently today...this year? How will each of us try to make things a little bit better than what currently is the "status quo"? How can each of us, in the words of Gordon B. Hinckley, "Stand a little taller" and Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world?"

All it takes it the conscious decision to get a bit more involved...reach out and volunteer to help, whether it's a neighbor, a local charitable organization, or simply your own family or friends....Become part of the process that IS COMMUNITY...That's the first, and such an important step.

From there, you will soon see that you indeed count, and you indeed make a difference in the world...it’s all up to you….