The Fine Print

So what do we do? *

Something. **

So long as we don’t just sit there. ***

If we screw it up, start over. ****

Try something else. *****

If we wait until we’ve satisfied all the uncertainties,
it may be too late.” ******

~ Lee Iacocca

* Be careful what questions you are asking. Furthermore, be aware it can be dangerous to ask advice from persons unknown to you or you to them. Some people talk just to hear themselves speak. Others struggle with stringing together meaningful thoughts.  Strangers, acquaintances, neighbors, colleagues and even well-meaning family members provide advice based on their own experiences, perceptions, and prejudices. While some responses may be useful, don’t feel compelled to implement all advice that is offered. At times, listening to your heart is the way to go.

** Activity, alone, is never enough.  To be effective, it must result in meaningful productive results. See: Congress, merry-go-rounds, bumper cars. A lot of activity, going around in circles, running into each other, and stalling in the corner. Resulting in a lot of activity, going around in circles, running into each other, and stalling in the corner. Is any additional argument needed here?

*** Sometimes, just sitting “there” is actually the best course of action. Taking the time to think about where you’ve been, where you are, and where you are going can be a very good use of time, energy, and resources. Downtime can actually be productive if used appropriately. Experts recommend regularly scheduling “Thinking & Planning Time” into your week in order to recharge, refocus and re-energize. [Not to be confused with a nap.]

**** Does not apply to heart surgery, childbirth, breaking the law in any way, or live television. Sometimes, you really can’t “unring” the bell.  However, neither should you allow minor setbacks, blunders, mistakes, wrong turns, or poor choices stop you from moving forward.

***** Does not apply to parenting or changing destinations in the middle of a flight. There are some choices which commit you for life (or some other long period of time). Think before you commit. Weigh the options. Calculate the risk. You hold the key to your destiny. You are responsible to change something or take action if your current course is moving you away from your goal. Measure twice, cut once.

****** Make a note that “satisfying all the uncertainties” is an impossibility. There are so many things you don’t know, don’t know you don’t know, and will never have an answer for until you experience it for yourself. Do the research. Ask the experts. Go with your gut. Enjoy the ride.

“Education is when you read the fine print.
Experience is what you get if you don’t.”
[Pete Seeger]

Whatever you are, be a good one!

Deanna

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The Price of Success

Whatever you are, be a good one” [Abraham Lincoln].

The message in this short statement is so powerful: regardless of the position you hold or the role you fulfill, perform it to the very best of your abilities. Or, as Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath said, “If you’re not going all the way, why go at all?”

Abraham Lincoln was going all the way! There are many reasons that I admire and respect this man. From his humble beginnings as a Kentucky frontiersman, Abraham Lincoln had to struggle to live and learn. He endured a difficult life in which he worked hard — he was committed to accomplishment.

Don’t be deceived; his was not an easy life. Lincoln was not an “overnight success.” It’s so easy to celebrate a person’s success without appreciating the dilligent effort that made it possible. His road to the White House was fraught with numerous defeats and repeated failures that would have deterred a less-committed person. Yet, Lincoln never allowed these disappointments to distract him from his mission.

Consider this abbreviated time line of Abraham Lincoln’s life:

• Lost his job in 1832.
• Defeated for state legislature in 1832.
• Failed in business in 1833.
• Elected to state legislature in 1834.
• His sweetheart died in 1835.
• He suffered a nervous breakdown in 1836.
• Defeated for speaker in 1838.
• Defeated for nomination for Congress in 1843.
• Elected to Congress in 1846.
• Lost renomination in 1848.
• Rejected for land office in 1849.
• Defeated for U.S. Senate in 1854.
• Defeated for nomination for Vice-President in 1856.
• Again defeated for U.S. Senate in 1858.
• Elected President of the United States in 1860.

I’ve often wondered how many times during that 28-year period Lincoln considered quitting — or his family and friends tried to talk him into quitting? 28 years? Are you kidding? It wouldn’t have been easy for anyone.

When Lincoln was alone in the evenings, did he contemplate just packing it all in, returning to his farm and living a simple life? What compels a person to continue in the face of such crushing and continual defeat? I believe it is a clear purpose and dedication to doing whatever it takes.

Although it may seem that you are facing mounting disappointments or failures, now is not the time to give up hope or lower the dial on your determination! Consider this quote by Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States:

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing in the world is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

To be successful, you don’t have to be the most talented or educated. You just have to have the determination to stay in the game until you win. If you’re turning back the first time you encounter a speed bump on the road to your dream, you’re not really committed to achieving. Think about it — what have you let deter you in the past?

Frank Lloyd Wright said, “I know the price of success: dedication, hard work and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.”

Whatever you are, be a good one!

Deanna

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