Eight Life Lessons that Make a Difference

Which leads to my first Big Truth: we just have to learn some things for ourselves. I've read lots of books, studied with smart people, and been given great advice. Unfortunately, in the eagerness of youth, I chose to ignore most of it. It takes time to figure life out and other people's advice doesn't always fit, and that's ok. Give yourself some time and a bit of slack. You don't have to get the hang of this all at once.

Second, some lessons have to be learned more than once. If only I had a nickel for every time I've made a mistake, learned from it, then done the same thing all over again! (I take some comfort in noticing that other people do this, too.) Humans are smart, but we aren't as smart as we think we are. And, we have short memories. Fortunately, we're allowed more than one mistake, like a mulligan or do over! Get over it.

Third, flexibility is more important than power. People who are hopeful, cheerful, and creative also tend to be optimistic and happy. Too often, strong-willed people are just stubborn. I'd rather be optimistic, eager and creative than "determined." I finally learned this truth: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again - then move on."

Fourth, curiosity is more valuable than talent. Talented people take offense at this, but little kids taught me this one. The eager kids with the big eyes and restless questions always seem to figure stuff out. The bright kids usually get better grades, but they don't have as many adventures or good stories to tell. In life, go for the stories!

Fifth, doing stuff is more important than knowing stuff. I love to read about all kinds of stuff, especially history, so I obviously believe that knowing stuff is important, but life must be LIVED, not studied. People who take risks, try things, build or invent stuff, make mistakes, and create memories are the people who live the "good life". Get in the game!

Sixth, people are more important than things. Sure, all you wise folks are going, "Duh!", but this one takes a while for most of us to really absorb. As kids, we want new toys, as adults we need new cars, or whatever. It's not until later that we realize memories and success come from people. Adventure and delight and joy come from our relationships with people. Stuff just clutters up our attics and our lives.

Seventh, opportunity is more fun than success. We need a challenge, we need to grow, stretch, look over the horizon, and explore the next frontier. Every level of success is a foundation for the "next big thing." Highly successful, creative and energetic people enjoy life's big challenges; the rest of us just sit with our problems.

And finally, what we contribute is more meaningful than what we get. Creating and building is simply more rewarding than consuming and throwing stuff away. Leaving footprints that others can follow, being kind or generous, mentoring, or opening a door for someone, is simply more fun than collecting stuff.

There are lots of collections of life lessons and "rules" for making life work out well. My guess is that we all have to find our own path, find our own rules, and word them in our own way so that they truly work for us. The key is to find the principles, the "rules" that DO work for you.

My Holiday season wish is that in 2010 we make this world a happier, more peaceful and more fulfilling place for all of us. This  particular planet is too small for us to not get along. For all our differences, we're in this thing together so let's make it work!

Here's to a prosperous, peaceful, and joyful Holiday and New Year!

Quotes of the Month

"In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy." -- Albert Clarke

"Life was meant to be lived and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn one's back on life." -- Eleanor Roosevelt

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." -- Helen Keller

"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much." -- Bessie Anderson Stanley

Strictly Business: The One-Minute New-Year Check-Up

It's the Christmas season, and there is usually the temptation to slow down and cost a little for the remainder of the year, so let's make this quick: What one thing do you NEED to improve your business in 2010?

This is not an essay question and there's no trick.

Every business owner, manager or professional intuitively knows the one thing that frustrates, disappoints or annoys them about their business. It may be as big as needing a whole new marketing plan, or as small as a door that sticks. Maybe you need a new assistant, or to up-grade your software. It might be time away to get organized, or for a personal retreat. It might be time to hire a coach, or for something as simple as new shelves.

Whatever pops into your head, trust yourself!

What one thing would you like to up-grade or eliminate this year?

Don't try to "figure it out." Trust your instincts and jot down your answer.

So when you get in the office, pick up this note and promise yourself - whatever else goes on - this ONE THING WILL GET FIXED!

Your business will be better for it, and that's a promise.

And here’s wishing you and yours a Mary Christmas.

To anyone who has children in their lives, whether your own, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, or students, here is something to make you chuckle. Whenever your children are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did not extend to managing children.

After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the first thing he said was, "Don't."

"Don't what?" Adam replied.

"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.

"Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit? Hey, Eve... we have forbidden fruit!"

"No way!"

"Yes, way!"

"Do NOT eat the fruit!" said God.

"Why?"

"Because I am your Father and I said so!" God replied, (wondering why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants).

A few minutes later, God saw His children eating the forbidden fruit and He was ticked!

"Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" God asked?

"Uh huh," Adam replied.

"Then why did you?" asked the Father.

"I don't know," said Eve.

"She started it!" Adam said,

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"DID NOT!

Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own.

Thus, the pattern was set and it has never changed!

Rodger Blaker works with executives, small business owners and professionals who want to grow in their business and create an extraordinary life!

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