This past week I attended the annual event for my professional association. Throughout the year I attend similar events as a speaker or facilitator, so during the summer I make it a matter of practice to attend my professional association and a high impact leadership education event. Upon returning I reflect on the value of the investment and every year, no matter the quality of the speakers, the conclusion is the same: It is good and wise to be there.
Desiring to practice generosity with the people whom I do life with, I’ve listed below some of my reflections as I return home. The brevity of these reflections does not mean that they are superficial thoughts, but rather self-evident truths. May they prompt you to expose your mind, soul and body to good and wise stuff.
Good old fashioned motivation matters: A few years ago I got on this kick that the shelf life of motivation was too brief. I still acknowledge that sentiment to be tragically true, however it is dangerous to conclude that it does not make an impact. It is good and wise to expose yourself to something that inspires you.
The life story of people matters: This weekend, I sat randomly at a round table with strangers. Of course the facilitator had us do this cheesy ice breaker exercise that forced all of us to introduce ourselves. By chance I met a dentist that spent 17 months in a federal prison for committing fraud, a 22 year old college student that has endured two surgeries to remove brain tumors and lives to encourage youthful patients to overcome their personal battles, and a former network news anchor from Boston. I had to learn more, and I had to learn it from each of their stories. It is good and wise to ask people to share their life stories.
Both confidence and humility matter: You must have confidence and humility in the same breath. They say confession is good for the soul, so here is mine. At any gathering of my professional peers there is some juvenile regression to high school attempting to determine where I fit in the pecking order. The sweet spot, and the place where I finally get comfortable, is when I realize that I have earned the right to be in the presence of amazingly talented people. It is good and wise to be simultaneously confident and humble.
Lifelong learning matters: Solomon once said “there is nothing new under heaven”. At times my cynical and arrogant tendencies can succumb to a point of resignation. When I am at my best I realize that it is my dedication to lifelong learning that trumps what it is that I am being taught or re-taught. It is because I seek and search for timeless truths that I am awakened to things I never knew, and things I long forgot. It is good and wise to dedicate yourself to lifelong learning.
About the Author:
Glenn is the founder of Awake Consulting & Coaching, an organization devoted to helping professionals wake up, and lead in the direction of excellence. The vision and passion he brings to Awake has shaped a team that brings unparalleled professionalism and expertise to making a bottom line impact in the businesses and practices they serve. With a variety of resources Awake Consulting & Coaching has the ability to create a profitable business that serves clients, customers, staff, employees and owners with enjoyment and excellence.
glenn@awakeconsulting.com
