Two glaring realities face us today. The first is a global economy—growing ever more competitive—that requires the constant pursuit of greater operational efficiencies and commitment to meeting the needs of the customer. The second is the awareness by many that these relentless demands are affecting the quality of their lives. Viewed in isolation, these realities can lead to feelings of disharmony or being “out of control.”
While those who employ us deserve our dedication to the highest standards of work we can produce, those we profess to love and care for deserve the attention that validates our commitment to them. Is there a solution? Although one tendency might be to cry out: “Stop world, I want to get off,” that is not, for most, a viable option. To achieve the aspirations we have for both our professional and personal lives will require nothing less than—courage.
Knowing what is the right thing to do at any given time is the challenge most of us face. A critical report urgently needs to be completed, yet it is competing against a promise to be at a ball game. The report is for an important customer, but we’re running out of ball games! Why does a situation like this require courage?
Because to have courage is to act as one believes one should.
- Whenever we risk criticism by taking a stand on our beliefs, we are courageous.
- Whenever we define success on our own terms and work toward it, we are courageous.
- Whenever we admit mistakes and apologize, we are courageous. Whenever we forgive others for their mistakes, we are courageous. Whenever we totally commit ourselves, we are courageous.
- Whenever we face adversity yet still “show up” to meet our responsibilities, we are courageous.
Each and every day we make decisions about how to use the block of time that is the raw material of our lives. Many of these decisions are not easy. Will it be the report or the ball game? I have informed clients that I could not meet a deadline and I have told children that I could not be at a ballgame. Human history has taught us that, ultimately, the right decision is the one that connects to our values. Those values guide us to define what clearly matters most at any given time.
And whenever we live in accordance with our values, we are courageous.
David McNally, CPAE, is the CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) of TransForm Corporation. Elected to the Speakers Hall of Fame by the National Speakers Association (NSA), McNally is the author of the bestselling books, “Even Eagles Need a Push—Learning to Soar in a Changing World,” “The Eagle’s Secret—Success Strategies for Thriving at Work and in Life,” and “The Push—Unleashing the Power of Encouragement.” His co-authored book, “Be Your OWN Brand,” is used by many business schools to address the importance of building a strong personal brand. McNally’s books have been translated into 12 different languages and developed into corporate training programs that have been released in more than 20 countries. TransForm works with organizations to develop purposeful leaders who build inspired organizations and iconic brands. Clients include Ameriprise, Areva, Conway, Delta Airlines, Pulte Homes, and Thrivent. For more information, visit www.davidmcnally.com or e-mail info@transformcorp.com.
