The Difference

USA Today had a series recently on "Sports and Academics." It was quite thorough and included thoughts and perspectives from athletes, coaches and college leaders. One day they highlighted the thoughts of two athletes about their college experience. Read their words and see if you notice a difference:

Chinyere "Chi Chi" Okpaleke
When I received my diploma, I realized it was all worth it. I thank God every day I took the road less traveled, stayed true to my heart and stuck with it. (Entire Article)

Steven Cline
Now I look back and say, 'Well, what did I really go to college for? Crap classes you won't use the rest of your life?' Social science is nothing specific. I majored in football.(Entire Article)

The difference, in Juggling Elephants terms, was that one stayed true to their purpose while the other was distracted by the purpose of others. If you read both articles you will see that both faced difficult challenges. When the time came to make choices, however, one chose an answer that was contrary to their purpose, but more immediately gratifying or convenient. The other made a choice that required more sacrifice now, but with outcomes that would be worth it in the future.

I wish I could say that I could most readily identify with Okpaleke, but I am more likely to be like Cline. I make choices that give me instant gratification or avoid some difficult obstacle, but leave me looking back with regret. Not just over the course of four years, but even in how I spend a day or an hour of my time. The result is the same.

What choices do you need to make today? And what choice would one day have you look back with gratitude and peace instead of pain and disappointment? An old quote comes to mind:

The pain of discipline and commitment is measured in ounces.

The pain of disappointment and regret is measured in tons.

One Ring Affects The Other

I was listening to an interview with a potential member of the incoming president's cabinet. When asked if he was going to take the job, he replied, "This is not a professional choice. There are family and personal considerations I must review before making a decision."

Bravo! So many decisions are made by people without giving a thought to how that choice will affect other areas of their life. I wonder how things would be different for them if they would first stop and say, "What impact will this choice have on the other rings in my circus?" My guess is that their decisions would get a much better standing ovation from others-and themselves.

What Is The Juggle Costing You?

The first line of the article said it all: A couple going on a European vacation remembered to take their duty-free purchases and their 18 suitcases, but forgot their 3-year-old daughter at the airport. Read the entire article by clicking here.

Apparently they were late for a flight, and in the rush to the gate they forgot to check to make sure they had all five of their children. The good news is that the child was safely flown to meet them on the next flight. Scary moments.

A comment by one of the grandmothers really got my attention. She said, "We're in shock. They're very responsible and organized, top-notch people." Let's review-they left their child at an airport and flew to another country! While it would be so easy to just scream at the parents, I have to wonder-how many well-intentioned people have made some really poor choices because they were just working or living at such a breakneck "juggling elephants" speed.

How many good employees have left an organization because their manager or supervisor was just too occupied with "busy work" to respond to their needs. I'll bet there are a ton of individuals who have abandoned their life's passion because they were too busy with the daily rush of life. And yes, all too often, we see children or spouses get left behind in some way because someone was focusing too much on the "wrong ring."

What is your "rush to the gate" routine costing you? Some things are just too important to be lost.

True To Their Purpose

In training programs on Juggling Elephants, we talk about the need to focus on your purpose, and use the definition of "desired intent or outcome." Well, if you wanted the outcomes of:

• No housekeeping
• No laundry to wash
• No cooking to do
• No heating or cooling bills

What act should be in your lineup? Why, living in a motel for 22 years. Here's the link to the story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070911/od_afp/lifestylebritainhoteloffbeat

This couple definitely stayed true to their purpose. What are you willing to do (or say "No" to) to stay true to your purpose?