Still The Ringmaster At 82

The Boston Globe recently ran a story about a sweet lady whose name is Marilyn Coyne. At 82 years old her life story is remarkable. According to the Globe, she survived the Depression with little food and no heat in her parents' flat in Portland, Maine. She married and sent four kids to college. She saw her husband and one of their children die. What an incredible lady!

Three years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was recently told by her doctor that she had months to live. Looking at her final moments, she had one request-she wanted to Square Dance one more time. The video is touching.

Stories like this always bring me back to center. What would I do if I found out my time was limited... the truth is, that's the truth. There are opportunities with my time today that if squandered, can never be used again for such a purpose. At a younger age one MAY get the opportunity to do that something meaningful or special-but if we are honest with ourselves, we know there are no guarantees.

Now if you will excuse me, I need to get on the dance floor like Marilyn.

What's Driving Your Lineup?

Time magazine has a regular feature called "Postcard________." The March 2nd issue was entitled, Postcard: Beijing. The article discussed China's tough approach to those suffering with internet addiction.

The part of the article that caught my attention was a quote in the 3rd paragraph from the US Center for Internet Addiction Recovery. They classified internet addiction as "Behavior in which the Internet becomes the organizing principle of addicts' lives." Organizing principle... meaning their thoughts and actions were all organized to maximize their ability to be engaged with the Internet.

That got me to thinking. What if we tweaked the phrase a little to evaluate our own situations and our "organizing principles" to see what is most impacting our thoughts and actions? It might then read, "___________________ is the organizing principle of my day (or week or month or life). Taking a moment to reflect on our honest answer(s) might be helpful in determining if we are acting based on purpose.... or something less healthy.

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.

Imbalance can be a career killer

Steve McKee, founder and president of BusinessSuccessCoach.net, has written a fantastic article for Forbes.com entitled Seven Career Killers. One of the seven he lists is imbalance. Below is what he writes:

Many individuals move up the corporate ladder so fast that they actually end up failing as a consequence. More isn't always better -- especially if you're not ready for the challenge at hand. It's important to ensure that you are not only professionally ready to take on a new and bigger challenge, for which expectations are equally bigger, but also that your personal life is ready for the new demands and strains to be placed upon it. Achieving career success also includes maintaining a life balance, and a misplaced professional desire can create a backlash both at home as well as amid peers for your perceived obsessiveness.

Great example of the need to look at all 3 rings before taking action in one.

Simple Reminders

Just like the circus is such a great experience because it is so visual, there are a number of ways you can improve your performance by simple visual reminders.

A 3x5 card in your pocket, on the wall of your cubicle, or on your bathroom mirror can act as a great tool to help keep you focused on what matters most. Write your goals on a card and attach it to your bathroom mirror - you will start your day reminding yourself of the things that you should be working on. Write an inspirational thought on a card and hang it on your wall for when you need a little boost. Carry quotes on a card that you want to memorize for when you are stuck in traffic or waiting in a doctor’s office with nothing to do - you will find you will have them down in no time. These simple reminders can help you keep the right acts in your lineup.