"Good"
Life can be tough. My father passed away unexpectedly this year at the fairly young age of 65 from a heart condition. That was, and is still, tough.
Life can also be really good. Our first daughter (fourth child), Abigale, was born Christmas Day and brings us joy each day with her smile. That is good.
This life is an interesting journey.
There was a time in my previous line of work when we were severely understaffed. Not because we weren't hiring or didn't have the resources needed to backfill. Just because several employees transitioned at the same time. That led to incredibly long hours in order to keep our clients served well and the wheels moving. It was a challenge that made it difficult to keep a positive attitude. My supervisor, a VP in the company, a good man, and a mentor of mine, sent this video by Jocko Willink (former navy seal and leadership guru) called Good. The premise is that life is all about perspective.
Every difficulty can be viewed one of two ways:
- A problem
- A chance to get better
Was it good that my father passed this year? No. Were their good things that came of it? Yes, there were. Our family which was already close, is now even closer after having to band together to get through this.
No matter what you are facing today, try to take a moment to re-frame the situation. Look at things from a different point of view. What good can come from it?
Tuck this video in your toolbag for the future when you are tempted to focus on the problem instead of the solution. I have and it's helped me.
Keep getting better.