The thought of Independence Day brings to mind the current economic environment as well as personal family challenges for me. Many of us go through our lives, day to day, thinking that our only recourse is to put our heads down, one foot in front of the other, and persevere. It is easy to fall into this rut and believe it is the proper course, the only way to go, and all we have to hope for in the future.
I say NO. “Action is the active ingredient that transforms goals into reality!” Let us never forget that we can always improve the situation in which we live, make a better life for ourselves and the ones we love, and effect/fight for change even when the odds are against such change. Being courageous enough to act on your goals/desires/needs to make a better life, better widget, better business and/or better world, is the first and most crucial step in making your goals into reality.
I experience this realty each and every day in business and personally. I am 52 years old, have had big wins and big losses in business, and know that the game is far from over. There is huge opportunity presenting itself today in this new social media world and I am determined to not let it pass me by and finish with that desperately needed win. YOU CAN DO THE SAME.
In addition I face serious challenges in my personal life that many would walk away from, as I have been told over and over by those who would and many who have seen those who do; but I am determined to have a positive effect on the lives of my daughters and face those challenges head-to-head each and every day. Although this is exhausting mentally and physically, I do not bow in the face of the onslaught and odds that have been against me from the start.
Therefore in the face of all these financial and personal challenges we all face… I declare MY PERSONAL “Independence Day,” and you need to do the same!
Well said! It’s so easy for us to declare independence when we’re young-“I can do it myself Mom” and “I can’t wait to move out”. Somehow as we get older (I say we-but mean me lol) timidity takes hold of us. We think we just have to get over our current hump and continue with our lives. The thing is though-unless you DO something about it-the situation will remain much the same. Albert Einstein said that insanity was “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. By that definition many of us are insane. I for one am ready for true independence-from my own limitations. Time to stop simply reacting (to situations) and start playing an active role in my own life!
The worst thing is not to try. Happy Independence Day!
I watched “Pursuit of Happyness” today (and was relieved that the main character in the story was annoyed by the spelling, too). The movie starts with Will Smith’s character, Chris talking about the word “pursuit.” Pursuing is an active word. Happiness doesn’t just happen. We have to go after it and make it happen.
Thanks for this post Ted! I was feeling almost the exact same way this weekend! I am using all of life challenges to make me a better person. 🙂
Ted – It’s been a long time since I have had the opportunity to taste your wisdom. And once again, I find myself lifted. I did see you on television some time ago, and know of your struggles. My heart goes out to you my friend. This has got to be a tough time and yet, I see you are still fighting every step of the way – with positive energy. It’s all too easy to just put your head down and admit defeat in times like these. Lord knows, this has been a struggle of mine for some time now. I just wanted you to know that your post has helped heal a piece of me that was a bit of an open wound. It is time to be thoroughly conscious, grateful for the lessons and empowered by them. Thank you, as always, for your amazing contribution to my life. What a great way to start the day.
Thank you all for such heartfelt comments. Joe… especially happy to hear from you… been too long. Glad my post meant something to you. Hope to see you soon my friend.