Know Thy Self

Navigate Strong! Finding Your Life's Road of Reality

March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life’s path.

Kahil Gibran

 

            “Life is difficult.” In Dr. M. Scott Peck’s well known book, The Road Less Traveled, this is the first sentence. Startling at first glance, but when we think about these words, it’s very true.  Dr. Peck goes on to say that once we accept this fact, life becomes less difficult because this fact no longer matters.

            Keep going ISO (In Spite of).

            We then focus on the many roads ahead, knowing as we proceed on our odyssey that some truths will become evident. One such truth is that we ourselves sometimes get in our own way and create difficulty. Other times we show out brilliantly, handling our business. Hard stuff happens and none of us are immune. Wonderful times roll around and we all get to celebrate.

            Most of life actualizes somewhere in the middle and that is where we learn—traveling on what appears to be a ‘long and winding’ road.

             I’ve (literally) broken down on the road yet found inspiration in the words of a gospel song that relates, “Nobody told me the road would be easy; I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me.”  These words help me to recognize and use my IPS (Internal Positioning System) more.

            What I’ve come to terms with on this journey we call life is that I have experienced a lot and will experience much more. This range of events has presented many emotions for me, reflective of things I’ve missed and things I’ve cherished. I’m sometimes lonely for a mate, yet proud of what God has allowed me to accomplish. I lament relationships that fell into dysfunction, yet relish those that remain in alignment. I revel in joy over family rites of passage and sometimes sink in sorrow over those who’ve transitioned to be with the Lord. I’ve learned that you can’t always count on those closest to you, but strangers of immense kindness will pass along your way.

            At either end of this spectrum, coping is what we do. We learn how to wipe out and negotiate and handle what’s thrown our way—it’s the Navigator’s mission. Facing the fact that no one roadway will put us exactly where we would like to be, we internalize this tough lesson. With no guarantees for happiness, we reach for it where we can find it. Oftentimes we’ve heard others say (or have thought to ourselves), "If I get this or that then I'll be happy." Trying to keep up with others in current lifestyle trends usually leads to temporary satisfaction, but an ultimate return to dissatisfaction. The important thing is to keep our focus and be optimistic even in the most challenging of times. Where we are is where we are. 

 

            Understand that the roads of life are best paved with managed expectations.

 

Excerpted from my motivational autobiography, Navigating Life’s Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey in print and Kindle eBook http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FQDPYE

 

 

Your Breakthrough! Courageous Against The Block

Don't judge a book by its cover.

American proverb

           

            It really did happen. 

            On November 4, 2008 and November 6, 2012 Barack Hussein Obama was elected to be the 44^th and 45th President of the United States of America. Challenging the historical model of who should be a Commander-In-Chief, then Senator Obama rallied voters from all ends of the demographic spectrum. Using social media and accompanying technology, his campaign reached out and touched people in profound and purposeful ways.

            In observing President Obama’s approach I was reminded of William Shatner’s voice at the beginning of the popular Star Trek shows.  As Captain Kirk, Shatner states the mission for the crew of the Enterprise: “To boldly go where no man has gone before.” President Obama dared the political ship with his election— navigating it in warp drive. He stretched the bounds of his beginning.

            President Obama put together and sealed this successful box of ambition.

            Sometimes other people will use every tool at their disposal to stuff us in a box— not quite sure what to make of us if we don’t fit the mold of the moment. Periodically we voluntarily seal the box – thinking there’s no way out. Judgments on our GPS: Goals, Positions and Skills, can often misdirect us. We may bypass a potential destination that holds an opportunity, driving by and thinking, “That wasn’t my stop.”  Or “It doesn’t fit what I thought it should look like.”

            I’ve encountered workshop participants who find it difficult to get promoted or enter new career fields. Pigeonholing based on someone else’s assumptions regarding their abilities is often a factor. I encourage them to adapt a “Yes I can!” rally to action. To be their own box-cutter when someone tries to seal the deal on your future.

            Then I give them more alphabet soup to consider.

            Write your own SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) on how to get out of that box. You can come through for you—so determine when.  On our journeys we travel different times of the 24 hour cycle—each with its prompts and purposes.  In the dawn we can see a new day unfold the goal of starting. During the day we busy ourselves with tasks of the action plan. At twilight what’s done has met the reason of the day. Darkness provides its own special covering and sometimes we’re forced to voyage at night – to stay on our campaign trail.

            What time is best? Where am I situated? What do I want to ship?

            Using our IPS (Internal Positioning System) will point the way.

           

            UPS (Uninformed People Stoppers) may try to ship us to the wrong address.  I say bust out of the package and engage!  Recover. Put your personal date stamp on. Reship to a new place. Then use the marketing concept of USP—and ground your Unique Selling Position. Square it off!

 

Excerpted from my motviational autobiography, Navigating Life’s Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FQDPYE (print and Kindle eBook) narratives of dealing with life’s setbacks and successes

 

Success: Define and Claim the Destination

Let’s look at the definition of success itself. For each of us it can be different, based on who and where we are and how we dream of the future. From employment in a job or career that provides fulfillment, to the ability to take care of a family, to economic stability, to being a good neighbor, to being respected in the community and place of worship, to being in good physical health or having solid, loving relationships—the range of how success is defined is personal.

            Prosperity on these important fronts brings its own richness to life; degreed or not, color of the collar in your work situation, address of your residence, cash flow stuck or surging, bounty or barely holding on. Recognize your personal obligations that prevent or propel. You call your life as you see it. Are you in a sweet enriching spot or rotting hole? Prosperity can be rooted in the emotional—peace of mind or strong faith. No locked in worries. Passionate about other your interests or hobbies? Satisfied or wanting a change? Your choice and your challenge. Figure and define.

            Our ambitions along with our own measure of strength, soul, and spirit add to the meaning of success. To claim this status, let’s start by discovering and working on eliminating any barriers to our personal progress.

            Are you stationed and ready?

Make It Your Vision

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Harriet Tubman

Conductor, The Underground Railroad

            Whatever success looks like in time, energy, money, effort or even loss, make the picture of your envisioned reality as plain as it needs to be. Imagine your career … Imagine your family …

            The dream triggers this new thing that you want. Measureable and to the point is how to capture this goal. Questions to ask yourself are: How badly do you want … ? What am I willing to go through to get it?

            Only you have the answer.

            As Earth, Wind and Fire sing, “Keep your head to the sky.”

            Dream. Imagine. Take a risk.

Back On Track? The Way Forward

            First, fortify for the opposing forces and be sure you know the truth about yourselves, and your purpose. Read positive, recent, and industry targeted information. Don't rely solely on the local newspaper or the broadcasts for accurate accounts of your life or situation in America. Proceed with caution with some of the online sites. Be ready and resilient in pursuing what’s for you.  Rightly know your personal constitution. Use your IPS (internal positioning system) to guide you.

            We now become the Griots of our struggles and story. Having our own main track of information is a great place to start! Shoulder these pillars as your guidelines and go. Find your beacon. Help yourself and others continuously along the way. Pace yourself. Be gentle. Realize that sometimes along the way we all need a little PUSH.

Purpose, Understanding, Support, Healing.