Author: Jim Gohrick (Page 111 of 159)

When you grow up as a child, usually you seem to soak up, take in and assess the way things are done around your house – whether you like it or not. When you become an adult and are able to create your own attitudes and behaviors, it seems we either replicate that same behavior we grew up with or go the opposite direction.

My father was not a fan of Monday’s. He wasn’t a big fan of work in general, but that’s a whole other story. It was written all over his face every time he pulled his car into the garage after a long day’s work.

As a child, it was always hard for me to get back to school after a fun-filled weekend and you could feel the dread in the air from the looming week ahead of us. I never liked that feeling. I remember saying to myself, “Why is Monday any different than a Wednesday or a Friday?” I came to the conclusion I could view a Monday the same way I view any other day of the week – even a Friday. Why not?

Nowadays as an adult, I’ve made a choice to eliminate that dread from our house on Sunday evenings. I’ve chosen to be grateful for the opportunity to get out of bed, run my own business and show the world the best version of me I can be.

No matter what day of the week it is. As I’ve chosen a different path.

More times than not, we regret not participating in something rather than saying, “I wish I hadn’t spend my time doing that.” Not always. But, if you were to say “yes” to everything, odds are you would still be ahead of the game as opposed if you were to say “no” to everything.

We tend to learn, grow and evolve more by doing in life rather than standing on the sidelines and spectating. However, humans don’t like to do things they are not good at. We don’t like to fail. We tend to try things we have moderate success at right away and stick with that.

Maybe we should follow our hearts instead of our skills. Maybe there is something to say about learning your craft. Doing things you have a passion for may just raise your commitment level. With commitment comes dedication. With dedication comes a work ethic. Who knows, you might just improve your skills.

What may fulfill you in the long-term may not be what comes natural to you, but rather what fills your soul.

But, what do I know.

Belief in oneself can come at a premium. When we override all incoming information – both positive and negative and find that still, quiet voice within and have a “real” conversation with it -you – me – us, we’re able to instill a common bond of belief in yourself.

Ideas can come from an outside source, but the confidence to manifest the best of us everyday is forged and bonded in this private relationship with the self. An outsider can only present the idea.

Then we can truly walk to our own beat, answer the specific call of our desires and show our unique self to the world where everyone will benefit from our individual self-expression. Especially you.

So go, go, go, find your light within and Glow, Glow, Glow.

I tend to be a giver. I give credit where credit is due. I give advice. I give leeway in order for someone to have a second chance. I give space in relationships. I give time for the other person to state their opinion in a conversation. I generally give the benefit of the doubt. And I give respect.

I’m certainly not perfect, and I have my shortcomings, but I do my best to not take take take.

No one wants to be around people who take all the time. Take over the entire conversation in order for their opinion to be heard. Take advantage of situations in order to not contribute. Taking someone else’s time for granted. Taking advantage of another’s generosity.

Let’s not forget: What comes around goes around. Besides, there’s more than enough to go around for all of us.

I believe there is real power in finding a mentor when getting started in any field. Finding someone who has more experience and is willing to share some of their insights can be quite productive – for both of you.

Obviously, it’s important to find someone who is in a similar field, but their morals, integrity and principles can be a difference maker.

You may not find a mentor who lines up with you in every way, but that’s not a deal-breaker. What’s important is for you to get started and begin to make intelligent decisions on how you differ from them and how you would like to continue your path – whether that would be the same or different.

The more time you spend learning, growing and evolving with this person, the more clear your style will become solidified.

Everyone can use a little help along the way. Modeling someone who has had success in your area of interest is a great way of moving forward. Whether it’s a formal relationship or you follow at a distance.

Good luck.