It helps me as I help others to remember this from Goethe

If you treat a man as he is, he will remain how he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be. – Goethe

Many of the people I work with come from a checkered past. I too, come from a checkered past. Checkered with mistakes and failures, periods of poor judgment in actions or people. I’d like to think we, who go through such times, grow out of it, eventually.

If you treat a man as he is, he will remain how he is…

The growing out of such periods need a boost sometimes, from others. Folks who see in you a higher ceiling and treat you as if you’re already on that level of life. A glimpse of the promise or prospect in their eyes, in your spirit, and a small action towards the “as if” of who you can become.

But if you treat him as he were what he ought to be and could be…

I do my best to remember this quote along with a caveat of my own. Something important (for me, at least) to remember:

Be aware of the circumstance(s) of how the man became who he is today.

Remaining open and aware (aka diligent and vigilant) of the possibilities that surround the present situation AND raising the bar by showing kindness and respect to who they might become.

Have you ever tried to jostle for position with a donkey or mule?

They can be pretty stubborn. I’ve always found a gentle spirit or a kind word softens their opposition. This practice also works well with people, something I would do well to remember more often.

We find such instruction in Proverbs 15:1 –

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

I try to remember the advice of “Horse Whisperer” Buck Brannaman: “[Be] gentle in what you do, firm in how you do it.”

“The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there.” ~ Vince Lombardi

Climbing to the Top

It’s not about the rat race or maddening crowd. It’s not about looking behind you to see who’s catching up. It really has little to do with others.

It’s about becoming the best you possible. Growth. Perseverance.

The climb, at times, is hard and grueling. The view from the top, the feeling of victory in overcoming, is exhilarating.

Keep climbing.

“The oak sleeps in the acorn; the bird waits in the egg; and in the highest vision of the soul a waking angel stirs. Dreams are the seedlings of realities.”

– James Allen

 is just the beginning.

The biggest accomplishments begin with a small thing – whether that’s by a preparation, a practice, or by perseverance.

“It doesn’t take talent to run hard or play hard, it just takes ‘want to,’ in a sense.” ~ Joe Maddon

Some folks just seem to be going through the motions. They get to school on time. They show up for work each day. They even smile on occasion.

But, something is missing. A spark. A drive. To help rekindle their fire, we remember how they felt when they first got started in their studies or work. We talk about their desires, maybe to make an impact, or to be world-changing, or simply to be happy with a healthy family.

It’s easy to recognize it when I see it in their eyes or hear it in their voice. And we build off that. Their ‘want to’.

Have you ever seen a toddler try walking for the first time?

The first time can get pretty ugly:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Riding a bike
• Skateboarding
• Singing a solo
• Folding  your clothes
• Asking someone out for a date
• Driving a car
• Hitting a golf ball
• Cooking dinner
• Interviewing for a job
• Speaking in public
• Trying out for a team
• Recording a YouTube video

This list will grow longer with time, hopefully. As life goes on, your first try will not be your best ever. But your first will be your best at that point, based on your experience.

The toddler doesn’t give up on walking just because they fall down a few times.

You must go through ugly to get to pretty (good).

The word of God, is given – God breathed it into existence, as the Holy Spirit inspired and gave to men to record for our use.

“… more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

How you talk with and listen to others is a great way to show respect. It’s in the manner you engage, not so much whether you agree or disagree.

Respect doesn’t mean you’re giving in to the other guy. Showing respect can be quite simple. One definition of respect is, “a courteous consideration of another person.”

You can show respect even in disagreement. Be patient in your listening, calm in your talking, and not hurried to respond when it’s your turn.

Respect is then, in part, how you treat the other person while having a conversation. Acknowledging their point of view and present your own thoughts in an understandable way.

If our debates and arguments can be exercised with restraint and respect, whether or not we have the same goal, we can learn and grow from such exchange.

Don’t be a right-fighter. Cooperative is better than combative.

What do you believe in strong enough to know when to say yes or no, turn to the left or right, keep at it or cut your losses? What’s on your “Convictions List”?

Asking yourself, “What’s the most productive thing I can do right now?” is a great question, but if you don’t have a strong belief in why you do the things you do, you’ll probably stay busy but hardly be satisfied with your day.

Coach Pete Carroll shares this belief with his players:

“In order to be successful, you must have a consistent philosophy. If you change who you are from year to year – you’re never going to be great at anything.”

Start small. Be true to who you are. This philosophy of yours – these convictions – should be rooted deep within you and articulated carefully. Quality over quantity on this exercise.

One of the keys to finding happiness in life is having some conviction about the life you’re living.