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<\/p>\nAt this time our thoughts are often thrust into pondering meaningful ways to focus the upcoming year. \u00a0We are bombarded with things others feel we should “value” but these\u00a0decisions should be personal. \u00a0A couple of years ago I shared my New Year’s resolutions with my wife & she in turn shared hers. \u00a0At the top of her list was having more patience but the one that sticks in my mind is this…<\/p>\n
“I will love myself…..after I lose 5 pounds!”<\/p>\n
Too funny, but telling at the same time. \u00a0We often don’t give ourselves permission to accept where we are on life’s journey without some kind of condition(s). \u00a0Of course, we could always eat better, work out more, etc. but we shouldn’t come to love\u00a0ourselves just because we do them. \u00a0We should begin with a deep appreciation of who we are as the foundation & decide what we need to do to improve, not the other way around. \u00a0Easy to say, hard to do.<\/p>\n
A few years ago, I discovered\u00a0the following personal mission statement carved\u00a0below a statue of Merlin Olsen outside the Utah State football stadium where he played. \u00a0He says…<\/p>\n
“The focus of my life begins at home with family, loved ones &\u00a0friends. \u00a0I want to use my resources to create a secure environment that fosters love, learning, laughter &\u00a0mutual success. \u00a0I will….<\/p>\n
Protect & Value Integrity<\/p>\n
Admit & Quickly Correct My Mistakes<\/p>\n
Be a Self-Starter<\/p>\n
Be a Caring Person<\/p>\n
Be a Good Listener with an Open Mind<\/p>\n
Continue to Grow & Learn<\/p>\n
Facilitate & Celebrate the Success of Others”<\/p>\n
Merlin Olsen <\/i>(September 15,\u00a0<\/i>1940 \u2013 March 11, 2010)<\/i><\/p>\n
You’ll notice he begins with aspects of others first, this recognizes the example of how we live our lives has a direct impact on those around us. \u00a0This is clearly a choice for leadership; to take care of those closest to us first in our diverse life roles of son\/daughter, sibling, spouse, parent, colleague, etc.<\/p>\n
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Protect & Value Integrity<\/em>; this is first for good reason. \u00a0If we don’t figure out what we stand for\u00a0we’ll fall for any passing fad that comes along. \u00a0Your character should not be situational, remain steadfast to protect it! \u00a0To value your own integrity is to keep it in the forefront of how you live each & every day.<\/p>\n Admit & Quickly Correct My Mistakes<\/em>; we are all human & will always make mistakes but admission & correction gives us permission to fail while encouraging\u00a0others to remain positive in the face of change. \u00a0We often forget change has to happen if things are going to move forward, it’s as constant as time passing. \u00a0Encourage a healthy curiosity. \u00a0One must fall down to keep learning!<\/p>\n Be a Self-Starter<\/em>; this is essential for lifelong learning. \u00a0Our development is not linear but organic, like agriculture, always growing. \u00a0We can learn something from every situation we find ourselves involved in if we are open to receiving. \u00a0Move past the negative, self-defeating emotions & discover the value. \u00a0Learning what not to do can be just as valuable as what to do!<\/p>\n Be a Caring Person<\/em>; well, he was certainly this. \u00a0As a member of the “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line with the NFL’s Rams he could be intimidating but his work outside football paints a different picture. \u00a0Would a truly mean person work for FTD selling flowers? Showing you care for others shows you love yourself enough to be vulnerable & open with your emotions so it’s OK for them to be. \u00a0Being the first one to say “I love you” in any way opens the door for true connection & the best leaders know you have to start there to get extension of teammates talents. \u00a0He did this with his family, friends & anyone who came in contact with him. \u00a0Perhaps this was his true superpower!<\/p>\n