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motivation

Do You Spend More Time in the Past or Future?

Do you spend more time in the past or the future?

Neither the past nor the future is a reality right now. The present moment is what we have today. Yet, it’s strange, isn’t it? You are reading this after I spent time in the past writing it. An action I did in the past results in another action right now.

I am thankful for my past. But like everyone, I have my regrets. There are things I would’ve done differently if given the chance. I uttered words and did things that in light of today, weren’t the best choices. I have grown from where I was. After all, the insight of a ten-year-old is much different than that of a forty-year-old!

I can’t change the past, but my perception of it changes over time. Science tells us our memories may have been distorted over time. We reminisce about the good old days but forget the challenges we had then.

The future is hazy. No one can predict it with one hundred percent accuracy. If a pandemic taught us anything, it’s that the future is far from certain. We can make plans, but they are always subject to change.

I tend to think more about the future. I can’t change the past, but I can make investments that could pay off later. An encouraging word in a blog, a helping hand to someone in need, and a positive growth mindset can pay off later. It’s not certain, but the lack of any kind of future investment certainly is.

If you sow seed in the present, at least some of it will bring a harvest in the future. Some may succumb to bad conditions. That is the risk you take. But not sowing seed is certain to bring a barren season.

So while I honor my past, I will use the present to sow investments in the future. And I hope you will too!

Categories
motivation

The Most Important Career Advice

The most important career advice

What happens when rejection comes? If you go for an interview or try something new that you are not perfect at, how do you persist to the breakthrough and to success?

This Forbes article by Jack Kelly nails what most of us know but when negative feelings come, is so hard to put into practice. Push past the feelings and believe in yourself.

“When these things happen, you need to have hope. You must rewire your brain to think positively.”

Jack Kelly

It comes back to faith and hope. That’s easier said than done, isn’t it? When the past and present evidence seems stacked against you, it’s tempting to believe this slump will always be this way.

Five years ago, I needed to hear this. A business venture failed, A move to another state didn’t pan out. Just when I thought I found my niche in one state, we had to head back to another because my wife had a job that paid more and was a better fit for her. It was a very trying time as I attempted to find my place after living in three states in three years.

We tend to believe that the past dictates the future. It does not. Sure the emotional baggage is strong. We tend to see past misfortune as evidence. And the evidence is indisputable, right?

Wrong! The past happened. Your future hasn’t. It is just as likely your future is positive and full of blessing as it is to be negative and barren. Have the hope that your future will be brighter. And have the faith to take positive steps to make that hope a reality.

I eventually found work in what I had hoped for all the time. Today, I am so glad I held on. If you’re going through a tough time. Keep your hope and faith alive!

It will get you through those times when disappointment comes. Short-term, you may have setbacks. But long-term, you will make it through this!

Categories
motivation

The Difference Between Hope and Faith

Difference between Faith and Hope

I’ve often thought these two words were two aspects of the same concept. I thought it was redundant when I heard, “These three remain: faith, hope, and love.” It’s easy to tell the difference between hope and despair, but faith and hope?

Faith involves the past and present. It provokes action. Faith without works is dead, after all! If you really have faith in something or someone, you will take actions that prove your trust. Faith gives the courage to face tough circumstances. Someone is faithful because they trust what they put faith in will come through.

Hope looks to the future. When you put faith to work, hope allows you to see what will happen in the future. Hope feeds into faith. Zig Ziglar had a great quote about hope.

“When there is hope in the future, there is power in the present.”

Zig Ziglar

Faith and hope work together. Hope says change is possible. Faith says you can do something today to influence that hope and fulfill a vision.

May you be filled with hope and faith today. They make each day better and more powerful.

Categories
motivation Running

Running Against the Wind

Photo of autumn leaves with the caption "Running Against the Wind"

Yesterday, Autumn made it clear it was here to stay. There was a dusting of snow on the ground and the wind was stiff. Bob Segar’s, Against the Wind came to mind. For the first time this season, I didn’t run in shorts. My legs thanked me. I searched for a pair of running gloves and a warm hat.

Depending on the direction I ran, the wind made me cold. I was glad for the gloves, warm hat, and jacket. It made things doable. When my back to the wind, I was tempted to think I didn’t need any of the warmer clothing. It was easy to think it was all overkill. But a sudden gust or change in direction soon proved me wrong.

My reward was the last few bursts of autumn color, and a cup of hot coffee and breakfast when I was done. Getting the courage to go out can be a challenge, but I am always glad I did.

Photo of read, autumn leaves
Photo of red autumn leaves © 2021 Kevin Spear

When we face any venture, we will have resistance like the wind. Yesterday’s run reminded me of the following:

  • Be prepared
    • The wind doesn’t care if you’re prepared of not. It will just blow
    • Being unprepared prevents me from enjoying myself
    • Being prepared helps me enjoy new experiences
  • Cursing the wind doesn’t make it go away
  • Giving up when there’s resistance prevents me of something better
  • There is always something beautfiul along the way

When you’re facing resistance, be prepared, face it, and enjoy the experience on the other side. It’s worth it!

Categories
motivation

Do You Wish to Rise?

Quote by Saint Augustine: Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.

Today, November 13, is the birthday of Augustine of Hippo. As best as we can tell, he was born 1667 years ago today. I admire his devotion and his habit of writing copiously. But one of his quotes has me reflective today.

“Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”

Saint Augustine of Hippo

Humility isn’t something we typically associate with leaders. After all, doesn’t it take a big man or woman to get anything done? Shouldn’t the spoils go to the victor? And isn’t the victor someone with a lot of chutzpah, ego, and audaciousness?

Yet we have seen many victors that have been brought down by hubris. If there isn’t a foundation of humility when a leader faces trouble, the foundation crumbles. A foundation of humility is crucial for sustained success.

Humility allows you to

  • Be willing to learn and change before success turns to decline
  • Lend a helping hand
    • You never know who may return the favor
    • It reminds you of what is truly important
    • Goodwill is the best public relations
  • Consider alternatives to “the way we’ve always done it”
  • Take criticism in a positive way
  • Listen when the temptation is to defend and attack
  • Allow others to come aside as co-leaders and team members
  • Keeps a temper from exploding and causing collateral damage

A foundation of humility pays big dividends. It is so hard to practice when success comes. Yet, it is better to humble yourself than have others do it for you.