MAKING THE MOST OF IT

I spent a good part of my time growing up feeling inadequate. I was acutely aware of my shortcomings. If I was smart there was always someone smarter, if I were fast there would soon be someone faster. It was as if I had a subconscious desire for inferiority. The truth is that there will always be someone smarter, faster, richer, healthier, better looking, better read, with better grades…and so on. What I have learned is that it really doesn’t matter.No one is the best at everything. People may be blessed with talents that cause us envy but success requires so much more. A life well lived is one that stretches whatever abilities we have and challenges us to find and reach our own individual potential. All of us have specific strengths and weaknesses along with particular proclivities. It is the sum of these and our ensuing choices that make us who we are.

A person’s character, motivation to learn, ability to admit mistakes, willingness to prepare and work hard, inclination to continually challenge themselves, genuineness, perceptiveness, courage, attitude, self-discipline and self-confidence do more to determine their success than innate traits. Yes, with God given talents these characteristics make for a powerful combination, but it’s learned behaviors that are the foundation of success. It is what we do with what we have that underpins happiness.

In ancient times leaders were selected according to their bloodline. There was no consideration given for aptitude. To some extent this still occurs but generally only when all other factors are equal. As a result, today opportunity abounds for those who wish to become leaders as long as they have a genuine desire to gain wisdom.

Acquiring wisdom means paying attention to life. It requires engagement, observation and curiosity. A mind set that values constant improvement and knowledge acquisition sets the stage for success. Teaching our children, as well as encouraging our co-workers, to embrace this philosophy adds value to the life of the person, the organization and society at large. The world cannot have too much wisdom. The same is true of our leaders.

From wisdom flows an inner strength and confidence that centers the leader and as a result the organization. Becoming a student of which behaviors matter most and applying them earns respect for the leader. Leaders are the most observed people in an organization. Their actions either gain or lose them respect. The choice is theirs and its impact has dramatic ramifications for the organization.

Success is not something we are born with but rather a function of the choices we make everyday. All the talent in the world is no match for a wise leader. Making the most of our abilities is all we can ask of ourselves. It is enough.