It’s the Choices You Make…

Some people see things as they are and say ‘Why’?. I dream as things that never were  and say ‘Why not?. Ge0rge Bernard Shaw.

Some are more difficult to make than others. It’s always the most important ones that are the hardest.

The most fundamental one is how you view life. Everything flows from there.

Today, constantly buffeted by a steady diet of negativity, fear and pessimism it is easier to think that life is just about the money, wearing the right labels, holidaying in the latest hotspot or owning the latest thing; or you can think it is a wonderful, magical ride, albeit with with many bumps and unexpected sharp curves but well worth the ticket – doing what you think matters and holds meaning for you.

The choice is yours.

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Stay interesting. Stay interested. Stay relevant. 

I hope to see you back here soon. As always, thank you for reading me.

You never know how far you can go until you go for it. T.S. Eliot

The world isn’t changing. Humankind is changing. We are in the midst of massive disrupting forces as our lives, work, culture and leisure are dominated by information, artificial intelligence, data and biotechnology. Distances have collapsed and our smartphones have made global villagers of us all.

Even those at the top of their game are pausing, examining their options, looking for ways to do more and be more. They are determined to live more authentically at a time when authenticity, straight talk and truth are in short supply.

The times are demanding, to be sure, but for the curious and the imaginative, a new order beckons, promising exciting advances in every field.

Life is only a reflection of what you allow yourself to see. Whether you are looking for new ways to improve your present condition or, perhaps, are in transition, one of hardest things in life is to know which new bridge to cross and which to burn down behind you.

In your search, there are many boxes to check off. Here are just a few:

1. Be honest. To yourself and others.
2. Do the right things rather doing things right.
3. Stay strong.
4. Have a wide open world view.
5. Work smarter.
6. Stop being a slave to social media.
7. Eat right. Exercise right. Sleep right.
8. Don’t fall for the applause.
9. Fend off thoughts about the past. It’s today that counts.
10. Be the best you can be everyday.

Whatever it is next for you, the greatest asset you bring to your work is you.

Now that you’re here: Want to step up your game or are in transition and could use a fresh pair of eyes? Would you like me to speak to your group? Text/call 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow me on Twitter.

Keep your face to the sun and you cannot see a shadow. Helen Keller.

In our current environment, so many seem to delight in finding fault and focusing on the negative, so when I happen across an exception I always make a point to tell her or him how refreshing they are. It immediately brings a smile.

I ran  across an example recently when I approached the concierge at condominium residence in downtown Toronto.

I commented on how pleasant he was as he replied to my inquiry.

“It’s simple,” he said. “I live each day according to what I call the three big E’s.”

“Let me guess, I said, Energy….”

With a smile, he finished the sentence for me. “Empathy and Enthusiasm.”

Energy, empathy and enthusiasm. Can you imagine what our days would look like if everyone subscribed to this simple philosophy?

Looking on the bright side, accentuating the positive… what a difference that can make..

Try it. It’s infectious. I’ll bet you’re smiling… even now, as you read this!

Want to step up your game or are in transition and need help? Would you like Drew to speak to your group? Text/call 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow him on Twitter.

In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm… in the real world all rests on perseverance. Wolfgang von Goethe.

For many today moving forward is a challenge. We are in the midst of massive disrupting forces as our lives, our work, our culture and leisure activities are increasingly dominated by information, artificial intelligence, data and biotechnology.

The times are precarious. While exciting new opportunities abound, success doesn’t come easy.

Undeterred, the winners, always hopeful by nature, are courageous, curious and open to change.

They are working smarter, harder, willing to step outside their comfort zones and strategically play to their unique  talents. And they are patient. They know overnight success is usually preceded by years of stick-to-it determination.

The road is long but whatever you’re working on, whether it’s a business proposition or yourself, if it sticks to your soul, stick with it. Success lies just over the next ridge.

Want to step up your game or are in transition and need help? Would you like Drew to speak to your group? Text/call 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow him on Twitter.

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou.

In these crazy, distracting times, when so much seems totally out of whack, when fake news is given unwarranted currency, when leadership at all levels is so often wanting, keeping ourselves straight and focused on what is meaningful in our lives demands real personal leadership.

Personal leadership is all about being real, authentic; being open to others and receptive to ideas different from ours. It is about staying committed through thick and thin and having the courage to do the right things, rather than doing things right.

Real leaders take responsibility for themselves. They are absolutely clear about their path. They lead with constant self-awareness, passion and grace.

They are good at giving encouragement and they are never satisfied. They are constantly raising the stakes of the game for themselves and others, always testing, building stamina and sustainable enterprises.

Real leaders embrace change and foster creativity. They organize and cultivate conversation among different people that wouldn’t ordinarily talk with each other and they see the kinds of patterns that allow for innovation.

Real leadership, as it is often said, is like good art. We can’t always describe exactly what it is but we know it when we see it.

And we certainly need it. Like right now.

Are you in transition? Want to step up your game but don’t know how? Would you like Drew to speak to your group? Text/call 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow him on Twitter.