The future is called ‘perhaps,’ which is the only possible thing to call the future. The important thing is not to allow that to scare you. Tennessee Williams.
No one can predict the future. All each of us can do is hope for the best, be the best we can be, do the most we can do with what we have at our disposal and leave the world a better place than we found it.
That will be enough….
One of my favourite contemporary writers is Pico Iyer. He writes and speaks on a number of eclectic subjects. A friend forwarded a link to a TED Talk that he had delivered, entitled Where Is Home?
A master story teller, his talk is engaging and inspirational.
We’re living in trying, uncertain times. Diversity and change are the coinage of our era. Everyday the world gets a little smaller and meaner. Listening and watching the media to which we seem to become ever more addicted, the choice offered up is increasingly stark: Either we are all going to hell in a hand basket, or we are on the cusp of a bright, brave new world.
Ever the optimist, in spite of the growing evidence to the contrary, I am inclined to the latter view, holding to a hopeful, inclusive picture of the world. Yes, it’s challenging but so are the opportunities, if you are willing to stay open and look for them.
In spite of the seeming evidence to the contrary, I’m still bullish on the future. I think Pico has it right. In the global world, home is not where you came from… it is where you stand.
Rules? Rules?! We’re trying to create something here. Thomas Edison.
If you’re going to create something, there will probably come a time when you are going to have to break out of the way you think and see the world.
You are going to have to try something you’ve never attempted before. You may even have to go up against people who seem to know better than you do, and just follow your intuition.
Sometimes, there’s no other way.
Jump right in. When you’ve gone as far as you can, you’ll know what to do next.
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 challenging 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 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.
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.
Thinking. The Talking of the Soul. Plutarch
Every thought we’re thinking is creating our future.
Each of us creates our own experiences by our thoughts, feelings and actions.
When we create a peaceful and harmonious environment in our minds, we find it in our lives.
What we believe about ourselves becomes true.
Our thoughts and deeds create who we become.
Everything counts.
For more information, rates, or to set up a meeting:
Email drew@drewsimmie.com or call direct 416.450.8867.
