Successful performers choose a predominantly positive outlook, seeing their work and craft as an opportunity to grow, competing with themselves rather than chasing perfection.

We can always choose our excuse,

yet the consequence is often out of our control. 

If we want to control the outcome,

we can only find out what inputs determine each outcome,

and then manage our own inputs. 

Searching for truth is hard. 

Following truth is harder. 

Ignoring promises is easy. 

Breaking covenants is easier. 

For many, when it gets hard, they choose easy. 

Then they lie and tell themselves,

and especially others,

that they are happy.

When,

everyone can see,

the light in their eyes,

 the shine of their smile,

has dimmed, 

has changed, 

is less real. 

When performance is on the line, honest feedback is better than polite lies. 

Finding alignment is more important than niceness. 

Alignment creates and then supports trust,

while politeness and nice words can be used to manipulate. 

Consistent effort will eventually separate you from everyone else. 

What some might call “abuse” that happens during survival situations is often not abuse, but rather the human instinct of survival kicking in and overriding standard thought processes.  

When there is a disconnect, there is no connection. 

Connection drives all relationships. 

Redefine what success means to you. It’s not about titles or trophies. Real success is living true to your values, showing up with purpose, and knowing who you are matters more than what you achieve. And when you know who you are, you will achieve more than you ever thought possible. 

 

Happy Birthday, Luci! Keep being authentic, and your hard work and focus will pay off. 

Happiness isn’t a reward at the end. It’s a way of being, it is created, and is something that you choose that fuels everything you do.