John: I can just tell you what works for me. When I get faced with a challenge, I put my head down and I go to work. It worked for me 10 years ago and it works now. My foundation is rooted in hard work. I learned when I was a kid to put your helmet on, go to practice, practice as hard as you can, lay down to recover and then get up and do it all again.

There have been so many messages I have seen lately about people not knowing what to do, almost like they are asking everyone else when the real advice will come from within. You just need to listen to it.

When someone asks me what they should do about something, I tell them, clear your schedule, focus, and get done what you need to get done. Stop with the living courageously, being authentic, chanting some mantras, writing things down, yoga every damn day, networking, power lunches, searching the internet for some sort of inspirational quote or witty memes ‘bout how you’re supposed to grind today.

Stop with the self-improvement. You want to improve? Here’s your improvement. Work. It’s like the difference between thunder and lightning. Thunder is just the noise. Lightning does the work. So Scooby doo work.

What do you think Sandy? Is this off base?

Sandy – Wow John! There is a lot of passion behind your words! You obviously feel strongly about this. I’m happy if it works for you.

In my world your philosophy seems kind of exhausting.

Of course, to get things done, accomplish your goals and move ahead you have to stay focused and work hard. However, what I don’t see in your philosophy is balance. I agree that it’s important to put your head down and do the work, but then it’s equally important to slow down and take some time to rejuvenate. Give your brain and body a rest so they are ready to go again.

I’ve seen people literally work themselves to death because they never stopped to look around them, find balance, and enjoy things (family, nature, relationships, etc.) outside of work.   After awhile they became exhausted and their bodies just gave out.

I’ve also seen people lose their marriages and connections with their children and friends because they were so driven to work all the time.

I’m confused about your thunder/lightening analogy. Being from the Northwest where we have huge, terrible wildfires every summer, I’m not sure I understand how lightening is positive. The only work I’ve seen lightening do is ignite forest fires that devastate our forests and destroy communities. Yes, lightening is beautiful, but I’m wondering what positive things you think it does.

I think the bottom line is that we all have our own way of functioning, and as long as it works for us, it’s the right thing to do. Some people are more driven than others, and at times that makes them successful, but at other times it can do more damage than good.

We each need to find our own way, and also define our personal definition of success, and then live that way.

Please comment so others can benefit from your wisdom and experience. 

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