Pursuit – Encouragement is Personal

Where are You Aiming?

What if getting ready isn’t the first step?

“If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” -Zig Ziglar

Ready. Aim. Fire.

That’s the standard way to shoot at a target. How many people actually follow these steps?

How many have you seen following other sequences:

Ready. Fire. Aim.

Fire. Fire. Fire.

Aim. Aim. Aim. Aim.

Ready… Ready… Ready… (now what?)

Ready. Aim. Aim. Aim. Aim. Aim. Fire? Fire?

Life is a series of choices. A series of challenges. A series of what if’s.

It’s impossible to know the true definition of “ready” in a life of endless possibility. One can spend a lifetime “getting ready” for an outcome that may, or may not, happen. The truth is, we are never fully ready.

What if getting ready isn’t the first step? What if pursuing excellence is?

Excellence in whatever we do. Excellence in the way we look at life. Excellence in our contribution. Excellence in the way we treat others. Excellence in our expectations of ourselves and others. When excellence is the target, the other steps become clear.

Pursue excellence. Ready. Aim. Fire. Adjust. Pursue excellence. Repeat.

Does excellence mean perfection? No. Pursuing perfection is a fool’s errand. The good news is that by pursuing excellence we get a glimpse of perfection from time to time.

The target isn’t the real reward anyway. That comes from the pursuit itself.

Inspiration is great, but…

When was the last time you were truly inspired?

Maybe you saw an inspirational movie, an awesome TED talk, or read an inspiring book. Maybe you had a great meeting with your boss. Maybe you have a brilliant idea that will change the world.

Inspiration can come from just about anywhere.

Inspiration is great, but is it enough? Does inspiration alone drive us to take action, to move toward our new future? Maybe, but probably not.

Inspiring thoughts quickly fade. Without action, inspiration is just another passing thought…soon forgotten.

Remaining in the status quo usually seems safer than taking action.

It’s almost a cliché: The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Inspiration is nothing until it’s coupled with your willingness to take action. To take the first step, and then the next.

Action is the fulfillment of inspiration, and often inspires others in the process.

What action are you taking today to pursue the things that inspire you?

Curiosity and Zombies

Curiosity is better than shotguns…

Are you genuinely interested in how something works, why things happen, what people think?

Do you look at articles describing how some industry you’re not a part of is facing a new market or regulatory challenge?

Are you entertained to learn that Starbucks Frappuccinos and iced coffees may be changing ice cube usage customs in Europe?

Do you click on links to articles about Africapitalism and venture philanthropy?

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to “fly” off a cliff wearing a Wingsuit?

Do you wonder how the education systems of the US can be improved by the proliferation of MOOC’s and alternative learning services like Udacity, Khan Academy, and others?

Do you marvel at how a rocket engine made mostly of solid rubber can power a spaceship launch?

Do you look at things as they are, and imagine how they could be changed by process improvements, new inventions, or new technology?

Are you an “early adopter” of new ideas?

The ultimate question is: Are you curious?

The happiest and most successful people I know are curious. They choose to be explorers in a modern world. Pursuing answers to what, where, who, how, and (of course) why is what makes them tick. Their curiosity is the key to an engaged existence.

They may not find, nor like, all of the answers. That doesn’t stop their insatiable curiosity to learn more.

Show me someone lacking curiosity for life, and I’ll show you the closest thing to a living, breathing member of the walking dead. Who knew curiosity would be better than shotguns against zombies?