DECEMBER 10, 2021
SELF-MASTERY
While I don’t like to make these EG remarks about me, I would like to encourage you to know and understand your “end-game” by first, prioritizing YOUR thinking, followed by intentional actions to find the best version of yourself. So, here we go. (Using my context strength)
I have often been told by friends and family that I have a tendency to be “Scatterbrained.” I’ll own it at times but let me explain myself for those of you who don’t know me very well. The dictionary says this about being scatterbrained; “One who is exhibiting or characterized by lack of serious thought or concentration, disorganized and silly.” Some of these fit me well and others not so much. Check out the synonyms of “scatterbrained” which include giddy, goofy, light-headed, silly, lacking sense or discretion, foolish, careless, forgetful, absent minded, empty-headed, devoid of good sense of judgment, and “Guided by a whim.” WOW! Been there and done that, as I plead guilty to ALL of them at one time or another. Since I have been told that I have half-a-brain, (that is why I need others) I will go with and share that, the other half of my brain is coming from my heart and soul because that is WHO I want to be.
I have a huge desire to “Connect” with others that need more love and understanding rather than judgment. Not just privileged people but those that don’t understand how important they are to others. I like to roll with the punches of life, always looking for the “Bright side” of any opportunity that I am given. (Positivity) There is so much beauty and goodness in the world and I find it every day in the activities that I choose to participate in, listening for God to guide me, spending more time with those that I love, and engaging the people that I meet. (According to Aristotle, we need a little more Truth and Unity to add to the Beauty and Goodness) I don’t consider myself the “smartest turnip that ever fell off the truck,” I just have a different perspective by trying to find those people with potential and love in their hearts. Those, that don’t take themselves so seriously. When I run across them, I just want to see where they are headed. (their End Game) Some, look like they have their ladders on the right castle while others, who may think they have it all together, are lost and in search of something of this earth. It is not my place to judge them. I just want to understand them, love them, and “lift them up.”
We have talked in previous remarks about IQ and EI (Emotional Intelligence) along with finding your own potential. You can’t change your IQ but you can develop your EI. There are many people with great educations and high IQs, but what are they doing to develop their EI? For those wanting to learn and grow as strong men or women, try using our “CAVE here;” Commitment, Accountability, Vulnerability, and Encouragement.
Hopefully, you are interested in finding out more about WHO you are (Your EI) and WHO you are becoming. This takes knowing your strengths and weaknesses. In using Gallup Strength Finders, your Elevator Guy’s top five Gallup strengths include:
- Positivity; Yes, I am a very positive and optimistic person who always tries to look for the best in people and deal with the bad situations without destroying who I am as a person. Being comfortable in one’s own skin is critical in building strong, accepting, and lasting relationships.
- Context; With my study of history, I try to learn from my mistakes so that I don’t keep doing them over and over again expecting different results. (that’s insanity)
- Empathy; Empaths understand the feelings of others. My positivity and context help me understand that we will all face ups and downs in life.
- Relator; My friends used to tell me that I could talk to a post and it would talk back. (Ha!) But I want to be self-aware and bold enough to reach someone on their level. (Always seeking that good connection)
- Activator; Here is where the scatterbrain comes in. I am an action person and I need to keep dancing all of the time. My “half-a-brain” is always working overtime. Once I get overwhelmed and out of focus, (Scatterbrained), I know it is time to stop, reflect, and rest. (Remember; Strengths can be a curse)
Given today’s societal demands, we all become scatterbrained at times. My suggestion is this; find YOUR vision in life, prioritize your life by concentrating on those people and values that are most important to you, turn your troubles over to God, and move forward toward your goal rather than getting stuck in the past. Be a little creative and scatterbrained at times because there is a great victory waiting for you at the end. (Remember; “Begin with the End in Mind.”)
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day: “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.” Aristotle