NOVEMBER 27, 2020
We have talked in the past about what everyone wants and needs in life. Please review Maslow’s Theory of Hierarch as he gives us a positive spin on the pyramid of life by laying out the basics (The Foundation) of life and building on our needs as a human being. Since we are now the most technologically advanced society known to man, it can all become very confusing as to what we want and what we really need in life. Remember, you have to start with the basics before you are able to move up to the highest point of “Self-Actualization.” Maslow points out that only 2% of the population ever hit this pinnacle so most of are left to navigate life’s issues jumping from one need to another. It reminds me as a kid watching the Ed Sullivan program years ago, where there was a man with numerous plates. His gig was to keep all of the plates spinning at the same time all while adding more and more. Finally, he has so many that he can’t possibly keep them all going at the same time. He reached his pinnacle and finally understood his limitations. This is ONE MAN! What if he had help? How many more plates could THEY keep moving at the same time? Of course, many more than just one man. I share this story only as a reminder that, as we navigate life, we need others to help us keep our plates moving. You can do more together than by yourself. Who are you choosing to help you with your plates? Remember, there is no such thing as a “Self-made” man. We all have someone that is secretly helping us along the way. Find them and ask them to join you. But make sure you thank them.
We were all born wanting something in life. We all need basic things in life to survive. But what do you REALLY need in your life? Is it more things, more money, more stress, more happiness, more, more, more? How about getting along with a little less and building on those things that are important to you like your faith, your family, or your career? (In that order) That calls for having an abundance mentality rather than a scarcity mentality. Which one do you worship?
Our next question is “What do you expect?” If we write down what we want and what we need in life, we then think about what we expect. Us optimists expect to win every time. We have trained and planned for it our entire lives. If it doesn’t happen that we win all of the time, we look for others and become creative in finding bigger and better ways to help us win the next time. Remember, no one wins all of the time. Expect to win if you have paid the price and worked hard to get there. But don’t bitch, moan, become the victim or QUIT just because you didn’t win. Live to win tomorrow. Have something you can win at but make it a talent or skill that lasts forever. If you walk into a contest expecting to lose, you probably will. (The Pessimistic approach) Failure and loss often build character. So take advantage of the lesson of failure to help you win the next time. In other words, once you fall off the horse, get your butt back up right away or you will never get back on. (Another option may be to go look for another horse to ride.)
Now for our final question. What do you deserve? In the big scheme of life, none of us are deserving of anything. Most of us in this country are free to do just about anything we feel like. Often times, we pick the wrong path and fall into a dark place. Look for the light and hang around people that lift you up rather than tear you down. If you have a good vision; then strategize, plan, set a goal, work hard to build up your body, mind, spirt, (your Soul) and your heart. Then you should be able to win at most everything you try. You might not be as good as others but you might help bring out the best in them. Then you both win. We often deserve to lose because we haven’t prepared or worked hard at life. Most of us become too comfortable (Entitlement comes to mind here) and lose interest in growing. Life seems to throw us too many curve balls or we get hung up on ourselves in trying to be significant at something when we are meant for far more in another area. That means you may have to look for other opportunities.
Write down what you want; what you need, what you expect, and what you deserve. If you are following a good path, good things can and will happen. Make it your life’s goal to do more with what you have. You just may be thankful you did.
Elevator Guy