AUGUST 27, 2021
SUCCESS
Along with my own brother Randy and as part of the curriculum with our Foundational Band of Brothers Group, we have been exposing our 14 young men to a successful group of business, educational, and community leaders here in Lincoln. We have heard words of wisdom and tails of leadership from the President of the University of Nebraska and the CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation, the Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools, a District Court Judge here in Lancaster County, the Director of the Economic Development for the State of Nebraska, along with chosen friends and colleagues who have totally enriched my own life as Elevator Guy for many years. All successful men with pronounced legacies who have had various life experiences in serving others through business and education. Our vision is for each of our Band of Brothers to define for themselves, their OWN definition of success in their Faith, with their Families, and in their chosen career. We want each of them to first, set a personal vision, followed by a family and corporate vision. Then, each one can reflect and write down what they want and need in meeting their individual appetites for significance that each one of us craves. (Not just desire but the CRAVING to be significant) We want them to be unafraid of failure because this is exactly how we all grow. (or not)
Many of us have been raised to be successful but often times, we let others define it for us or are not given the right tools to reach our own goals or dreams. Life is full of distractions and not knowing who we are or finding our purpose in life may lead to bad outcomes. Or, if we think we are totally successful and have reached our pinnacle, we coast through life looking for something that makes us happy or trying to be appreciated for our God given talents. (Remember; we were all created for more) Our goal with our group is to help develop these young men into being their own “Critical Thinkers” in making good choices and understanding their goal in living into righteous manhood. That doesn’t mean they can’t have FUN along their journey of life. (In fact we encourage it) It means that they had better accept WHO they are and not try to be someone they are not. (Look at your own heart and make it strong enough and big enough to share with others)
This weekend, it came to me that we needed a good slogan or quote to keep our eye on the ball as to what it takes to be a success. Hopefully, our group can follow some of these guidelines. (Test it out for yourself) Yes, all of the experts tell us to; accomplish something of value, make yourself famous, prosper at a high level, be victorious, take advantage of opportunities, be significant. Well, all of these are great but can often be very confusing if you don’t understand yourself or how to get along with others. We often want to take all of the credit for anything the team might do while we place ALL of the blame on others when things don’t go as planned. (We all know someone like this. OUCH! Don’t be one of these people.) This is our first attempt at this quote so here it goes; Quote for the Day: “To be successful in anything; Be wise, Be daring, Be first, Be good, and Be different.” Elevator Guy
Please let me explain:
- Be Wise: Wisdom is one of the Four Pillars of our Band of Brothers. With that said, all men need older men (mentors) to offer counsel about some of life’s experiences that will soon come their way. It is very difficult to go through life without other good men. (The same goes for women)
- Be Daring: Daring doesn’t mean being stupid. Start with wisdom but “Get Started.” All of us contemplate different levels of “risk taking” every day. Find yours in life and GO with it. You just might find it will grow over time. It’s called “Learning.”
- Be First: Now this sounds counterintuitive to what we have been preaching about working with and helping others. However, how can you do anything to help someone unless you first know how to do it yourself? Think about it this way; “Put your own mask on first before you attend to your child.” You don’t have to be “First” in every contest. You just have to be in the game. Be average until you find something you can do well. Try going early to an event. You never know who God might put in front of you, or what opportunity awaits you in making a great connection.
- Be Good: This goes without much explanation. You can be either good or evil. Think of doing something well. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be GOOD. Think about your character and what impact it has on others. Is it a good one?
- Be Different: Being unique and different is part of what makes each one of us special. Be genuine but be your unique self. Be self-aware that you are different and LOVE yourself for it. Blemishes and all. Then go share that LOVE with others.
What is SUCCESS to you? Remember; You were created for more.
Quote for the Day: “To be successful in anything; Be wise, Be daring, Be first, Be good, and Be different.”
Elevator Guy