MARCH 3, 2023
As your Elevator Guy, my job is to; look for the good in people, bring it out in a positive manner and turn around and do it all over again tomorrow. Just my calling as I live out the last chapter of my life. (And I am having LOTS of fun doing it) My purpose and calling has given me inspiration so it is my job to inspire others. Since I am in the fourth quarter of my life and the clock is ticking, I thought I would share a few tips from some people that have inspired me on my own journey.
I recently read an article by Dr. John Izzo. Izzo is a businessman, corporate advisor, speaker, and bestselling author. He is a citizen of both the US and Canada and is a pioneer in the corporate social responsibility arena. Izzo wrote a book entitled; “Five Secrets you must discover before you die” which I am planning to read once I make time. However, I wanted to share his five secrets which I thought were profound. Simply put; his five secrets include; (with Elevator Guy comments)
- Be true to yourself: You must follow your own heart and your dreams. Not the dreams someone else has for you. Continually examine your life to make sure you are following your own true path. There will be distractions, doubts, fears, and obstacles that will hold you back. Learn to deal with them in a healthy manner.
- Leave NO regrets: The most successful people have very few regrets. They don’t regret that they failed….they regret not having taken more risks.
- Become LOVE: The more you focus on acting with love in all that you do, the more you will find your happiness.
- Live the Moment: Live your life NOW rather than planning and saving for the end of it. Don’t live in the past or be afraid of the future. Live for today.
- Give more than you take: Most of us desire to make a contribution in life. Giving connects people to something bigger than themselves. Whether it is God or the entire human experience and journey. You will certainly be the winner in the end.
I would like to think that these five “Secrets” are widely known and therefore, not secrets at all. Rather, good ideas for each one of us to live the life we were meant to live. To add a few insights to Izzo’s secrets, here are a couple more thoughts to think about regarding our relationships with others:
- Relationships have residue. The people we hang around with will rub off on us. So be careful who you hang around. Be a leader rather than a follower. Do it with kindness and compassion. You have all heard the old saying; “Guilty by association.”
- Who are your children’s friends? How many teenagers have gotten into irreparable harm simply being with the wrong crowd at the wrong time? How many of today’s prisoners would trace their illegal activities to the “Friends” that they had early in life? This one is tough but so rewarding if you get your teenagers off on the right foot in life. Try hanging around those kids who make it a point to attend church or Sunday school. They are learning the real lessons of life. And, it just might lift your kid into the right crowd.
- What are you learning? Are you even curious? Henry Thomas Buckle once said; “Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; and small minds discuss people.” Yes, we need to be thinking about all of these, but don’t just get hung up on the “small talk” of life. Think of ways you can engage yourself, your family, and your organization in positive and long-lasting ideas.
I hope each one of you can inspire others by your example. Look at life as an adventure because the greatest temptation in a person’s life is comfort. Don’t hang around those that have already checked out. Run with the bulls.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day; “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Arthur Ashe