When we develop simple rules to live by, much becomes possible because more become doable. You find it is actually easier to get through the day because you have a criterion to do what you must do, want to do or like to do. Yes, this even leaves time in the evening for a guilty pleasure even NetFlix.
I am a lucky guy for many reasons. One of which is that “retirement” brings the most wonderful people into my orbit. I have the sincere honor to make the acquaintance of the man, Reuven Bar-On, who “invented” the Emotional Quotient some 30+ years ago. One of those things that, as Mr. Jobs said, “Put a little ding in the universe.” Reuven is now updating it for wider and wider application. What a great way to leave something lasting. Reuven and I had an email conversation considering a question we may want to ask: Will what I am doing stand the test of time by bettering myself and those around me?
I have had the good fortune to visit with a few members of the Greatest Generation, parents of the Boomers. They’ve seen economic depression, the death and destruction of world war, pandemics that killed millions, and personal tragedies enough for two lifetimes. They were women, their men long gone. Each of them was a walking history book and an example of a remarkably buoyant view of life. They accepted their decline and were always ready to chat all evening long.
Somehow our Founding Fathers took the best of historical experiments in government and crafted the governance of our republic in ways that work. Although our system of government can engender divisiveness, the ever-adjusting balance of power allows us the freedom as a society to take our ideas and run with them. We are just beginning to see the splendid fruits of galactic amounts of information in the hands of multitudes who care to click on it and create the new and good.
In short, I love being an American. I realize I have a part in the most significant experiments in liberty and justice. I want to take advantage of my good fortune, and I want to play my part well.
What are the few words that can change a life?
Learn lessons of New Wave Leadership
you can apply to daily living right now.
Becoming your best self is an uncomplicated process
you can work into your day.
How you think, learn, practice,
and especially do things matters.
With this gift, you can learn to live well
with meaning, thrive, and help others thrive.
