Going Places

Going Places

We’re always going places.  Work.  Home. Gym. Back to work.  Shopping. Dining.  Recreation.  Squeeze in a quick vacation.  Back to work.  Change jobs.  Repeat.

The vicious cycle of life’s day in, day out routine gets in the way all too often.  It gets in the way of what we think we want to do and where we think we ‘need’ to go, at work or at home. We often wonder, “is this going anywhere?”  Whether it’s a career thing, a relationship thing, or a life thing…how often do we ask ourselves, “where is this going…are we making any progress?”

We hold on so tight, and we don’t let go.  Or am I the only one?  We are so afraid of losing control or becoming too vulnerable in different situations at work or at home, and our own fear creeps back in on us. 

Consider for a second that when that fear creeps back into the picture…it’s ok.  It’s 100% ok to not be ok.  Being fearful of things outside of our control is normal.  How we deal with the fear is the potential OneMoreStep that can free us up to make a difference…and in some cases even be that difference that matters to others.

Our first instinct is to try and control everything, in every situation.  Why?  Because if we’re in control, we’re less likely to be hurt, disappointed, or feel inferior.  That’s what we think is happening.  What is really happening is that we’re focusing on ourselves, our own work, our own career, our own resume, and our own results about which we can be proud and gloat…yet all the while, in the back of our minds we’re still wondering, “are we really going anywhere?”

We often do things for the glory…for the accolades…for the recognition…for the praise…for the raise…for the bonus money.  Instead we should go OneMoreStep at work, at home, or in the community not because of what we might get back in return, but because it’s the right thing to do.

If and when we do the right thing, for the right reasons, for the right people (operative word – people…making it about them, not us), at the right times, it’s amazing how quickly our hearts are warmed with love and our minds are left at ease.  Worry, frustration, and doubt give way to contentment, satisfaction, and enjoyment.

The OneMoreStep here is this – rather than wondering if we’re ever “going places”, we should first focus on getting our hearts and minds in the right place…and then it’s amazing all the places we’ll go: professionally, personally, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. 

Two for the road…

Five years ago I left a great job (Sales), with a great company (Disney), in a great city (Orlando), in a great state (Florida) to pursue a list of my goals, on what I had determined to be my timeline to get me exactly where I wanted to go by the time I wanted to get there.  (note how many “I’s” and “my’s”…and where I put my focus)  Neither my heart, nor my mind was in the right place.

Sure, I’ve been a few places, lived in a few different cities, and worked for a few different companies since then.  Some good.  Some bad.  If I’ve learned anything along the way, it’s that it’s less about the places we go and ALL about getting our hearts and minds in the right place…first.  It truly is amazing what a difference that simple, yet often overlooked OneMoreStep concept has on our ability really go places with our relationships, our families, our careers, and the impact and inspiration we can have on the lives of others. 

Happiness happens when our hearts and minds are in the right place…then...we go places.

When I graduated from high school, my mom gave me the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”  Mom, not that I didn’t appreciate the gift then, because I did…I simply understand its meaning a bit more now, fifteen years later.  So…thank you, again, for the graduation gift. 

An excerpt from Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, by Dr. Seuss:

Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.

And then things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.

OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

You'll be on y our way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

Have a great day.

Taylor

Remember the Privileges

Remember the Privileges…

Remember eleven years ago…the tragic events of September 11th, 2001.  Americans across our country were immediately filled with thoughts and emotional distress.  Some lost family members, others lost friends, and many lost their jobs. 

We also lost some privileges.  We lost the ability to walk with loved ones to the gate of their flight in an airport.  We lost the ability to carry on bottled water.  For at least the short term, we lost the opportunity to drive in our towns, on our streets, to be with friends, family, etc. 

Guests at Walt Disney World lost out that week, as the parks closed because of the terrorist threat levels.  Tourists stranded in vacation destinations across the country and world were grounded, without the ability to fly for days or weeks. 

As we reflect today, we have so many thoughts.  It’s a tough day for Americans, our allies, and especially those who lost loved ones either on that day or in the weeks/months/years that followed, defending our freedom and protecting our nation. 

I hope we remember the privileges. 

The opportunity to work and be employed by a company or organization…something larger than ourselves…that’s a privilege.

The capability to drive, fly, or travel to and from destinations either in-town or out of town, for work or play…that’s a privilege.

The very friendships we have at work, school, or in our lives, and the opportunity to spend time with them, learn with them, laugh with them, and cry with them…that’s a privilege.

The partnerships we have in business or in the community that allow us the opportunities to move the needle, improve, or enhance either our own lives or that of another…that’s a privilege.

The precious time we still have with our families and loved ones while everyone is here, together…that’s a privilege.

September 11th is always a day filled with thoughts, feelings, and emotions.  We remember where we were on that day eleven years ago…what we were doing…the people we were with that morning…and the people we loved the most. 

Whatever we were doing then…whomever we were with at the time…wherever we were working…it was a privilege.  The same goes for right now, today…whomever we’re lucky enough to call friends, the organizations we’re lucky enough to call employers, and the very love we give and receive…those are all privileges. 

We should embrace them as such and enjoy each of the 86,400 seconds we’re given each day.  For who knows what the future has in store…today is the day that matters.  Embrace it, with a zest for life that will make others around you feel compelled to do the same.

My heart goes out to those in the OneMoreStepRevolution community that are reliving the memories, thoughts, and emotions of September 11^th, 2001 today. 

Never forget…remember the privileges.

Taylor

Related Post:

FRED Friday...Remember 9-11-01, Ten Years Later

 

One HUNDRED More Steps

One HUNDRED More Steps

About six years ago, I was working as a Sales Manager at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, and I had something I needed to share with one of my colleagues in the office. 

First, I thought about sending them an email…but I wasn’t sure if the message would come across clearly enough.  Then, I thought about giving them a call…still didn’t seem like that would be quite enough of a personal touch.  Next, I printed a couple documents to show them the next time they stopped by my office…it was at that point when I said to myself, “this might save them time and actually help them if I take this to them now, instead of waiting until later…their office isn’t too far down the hallway…maybe I’ll just go one more step, and take it to them now…”

Sure enough, delivering the documents in-person, to their office and engaging in a quick dialogue, fully explaining the context of the situation helped them out, made perfect sense to them, and most importantly seemed to really save them time and add value to their day…judging by the genuine thanks and appreciation I received from my colleague.  I remember just walking a bit taller, with a little more bounce in my step and a big smile on my face, just knowing that the little extra step made a positive difference.  (note the operative word - them - taking the focus off of myself and focusing on them was the key, resulting in a much more fulfilling and rewarding day for me in the end.)

It was then, on that day, that I started really thinking about this concept or idea of going OneMoreStep.  For years I talked about it with my friends, family, coworkers, bosses, etc.  On January 31^st, 2011, I decided to start writing about it.

The OneMoreStepRevolution blog was born…

I started writing about the topic, sharing stories, thoughts, experiences, and principles that I’ve learned along the way.  Some come from lessons I’ve learned from my parents, coaches, and/or teachers growing up in Kentucky while other posts have been inspired by books I’ve read or life experiences.  Other posts I’ve shared just because I’ve had a thought that helped me get through a challenging day or a tough time…and my hope in sharing that thought on the blog is that it helps or inspires someone else when they read it.

I like to write, and I like to speak to people about these principles…but most of all I absolutely love the thought of inspiring people to go OneMoreStep in life or at work, in hopes that they have a better day today than they did yesterday…all because they made a positive difference in the lives of those around them.

As much as I enjoy writing and speaking about going OneMoreStep, I don’t do it for me…I do it for you.

I appreciate the OneMoreStepRevolution community liking, sharing, retweeting, commenting, emailing, forwarding, and responding to each post in the last 18 months.  Together we’ve sent posts from this blog to all 50 states in this country and 140 countries around the world.

Last week, the OneMoreStepRevolution blog published its 100^th Post.  Just as we’ve shared since January 31^st, 2011…we share with you here, on this post, in one location all 100 Posts.  I hope this post and future posts continue to be a source of inspiration to you and others to keep looking up and going OneMoreStep…

All 100 Posts for the road...

Logo art provided by Barkofski Design in Winter Garden, FL.  I called my long time friend and former roommate, Steve Barkofksi, last week and told him that we've reached 100 Posts.  I asked him if he thought it would be cool to have a "100 Posts" logo and if he had a few minutes, could he draw one up.  Two days later he emailed me...he didn't draw up one, he drew up six...and said, "here's a few ideas...we can always mix and match...let me know which ones you like...and let me know if I can do anything else..."  Stevo, being Stevo...going OneMoreStep as usual.       Thanks, Steve!

I'd love your feedback - which posts you've enjoyed the most, and why...as well as what topics, stories, or experiences you would like to read more about in future posts or books I write.  

Email me at tscott21@gmail.com.  Tweet me @TSCOTT1502, and join the OneMoreStepRevolution Community page on Facebook by clicking here...

OneMoreStep…the concept – January 31^st, 2011

Keep Doing the Little Things… - February 2^nd, 2011

It’s Friday…Finish Strong…  - February 4^th, 2011

Everybody’s Talking…How About Listening? – February 9^th, 2011

I Like a Girl…But… - February 13^th, 2011

Avis Makes Magic? – February 15^th, 2011

Be “Around” the Ball – February 20^th, 2011

It’s My Job – February 28^th, 2011

FRED Friday – March 3^rd, 2011

Everybody Has “Stuff” – March 7^th, 2011

The Name Game – March 14^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Paul from U-Haul – March 17^th, 2011

Don’t Miss It – March 24^th, 2011

How Did We Make Them Feel? – March 30^th, 2011

Touch People – April 5^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Van – April 7^th, 2011

Don’t Give Up – April 10^th, 2011

Lead With Love – April 17^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Jennifer Le – April 21^st, 2011

Start Fresh – April 24^th, 2011

Lessons From Mom – May 2^nd, 2011

FRED Friday…My Brighton Experience – May 5^th, 2011

Just Be Nice – May 9^th, 2011

Do It Anyway – May 17^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Tech Magic – May 20^th 2011

Anything…Anytime…Anywhere – May 26, 2011

Let ‘em Know You Were There – June 1^st, 2011

FRED Friday…Lou Saved the Day – June 3^rd, 2011

D-Day…Reflection & Perspective – June 6^th, 2011

I Wanted to Be Like Him – June 13^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Captain Melanie – June 17^th, 2011

86,400 Seconds in a Day – June 20^th, 2011

StairMaster – June 27^th, 2011

Second Half – July 7^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Carlos, the Disneyland Fred – July 8^th, 2011

Life…It’s What We Make It – July 11^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Mr. Dunn, the Chick-Fil-A Fred – July 15^th, 2011

The OneMoreStep Trifecta – July 24^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Ellen Ruel – July 29^th, 2011

Hugs, Handshakes, & Hi-5’s – August 10^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Holly – August 12^th, 2011

FRD Friday…Meet “V”, the Day Changer – August 26^th, 2011

Kitchen Table – August 29^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Remember 9-11, Ten Years Later – September 9^th, 2011

OneMoreStep Moments – September 20^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Amy, the Miracle Fred – September 23^rd, 2011

Persistence Wears Resistance – October 3^rd, 2011

“Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish” – Steve Jobs – October 6^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Brandon, the Problem Solver – October 7^th, 2011

Annoyed Today, Expert Tomorrow – October 18^th, 2011

It’s About People – October 24^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Mike – October 28^th, 2011

Practice… - November 2^nd, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Rob – November 3^rd, 2011

It’s a Small World…Be Happy – November 13^th, 2011

Give “Thanks” – November 21^st, 2011

Be Curious – December 6^th, 2011

Content is King…With a Twist – December 15^th, 2011

Believe – December 19^th, 2011

Sometimes… - January 5^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Meet Marcos – January 13^th, 2012

Dream Diligently – January 16^th, 2012

Leaders Elevate – January 30^th, 2012

Today is the Day – February 10^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Meet Ms. “D” – February 17^th, 2012

Trying vs. Doing…MTXE – February 29^th, 2012

When Leaders LEAD – March 5^th, 2012

Earning the Ball vs. Wanting the Ball – March 14^th, 2012

Remembering My Friend, Derek Brown – March 20^th, 2012

Mistakes & HAKUNA MATATA Moments – March 25^th, 2012

Up – March 29^th, 2012

Seriously, Why So Serious – April 1^st, 2012

Never Always Sunny – April 2^nd, 2012

Good… - April 6^th, 2012

The Magic of Understanding – April 11^th, 2012

Feelings are the CAUSE, not the effect – April 19^th, 2012

First, Choose HOPE, then spread it – April 24^th, 2012

Commencement and Moments in Time – May 2^nd, 2012

Lessons From Mom – 2.0 – May 8^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Meet Boston – May 11^th, 2012

Make Believe – May 14^th, 2012

The Opportunity of Clear Expectations – May 18^th, 2012

We’re the Lucky Ones – May 23^rd, 2012

FRED Friday on Memorial Day…a Thank You – May 27^th, 2012

Swings – May 29^th, 2012

The Ride – June 4^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Meet Abbey & her Partners, the Starbucks Freds – June 8^th, 2012

Fountains in the Desert – June 9^th, 2012

There – June 10^th, 2012

Once Upon a Time is Now – June 14^th, 2012

Environmentality – June 26^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Meet the i-phone Code Red Freds – June 29^th, 2012

Only Time Will Tell… - July 8^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Meet Augusta Scott, the Zappos Coach – July 19^th, 2012

Credit vs. Benefit & Who Cares – July 26^th, 2012

Walk – July 31^st, 2012

Represent Your Nation – August 10^th, 2012

Good People – August 16^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Birthday Well-Wishes, FREDShips, & a Team of Freds – August 17^th, 2012

Are You Winning? – August 29^th, 2012

Are you winning?

Are you winning?

Last week I said “hello” to a Guest playing a slot machine in our casino.  He said “hello” back to me, cordially…and I asked how everything was going with his stay.

He never really looked up from playing his slot machine, though smiling all the while, and he told me that everything was great. 

Then…he asked me, “Are you winning?”  (He thought I was a Guest in the hotel…though I was of course, working.)

I immediately responded with a smile and almost a chuckle, “No…no…I’m actually working.”

He laughed…I smiled…then…….I thought about it, in that split, micro-second…it hit me – sure…I’m working, but maybe I am “winning” in the big picture. 

I may be working while my new friend playing slots in our casino (God bless him) and so many others are enjoying their vacation on the Las Vegas strip.  However, I realized that it’s truly a blessing and a privilege, just to be able to utter the words, “I am working.”

With so many Americans out of work, in between jobs, or struggling to make ends meet in these ever-so-uncertain times, if you have a job right now…you’re winning; at least statistically speaking.

OneMoreStep Thought for the week:  Even if things aren’t quite perfect…even with stressful burdens on our families and on each of us, as individuals…we should take a moment to reflect on what we DO have vs. what we DON’T have.  When we do, we may just realize that we are winning, in so many ways…and we’re not really “losing” at all. 

 {Even if this is a rough patch, on the job front or otherwise, DON’T GIVE UP…keep looking up.}

If you have a loving family, you’re winning.
If you have a job (even if it’s not perfect), you’re winning.
If you have a roof over your head at night, you’re winning.
If you have friends to call, spend time with, or laugh with, you’re winning.
If you have food on the kitchen table each night, you’re winning.

Are you winning?

One for the road…speaking of winning, ‘tis the season, football season.  Soon college football will be back in full swing, which means school is back in session.  It’s BACK TO SCHOOL time for everyone from students, to teachers, to football fans across the country.

In the spirit of 'BACK TO SCHOOL', we can all take this time to get back into the “swing” of things.  Remember back when we were students?  When school started back every Fall, we all of a sudden became MORE focused.  We had a regimented schedule and routine, which allowed us to listen and learn. 

Whether we’ve already walked across the stage or not, we can all take this time to (mentally) go back to SCHOOL:

S chedule – we can take this time to reevaluate our schedules, to ensure we’re spending time wisely.

C ulture – In school, we all had “School Spirit”.  That was our “culture”.  How about now? We can all reevaluate how well we’re “representing our nations”. How well are we embodying our company’s culture in our roles at work every day?

H omework – In school, didn’t we put in the time ‘after hours’, diving in, learning, practicing, and studying?  How about now?  How often do we “do our homework” for our current jobs?  How much better would we be and how much MORE value would we create if we did?

O rganized – When we’re in school, our routines with classes, assignments, and deadlines force us to become MORE organized.  What about now?  How organized are we at work?  In life? At home?

O bserve – Remember when we were younger…whether we actually had a passion for learning or not, we certainly paid a great deal of attention to everything around us.  We “observed” the people around us - our teachers, our coaches, our parents, and our surroundings.  What about now?  How well do we observe and notice what’s happening or not happening at work? At home?  If we did observe, how much better would we be?  How much more in tune with our teams would we be?

L isten & Learn – Just because we’ve graduated from school doesn’t mean that we should stop learning.  How well do we listen to our friends, family, coworkers, bosses, clients, customers, and Guests?  What if we did listen to them…how much MORE would we learn?

Go OneMoreStep this week…get in the winning spirit…’tis the season to go BACK TO SCHOOL.

Have a great day.

Taylor

"the moment you stop learning, you stop leading." -- Rick Warren

FRED Friday...Birthday Well-Wishes, FredShips, & A Team of Freds

FRED Friday…Birthday Well-Wishes, FredShips & A Team of Freds

Good People

Yesterday was my birthday.  Sure I woke up feeling a bit older…perhaps a bit wiser, after yet another year of things being up, down, and sideways.  However, I wasn’t really planning on celebrating too much for my 33^rd birthday…

By  7:30am, however, I had received text messages from some of my best friends, a text from my boss, phone calls from my two favorite women in my life – my girlfriend and my mom, and a OneMoreStep, collective FaceTime from two of my dearest friends (For the record, so I don’t have to hear it later, they were actually first, at around 6am…) – all wishing me a Happy Birthday.  So that was all really, really cool…and all of them made me feel great!

My old pal...

When I got to work, I stopped to say good morning to the team, as I always do, and I was met with smiles, “happy birthday” wishes, high fives, and hugs.  When I made it to my office, I opened the door to find my old pal, Mickey Mouse (a balloon, four feet tall) standing on my desk with “Happy Birthday T. Scott” written on my white board, and balloons decorating my office.

Later in the day, our team presented me with a custom made gift basket, the contents of which consisted of ...well... just the most thoughtful gifts…my coworkers and members of our team know I like to attempt to stay fit and eat healthy, and they know I get grouchy and irritable when I’m hungry.  So protein bars and whey protein to make protein shakes, along with a really nice shaker, were some of the marquee items in the basket.

They also included a Mickey Mouse business card holder and post it holder, several little energy booster concoctions (because they know I like to stay fired up), a Disney water bottle, and a Disney’s High School Musical – WILDCAT plush doll (which is hilarious and awesome on many levels).  After nearly two years, they all know (and most share) my love for the MotherShip, Disney. 

The entire team signed a birthday card…and they didn’t just sign their names.  Each person wrote something incredibly touching, wishing me a happy birthday.  They’re such special, thoughtful individuals that make up an incredible team.

In the afternoon, I was called to come out of my office, into a common area that we all share…to a group of coworkers caroling, “happy birthday” to me!  They had a birthday cake…but not “just any cake”.  My colleague and “partner in crime”, as we say, Sarah, took special consideration, went OneMoreStep, out of her way to get Mickey and Minnie cake toppers AND little mini palm trees…because she knows of my fascination with anything/everything tropical, Jimmy Buffett-ish.  Very, very cool…and it made for an extremely fun mid-day break.  I appreciated it.

More calls from family and friends came throughout the afternoon and evening.  Emails from coworkers who heard it was my birthday popped into my inbox.  My Dad…my sister…and more of the old crew called and sent texts.  Happy Birthday Facebook messages and Tweets rolled in as well, all wishing me a happy birthday.

Sarah crushed it on the cake

I don’t paint this picture of my birthday to brag.  This post is not about me.  It’s about the people that made me feel so…GOOD…all day yesterday.  I’m dedicating this Fred Friday to the friends, family members, colleagues, teammates, coworkers, peers, and leaders that made my little old 33^rd birthday, which would have otherwise been just a routine Thursday, a day that I’ll never forget.

The gifts were great, certainly appreciated, and I am totally digging them all (Ms. Pat Fitz – the i-Tunes gift card – MONEY!).  The cake was the bomb, and we devoured it ALL, in probably world record time.  (Great teamwork)  We had a blast with the Mickey balloon all day, taking The Big Cheese with us to meetings, taking pictures, and pretending to include him in our conversations.

The thoughts behind the gifts, however, made the real impact on me.  The genuine interest and thoughtful messages, phone calls, and notes were so touching…and they all made me feel special, valued, and loved…and what makes that so cool is that I love them ALL right back.  I only hope I can show them the same love and return the favor tomorrow…and everyday after that.

Fred the Postman is definitely proof that everybody makes a difference.  No matter how big or small the organization…no matter how significant or insignificant we think we are to our peers and leaders…we all make a difference.  As Mark Sanborn says in The Fred Factor, “The real question is…what kind of a difference are we making?”

I am so very thankful for the birthday well-wishes, true FredShips (friends that are Freds), and the entire team of Freds I am privileged to work with and for, every day.  You all made a true difference that mattered to me yesterday, on my birthday. 

I am 2,000 miles away from where I grew up in Kentucky…but all of you made me feel right at home.  Because of your Fredness, I am reminded that the grass is greener exactly where I am standing.  You truly made an otherwise ordinary Thursday, extraordinary.

“Isn’t it great knowing you have the ability to show others how to make the ordinary extraordinary?” – Mark Sanborn…The Fred Factor…page 96.

Thanks for being Freds!  Now I want to do the same…

Taylor

What is FRED Friday?

In my favorite book, The Fred Factor, Mark Sanborn tells an inspiring story of how a man named Fred goes OneMoreStep after OneMoreStep in his role as a Postman for the United States Postal Service.  I love this book.  Since my mom sent it to me in 2004, I've purchased the book for friends, coworkers, and girlfriends...I've even purchased and hand delivered copies of the book to several executives at both Wynn Las Vegas and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Fred Friday is a series in which the OneMoreStepRevolution blog will showcase a real life "Fred" on select Fridays.   Reading The Fred Factor definitely leaves us with a desire to to be more Fred-like ourselves, but I also love looking for Freds.  Freds are everywhere. I love it when I experience a real life Fred.  I'm inspired just as I am every time I re-read the book.  I thought it would be fun to spread the magic of Fred to our OneMoreStepRevolution community.  Enjoy...  

Fun pics for the road...

Luckily I was already awake...or this would have been a scary wake up call, via FaceTime

The Big Cheese isn't my boss anymore...yet he still came to our staff meeting today.

We couldn't get anything done...with this guy micromanaging us.

 

Good People

Good People

It’s summertime…well in my mind August and September still count.  Summertime is my favorite.  I love it, embrace it, and try to do things like live in Florida and/or Las Vegas to maximize the amount of summertime in my life.

In the spirit of summertime, I often listen to Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and/or Jack Johnson music…the other day as I was listening to Good People, by Jack, a OneMoreStep thought popped into my mind.

The hook of the song is, “Where’d all the good people go?”

OneMoreStep Thought: All people are good.  Some are just better at showing it than others, and for some, we just have to spend a little more time seeking to understand to realize that they are also “good people”, despite what we see on the surface.

We live with, work with, interact with, and coexist with many different people, from varying backgrounds differing ages and demographics.  We see it every day that it takes all kinds of people to make the world go ‘round.  Some people are in great moods more often than others.  Some people are simply nicer than others.  Some people go OneMoreStep early and often, while it may seem that others only care about the person they see in the mirror and nobody else. 

The reality is, we go through times in life when more often than not we seem to experience people that seem rude, upset, self centered, and/or abrasive.  And all too often, we channel Jack’s lyrics, and we ask ourselves, “where’d all the good people go?”

What if we thought about it and approached it differently?  What if we lived and worked under the assumption that we’re all good people, and though some folks may not seem like it on the surface, if we give them a chance, we just might be surprised to find out that they really are good people.

We should think about it…think about them.  We all have people in mind I’m sure…you know the ones…the people that seem disinterested in us, but certainly in it to win it, for themselves. 

We should ask ourselves, when is the last time we actually gave them a shot?  When is the last time we gave them some time…or gave them the dignity of their own process to maybe let us in and listen to new ideas?  Or better yet, when is the last time we actually sought to understand more about them, as people. 

What if they’ve never had anyone take an interest in them?  What if they’re so used to everyone combating them or their ideas that they always feel compelled to be the abrasive one? 

And what if you and I go OneMoreStep?  What if we actually engage in conversation with them, taking a genuine interest in learning more about them, where they’re coming from, and how we can help?  We just might find the “good” in them afterall.

Will everyone magically come around and stop being rude?  Probably not.  Will we make better friends with ALL of our acquaintances and people from whom we often walk away asking, “where’d all the good people go?”  Probably not ALL of them.

At the very least…when you and I go OneMoreStep, and become quick to listen and slow to speak…when we give people (everyone…all kinds of people) a chance and take a genuine interest in them…you and I will be Good People.

…and we’ll be the answer to everyone else’s question, “where’d all the good people go?”

Have a great day.

Taylor

Represent Your Nation

Represent Your Nation

I love the Summer Olympics. 

I was 8 years old when I fell in love with the essence and spirit of the Summer Olympics…I remember watching the Seoul Olympic games at every opportunity.

I loved when the commentators would give the back-stories of athletes and inspiring interludes to “the games of the XXIV Olympiad…” 

I loved it then…I love it now. 

Earlier this week, Bob Costas delivered a great intro as the prime time telecast of the London Olympics 2012 came on NBC.  His words struck me…as a OneMoreStep opportunity to all of us…even if we’re not Olympians ourselves.

Bob Costas said, “they compete to win…but often they represent so much more…”

Olympians are ultimate competitors.  While individual achievement and accolades may drive them, a common thread runs through each and every one of them…they’re representing their nation.

OneMoreStep Thought, for all of us as another Olympic Games wraps up this weekend in London: Represent Your Nation

na·tion /ˈnāSHən/ 

Noun:             1.  A large aggregate of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory.

We all belong to a nation of some sort.  In some way, shape, or form, we are all part of something.  Whether it be our family…our hometown…our home state…our home country…our schools…or even our company or organization that employs us…and even within that company, we’re a part of our department…our team within the company.

Whatever the “aggregate of people” to which we belong may be…shouldn’t we represent it well? 

Our past has shaped us…the choices we make today will continue to dictate the lives we lead and define us as human beings – as friends, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers…and bosses, coworkers, and providers of service or givers of love…to whomever may need it or desire it, from us. 

Will we, as individuals, be well received?  What about our families?  The reputation and “street credibility” of our schools, hometowns, home states, native countries, companies, or even the teams to which we belong at work; don’t we owe it to, not only ourselves, but to the very nations to which we belong, to represent them well?

Of course we do. 

We should take pride in who we are, the towns/states/schools/countries from which we’ve come, and we should even take pride in being a part of the team we’re on at work. 

We should represent…with everything we do, everything we say, and even how we say it…how we go about our daily routines…we should represent our nation...

Wherever you are today, wherever you’re from, and to whichever nation you may belong…represent it well.

Go OneMoreStep, if for no other reason than to simply represent your nation…

Have a great day…and enjoy the last days of the games of the 30^th Olympiad in London…win or lose, may your nation be represented well.

Taylor