Everyone needs a motto to live by.
For some it's "do unto others as they do unto you."
For others it's "get all you can while you still can."
And still for others it may be "eat, drink and be merry!"
I'm good with whatever works for you, but I've been settling into a motto of my own.
For a couple years I've been signing off my emails with the phrase "Live life today!"
It's an encouraging piece designed to motivate and help us appreciate that our lives are short. Why not take advantage of the opportunities that the new day has given each of us?
But something interesting happened along the way.
I realized that I spent many day not living life... but just going through the motions.
Sure, I'm human. And how many times have we heard the phrase about "preaching to the choir", meaning that we say things that we ourselves need to hear?
But I realized that I needed to be honest with myself. In recognizing that I have too many days that leave me feeling like I have wasted time and squandered opportunities, I had to rethink my motto.
And in doing so, I wanted to come up with something that my company could adopt as a motto as well.
That's when it happened. And it happened very naturally.
The world is a complicated place. Relationships can be difficult. Circumstances can take us by surprise. Curveballs seems to come at us when we least expect them.
There's plenty of ugliness in the world. So what can we do to make it better?
The answer can come in thousands of different packages, but it all comes down to a motivation to do things that make a positive difference in our world.
It's a heart attitude that says, "I want to leave a legacy I can be proud of."
For me, I believe that legacy will happen if I just seek to do good stuff.
Do good stuff?
Yes.
Well, what kind of stuff?
Stuff that brings value to my family and friends.
Stuff that brings value to my employees.
Stuff that brings value to my customers.
Stuff that brings value to my community.
And stuff that brings value to the world.
It doesn't matter what shape it takes. What matters is the intent of the heart and that you go about executing with a desire to have a postiive impact on those around you.
I'm not just referring to work. I'm talking about a life philosophy.
Whether at work or at play, it's all about doing good stuff.
Trying to figure out how to connect with your family? How about a vacation? Movie night? A meal together?
It's all good stuff that sows seeds which can bond a family together.
Looking to start a new business or create a new product?
If it provides a healthy way to meet a need for someone else and helps them achieve their goals or desires, it's good stuff.
Do you have a dream that burns deep within you and sense that it is your reason for living?
That's really good stuff, and I encourage you to pursue it with all your heart!
It's not rocket science, which is a good thing since I am the furthest thing from a rocket scientist!
Just do good stuff.
Do it daily. Do it often.
It's good.
It's stuff.
And you can choose to do it.
Leave a positive legacy while you are still alive and after you are gone.
How? Easy.
Do good stuff.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
May 15, 2009 03:57 PM
Joel,
Love it! Thanks for sharing your heart with us. I know sometimes for me I get so busy doing stuff, I forget to do the GOOD stuff. Your reminder hits me at the heart.
Today I will do "Good Stuff" for others!
May 15, 2009 06:17 PM
Wow, the other day I had a spiritual awakening. Someone asked me how I was doing and I replied: "doing good." Then it hit me when I got off of the phone that much of my life revolves around "doing good" to others.
Now whenever I respond to that same question with the same answer, it's not about how I'm doing in my little world but it's a declaration of my life being dedicated to serving others.
May 15, 2009 08:26 PM
Now, that's something I can live with. I might add, ". and enjoy it". Too many people in all walks of life make it all so hard. It is unreasonable to believe that we were made to be unhappy all the time. Sure, things happen and we can have sadness - as well as all the other negative emotions. That can't possible be the purpose of all this. So, I'll do my best to do good stuff and to enjoy myself as much as possible.
May 16, 2009 06:29 AM
Many times we focus on our own interest, forgetting others. Doing good does not mean spending money... even a smile goes a long way,or say hello to someone who is lonely. So your motto reminds everyone to do good in one way or the other. For those who have talents, share them with others, and you will be remembered for ever.
Thank you for sharing
May 16, 2009 09:48 AM
Good stuff ? To do ?
Hmm ..
Where ? When ? What tools to use ? What prime materials are better ? Do I need a plan for each "stuff" ? How should I start ? And with what ? .. Aha .. but why start with that one ? Shoulnd't I better not do and take it allready made and just print a big "made by ME" on it ?
And .. after all, why good stuff ? Peoples remember "Bonnie and Clyde" but have no clue about who build the basics for U.N.O., for example ... Or sooner will remember the first name of Hitler instead of who made the Panama canal project ...
So .. NO.
Don't do good stuff.
Do stuff, (and do it) good. And for good.
ps: this comment was written with joke_mode_on.
May 16, 2009 12:58 PM
Hey Joel, I couldn't agree more -- with both your motto(s).
I have a tattoo on my shoulder that I see every day. It says, "Carpe Diem" ...a not so subtle reminder to do just that -- seize the day, live life to the fullest right NOW.
And for me, living life to the fullest is spending time with my friends and family. That said, I'm off to play some basketball with my son! Thanks for the added reminder.
Glen Hopkins
May 16, 2009 02:05 PM
Thanks Joel for being transparent enough for all to see you have faults like the rest of us. It is easy to live life daily but more challenging the "Do Good Stuff" with more frequency. I appreciate your willingness to learn and grow as you strive to be a leader in the industry.
You are a blessing.
May 26, 2009 10:03 AM
Well, the term "good stuff" is pretty subjective. You can always be an odd ball and rebel for a "good cause" . But how many people can actually see it from your perspective?
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