The words or quote “Communication creates Clarity” came to me as I listened to a Jocko Podcast. I imagine that someone has uttered these words at some point in the past, but I don’t know who. In his book “Extreme Ownership”, and on his podcast Jocko Willink talks a lot about the importance of communication amongst human beings who are trying to achieve a goal. My experience is that this is very true. If we can focus and understand the desired outcome of our efforts; we can synthesize our behaviors to achieve them. Distractions come in all forms and we struggle with our individual egos and perceptions as we go through life, but if we can see benefit for ourselves and others we can not just cooperate, but create synergy. The Bible says without a vision the people perish. Maybe the vision is the clarity that we seek in life.
Tag: Self improvement
The Mueller Report has been released and it leads to anything but relaxation. Every American who cares about the truth and the future of the republic should be on their representatives in congress to investigate the President, and any enablers or accomplices to his lawless actions. Just because Mr. Mueller could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a conspiracy existed between the Trump campaign and Russia does not mean that nothing took place. An attack on our elections is an attack on the country – even if the president does not want to discuss it. We do not elect Presidents to get rich and personalize the power of the United States of America. All who pay attention and care about the truth are highly concerned. I am hopeful that there will be enough pressure from the public to hold the president accountable, and make any future president think twice before trying to undermine the rule of law in our country.
“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” – Scott Hamilton
This quote provokes a lot of thought. Everyone finds things to feel bad about, and constantly feeling bad can be considered disabling. Questions: Is our attitude totally a choice? How do we teach attitude? What factors determine attitude? When is our attitude aptitude most in development? What can we all do to help create more positive attitudes?
We are all happy that our economy continues to be strong. People are finding jobs, careers, funding retirements, and hopefully enjoying life. Many have claimed a recession is coming, but fortunately we are not in one. Analysts are concerned that more individual investors have pulled out of equities than put funds into them, and wonder if the market can continue to climb. Many of us look at what is going on and say that markets cannot continue an upward trend with so much apparent political and economic chaos. We all should remember that markets reflect more than Main Street or the typical person’s views. I have heard (and believe) that we should; stay positive, maintain a diverse portfolio, avoid debt, and keep a liquid emergency fund.
Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better take things as they come along with patience and equanimity. – Carl Jung
This quote raises many interesting questions. Do we have to know pain to appreciate happiness? How do we learn to have patience and balance in the face of threatening events? What causes some people to be very emotional and others more reserved; are these inherited traits? Do we have to balance happiness with sadness; can’t we just move from the ground floor to the upper floors without a journey to the basement?
When you blame others, you give up your power to change. – Robert Anthony
This quote has profound questions implied in it. Does power only come from ownership, or is it the recognition of our power in situations that leads us to understand our impact? Does our view of power lead to different behavior? Do we blame others for success? Does blame represent fear? Is blame always inaccurate? Does blame always have to be negative, and if not how do we flip it into a building block?
“The things you think about determine the quality of your mind. Your soul takes on the color of your thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius
Some questions to consider: Do we need to force ourselves to think deeply about topics that do not initially interest us? Should we be fearful of our thoughts, or do we balance our thinking by gathering more information and countering ideas? Which comes first our souls or the ideas we focus on? How do we train ourselves and those we care about to think both deeply and broadly? Is it our duty to be caring about everyone to some extent?
I just finished Dave Ramsey’s book “The Total Money Makeover”. This is a great short read for anyone who wants to improve their financial circumstance and/or lifestyle. Dave has clear steps and practices that anyone can understand and put into practice; the only thing you need to add is determination and you will change your life. This book has a lot to offer, but I know how easy it is to substitute or create a hybrid of Dave’s formula. The book spells out that you can; have a disciplined budget, a clear focus (the debt snowball), and a goal to live like no one else so that you can live and give like no one else (retire debt free with a million plus in assets).
“Discipline = Freedom” – Jocko Willink
The idea that discipline equals freedom has been stated in different ways I think. The phrase “There are no rights without responsibility ” comes to mind, but “discipline equals freedom” is a stronger statement that casts a wider net. Everyone I know loves to eat, but most of us know that if you don’t balance meals with activity there will be problems. The same balance (or discipline) applies to everything we enjoy….too much of it is a bad thing. The quote applies to what we want, what we look like, how we interact with others, and where we want to go in life – without discipline we cannot make things happen for ourselves. Implied in the quote is that we own our experience of life. The quote is profound.
We live in a world where people seem very comfortable with hatred and intolerance for others. It seems like the poisonous logic of bigotry is on the rise around the planet sometimes. It is more important than ever for all of us to balance ourselves with expressions of love, selflessness, and courtesy. The truth is that our species owes it’s success to people working together. All of our major religions ask that we show love and respect for others. This Valentines Day lets use our love, empathy, and resources to move our society towards more balance and beauty.
Ethereal Bulwark 