My grandfather used to speak of the days when people drove the world. It was a time when people were proud to contribute and move society and industry forward at full steam. But, people were proud of themselves! However, before he died, one of his observations was that "we have come to mediocre times."
I was a bit appalled at that statement because, to me, these times were the epitome of existence! However, over the years, I began to see what he meant. It is not so much that our advances are mediocre, but it is the state of humanity and society that has become mediocre in comparison. Yet, we don't see it as such because we live in these times daily and have no real comparison.
In these times, people lose hope. While I agree that, many times, circumstances are to blame for a particular situation; however, we allow such circumstances to overpower us. We need to take control and decide which circumstances are to be allowed into our lives.
In today's environment, there are only a handful of individuals that move the society forward and so many people simply follow. Perhaps the difficulties, stresses, and complications around us have turned many of us into "mediocre people" in extraordinary times. It depends on how you look at it all! But, indeed, this is not the case.
When all need a hero, a hero is not to be found. That is when the best hero we can have is ourselves. That may sound arrogant, but who would you rather be like: a better you, or someone else who might be where you think you want to be, but may have myriad other problems with which you would have to contend. Deal with your own and become the better you!
We are all extraordinary and we all have something unique and phenomenal to contribute. However, we must learn to contribute to ourselves, first, and then consider the contribution to the world around you. It is how you see and feel about yourself that reflects upon and influences your environment and society. Turn inward and exalt the extraordinary you. Learn that the odd little nuances of life are there to strengthen you to create "extraordinary times."
About The Author
Edward B. Toupin is an author, life-strategy coach, counselor, Reiki Master, technical writer, and PhD Candidate living in Las Vegas, NV. Among other things, he authors books, articles, and screenplays on topics ranging from career success through life organization and fulfillment. Check out some of his recent print and electronic books as well as his articles covering various life-changing topics! For more information, e-mail Edward at etoupin@toupin.com or visit his site at http://www.make-life-great.com or http://www.toupin.com!
Copyright (c) 2004 Edward B. Toupin
Have you ever considered that everything you want in life... Read More
Have you ever wondered what type of person or personality... Read More
Tough and challenging times will surely come. That is a... Read More
People don't leave jobs; they leave bosses. -- AnonymousCongratulations. You're... Read More
OK, I know this title sounds self-serving and hard nosed,... Read More
The Army defines seven values that soldiers should strive to... Read More
"Click It" Into Gear!Ever wonder how two people can be... Read More
What exactly is Charisma? Most would agree that it is... Read More
A little on leadership?Many people enter the leadership world through... Read More
In Part One, I described the laws of motivation. In... Read More
What do you think makes your company successful? Your newest... Read More
(Excerpted from the Jim Rohn Sampler single CD)My first mentor,... Read More
Did you know that you can successfully handle most leadership... Read More
"Don't measure your life by your goals, but rather by... Read More
Who needs a mentor. . .everyone who is truly serious... Read More
A good strong example of a family leader would be... Read More
When we perceive the simple center in the seemingly complex,... Read More
During the Second World War, Winston Churchill had a framed... Read More
Why is it that we often wait until we have... Read More
How do you get your people on your side? And... Read More
CHAPTER 1 ************ VALUEThose qualities regarded by a person or... Read More
It was a time of turmoil. In November 1979, supporters... Read More
Each and every one of you has hidden deep inside... Read More
The manager administers, the leader improves; the manager maintains, the... Read More
Chances are if you're interested in this post, you're looking... Read More
There are many reasons why someone would decline to participate... Read More
In most aspects of human activity, the pendulum of fashion... Read More
Within every business lies a network of people who are... Read More
"How you think determines how you act. How you... Read More
Leaders do nothing more important than get results. But you... Read More
Did you know that there are 7 really effective yet... Read More
You've heard of the Peter Principle: "People are promoted to... Read More
DESCRIPTION CMOE's Leadership Skill Training addresses a wide range of... Read More
Spencer Johnson really hit a nerve when he wrote Who... Read More
"Sooth 't were a pleasant life to lead, With nothing... Read More
I just delivered a free speech. I am a great... Read More
Looking around in most corporate environments today you'll find mission,... Read More
Why talk about leadership?"Leadership is important whether you a leader... Read More
"Know thyself" is a powerful principle that leaders, managers and... Read More
"Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I'll... Read More
The first time I meet a leader to decide if... Read More
A Leader is not a certain type of person or... Read More
Personal attacks hurt people, mar communication, and end creativity. If... Read More
95% of Workers Fail Because of This...But They Can Fix... Read More
Have you ever wondered what type of person or personality... Read More
What exactly is Charisma? Most would agree that it is... Read More
"Of every noble work the silent part is best, Of... Read More
Studies have shown that companies that have acquired competencies to... Read More
Here's a really simple way to measure the strength of... Read More
If I asked you what your goal in life is,... Read More
When we were talking the other day we started to... Read More
As a business owner, you are a leader whether you... Read More
A leader's roleIn any change project, a leader must wear... Read More
Leadership is motivational or it's stumbling in the dark. After... Read More
Are your meetings generally a waste of time? Do you... Read More
"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working... Read More
Charlotte decides to do good. Charlotte is a highly motivated... Read More
The date was Saturday, April 11, 1970, the time 13:13... Read More
The Center for Management and Organization Effectiveness talks with Dennis... Read More
A number of years ago we created a graphic logo... Read More
People respond to good leadership! Period! It is in all... Read More
Leadership is not about getting people to do what they... Read More
Extraordinary Leaders are those who understand that in order for... Read More
Go to any educational institution, look at airport bookshelves, shopping... Read More
The Enneagram is a fascinating tool of nine orientations that... Read More
"Before you become a leader success is all about growing... Read More
Leadership |