par·a·dox
ˈperəˌdäks/Submit
noun
a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.
Please allow me to set the stage
We have Never in the history of mankind had available greater opprotunity
We have Never in the history of mankind had more opportunity to matter more
Yes we Hustle, Grind, Hack, we interrupt, over and over and oh yes over again
Sigh 😦
“With great power, comes great responsibility.” – Voltaire
I understand that being true, being generous and being empathetic isn’t as appealing in a video on facebook as Hustle and grind but I will place my bets on the long arc and the end game and that truly seeking to show up every day contributing something of value “for others” will win out.
I am a eternal optimist so I have no choice
I guess it all starts with a decision we need to make that will dictate all steps, turns and decisions to arrive- Where do we want this to go?
Business- Do we want to be a major player in major market? Someplace in between? or are we totally happy with a fingerprint personal relationship with everyone we create our change for?
* and there is no wrong answer – only being untruthful to yourself
Personal- Do we want the possessions? Riches? or do we simply desire “enough”? Enough to be free of spirit? There is no wrong answer just not being Truthful to yourself.
I do believe we waste on what matters little most of our lives. The great Stoics spoke at length on this very topic.
I realize more and more how much we shine spotlights on ourselves all for nothing but to torment ourselves.
The greatest advice I can provide my daughter as she grows is take action in life, do your best to get comfortable trying! Ask questions and listen- Listen and never seek to be the authority- embrace being the student.
In my career spanning almost 25 years I see so much choice it paralyzes
I see at the core what has always worked best
Genuine Caring
Genuine Emapthy
Genuine Generosity
simply a genuine desire to develop relationships with those we seek to serve
simply to create “Friends” and in creating a friend we create someone who would as Seth Godin says “would miss you if you were gone” – IF you didn’t show up tomorrow or the next day, No matter if on Facebook, Instagram, a weekly podcast or the local deli- would I miss you- would I look at my phone and be upset, would I grab the door and be sad it was closed- That is why we are doing this isn’t it after all?
To be for someone we cannot be for everyone
guess what- I get it- That is scary
scary because we might fail
scary because people will realize we don’t have all the answers- the map
but here is the thing- no one does!
All we can do is choose and show up
and when we fail (and we will)
we get to do it again
It is what we signed up for
so STOP seeking a magic bullet
and STOP worrying you will fail
Instead strive to Matter…..to someone …you have a choice …we always do
Tommaso Mastrocola 