Checking It Twice

This morning as I’m thinking of a title, wind from my fan blows the lists I’ve taped to my wall. These lists have all the action items I’ll get finished this month. The lyrics from Santa Claus Is Coming To Town popped into mind. “He’s making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty and nice” and so it goes. I’ve made my list. I’ve checked it more than twice. I’ve been naughty and not so nice.

My last spiritual advisor and I would talk on my way to the office years ago. Monday through Friday we’d end our calls with him saying, “Give ‘em your best Big Man” or “Give ‘em a 110%.” Either way his message conveyed the same thing, do your best today. I can say over the last few days, maybe longer, I’ve done something but it wasn’t my best.

One of the greatest benefits of reflection is discovering deficiencies. As I type this list in the mornings I get to contemplate what I’m doing, what I planned, and what I’ve done. If it’s not going to plan, I can change. If it’s not going as well as I’d like or plan, I can change. When I’m not doing my best, I can and usually do write about it and change. Hence the reason for writing about it today. I can do some thing a bit better. I can put in more effort. I can get a few more things finished. I can setup or implement another process or system. I can pack more into the stream of life. I hadn’t been doing that as much as I’ve done in the past. I’d gotten a bit comfortable and that’s a failure on my part.

Some may say or think to themselves, “Well you did something and that’s commendable” and I agree. The point of my life at this point isn’t about doing something, it’s about being impactful. In order to have a ‘strong effect on someone or something’ just doing something isn’t enough. A strong anything requires more than a casual doing or going through the motions. I can’t be impactful going through the motions. I must move with intention, with force, better yet, deliberately.

If I had to offer a grade and assess my past performances this month, I’d be happy with a “D” but I’m sure it’s more like an “F” and that’s being honest. I could say I’m doing what the average person does and that may be true, but I’m not average. I’ve never been average. No one really is average, but we fall into a curve of mediocrity from lack of passion, purpose, and deliberate action. I possess purpose. I’m relatively passionate and my actions are deliberate. I’d written about increasing intensity a little while ago and that’s the key for this particular challenge I face.

Today, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, I am grateful that:

Although it’s late, I’m finishing my list. Everyday isn’t super productive nor my best effort, but most days get some things done.

I’m willing and able to self assess. Also, having those I can rely on for objective feedback is vital and I have amassed quite a circle of confidants.

I got everything sent to Herb. Every piece of info he’ll need to make an informed decision. I’m hoping enough info was provided to properly convey the value in the service I’m delivering. I don’t believe I’ve communicated that clearly enough.

Will you deliver your best today?

Abe,

Be Greater!!!

This is the first part of the entry.