One of my theology of professors in college used to talk about this all the time…becoming more of that which you already are. This quote has never left me and is something I think about daily. How, today, am I becoming more of that which I already am? Who am I? What do I stand for? How am getting better and becoming more like what I aspire or am destined to be?
Have you ever thought about this in terms of your organization or team? Who are you as a team? Who are your players/staff/leaders? How well (or not) do you work together? What is your identity? How are you perceived amongst your peers or in the marketplace? All noble questions indeed and ones that must be reflectively answered in time. Though all the while you are figuring that out, you are at the same time becoming more of that which you already are. Are you confused yet?
The point of this quote is meant to be taken both personally and professionally, as it lends itself to thinking that that we are at the same time always evolving, yet always the same at our core. For example, in order to be successful, one must already have the understanding that they are successful, yet not as successful as they might be in the future. Success would be a part of the nature of that person or organization and by understanding that piece, there is a shift in mentality that they are already successful, yet always growing toward more success.
At the same time, perhaps success is a bad example because of what some define success to mean. Of course there are different measures of success, depending on the other values that are of influence to the person or organization, which is what makes this message all the better – Each has its own authority to understand and define what each will become and how that process will unfold, however only after a thoughtful reflection. There are always unforeseen circumstances that might unexpectedly arise, though the person or organization will always be what it was going to be anyway.
This is good stuff that requires a great deal of time spent in reflection on an ongoing basis. As we all know, life is a journey with both ups and downs, good times and bad. One of my most favorite movie quotes is from the movie Shawshank Redemption – “Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin.” So which are you doing? Are you truly living and thriving? Or are you just trying to get by and barely surviving? I hope that you’ve found a path toward thriving and are making steps to improve the lives of others and yourself. Here’s to another great week!
Go Forth!
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Billy's Blog 
[…] What a list of questions to put on the back flag of a book! Did you answer yes to any of those questions? If you did, you need to read Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles. This is without a doubt one of the best books on personal development I’ve ever read. And to expand on what “personal” development means, that is spiritual, physical, mental and self-development in every form…whatever makes you better and more of that which you already are. […]
[…] When you are able to market your game experience as enough to make people want to come see what you’re all about, your games become more than just wins and losses. And at the end of the day, at least in terms of college athletics, there is more to the sport than just wins and losses. There is so much more to a sport organization than just the game, which is what makes sports the most unique kind of entertainment. Do whatever you can to leverage that positive influence with your constituents and become more of that which you already are. […]
[…] I am a big believer in think tanks, community learning, education and sharing ideas with different people. As the saying goes, “if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” Step outside your comfort zone and share what you have with other people – it’s worth the discomfort to grow, learn and make connections. Today I spoke to one of my mentors whose life and business was transformed from having been a part of one of these “think tanks,” which I’m sure took a lot of guts to go do. People like that inspire me to keep moving on my journey as well, never ceasing in the quest for making the world a better place by “becoming more of that which I already am.” […]
Dick’s hamburgers and shakes are awesome! Not quite as good as In-n-Out, but certainly Seattle’s best! I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Peace always.
Billy-Thank your for your thoughts. I always believed you were a very insightful person. At the time we were acquainted I thought your feelings on families were above your age in wisdom. My Father recently passed away and your quote from Shawshank Redemption has hit home. I hope you are liking Seattle….It is a lovely place, I went there often when I lived in Portland. Have you had “Dicks Hamburgers” yet? That is living! Take Care, Lisa Conterio.