It has been said that “it’s lonely at the top.”  Regardless of your definition of success – in business, love, or life in general – it can be a relative certainty. 

People who “live the dream” or simply attain notoriety for their perspective are a rare breed.  They’re often leaders, singular in ability, or sharply focused on their achievements in life’s journey.  Tenacity is a common virtue.

On the other hand, when you’re to such a level of accomplishments, you can find yourself frustrated.  Either propriety prohibits fraternization or no one can relate to you.  Indeed, you find room for only one on your mountain top.

I offer this as someone who is “living the dream” and still is not satisfied to rest on his laurels.  At the risk of egotism, I consider myself to be a bit of a “mutant” and suggest that you too consider such a status. 

You are an endangered species and as such are to be admired, even viewed from a distance so as not to be disturbed. 

You are a symbol of greater things to achieve and a role model for those who may not know how to achieve them.   

You are approachable but rarely approached for fear that your followers may be found unworthy.

It’s an odd dichotomy.  But wear it as a badge of honor and be proud to serve in such a role.  It was bestowed upon you for both a reason and a purpose.

Tags: advice, leadership, Life, meaning, success

There are many theories about the meaning of life.   I do not purport to be worthy of a mountain top, but I had an epiphany I’d like to share – I found peace in it and hope you do too:

Life is like an amusement park.  Imagine you were given a free trip to (insert your choice here) with the condition that you have to experience EVERYTHING.   When I say “experience”, I don’t mean that great wisdom must be acquired, merely that you participate.

Consider the variety of experiences present in an amusement park.  Not only does the park have kiddy rides, roller coasters and fun houses, but there are also bathrooms, concession stands and maybe even varying weather to deal with.  

Essentially you’re stuck there until you give each attraction, vendor and facility the proper attention.  In the real world, some patrons choose to be at the front gate when the park opens and stay until they’re kicked out.  Others play “speed park” and wisk through everything, skipping things they’ve “been there/done that” before.

But in our scenario, you HAVE to go through all of it – that’s the price of admission.

With these conditions, it’s a certainty that you’ll hate some rides entirely and only part of others.  Some you may enjoy thoroughly – even going on them over and over, waiting in line if you have to for hours.

Now consider how this translates to life.  Not every day will be perfect.  Not every day will be a total nightmare.  Some regular demands on your time will be constant – you’ll have to sleep sometime, eat sometime, etc.  You may have cherished or life-changing experiences, or have a stretch of uneventful time. 

But you can’t “get out of the park” until you’ve done it all.

SO - examine your patterns and directions.  Are you “spending too much time in line?”  Perhaps “repeating the wrong ride?”  Have you even “gotten out of the bathroom yet?”

Hurry up!  There’s a great parade and fireworks show in 15 minutes! 

 

Tags: advice, Life, meaning, wisdom