“Being
truthful with ourselves means taking the responsibility of making the
best use of what we have. And what do we have? We have our
underutilized minds, our abilities, our talents, and time. These are
our possessions. This is really an immense amount of wealth that
belongs to each of us. And it’s the investment of our wealth that will
determine our rate of return.” - Earl Nightingale
“Progress
lies in moving forward from the given situation, and satisfying as well
as may be the interests that exist. And if some initial demand has
proved hopeless, there is the greater reason for cultivating other
sources of satisfaction, possibly more abundant and lasting.” - George
Santayana, The Life of Reason
“The darkness that sheds me, indestructible victim,
Unveils me rosy to newborn desires” - Paul Valery “The Young Fate”
“If
you have tasted the sweets of existence, you should be satisfied; if
the experience has been bitter, you should be glad that it comes to an
end.” - George Santayana, The Life of Reason
Longing to reflect on a year as unique as any, as special as any, and blooming with lessons that will yield more robust fruit in 2012; I give you my vague yet compelling synopsis of what I learned. While this is not the sum of my yearly knowledge cycle, I feel these points stood out prominently in retrospect over 2011:
X.1 A change of environment can be a powerful stimulant. Sometimes sudden, sometimes planned, yet always providing us with unexpected richness...if we're open to "see."
X.2 Second lesson was said best by Nobel Laureate Economist, Daniel Kahneman: “...it is rarely easy to distinguish justified perseverance from irrational escalation of commitment.”
X.3 The most difficult thing to change in the world is a human being (oneself, and others)....true change...not temporary.
X.4 Each person possesses black swans. That is, "high-impact, hard-to-predict, and rare events that are beyond the realm of normal expectations..." wiki/Black_swan_theory
X.5 The easiest way to consistently take action to reach your goals, no matter how far away or distant they may seem, is to see, feel, and taste the goal, as if it is right in front of you.
X.6 Hedging your position is not an option...it is a rule. You must also prove yourself worthy of swinging for the fences, by first being able to get on base consistently.
X.7 Simple models are often more robust than complex models; i.e. "TIT for TAT"
X.8 "I am human and need to be loved, just like everybody else does" - Morrissey....the bold letters apply to you towards others.
X.9 You rarely know which conversations and/or which words will have a meaningful impact on another. Thus we must mind our words.
X.10 You are exceptional. There is, and will only be, 1 you in all of eternity. Do not believe naysayers on this.
X.11 Someone who cares about what you value is a big deal and a rarity...treasure these people.
On the flip side, the values of those you love should be a big deal.
X.12 Exploit and build on your strengths; manage your weaknesses. Use a symbiont in form of delegation, crutch, or partner to manage weaknesses.
X.13 Every disciplined effort produces a multiple reward.
X.14 To be singularly captivated by a purpose - in love, work, study, exercise, etc...is an essential necessity in life.
Clearly 2011, was a blessing. The wealth of knowledge from a year gone lives in the form of self-realization. With greater insight, and commitment for excellence, 2012 will surely give us an opportunity to manifest something meaningful...Happy New Year!
