Hi Friend
This week has been interesting. It started out with shooting some new videos that are going to be a regular part of our content distribution. I designated a whole day for writing, which was unusual and more difficult than imagined. I’ve landed a new client and had no less than three interactions with them this week, which is unusual (But they’re also getting me back to NYC, so I’m grateful).
Walked the property and met with a builder about a real estate investment, I’m considering. I haven’t attempted this approach before. We took our #ScrambledFridays mobile to downtown OKC to hang with a speaker friend in town. And finally, I went out last night to the only live music being offered in town. A fun little upstairs venue with a local act.
All of that to say, there were several firsts for me, which is one of the ways I evaluate and value my life and time. You know how Eleanor is fond of saying “Do one thing every day that scares you?” I’m much more inclined to do or be a part of something for the first time. Whether the end result is positive, neutral or negative, there is something in me that thrives on a new experience.
All of that to say, there were several firsts for me, which is one of the ways I evaluate and value my life and time. You know how Eleanor is fond of saying “Do one thing every day that scares you?” I’m much more inclined to do or be a part of something for the first time. Whether the end result is positive, neutral or negative, there is something in me that thrives on a new experience.
This is one of those attributes that magnifies the contradictory nature of Strengths/Weaknesses. My counselor Marty, who I drop in on once a month to give me language and perspective, has been divine at helping me see the dual nature of my traits. This characteristic makes me fun (and dangerous) to be around because I’m regularly willing to step outside the lines of convention. Results may vary.
This is one of those attributes that magnifies the contradictory nature of Strengths/Weaknesses. My counselor Marty, who I drop in on once a month to give me language and perspective, has been divine at helping me see the dual nature of my traits. This characteristic makes me fun (and dangerous) to be around because I’m regularly willing to step outside the lines of convention. Results may vary.
Actions Define Us!
I’m a words guy. I like the usefulness and power of smartly placed phrases. However, I’m certainly in the camp of actions communicating a lot more than words ever could. It’s similar to the idea of a picture being worth a thousand words. Visually interpreting meaning from our conduct is much more accurate, more sincere.
I recall doing a word study years ago about “sincere.” It came from the statue making industry. When they were chipping away, creating their masterpieces, if a piece came off that they didn’t mean to, they’d replace it with wax before they covered over it with a final glaze. However, if they did it all superbly, without errors, therefore without wax, it was sincere.
Sincere = Without Wax
That was the original intent of signing letters “sincerely”. It means, everything you’ve just read isn’t full of BS. It’s all true and we’re not fudging anything or misleading in any way. There is nothing hidden under the surface that isn’t pure.
Certainly people can fake actions for a brief stint. However, over the course of a short time, we all act sincerely. Who and how we are is revealed in all sorts of ways. Yet, what peaks my curiosity is the motive driving them. Take my excursion last night. If you evaluated my trip to PonyBoy to watch/listen to Wood Willow, you might deduce I liked that band or location. I don’t. On both counts. Hadn’t experienced either before last night.
I was there simply for a new experience.
I don’t know how you could conceive that from simply observing my actions? Whereas tonight, I am going to see one of my all time favorite bands, The Revivalists. I will be there singing along with lots of evidence that I love them.
Both of these musical ventures are without wax. Though the surface behavior is quite similar, the meaning behind them is entirely different. Which creates a bit of a dilemma in giving such weightiness to actions.
How do we extract MOTIVE from others’ endeavors?
Instigating Ideas…
1. Share with somebody one of your core strength/weakness attributes.
2. Go see a live show.
3. Consider signing your emails “without wax”.
4. Evaluate where your words and actions differ; and what steps to take.
Another curious challenge is that you and I can easily justify our behaviors. From our perspective, we’re generally acting in the most sensible or reasonable way. And if we’re not we have a good reason. If you’ve ever been pulled over for speeding you know exactly what I’m talking about. Most of the time, the law doesn’t care about motive.
There’s no seeking to understand. No grace or mercy. 100% judgment by the action itself. That stance keeps our world safe and orderly.
It’s just like our strengths/weakness. Actions/motives can be of service or of detriment. I’m just going to try to keep mine without wax.