Open Your Eyes

Just saw something that stunned me. I walked up to my favorite Starbucks. Saw a car, engine running, baby in the back seat – and no driver. The father had pulled up to the front of the store and dashed into get this morning java. Coffee over kid?

It’s so easy to get so caught up in the rush of busyness and the call of our routines that we forget the imperative of being aware of the very things we are doing. “Most men would rather die than think”, wrote philosopher Bertrand Russell (“Many do”, he added). Human beings are the only creatures in the world that can step out of themselves and reflect on their thoughts and actions. Monkeys can’t do this. Dogs can’t. Cats can’t. Only we can.

If you can breathe oxygen today then in my mind you have the gift of being able to show leadership behavior over the coming hours (and days/months/years). Leadership is about showing up at your best. You know that. It’s about excellence amid change times and celebrating the people around you. And leadership is about being aware. Aware of your thoughts. Aware of your actions. Aware of your mission. Aware of your priorities. Aware of your talents. Aware of your fears. Aware of your passions. Aware that time is short. Aware of the brilliance presented to you by the life you get to lead.

So live with your eyes wide open. Clarity precedes mastery. Thank about things. Shine  brighter than ever before. Act impeccably. And stand guard over babies in cars.

“It’s easy to get so caught up in the rush of busyness and all the call of our routines that we forget the imperative of being aware of the very things we are doing”

(these are not my thoughts J and are copied from Robin’s book)