Comments on Men Who Lead Well: The Ease—and Difficulty—of Consistent Excellence

Marcus, like I already said over facebook! Many ma...

2011-12-20T22:26:17.403-08:00

Marcus, like I already said over facebook! Many many thanks for the kind words.
T

@ Tobi, A huge CONGRATULATIONS on the birth of yo...

2011-12-20T09:26:54.177-08:00

@ Tobi,

A huge CONGRATULATIONS on the birth of your son this past week. What a wonderful thing.

Blessings to you and your family this holiday season.

@ Chantal, Thanks so much for your comment. Ye...

2011-12-20T09:25:09.011-08:00

@ Chantal,

Thanks so much for your comment.

Yes, agreed, having "self" so near the top might appear a surprise, given exhortations to "think of others more highly than self," etc.

But, as you've pointed out, the concept is similar to what you'd hear from a flight attendant on an airplane in case of turbulence.

If you're traveling with a child, first, put on your own oxygen mask, and second put on your child's mask.

The idea is that if you are not functional, then you will be less able to serve others. So you must make sure that you are functional first.

Surely it sounds counter-intuitive to prioritize self, but when considered from a self-care perspective, it makes sense.

My core values changed a bit since last Wednesday,...

2011-12-19T22:51:44.939-08:00

My core values changed a bit since last Wednesday, because my first child, a boy was born.

1. God
I don't talk to him often, but when I do it is mostly about thanking him and asking him for a favour. Like the last one I asked him for was to make the birth-giving going well for my girl and my baby, and that everything will be fine with both of them. And after everything went fine, I thanked him.

2. Family
First and foremost my girl and my little boy. The worst things ran through my mind last Wednesday during the birth, and they still do. Like what can happen to them. Sure this thoughts are always there, but at the moment they are pretty pevailing.

3. Healthiness
This is something you can not control 100%. Thats where God comes in line.

4. Work
you can't live without it. If you want to be a role model and a feeder for your loved ones, you got to be good in what you are doing. Since Wednesday this point ranked up.

5. Happiness
I don't want to imagine live without laughing!

I share your core values, though your second one q...

2011-12-19T11:30:58.156-08:00

I share your core values, though your second one quite surprised me. SELF in second position? As a Christian (wife and mother), I would have given it a lower position... But when considered the way you do, Self definitely has to be near the top. What's in our hearts determines the rest of our life. Isn't it written "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life"?
I find journaling a good way to remind myself of what is important to me. Writing down my thoughts, concerns,prayers, projects, etc. helps me gain a more objective look at what furnishes my mind - and I can better pinpoint what has to readjusted in my day-to-day living.

Best one yet Marcus, thank you!

2011-12-14T09:45:02.851-08:00

Best one yet Marcus, thank you!

So well said Kaylee, thanks.

2011-12-14T07:36:14.196-08:00

So well said Kaylee, thanks.

I know I am fortunate to have the blessings of lif...

2011-12-14T06:57:17.444-08:00

I know I am fortunate to have the blessings of life, good health, a wonderful family, living in a free country, being financially secure, and so much more. I think about these gifts regularly and feel I have to make the most of them each day. It's a privilege and a duty I owe to myself, my family, G-d and anyone who doesn't have these things. The opportunities to make the most of my life are ongoing and plenty, big and small - keeping a positive attitude, patience, never giving up, treating a stranger with kindness and respect, on and on. Nothing less than striving to do my best and to do what feels right is acceptable to me. I can never take for granted who I am and what I've been given.

Ed, fantastic. Thanks.

2011-12-13T15:59:53.749-08:00

Ed, fantastic. Thanks.

Tony Dungy tells of the goal-setting that he has d...

2011-12-13T11:32:08.439-08:00

Tony Dungy tells of the goal-setting that he has done with his football teams. He tells them that if their goal is to win the Superbowl, then their goal is not big enough.

My goals all have to pass this criteria:

1. Do they bring glory to God?
2. Will they benefit my neighbor?
3. Are they something my wife can be a partner in?
4. Will they be something that can make my kids into better human beings?