It's How You Play The Game... Triptych

It's how you play the game... A medley of three offerings constitutes this week's reflections:
One of my favorite poems of all time, Desiderata, written by Max Ehrmann in 1927 and a guiding force in my life since I discovered it some thirty years ago; 7 Powerful Keys to Consistent Action - (my own suggestions for achieving results) and a short verse that was written in a special book for me, by my mother, when I was five years old that I have never forgotten, and that has continued to influence me. The common thread is how to be the state you want to create in your life and in the world.

"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others...you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither is cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, 1927

"In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently" Tony Robbins

7 Powerful Keys to Consistency

Have you noticed that it's relatively easy to identify an area that needs improvement - and that taking consistent action over time to achieve a complete change can be a lot more challenging? Here are 7 suggestions for making sure consistency is king!

1.Up and out - hour of power: There is much to be gained by getting up, immediately on waking and heading out for a walk or a run. Early morning exercise sets up the tone and pace of the day as well as setting up your metabolic rate for the day to serve you well. I've found that an early morning walk or swim followed by twenty minute mediation sets me up brilliantly for a positive, productive day. I really notice the difference on the days where this morning ritual doesn't happen.
2.Acknowledge even the small wins. Actually see your progress and mark it by creating milestones
3.Show up and do things even when you don't feel like it
4.Once you have a clear end in mind, map out the process and stick to it
5.Take responsibility in the process and make it fun - add music, vary your walk/ run route, recreate or add some pizzas your workspace so that it makes your heart sing
6.Be who you aspire to be right now and release the old identities that don't serve you or where you're heading, with respect.
7.Create or gather physical embodiments of your bold commitments to your process and your vision or goals - for example find an image or photograph that will remind you of where you're heading and use that as a screensaver; you might wear a ring that - when you look at it urges you to take action; write down what you really want - write yourself notes on a whiteboard; create a vision board. This helps to focus on the essentials!

When the last great scorer
Comes to pass
To Write Against Your Name
He writes not that you won or lost,
But how you played the game
-Anonymous