JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Team Charleston, I treasure this opportunity to talk with you through this medium. First, let me thank you for everything you have done for our community. Since we started the year we have seen military members, civilians, spouses, children, civic leaders, professional organizations, and more deeply involved, making a positive difference. Isn't it great when we can share a community? That's motivating!
We have to keep this momentum. I will take the liberty to check on you one more time. Here we go: How are you doing? Are you on track with your New Year's "Revolutions?" How's your wingman or shipmate doing? If you're on track that's great! If you have deviated from the "master plan," don't worry. We will cover a few reminders to put you back on track, or if you're on track, these next lines will help you add to your motivation. Our goal is to 'take you to the next level of success.'
Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid of standing still. -Chinese proverb
Taking you to the next level requires personal growth. I remember one person telling me, "Take care of yourself. You are of the utmost importance." In this world where we try to do so much for others, one may think taking care of oneself is selfish. Think again. If you do not take care of your health, the time will come where you cannot take care of others. If you do not take care of your spiritual fitness, the time will come when adversity will take the very best out of your passions. And if you do not take care of your mind, the time will come where you will not have the mental stamina to solve problems. So what can you do?
Dedicate the first hour of your day to do something for you: study, meditate, or engage in physical exercise. Stephen R. Covey defines this behavior in his "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" as, "Putting First Things First." If you think something is very important for your quality of life, then get ready to do it in the first hour of your day (challenge yourself). This first hour of the day is critical to keep you healthy and growing. Yes, you can do it!
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. -Aristotle
Watching your actions is also a critical component of rising to the next level. The quote above speaks about transformation through action. Watch your actions every day. Do your actions convey a picture of the person you want to be? If they do, repeat the action. If they don't, then replace this action with one that portrays the right image. Then, repeat it. Do it until the right actions become second nature.
As you watch your actions, pay close attention to what you say. Do your words convey encouragement or negate action? This is important because you are in constant dialogue with yourself every day. Words become embedded commands. Think about the time when you get up in the morning. What do you say? You either tell yourself I feel great or I feel tired. Then, your body follows. (You will either feel tired or feel energetic.) Try it ... it works!
Every person I work with knows something better than me. My job is to listen long enough to find it and use it. -Jack Nichols
Getting to the next level of success requires that you work well and learn from others. Here at Joint Base Charleston, we have the most amazing opportunity to work with a uniquely talented team. Take the time to learn about the people that work with you. Take the time to talk with the teacher, instructor, or professional who is providing you a service. Next, share your experiences and talents. Soon you will find how much we have in common. Better yet, you will find how much more we can do together.
I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful. -Bob Hope
Finally, here are ingredients that must become part of every person's daily and healthy diet: joy and laughter. The quote above is a reminder to all about the power of joy and laughter. Joy and laughter come from several actions. First, every morning make a conscious effort (perhaps during the first hour in the morning) to feel grateful. Think about the great things in your life. Even if the world seems obscure, you have been surrounded with blessings. Take time to think about those blessings. (Ok, if you think this is "touchy-feely," then do it for five minutes; I will not tell anyone you did!) Second, enjoy what you do. Take time to learn your job (whatever you do), and do it with the most pride. Third, go out and thank those that helped you accomplish your job or realize something great.
I hope these thoughts help you in your quest to become a richer and purpose-driven person. We all strive to be full of life and help others in this process. This is the next and right level of success. Team-up with others, be great, and make others even greater!