Above all else

I love to learn - to read and hear about what other people are thinking about.  But even more than learning, I like to try out what I've learned.  Of course, I'm unlikely to do some things directly.  For example, while I find the story of Ernest Shackleton fascinating, I doubt if I'm going to try crossing the Antarctic anytime soon! But when I'm sitting in an audience listening to the speaker, or when I'm reading a book, one of my habits is to write down 1-2 things I will do about what I've learned.  And then actually go do those things.  Could be something as simple as a reminder of the importance of relationships, in which case I'll go fix a lunch appointment with someone I haven't caught up with for a while (incidentally, if I haven't caught up with you for a while, do drop me a line!) So last week I heard someone share about kindness, and suddenly the thought popped into my head.  A few friends have been doing a challenge to take 7 bla...

It's often said that we should all seek to fulfil our potential.  And this is, indeed, a very good thing to do.  Each of us are merely stewards of the time and energy and resources that are in our hands today, which we will one day relinquish.  The million dollar question is, fulfil our potential to do what? At the end of my recent sojourn in the US, I was sitting with my coursemates in a reflective mood.  A number of us offered this thought - that they would redouble their efforts to fulfil their full potential in the workplace.  So, say yes to the stretch assignment, go all out for the big promotion.  Don't settle.  No one wants to look back on their career and regretfully say, I wish I had tried that. Others offered a different spin - that they too would redouble their efforts, but to redeem unfulfilled potential in their home lives.  Successful career people who had spent years overseas away from their families, or had simply...