Interesting Times Beats Boredom!
10/21/02
Bill Powell helps us focus on what is important: "The Internet--its commercial reality and potential--is not a mirage; it is indeed a hugely important technology.... But the easy money was a mirage. In case it is not by now obvious, for the rest of your business lives you will be required to focus on 'profit' and 'loss.' A mania is what has passed, but an era has just begun. The world you are inheriting is at an extraordinary moment of promise. The developed world will soon be online all the time--in our cars, homes, and offices. And if we get it right, the poorer countries in the developing world will not be far behind. Incredible wealth has already been produced, thanks to the technological revolution of the last 20 years. But it is just the start. That you will live in interesting times is not, in this case, a Chinese Cliché. It is an ironclad guarantee. And what more could you ask for? Is there anything worse than being bored?"
People talk about stress as though it is the enemy; it is the spice of life. The absence of stress is death; I prefer stress. These are interesting times, challenging times, gut-checking times, career-making times and the Internet just expands the playing field and the time available to play the game. But the alternative to stress and the demands of these times is boredom. Some surveys suggest that between 20-25% of workers stay in their job for only one reason--they can't afford to be without their healthcare insurance and benefits. Settling for a job is no way to live life. Nothing is more satisfying than having a demanding day where you accomplish something meaningful. Such days are a blessing; we all want to make a difference. So the next time you are tempted to say, "I'm stressed out," try saying, "I'm blessed out! Interesting times are what we are made for!" If you are not blessed and thankful for the job you get to do, work hard to find another job where you can make a difference that does allow you to feel that way.
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Today's mirthful moment is more puns from Art Gliner that were forwarded to us by my good friend and colleague, George Morrisey. If you enjoy puns, read on and groan!
1. He had a photographic memory that was never developed.
2. The short fortuneteller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.
3. Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
4. When an actress saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
5. Acupuncture is a jab well done.
6. Marathon runners with bad footwear suffer the agony of defeat.
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...