“We make the world we live in and shape our own environment.”—Orison Swett Marden
Part of my mission statement is “to have a positive impact on the lives of others.” I am inspired by the writings of the likes of O.S. Marden and the quote above. To “be my best today and be better tomorrow” is a drive to shape my environment. It can be frustrating—often very frustrating (especially when others don’t agree with your vision for the world or see your desire to change as an insult to the environment they have created). Nevertheless, we try to press on. We seek to shape our environment as best we can with as little conflict as possible. Conflict, however, is inevitable. Still, led by our convictions, we press on.
I believe I have a responsibility to be a positive influence on “The Commons” (as I have written about several times). Unfortunately, we don’t always share the same vision for The Commons/World with those around us. Frequently, there is no vision. I like the translation of the proverb: “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (KJV). Of course, like most proverbs, it is open to interpretation, but one can read this as “where there is no vision, there is no growth.”
As an exercise physiologist, I know that there is no growth/adaptation without a proper stimulus. Growth is purposeful. We can’t grow with proper effort. (The Principle of Specificity states that the body makes specific adaptations to imposed demands.) We, likewise, can’t shape our world unless we have an idea of the world in which we want to live. If we lack vision, we get a world that others want—for better or worse.
I am often labeled as “a complainer.” I don’t prefer the adjective, but I accept the label because it says that I don’t accept the status quo and that I am trying to shape my environment. It also prompts me to seek better skills for motivating change and to grow Spiritually, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially. It reminds me to….
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!!