Calling Out My Bullshit

As we change seasons and Spring makes it’s appearance, I’ve spend the last 24 hours reflecting on the first 90 days of 2017. Looking from the outside in, most people would say that I’ve had a pretty good start to the new year. From the outside, they’d be right.

But, that’s just bullshit. 

The truth, which is what I spend the last 24 hours reflecting on, tells a much different story.

Am I too hard on myself? Yes. Have I made significant progress on some of my 2017 goals? Yes. Then what’s all the drama about? Last night I realized I’ve been using the wrong god-damn measuring stick! I’ve been focused on the wrong progress. I have the wrong reasons for why I’ve been working.

In a world of Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook, where we obsessively check our social platforms all day long, where “entrepreneurship” and the “hustle” is romanticized, I’ve been working hard because I want more likes. I’ve been working to impress others. I’ve been trying to look good in front of people who’s opinions shouldn’t even matter to me. It’s vain.

The truth is, when I was sharing pictures of me winning awards, I was actually beating myself up for second place. When one of my mentees won his public speaking contest, I was jealous. When I was smiling on camera to show other people how great my life was, I had just spent the last 2 weeks homeless.

The truth, is that I’ve been lacking in integrity. My discipline has wavered. My zest for life diminished. Telling the truth is hard. Calling out my bullshit sucks. But it’s the only way I’ll ever grow.

It’s clear that my character needs a facelift.

Myself and the majority of people have strayed too far from what matters in life. Living a life of quality character, not quantity of likes. My focus needs to shift from what will other people think of me, to what will this make of me. When the dust settles, and I’m 6 feet under, I know no one will remember what I did, but how I made them feel! It’s my character that people will remember, end of story.

The question that’s left is: what do I do about it?

Well, if you’ve been following any of my shtick so far you know almost any question I ask myself can be answered with the late Jim Rohns philosophies. This is no different. I’ve traveled  down the wrong path and I don’t like my destination. Jim Rohn would take one look and simply say,

“You cannot change the destination of your life overnight, but you can change your direction.”

My Declaration

The character facelift:

Gratitude- A commitment to swapping my expectations for appreciation.

Integrity- A commitment to doing all that I said I would do.

Service- A commitment to focusing on what I can give, rather than what I can get.

Discipline- A commitment to getting up with my alarm, regardless of how I feel.

Personal Development- A commitment to learning everyday.

Enthusiasm- A commitment to maintaining my positive attitude regardless of my circumstances.

I ask you two favours:

1. Hold me accountable to this. Don’t let me get anyway with wavering on any of these virtues. I know there will be days that I forget this declaration and your accountability will ensure I don’t slip up.
2. Be honest with yourself. Why are you doing what you do? Are you focused on what people will think of me, or what this will make of me? Does your character need a facelift and if so where can you start?

The rest of 2017 is going to be the best of 2017. 

Till next time, stay on offense. Aggressively pursue a better version of yourself. And remember what Jim Rohn said, “You cannot change the destination of your life overnight, but you change change your direction”.

-J

Out.