Moving Forward in These Difficult Times

Super Bowl Sunday! The Saints win! Who Dat! The talking heads and many of the sports columnists said this was going to be a rout by the Colts. Guess what? It went the other way. Why? As some of my friends say, “If you want to know if God has a sense of humor, tell God your plans (or expected outcomes).” We should be learning from the many opportunities we have been given recently, such as the economic downturn, election of our first African-American President, buying houses with “…nothing down because the value will go through the roof…”, etc., etc. If it looks too good to be true, it generally is.

So what do we do going forward? Several weeks ago, 60 Minutes did a lovely piece on Judith Jameson, the soon-to-be-retired Director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company of Harlem. When Ms. Jameson was asked what her life philosophy was she replied “Pray, Prepare, Perform”.

If we followed this simple process in every aspect of our lives, I believe that we would all be more successful. The simplicity of this message is enormous. First, sit quietly and go to your personal inner space to determine what it is you want. Next, look at all of the ramifications of what you want to do or achieve including gathering facts and information so you will know how to proceed. Then, do it!

I have personally borrowed this “mantra” and had it emblazoned on apparel and other items I sell on my “store” (www.cafepress.com/unclebrent). And, I have encompassed this philosophy in my coaching practice as an additional tool for my clients.

I feel privileged to serve as a Life Coach at this point in our history. I see so much opportunity and potential in the people I meet every day. As I have been taught and as I believe, “You meet in the bathroom mirror every day with the only person responsible for your success or failure, your happiness or your gloom, your health and welfare.” Don’t hold others hostage for what is in your immediate grasp.