December 30

Serious business

Are you a little unclear about your priorities, about what matters most to you? Subject yourself to challenge, and you’ll quickly understand those priorities.

Challenge will focus you, inspire you, improve you. Challenge will connect you with your highest values and your deepest desires.

Challenge will force you to generate real, meaningful substance in your life. Challenge will get you out of bed in the morning, and keep you on track all day long.

Whether you choose a particular challenge or one is imposed on you, your most useful response is the same. Step up to the challenge and let it bring out your highest, most effective effort.

A serious challenge is serious business. Respond with serious commitment, and it will make you seriously better, more purposeful and effective.

Embrace the challenges. And know, with confidence, just how meaningful, valuable, and consequential your life, and your efforts, can be.

— Ralph Marston

December 31

Difference of opinion

There are people who have different opinions than you. Those people are not your enemies.

There is much you can learn from those who disagree with you. There is much to be accomplished when people with a wide range of perspectives work together.

Your own viewpoint is not strengthened by blind rejection of other viewpoints. On the contrary, your viewpoint grows stronger when you thoughtfully consider the views of others.

No one has all the answers all the time. Diversity of opinion gives rise to great value whenever it is embraced.

Don’t let your thoughts be imprisoned by your refusal to consider other thoughts. Don’t let your thinking grow stale and ineffective by isolating it from challenges.

Go deeper, and seek to find means of connection and agreement rather than points of contention. Behind every opinion, every perspective, there’s always value to be found.

— Ralph Marston