Here are 3 quotes, the most interesting thing I learned this week, 1 essay, and 1 question to reflect on.

3 Quotes

“A good person dyes events with his own color…and turns whatever happens to his own benefit.” – Seneca

“Don’t be afraid. You can do it. Get your mind around it. You can do it.” – Steve Jobs

“Truth is confirmed by inspection and delay; falsehood by haste and uncertainty.” – Tacitus

The Most Interesting Thing I Learned this Week

The first federally recognized Labor Day holiday in the United States occurred in 1894 as a way to honor and recognize the work and sacrifice of blue collar workers.  It was a spirited celebration of all that went into developing our country into an economic powerhouse.

Also over 241 years ago on September 3, the Treaty of Paris was signed by the United States and Britain officially ending the Revolutionary War.

Absolute Fundamentals

“All that matters is having singled-minded purpose (ichinen) in the here and now.”  – Yamamoto Tsunetomo

When was the last time you heard an organization in the business world talk about fundamentals? You will often hear the term in professional sports or military units. The Samurai warriors of Japan often described “absolute fundamentals.”

We are told to learn how to multitask. We are told to learn how to balance multiple priorities at once. But these recommendations are misleading. Our human brains are not meant to multitask. It is not in our nature. Distracting yourself with too many initiatives, tasks, and to do’s is a quick way to invite more chaos into your life. 

“Just live in the present with single-minded purpose. People forget this important truth, and keep seeing other things to accomplish.” – Yamamoto Tsunetomo

Imagine what you are capable of if you give your work your entire focus. Not at the expense of your health and wellness. Not at the expense of your family.

Too often we are all trying to do too much. Imagine being on a team where everyone is focused on their position and doing their absolute best to help the team. Imagine how much you can crush one task when you are fully devoted to mastering the skills to get the job done. You can feel it. It is invigorating. It gives you energy instead of draining your energy.

“Men who hold a nostalgic view of the past are misguided in their outlook because they are blind to the reality of the present. Conversely,  those who revel in the present, but loathe the customs and traditions of yesteryear, can’t differentiate between core principles and insignificant details.” – Yamamoto Tsunetomo

Focus on the fundamentals. Work is hard. 

Churchill used the acronym, KBO – keep buggering on.

Epictetus reminded us to persist and resist.

When you focus on the fundamentals, you show up prepared to overcome any obstacle. You know that your life and your work will knock you down. It is not what you know or who you know that is going to save you. It is your ability to focus. It is the strength of your fundamentals that will help you keep moving forward.

1 Question to Reflect on

If things suddenly got worse, do you have a foundation of “absolute fundamentals” to handle it?

The Real Con 96