It is important to have rules. Rules guide us, protect us, and allow our society to be fair. Every day we work in the sponsorship industry, we need to focus on being fair, delivering value, and working together. It is through mutual respect and living by a code of ethics respectful of others that we thrive.
I often wonder about rules. People tell me about slogans and concepts that allow them to thrive. Some are upstanding, some are not. I always look for ways to improve myself, both on the professional side within our industry and on the personal side with my family and friends. Recently, someone presented me with what they called the “Seven Cardinal Rules for Life.” I read them and then embraced them. I think these seven short rules or suggestions are a great set of directions for personal and professional success. I want to share them with you.
1) Make peace with your past so it won’t disturb your present.
2) What other people think of you is none of your business.
3) Time heals almost everything. Give it time.
4) No one is in charge of your happiness—except you!
5) Don’t compare your life to others and don’t judge them. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
6) Stop thinking too much. It is all right not to know all the answers. They will come to you when you least expect it.
7) Smile. You don’t own all the problems of the world.
I hope you find some wisdom in these and choose to embrace them as I have.
These are so true, thanks so much for sharing. #2 is a tough one but important!
Fawn,
Thanks so much for reading and thanks for the feedback. Yes… #2 is a toughy but very very important. Hope you are well and hope to connect again soon. Brent
#5… this one is tough for me. Not really the judging part but the comparison part. I often compare to other fundraisers and communications people and it looks (from the outside I know!) that they are more creative, more successful, more gutsy… I literally have a hard time looking at other events/fundraisers going on as I often feel that I am not good enough. This is a “me” problem not a them problem but wow… it’s a super hard one for me to get my head around.
Thanks for posting and I actually posted these on my office wall- we all need reminders to be a bit kinder to ourselves….and each other 🙂 Thanks Brent!
Laura,
As always thank YOU for reading, sharing here… and on your office wall! THis may sound mean, but it is intended to be a truthful compliment / statement.
The issue around comparison truly, as you note, is with you.
I have known you for several years now, watched you, followed you and seen you present and do your job. I can honestly say you are good! You take risks (like going on a panel), you step outside your bounds and are creative. I have seen all of these.
Furthermore, you need to look at your success track! You have the passion and the dedication to achieve what others have been unable to. You continue to press forward with HIV Edmonton. You have made the organization possible and kept it operating. Your should be PROUD of YOURSELF… and that is coming from an outsider. We are all to harsh on ourselves. You deserve to be proud of yourself and your accomplishments.
Now post that on your wall… let others read it and I am sure they will agree. Plus you can read it everyday and be proud of yourself.
Keep up the great work. Brent