E-couragement: Man in the Mirror

“Change begins with you. Not them or even us. Teams don’t change. Departments and organizations don’t change. People change…one at a time. It starts with you.” Rich Schlentz, Your Employees Have Quit—They Just Haven’t Left I was out of town for the weekend and preparing for a run. Going through my travel bag, I pulled out a running shirt—check. Then, I located running shorts—check. I placed my running shoes on the floor—check. Where were my socks? My hand snaked around into the dark, hard to reach corners of my bag. No socks. I checked the side pockets. Nothing. I proceeded to unpack its entire contents. With the bag now empty, I could clearly see that there were…no socks. Surveying my circumstance, I began to doubt the belief, which told me I had actually packed running socks. Then, in an instant, the mystery was solved.

Frustrated, I inadvertently glanced down towards the floor when I spotted the elusive running socks. On – my – feet. Yes, I had put them on several hours earlier that morning. I laughed out loud thinking about my aggravation with a situation that had its solution literally “feet” away. It didn’t take long to recognize the potential blog lesson in this experience. Moments later, right on cue, my Muse sent lyrics to the Michael Jackson song Man in the Mirror my way:

I'm starting with the man in the mirror I'm asking him to change his ways And no message could have been any clearer If you wanna make the world a better place

The teaching was clear. Rich, the solution to all your challenges and opportunities is closer than you might imagine. When searching for my answer, I resisted looking to the obvious: Socks-on-feet.  Similarly, in other life areas I get distracted seeking for answers when the solution is right in front of me: Man-in-mirror.

Perhaps you’re a leader challenged with creating a more engaging workplace. Maybe you envision work that is significant and purposeful. Possibly you’re considering how to start your own business, write a book, pursue mission work in a third world country, experience a meaningful personal relationship, or change your financial condition. These diverse work/life challenges all have a common root-solution: You. Wondering where to start making significant change in your life? The answer you’re looking for is merely feet away. Start with the person in the mirror.

Leave your comments: What one work/life challenge might you begin to solve by looking in the mirror?