First, a little bit about where I was and what I was doing at that point in my life.

I was feeling great and probably a little too smug. It was 1990 and I had just won the national Strategic Account Executive of the Year award for Toshiba. My career was in overdrive and everything was going my way. The local university had asked if I would take part in a technology show by setting up a booth to display the latest laptop computers and talk about the future of the industry. At the time, Toshiba had the most innovative products on the market and had the lion’s share of that marketplace.

For many reasons, I was delighted and excited to take part in the technology show. I was passionate about the technology and loved to talk about it. Now I was going to be able to do so at a university venue to academics many of whom were from the various science faculties. I love science! What could be better?

We set up a beautiful booth and displayed our best products. On the first day, the booth quickly filled with professors and students all wanting to talk about their various projects and discuss how our technology could help them further their research. I was fascinated and enjoying every moment. It was about noon, and there were many waiting to speak with me. Just then, a woman in a wheelchair rolled into the booth. She was a quadriplegic. She had a tube close to her mouth that she would blow into to move and steer her motorized wheelchair. She also had a whiteboard on her lap that she could write on using a long erasable marker, again using her mouth to do so. As well, she had a bib of sorts, as she would salivate quite a bit whilst using her mouth to write or drive her wheelchair.

She wanted some information. I felt very awkward as I approached her. She had written a note that was difficult to read. The note asked if I could give her some information about a particular laptop computer. What, I wondered, would she do with a laptop computer? I grabbed a brochure and placed it in a basket she had on the wheelchair. She wrote another question on her board. The communication between us was slow and very difficult to understand. I was aware of the others waiting in the booth and I was anxious to get back to them. When I had answered her, she grunted a thank you, smiled as best she could and slowly left the booth. I could tell she wanted to ask more questions…

As she rolled out of the booth, I engaged a professor who was studying quasars. Wow! Astronomy, my favorite science. I was elated… for about one minute. I could not get the woman in the wheelchair out of my mind and began to feel awful for not having spent more time with her. She deserved every bit as much of my attention as anyone else. I felt I had let her down because I was unwilling to spend the time with her. In a way, I had judged her. I had made a decision to spend as little time as possible with her so I could get back to those that were easier to communicate with mostly because I was interested in what they had to say. Though I was polite, I never gave her the courtesy of showing her the same level of interest.

The next day, the booth was packed. Around mid-morning, the woman in the wheelchair returned. When I saw her, I respectfully broke off from the conversation I was having with a physicist. I walked over to her and said hello. On her lap was a neatly typed note with several questions. With an awkward tilt of her head, she motioned to the note so I picked it up and read it. After I had answered each question, she again grunted a thank you and motioned that she was going to leave. I stopped her and asked her what she was researching. She began to write on her board. This was going to take a while. I grabbed a chair and sat next to her so we could communicate more easily and gave her 100% of my attention. She was doing some very interesting research! She also had a tremendous sense of humor and not one ounce of self-pity. I asked her how she had managed to type the note that she had brought with her and she explained that she had an interface that allowed her to use the blow tube to type by blowing in patterns similar to Morse code. She wanted to incorporate a laptop and a small printer into her chair so she could type messages wherever she went.

We spoke for about an hour. By the end, the communication was getting much easier. During that time, I had wiped her chin for her a few times with Kleenex that she kept in her basket. She finally told me that I really needed to get back to the others who had been waiting patiently. Sighing, I agreed and gave her all of my contact information and invited her to contact me anytime at all. I told her I would be happy to drive out to the university so I could answer her questions and carry on our conversation. Alas, we never saw each other again.

The one hour I spent with her ranks as one of the most humbling and beautiful hours I have ever spent with another human being. Trapped inside her broken body was a beautiful mind and a wonderfully creative imagination. Despite her appearance, she was as graceful as any human I have ever met. Though I am sure she didn’t know it, she brought me back down to ground and taught me lessons I will never forget.

As we move through our lives, we meet people that we sometimes judge too quickly. I believe some of these people are angels sent to teach us valuable lessons. The woman in the wheelchair certainly was, and if she happens to read this, I have these words for her.

From the depth of my heart … thank you!

Photo Credits

Angel © chrisholtphotos

Quasar © NASA – Public Domain

Toshiba T1200XE  © unknown

© Gil Namur, 2009

“I don’t believe that our gifts have an expiry date. Clearly, as we get older, it is more difficult. Sadly, most of us consider the idea of re-engaging our gifts or our passions as, impractical.”

It doesn’t need to be that way!

Mitigating circumstances aside, it’s never too late to embrace our passions.

Years ago, I taught guitar lessons to about 60 students. Most of the students were pre-teens. The others ranged in age from 13 to 70. Often, the parent of one of the younger students would tell me how they had always wanted to play the guitar, piano, or some other instrument. I would offer to teach them but they would all inevitably say the same thing; thanks but I am just too old to start playing an instrument now. Some of these parents were in their 30’s!

It’s never too late to embrace our passions. Whether it’s playing an instrument, taking up a sport or perhaps even going back to school to study a subject that has always fascinated you, it’s never too late. Engaging any of these will exercise your brain and create new neural pathways. This is beneficial to all areas of your life. In short, it makes you a sharper you and I believe it makes you a happier you!

Suppose it’s the guitar you want to play. If your hands are willing, you can do it. If all you want is to be able to strum some songs that you can sing along too, with a bit of dedication and half an hour a day of practice, you can achieve that in about 3 to 6 months. If you want to play the blues and improvise a bit, it will take a bit longer. If classical music is your thing, it will take longer still, but you can do it. If your hands are in some way compromised, you may still be able to do it. Consider Django Reinhardt. A brilliant guitar player, he is considered one of the most renowned jazz guitarists of all time largely due to his unique and distinctive style of playing. You see, due to severe injuries suffered in a house fire, he played using only two fingers.

What about sports? Maybe you wanted to take up martial arts or golf. It’s never too late. Sure, you may never become Bruce Lee or Tiger Woods, but you can do it. Just be the best you can be!

If you have read some of my other articles then you know that I started karate at 47 with a back that is prone to injury and two bad shoulders. Was it easy? No. Was it worth it? Yes! I am in the best shape of my life and doing things I didn’t think possible. Was I able to do this because I am gifted in this area? No. I was able to do it because I believed that I could do it.

I once played a round of golf with a woman in her mid sixties. She had some upper back issues that only allowed her to take a half swing. Though shorter in distance due to this handicap, every shot she took was straight up the middle of the fairway. She finished the round 8 strokes over par. I finished 22 over par. She had learned later in life to play a game she loves to the best of her abilities. She told me after the game that she was the captain of a sizable woman’s golf team. Clearly, she is an inspiration to her teammates a fine example that we can all achieve our dreams if we will but try.

If pursuing education is your dream, it’s never too late. Phyllis Turner, a 94-year-old great-great-grandmother who left school at the age of 12 may be the world’s oldest recipient of a Master’s degree. Or consider Nola Ochs who at age 90 in 2004 received a journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. Then of course, there is Steven Hawking. Though afflicted with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, he nonetheless is one the most brilliant theoretical physicists who has ever lived. Age and/or disability do not have to stop us from reaching for our dreams.

It’s never too late to embrace your passions. Here are some ideas to help you get there:

• Find a good teacher who will motivate and inspire you.
• Beware of teaching methodologies intended to keep students for a long time. These are often designed to line the pockets of the institutions that offer them at the expense of the student’s progress, and wallet! Do your homework. Talk to teachers and students, ask many questions and make informed decisions.
• Set little goals and build on them. If it’s music, play one good note and build from there. If it’s golf, hit one straight drive. Soon you will hit two, then three.
• If a guitar is simply too difficult for you to get your hands around, try a mandolin, a banjo, or a ukulele. You could even consider a bowed instrument like a cello.
• If karate and kung fu are too demanding on your body, try tai chi. There are many forms of martial arts to choose from.
• Don’t let early failures defeat you. Playing a stringed instrument requires that you develop little calluses on the tips of your fingers. It also requires the development of some new motor skills. Persevere! In short order, you will develop those calluses and motor skills.
• Don’t let a little pain stop you. Your first sports activities will cause muscle soreness. This will pass. You will get stronger and you will improve your skills!
• Don’t be afraid to steer a new course. If you take up guitar and 6 months later realize that the flute is really what inspires you, shift gears and play the flute. If you started studying anthropology but discover that archeology is far more interesting to you, then move in that direction.

I wish you all the very best as you embrace your passions! If you have additional thoughts or can think of individuals who have overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams, please leave a comment and let us know.

Photo Credits

Cellist Frantisek Brikcius from his web site – Public Domain

Tai Chi Young and Old  © Peter Harrison – Wikimedia Commons

Steven Hawking Star Child © Public Domain - Wikimedia Commons

© Gil Namur, 2009

Why are you here?

The question is meant to get the child thinking about their purpose in life. I think this is a great idea and I really wish I had thought to do that when my kids were younger. As we mature, we all develop filters that obstruct our thinking and our imagination. These filters do not inhibit the minds of young children. What better time to ask; why are you here?

When we ask ourselves that same question later in life, it becomes a very complicated issue to address. A tactic many might use is to ask a different question. What am I good at? Perhaps this can help but I think we need to go a little deeper.

Without getting into semantics, let’s consider the differences between skills, talents and gifts.

Skills:

All of us can learn and develop skills. In fact, to survive, we have to develop a great many skills. To name a few, driving, cooking, walking, writing, reading, computation, organizational, interpersonal, jumping, singing, memorizing, drawing and running are all skills.

Talents:

As we develop them, most of us gravitate towards certain skills. Some might become chefs, athletes, dancers, teachers, artists, musicians or scientists. I believe we gravitate in certain directions because we have specific talents. It is easier for some people to do certain things than it is for others because they have an innate talent. I believe that with effort and determination, within reason, it is ‘possible’ for anyone to do just about anything. However, it is far more ‘probable’ that the individual with talent will achieve that same goal.

Gifts:

I believe we are all born with at least one special gift and that there is a difference between our talents and our gifts. For example, if we were to take the top 100 classically trained pianists from across the nation and ask them all to perform, we would undoubtedly hear 100 virtuoso technical performances, but, a few of them would stand out. Somehow, those few are able to apply their talent in a unique way and touch a part of us that none of the others could. The same is true of writers, artists, public speakers and dancers. The most gifted of these can touch our hearts in ways that the others simply cannot. I have met musicians who were so highly skilled that they could play just about anything with very little effort. Technical monsters we call them, but they really don’t move me that much. I have met far less skilled musicians who with just a few simple chords could sing a simple song and bring an audience to tears. That’s a gift!

I think that to find our purpose, we are better served to ask; what are my unique gifts? I believe that young children inherently know this. Unfortunately, our education systems do not usually recognize individual gifts. It is only through the interventions of people who might notice, perhaps a special teacher, a parent or a friend that we are presented the opportunity to pursue what we are best suited for.

In conversations with my friends and family members, many have told me that as kids, they were great at certain things but life’s interventions and obligations prevented them from pursuing these passions. This leads me to believe that at an early age we know what our gifts are and what we gravitate towards. I am a firm believer that it’s never too late. I don’t believe that our gifts have an expiry date. Clearly, as we get older, it is more difficult. Sadly, most of us consider the idea of re-engaging our gifts or our passions as, impractical.

With all of that in mind, I will now ask a different question.

If we already know what our gifts are, but for whatever reason, are unwilling to develop them, then why even ask the question, why am I here and what is my purpose?

If you are not using your gifts, you should consider doing so. Embracing them will bring you much joy and fulfillment. Sharing them will bring that same joy into the lives of others. Think about it, you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Photo Credits

Kids In A Doorway © Gilabrand

A man and a woman performing a modern dance © Barry Goyette

Chick Corea in concert © Roland Godefroy

© Gil Namur, 2009

I have a thought or two about this. To begin, I do not subscribe to the notion that the cause is difficult to explain. Using numbers to explain it however is the wrong approach. I also believe that defining the cause immediately reveals the long-term solution. This implies that the solution is easy to describe. The question then becomes; given a solution, will we choose to act?

To make my argument, I will first define a few attributes that must be a part of the equation. You can think of them as the ingredients required for a successful outcome. Then I’ll paint a little picture and pose some questions meant to stimulate thought on the subject.

Commitment to Excellence

A commitment to excellence ultimately delivers quality and value. Pride in what we have accomplished compels us to continue producing quality and value. This desire drives mentorship, which is commonplace within entities that have a commitment to excellence. Mentorship develops new talent allowing for product improvements and innovation.

Striving for personal excellence will lead to personal development and self-improvement. When we strive to be more than we are, we make the world a better place. We do so because improving ourselves by extension improves the world around us.

Integrity

“Integrity may be seen as the quality of having a sense of honesty and truthfulness in regard to the motivations for one’s actions.” – (From Wikipedia)

You could say that integrity breeds excellence. Integrity will evaluate methodologies but it is not defined by them. Rather, integrity has everything to do with approach, personal philosophy, substance and character. When you lose integrity, you lose trust. It doesn’t matter if you are trying to sell a product or re-kindle a relationship. Both propositions are virtually impossible without trust.

Integrity always calls for win-win situations.

Revenue vs. Profitability or Quantity vs. Quality

Much of today’s corporate thinking focuses more on revenue than it does on profitability. Growth in revenue equates to an expansion of market share. Increases in market share are great for investors but if a company shows a loss of revenue, they are perceived to be losing market share. This inhibits companies from focusing more on profitability and leads to a place where quality takes a second seat to quantity.

I don’t know about you, but running a profitable organization is at the top of my list, just under excellence and integrity. I’d rather sell one item for ten dollars that nets me four dollars profit than have to sell two at ten dollars to make the same profit. My revenue may be higher, but the profitability remains the same and my cost of doing business goes up. This becomes very apparent when you start thinking in higher volumes.

I elaborate further on this point in an article titled The Mixed Blessings of Corporate Metrics.

How things are

As driven by today’s economic model, to drive market share, companies need to get products out faster and in greater quantities. In order to do so, many of them compromise their commitment to excellence by sacrificing quality for quantity and profitability for revenue. Companies that were once profitable now labor under enormous debt loads to try to keep up with demand. The result is everything from cars that break down sooner to gardening implements that barely make it through a season or BBQ’s that rust out within a few years. Stated otherwise, we end up with inferior products.

That’s ok because we, the “consumers”, will soon run out and buy more stuff. Competition for this market share drives companies to lower their prices and so they make more compromises in product development. Lower prices motivate us to go and buy more stuff. First though we need bigger and bigger houses to keep all that stuff in. Still, we need to dispose of the stuff we have no room for and so to the dump it goes, along with all the packaging used for the new stuff.

What used to be mounds of garbage have now become mountain ranges of scrap. It is a travesty that these heaps of our own making now measure our character. They will stand for many years, a testament to our wasteful and careless nature.

Makes you wonder doesn’t it?

What has happened to excellence? Where did it go? What happened to the notion that quality represents value? Where is mentorship today? Where was the integrity in so many of the financial products we have read about recently that carried far too high a risk? How could financial institutions in “good conscience” present customers with a product destined to fail? Could it be because there was no commitment to excellence? Was it driven by greed? Clearly, a win-win mindset was not present in the thinking that led to the development of these products.

How else are we to explain that a used shovel I purchased built in the 50′s is in better shape than the new one I purchased not so long ago?

What happened to the specialty stores? Many were forced to shut down because they could not compete with the emergence of the mega-stores. Do you know what we lost? Expertise, value and quality of service. For the sake of a few percentage points in savings, we traded expertise for lower pricing on inferior products. Sure, many of these stores provide us with instant gratification by allowing us to return products for a full refund. These products bejewel our landfills and the mega-stores eventually falter because there was not enough profit in their coffers to support the model. The lack of expertise will eventually lead us back to the smaller specialty stores.

Why after centuries of building roads do we still build intersections only to dig them up a few times within a month of their completion? Why does one man dig while three others watch him? Poor planning indicates an absence of excellence. We build cities on top of old cities without updating the infrastructures that support them. A century later, we have cities that require multi billion dollar initiatives to provide sewage treatment systems. We then argue that it’s too expensive and unnecessary because the ocean is big enough to handle the waste we will indiscriminately dump into it. Imagine for a minute doing this at our own home. We break some municipal bylaws and pile mounds of rotting rubbish all over our lawn. We would be told in no uncertain terms to clean it up. If we used the “it’s too expensive” excuse, we would likely pay a fine, potentially lose our home or possibly end up in jail. We should all be grateful that the planet has not sentenced us in this way .. yet. So why is it wrong at an individual level, but not at the collective level?

Where is the “integrity” in this picture? There is none, and we are all complicit in the making of it. We got what we paid for and now we have to pay to get out of this mess. I just don’t think we need to pay in dollars. We need to pay with a commitment to creating an environment conducive to the re-birth of excellence. It starts when we stop thinking of ourselves as “consumers” and begin to see ourselves as “citizens”.

The solution …

Excellence and integrity demand quality. Without them, absolute failure is the only possible outcome.

If every one of us makes a personal commitment to excellence, we will begin to see the re-birth of integrity. Guided by integrity, we will start to make smarter choices and build a much better world; one devoid of so many man-made crises, a world where we consider the needs of others as highly as we do those of our own.

In closing this article, I want to say it is not my intent to suggest that there are no companies or individuals out there committed to excellence. They do exist and are all around us. If you are one of them, thank you! Please continue to shine as an example of what is possible when we commit to being the best that we can be.

Photo Credits

NYSE © Ryan Lawler – Public Domain

Landfill © Ashley Felton – Public Domain

© Gil Namur, 2009