Own Your Own Space

Each of us is “given” a finite amount of “space” in the universe to start our ball rolling. 

NOTE: Space has many dimensions.  There’s physical space, intellectual space, emotional space, work space, play space, and experimental space for personal development.  

Our parents share their space and protect our portion of “starter” space as much as they are able, but they also draw lines on what its limits are.    

The public school system provides a certain amount of shared space for our matriculation through the primary and secondary education system.  And then we have to start carving out our own space, like paying tuition and earning our way through college.  We can expand the parameters of our allotted space by participating in extracurricular activities.  And we can add substantial latitude to our space by meeting and exceeding outside expectations: If we do the homework and get respectable grades, we get to use the car, etc.   

As we mature and require more and more space, the “carving out” gets tougher … especially if we have left some carving untended along the way.  You can’t simply move around the game board if you haven’t rolled the dice and paid your dues.  The GED gets imponderably more difficult when one has parented a child and has a minimum wage job. 

On the job, we are allocated a finite amount of work space.  Different organizations have different minimum configurations of work space.  The average “starter” space for an individual at many places is about 36 square feet = 6’ X 6’.  There is generally a significant amount of shared space beyond that. 

Key Consideration:

If you deign to claim “ownership” of a shared printer or copier or organizational unit (e.g., committee), your stock in space can substantially rise in the overall scheme of things.

Corollary Consideration:

If you don’t take care of the space you have been allotted – i.e., if you don’t demonstrate “ownership”, you lose both practicalities and potentialities.  The name of the game of life is to carve out as much space as you can rightfully “own” and properly tend.

A word about ownership:

To the uninitiated, holding a position of “ownership” means you get to do as you please, get other people to do your work for you, hire and fire at will, take off as many days as you like, etc.  However, if you watch most small business “owners” carefully -- and we're all "small business owners", each responsible for ME, Inc., you’ll see that they generally work 80 hours a week, fill in for workers who don’t show up, are very much concerned about quality, customer relations and overall positive reputation of the organization, and occasionally take out the trash and clean the toilets – i.e., whatever needs doing.  They also go out of their way to make or meet every opportunity to grow their organization or business. 

Bottom Line: Own what space you have, tend whatever additional space you can duly administer, and keep carving out space above and beyond you by carrying increasing levels of responsibility.  If you treat expanded space as though you “own” it, and if you manage that space to everyone else’s expectations or beyond, it becomes your space de facto.  Become an expert owner/manager in all dimensions of space and you will end up with more than enough.  Quartermaster 

Regimentation

Regimentation is extremely helpful in successful venturing. 

According to Webster, regimentation means:

“ … to reduce to strict order or uniformity.” 

The term “regimentation” has a military overtone, and implies an absolute level of accountability.  It’s different than habit.  Habit is something you “fall into” and do without thinking.  Regimentation is a process of doing things with proactive forethought and absolute commitment.  With regimentation, there is no “push-back”, such as, “Gee, I’m not really feeling like it today.”  Whatever is on the regimentation docket is what we do and it’s what we are doing, no discussion. 

·         You get up every morning at a certain time, because that’s when the day begins

·         You make your bed

·         You do your exercise

·         You eat what’s good for you

·         You do your homework

·         You look after your personal hygiene – floss your teeth, already!

·         You clean up after yourself

·         You show up when you’re supposed to show up

·         You do what you’re supposed to do

·         You don’t do what you’re not supposed to do

·         You go to bed at a certain time, because that’s when the day ends

… no fuss, no bluster, no afterthought, no excuses, no explanations, period.

 
NOTE: If you aren’t doing these things, you’re not a fully enfranchised, mature adult.  Do not pass “Go”, do not collect $200, and do not look for good stuff to fall out of the sky.

Regimentation is also different than discipline.  “Discipline” implies that we exercise “willpower” over choices.  And discipline requires us – incident by incident – to make the best choice among all choices.  With regimentation, the choice has already been made. 

People who have dogs, horses and/or children understand the importance of regimentation.

In medical terms, being prescribed a certain “regimen” of treatment means following a specific blueprint of intervention: For certain types of cancer it could mean radiation 5 times a week for six weeks plus chemotherapy on a prescribed schedule for nine months.  No exceptions.

Regimentation fills empty holes in a less-than-packed schedule and facilitates getting things done in a more-than-packed schedule.  So it’s a good-for-everything companion!  And it works extremely well in partnership with whatever discipline we can muster: Regimentation takes care of automating structurable activity and discipline covers the unstructurable activity. 

When I retired, I became less regimented in my exercise routine.  Since I had many projects involving manual labor, I was sure to get more than enough exercise most days (I lost 10 pounds in three days doing a major landscaping project in the middle of summer!)  And I had carried over my “regimen” for writing that involved any number of exercise options when considering the turn of a phrase or dealing with “writer’s block”.  But, still in all, I wasn’t hitting all the “soft spots” I would normally cover in my more regimented daily constitutional.  [I also had the completely unfounded assumption that I should somehow conserve my energy for the really tough stuff I had ahead of me.  (You may have noticed that we’re really good at loading the dice in favor of anything that pleases us!)]

Regimentation gives one a sense of accomplishment without the hassle and drama of having to work ourselves up to doing what we’ve gotta do and without perseveration of imponderables.  We can make mountains out of mole hills – and liberally do so, thinking we can “stew” our way to salvation!  However, simply DOING what we’ve gotta do gets us so much further down the road, and we sleep a lot better having so much less to “stew” about. 

Get regimented.  Just DOIT!  It will be a great way to start the year 2014.  Quartermaster

Arrested

“Drugs destroyed my life …”

Dustin was a rebellious, misdirected teenager.  He started smoking cigarettes at age twelve and was bummed out on marijuana by age 15.  He became progressively violent, destroying his own home, starting fights and stealing to fund his drug habit.  His own family became frightened and unable to cope with his behavior, so his father – with his back completely pressed to the wall – called the police to have him arrested.  Being arrested was a sobering “Moment of Truth” for the lad – finding out for the first time that he wasn’t bigger than life … tougher than life … and entitled to everything he could get by any means possible.  Thanks to a lot of social services intervention over an extended period of time – and getting his own back completely pressed against the wall, Dustin’s life eventually turned completely around: “Did I tell you?  My job wants to promote me to be a manager as soon as I turn 18!”*  [from the “Children’s Voice”, a publication of the Kentucky United Methodist Homes for Children & Youth, November/December 2013]

Dustin obviously has a lot of energy and, early in the going, he didn’t know how or where to direct it.  So, like many teenagers, he directed it against authority, the establishment, and anything else that stood in the way of “having his own way” … even if “his own way” was destroying him and everything around him. 

Point to Ponder

How far can we go “against the grain”

until the “grain” won’t take it anymore? 

How much alcohol is too much?

How much tobacco is too much?

How much sugar is too much?

How many drugs are too much?

How much “ME” is too much?

How many calories are too much?

How much neglect is too much?

How much debt is too much?

How much “luxury” is too much?

How much exercise can we forego?

Medically Speaking …

One has to be in great wonderment about the extent of abuse the body will take

before it finally gives out – or even gives a warning.

(But we can get pills for that, can’t we?) 

Professionally Speaking …

I am in great wonderment about the extent to which

some individuals will go completely “against the grain” of their jobs,

  gossiping, playing games, and sabotaging progress

while fighting for even more entitlements …

until the system can’t take it anymore.  

Somebody should have most of us “arrested” before we do grave harm to ourselves and/or to the systems within which we operate.  Better yet, we might just as well go ahead and turn ourselves in for voluntary “house arrest” and sobering up until we get our life together.  Chronic social services intervention from the person behind the mirror may be required for best results.  But the prospect for a positive outcome cannot be overestimated!  Quartermaster

*

"You're gonna like the way you look, I guarantee it!" 

George Zimmer

Founder, Men's Wearhouse

 

Access

“ … poverty isn’t just the lack of money.

It’s the lack of access to the kinds of people

who can help you make the most of your life.”

Manny Scott

[Quoted by Karla Ward, Lexington Herald-Leader

Monday, Nov. 18, 2013]

 So true, isn’t it?

In fact, access is very likely THE key cornerstone attribute of life.

Consider the importance of access to such things as …  

·         Education

·         Food and shelter

·         Life-Enriching Friends/Colleagues

·         Running water

·         Negotiable currency

·         Credit

·         Jobs

·         Promotions

·         Healthcare

·         Good literature/Grand art

·         Warm surroundings when it’s cold; cool surroundings when it’s hot

·         … anything outside our own limited sphere of existence

Importantly, different levels of access exist, and they do not automatically accrue, seamlessly overlap or homogeneously “blend in”.  A minimum wage job can get one access to entry level connections and amenities – “spending money”, if you’re still living under somebody else’s roof – but not to independent living in civilization at large.  That’s a whole, ‘nother ball game. 

Point to Ponder:

Being human gives one access to incredible DNA and brain power,

but much of it is left woefully untapped.

Sadly, we don’t always take best advantage of the access portals available to us (including our DNA and brain power!).  We muddle through our education and try to “Beat the System” instead of latching onto (accessing) and plugging into sources of power and possibility for legitimate advancement.  Some of us spend an inordinate amount of energy running away from access in the presumptive noble pursuit of “self-determination”, insisting on being “Captains of our own Destiny”, for which we are haplessly ill-equipped. 

Point to Ponder:

“Freedom’s just another word

For nothin’ left to lose.

Nothin’ ain’t worth nothin’

But it’s free.”

“Me And Bobbie McGee”

Roger Miller

Churches, service organizations and government agencies have constructed a plethora of outreach programs to assist in providing access to fundamental services.  While laudable, these offerings are neither comprehensive nor well-coordinated, nor are they universally available or progressively “graduated” for fluid advancement to independence, so the overall impact is limited.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Point to Ponder:

No matter how much access is available, and no matter how many portals exist, they are largely inaccessible to those who: 1) “don’t know any better”; 2) don’t want to endure the constraints associated with access; 3) “can’t be bothered”; 4) are otherwise constrained by unfounded assumptions, unrealistic expectations, and unwarranted entitlements; and/or 5) show no inclination toward nor likely responsiveness to the intended benefits of access.  Having one’s own agenda at cross purposes with “the great waterway of life” – unless it’s for a better way of life – is not helpful.  It’s important to “get with the program” – and become access-able – in a program that’s going somewhere.    

* * * * * * * * * ** * * * * *

Recognizing the importance of ACCESS is a critical first step in building a better civilization, as well as in building a better life … with “freedom” that’s really worth something, particularly in developing a more sustainable future.  Another name for access is OPPORTUNITY.  More times than not, we have to create opportunities for ourselves.  We can do this by becoming access-able, by taking full advantage of access portals already available to us and by “leveraging” the opportunities to attain higher levels of access.  The more access portals we open and the more opportunities we leverage, the more of both will become available – it’s a win-and-win-more proposition!  Let’s go looking for and creating more access – both for ourselves and for those hoping for and looking for a way up and out – and tapping into more opportunity.  Quartermaster 

 

Identity

Who you are is important. 
Even the government thinks so: It gives each of us a unique identifier number and requires us to account for ourselves at least annually!

But our identity is even more important to US.  We want and need to BELONG and yet we want and need to be SPECIAL.  So it’s a complex mix.  But that’s what makes us unique. 

Now what about you?

Are you a Republican, Democrat or Libertarian?   Is that really important, and what does it mean?  Do you vote a straight party ticket or do you consider each candidate on his or her own merits?  Do the issues matter, or is the party paramount?  Are you merely a passive pawn or are you a perspicacious participant?  Boy, life is tough!

We all want to be identified as “winners” – or at least as part of a winning team.  (How else does one explain the wearing of apparel emblazoned with somebody else’s name or number?)  But this is about US … about ME … about YOU.  Are you “winning”?  What is your winning strategy?  What is your schtick – what are you bringing to the table – what’s your contribution – what makes you a uniquely valued individual or member of a favored group – how is your identity maintained in the group matrix – what makes you a “sanctioned” participant?

My aunt Bea made the best yeast rolls in the world; she sent a card to each of her nieces and nephews on their birthdays; she housed and looked after the family patriarch; she served as the church bookkeeper and custodian; and she invited the entire extended family to her house on Thanksgiving. 

In a very real sense, we’re all “candidates” … for esteemed membership in the family … for jobs … for promotions … for acceptance into professional organizations … for membership in social associations and community groups … How, exactly, is your “candidacy” progressing? 

Point to Ponder:

For membership in some groups, all you have to do is pay your dues.

(!) 

Early in the going, most of us are identified by our heritage: “Oh, I see: You’re JP’s son.”  Some can trace family ties back to the Mayflower and beyond.  

For ultimate/intimate identity, we each have unique DNA, most visibly reflected in our fingerprints.  However, some would contend that what counts most is our “LIFEPRINT”:  What uniquely identifiable impressions are you leaving in the sands of time … besides being well on your way to consuming 135,000 pounds of food, drinking 12,480 gallons of water, producing 750,000 pounds (375 tons) of waste and watching 120,000 hours of television? 

Some are said to enjoy a “larger than life” identity – living well beyond the confines and constraints of a parochial, provincial singularity.  A great many are not enjoying a “smaller than life” identity.  

Point to Ponder:

How many different “identities” do you claim?

Son/Daughter::Worker Bee/Manager:: [ _______ Affiliation]::Parent::Owner/Driver

Student of the Universe::Seeker … 

And how much can we influence our identity – beyond simply masquerading [Facebook?]?Not much, some would say.  Would your identity change with unlimited amounts of money … makeup … reconstructive surgery?

Dateline: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013 Daily News

[http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/unemployed-ex-con-turned-powerball-winner-dies-hospice-article-1.1536710]

“An unemployed ex-con turned $27 million Powerball winner has died in a community hospice care after reportedly losing his mansions, cars, Learjet and moving into a storage shed.

David Lee Edwards … , a drug addict … spent a third of his life behind bars for theft …   

[alternately]  living unemployed in his late parents' home and borrowing money to keep his water running”  

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

But, whoever we are, we can at least be our BEST selves rather than degenerating to our WORST selves.  There's a lot of latitude here.

 

Defining Moments can dramatically impact the possibilities. When “called to account” in sobering, “Moment-of-Truth” reality checks, most of us can “straighten up and fly right”, at least for a finite period of time.    

Constraints implied or imposed can also make a huge difference.  Is your identity different when nobody is looking over your shoulder?   

Point to Ponder:

Is “identity” different from “character”? 

Points to Ponder Further:

“Selling one’s soul” for an operational identity inconsistent with core identity

(as in “It’s what I do but it’s not who I am!”)

 is a formula for impending disaster.

* * * * * * * * * *

Military engagement with an incompletely fleshed out core identity

can lead to a pronounced personal/core identity crisis.

* * * * * * * * * *

How consistent is your résumé with your operational identity?

… your core identity? 

Abraham Lincoln did not, all-of-a-sudden, become “Presidential”

when he was elected President. 

Our identity is frequently reflected by the company we keep and the values we hold.  Keeping close company with impeccable core principles, values, standards and ideals is a practice worth cultivating for the duration.  Quartermaster

Wishes Fulfilled

In his book, Wishes Fulfilled, Wayne Dyer takes the ante up a notch on building a successful life, declaring it’s not enough to just wish for something good to happen or to picture it happening, you have to feel it as though it is already happening.  You have to “feel” what it will be like once you get there.

Reality Check

This is not only a hard concept to grasp … simply wonderful as it sounds, it’s very difficult to master.  Worse, it goes some distance beyond an ingrainable sense of authenticity, trying to impose a contrived construct from the unknown future on a present reality.     

So I’m going to push the ante up another notch and insist that one has to live wherever one wants to be – better yet, where one “belongs”, not just imagine it or feel it.   

When I was in graduate school, I couldn’t just imagine or “feel” like what I thought a biomedical scientist would – or ought to be or “feel” like, I had to behave like a biomedical scientist and, in fact, become a biomedical scientist, doing all the things a biomedical scientist would do.  That meant exhaustive reading of the biomedical sciences literature, developing testable hypotheses, setting up experiments to test the hypotheses, running the experiments, analyzing the results and critically evaluating the findings.  It’s a behavior, be-DOER thing.   

Abraham Lincoln didn’t just become “Presidential” when he was elected President.  He lived “presidentially” his entire life … at the very core, he was “Presidential Material”.   

If you are “star” material, simply BE – authentically – the star you are!  Everyone expects it and it will ultimately fit you better than any caricature you might otherwise be inclined to adopt.  

If you’re NOT star material, stop acting like it!  Nobody likes a fraud and it’s embarrassing to those who have to deal with it.   

As for the wishes, wishes don’t hold much water.  Stop wishing and start BEING*.   

Caveat:

Unless you were born to royalty, you can forget the “Prince” or “Princess” thing. 

And if you don’t know or don’t think you are “Star” material, don’t worry about it.  Just be the best “YOU” you can be, and things will turn out pretty much the best they can possibly turn out for YOU.  Life beyond wishes is yours for the taking.  

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Be BECOMING: BECOME someone/BECOME something.

Don’t be a Burden or Baggage – unless you’re claimable/reclaimable baggage. 

Be Balanced                                                   Be Bold

Be Bankable                                                   Be Brain-Engaged

Be Bedrock                                                     Be Brandable

Be Believable                                                  Be Bright/Brilliant

Be Have                                                          Be Bullishly Accountable

Be Ware                                                          Be Buoyant

Be Beneficent/Benevolent                              Be Brave

Be Better/Best                                                 Be Busy [at Goal Tending] 

Belong – completely – and be BEHOLDEN to the Dream and Destiny inside you.

Quartermaster