Formula I

“Do what you’re supposed to do

and life will turn out the way it’s supposed to be.”

[Found on an old farm house calendar] 

It’s a pretty simple formula – not rocket science.   

But it’s a bit deeper than the water in the tin cup at the well head next to the farm house, and so hard to do.  

The “catch” is that what we’re “supposed to do” covers a lot more territory than simply staying out of trouble.   

First of all, “supposed to do” implies that somebody else is calling the shots – doing the “supposing”.  Early on, they do.  Parents, teachers, coaches, etc., are usually pretty clear in lining out the ground-level “supposed to dos”.  For the most part, these are the STDs that are “supposed” to keep us out of trouble.   

But we’re “supposed to do” a lot more.   

The unspecified supposition – expectation – here is

that we will do everything we are capable of doing.

[Whoa!  Who does THAT?] 

Furthermore, at some point, WE are the ones who have to start picking up the “supposing” on our own behalf … lining out the above-ground formulation for wherever it is we’re going. 

Ownership of our own journey – ownership of our own Destiny –

is the crux of the game called “Life”. 

Simply “meeting [everyone else’s] STD expectations” may allow you to come back to do the same job tomorrow, but it will not get you a promotion or whatever else it is you’re going to want or need … and it most likely will not be a sustainable engagement.   

The ones who advance are those who visibly progress beyond expectations … who add particular value to whatever they do. 

This brings us to the Formula I guiding principle summation: Success is built most solidly on purposeful, goal-directed, productive accountability – on the demonstration of “supposably” diligent stewardship, not only of our own personal time, energy and resources, but also those of significant others invested on our behalf (see below).   

But don’t panic!  It doesn’t have to be all that tough!  As implied above, we only need to do what we CAN do.   

“There is only so much you can do,

but you have to do that much.”

Garrison Keillor, Prairie Home Companion

The tough part is moving above and beyond all the nothing we’d rather be doing … beyond the distractions, the trivialities, the “chilling out”, the degenerative disengagement.  

However, there are also some impressive collateral benefits in the formulation because you don’t have to do it all alone!  Consider: how much more could you do … how much better could you be … how much farther could you go … if you had a host of willing and able supporters nudging you along and "greasing the skids"?  As soon as we start demonstrating the heart, passion and initiative beyond baseline STDs – i.e., as soon as we start going out of our way to be useful … as soon as we start doing things as if we really meant to do them with every best effort, we start turning heads … people take notice … and bonus points start appearing on the scoreboard.  Teachers, supervisors, business leaders, coaches, talent scouts and movers-and-shakers at all levels are perpetually tuned-in to “who’s got game”.  They’re not into losing propositions or “average” players who are simply along for the ride and unlikely to become positive “change agents”.  Geniuses, “Superstars” and “Unlikely Champions”, alike, garner support at the highest levels because they demonstrate incredible accountability for talents with which they have been endowed.  It’s called the “Bandwagon Effect” or “Tidal Wave Phenomenon”; people can’t resist jumping on a moving train … they can’t bear NOT being part of a “going enterprise”.   

NOTE: Sometimes all you need to do to get a commitment of support is to ask for help.  Anyone with a genuine capacity to assist is hard pressed to forego a legitimate opportunity for engagement.  Get over the idea that it makes you look “stupid”, “vulnerable”, inept or incompetent!  Anyone who’s anxious to learn, who is sincere in their quest, who shows promise/potential and who is non-threatening is a prime target for generous assistance.  

So there’s the deal.  Start “supposing” toward the highest Destiny and brightest future you can Dream, and then get Formula I fully engaged to make it happen.  Quartermaster 

“If you have built castles in the air,

Your work need not be lost;

…

Now put the foundations under them.”

Henry David Thoreau

“Walden”

Poking Around

The stump of our former flowering crabapple tree needed to be removed, but I was … well, … a bit “stumped”!  My DIY inclination was undeterred, but I was obviously in unfamiliar territory.   

How do I approach this project, the “business end” of which (i.e., roots) is entirely underground?  

Theoretically, if I cut the roots, the stump should be much easier to remove altogether, but I wasn’t sure whether crabapple trees had a “tap root”, which would represent an imponderably larger challenge.   

Not knowing what I didn’t know, I decided to go “POKING AROUND” … progressively removing dirt around the base of the stump and around the visible roots to get a better sense of the scope of the project – sort of an anatomical pre-mortem.  This was instructive.  I discovered what I later learned were “buttress roots” – roots that extend both above and below ground that hold the stump, the tree and the underlying earth together.  They were impressive, to a point of discouraging any tactical approach to disconnection from the stump.  I also found that the stump did not, in fact, terminate below the surface root system but disappeared below my “poking” tolerance depth, further discouraging any attempt at complete physical removal.  Hereupon, we had an “Ah, Ha!” Moment: 

This is precisely why commercial tree removal services simply grind up the above-grade portion of stumps and leave the remainder to disintegrate underground! 

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

New strategy: Since I had already acquired a chain saw to cut down the trunk of the tree, I cleared enough additional dirt around the stump to top-cut it just below ground level.  As a result, I now have a 3” deep X 12” sort-of-round souvenir paperweight!   It’s not Redwood or Sequoia … but its 25 years in the making represent just a little more than 1/3 of my life … so far.   

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

More “Poking Around”

The instruction packet for the new chain saw … and the battery … and the battery charger was almost as impressive as the buttress roots of the crabapple tree!  As a “good scout”, I did just enough “poking around” in the manual to get the combination operational without endangering myself or others.  But I only did selective need-to-know poking around to get to that point.  Once the final deed was done, I figured I should learn more about the proper care and tending for this new tool.  Alarmingly, about half the manual was dedicated to sharpening the chain – which turns out to be a completely imponderable task, even with detailed instructions!  Perhaps if I do some more “poking around” – with saw and manual both in hand – it will become a more manageable proposition.  Otherwise, I’m going to leave the sharpening to the experts!

“Know when to hold ‘em; know when to fold ‘em.

Know when to walk away; know when to run.”

Kenny Rogers

“The Gambler” 

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Summation:

“Poking around” has many advantages.  It provides information; it debunks mistaken assumptions; it fills important gaps in our knowledge base; it can inspire; it can dispel myths; it can add some level of “sense” or reality to an otherwise errant belief; it can discourage unprofitable or untenable pursuits; it can get us off dead-center uncertainty paralysis; it can make the imponderable ponderable … the impossible possible … the possible inevitable.  

Don’t settle for being “stumped” or stuck in the mud; start “poking around” YOUR sandbox, watch life become more manageable, and look for great things to start happening!  Quartermaster

One Minute Challenge

Peter Thompson passes along this advice from Alex Garcez, who teaches speed-reading, on learning a new skill:  

“He says, ‘Make a promise to yourself that you’ll practise for at least one minute per day.’

This is brilliant! 

You and I know we’ve made promises to practice or do something every day for x amount of time. Then because of some happening or other – we didn’t do it one day. The one day became two days and the habit was broken! 

But one minute? 

Well – that’s a promise we can keep EVERY DAY!  There’s never an excuse to avoid just one minute.  [NOTE: There are 1,440 minutes in a day.  Take out 8 hours for sleep (480 minutes) and 8 hours for work and you’ve still got 480 minutes left!  You can even steal a minute … several times a day … and nobody will ever know but you!]   

And if the one turns into 5 or 10 or 14, even better.

[You know you can’t eat just one potato chip!  And even 10 seconds of engagement can create momentum.  I just “took a minute” to activate a new – long overdue – universal remote control for the TV … which ended up taking half an hour.  I’ll take a shorter lunch to make up the difference!]    

But the habit remains in place and the counting starts – and continues. 

I’ve practised my speed-reading and my left-handed writing for so many consecutive days (and I’m keeping count) – that I just couldn’t bear the idea of going back to zero to start all over again. 

So I just keep up the habits … and I keep counting! 

Isn’t this fabulous? 

Thank you Alex for such a simple yet truly brilliant idea.

Now the question:

Where can you use the One Minute Challenge?

Answer – everywhere! 

But, more specifically, for any habit you want to create or maintain.

How about writing one sentence of your book – every single day. Just one sentence!

How about making a one-minute call to a family member every single day. Just one minute!

How about doing one press-up every single day – just one! 

Of course you and I know what’ll happen:  We’ll write more sentences on many days and suddenly the book will be finished. 

We’ll chatter for more than a minute and change someone’s life.

We’ll love the burn and press-up numbers will soar.

The kicker:

WE MUST KEEP NOTCHING THE GUN HANDLE AND KEEP FIRING –

ONE MINUTE A DAY! 

That’s what makes this work.

The magic is in the counting – the repetitive firing.

Will you decide where you can use this?  How many times a day?

Will you give this a one-minute go?

Will you feel the difference it makes?”

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

Don’t be surprised if others start taking notice … if you start becoming more “accomplished” – more “capacitized” … if you start getting more stuff done … if your clothes start fitting differently … if your eyes pick up some extra sparkle … if you feel more alive … if your self-esteem goes through the roof … !  Quartermaster

Acts of Conscientious Objection

Despite escalating provocation, I really didn’t want to move the house numbers higher on the house to accommodate a bush that was growing higher than it needed to be.  

Really! 

However … when ignoring the provocation was no longer a viable option, and when the wheels had to start turning, some indication of commitment was needed.  

NOTE: “Transitioning” – i.e., the process of refocusing attention and commitment at critical points of demarcation – is always cumbersome.  But it’s an especially tough proposition when it’s from something you had planned to do to something you had NOT planned to do, and/or from something you WANT to do to something you HAVE to do.   

So I heaved a heavy sigh and went off-line to reorient.

[Reorientation is a core element in successful transitioning.]

Then, I started thinking.  Thinking is good! 

Then I started planning.  Planning is good! 

Then I started measuring.  Measuring is good! 

Then I decided to see how creative the “evil genius” in me could be in an act of defiant aggression toward a detestable end, and – wonder of wonders – tangible things started happening! 

I’m guessing the matter had become an “Act of War” at that point! 

In the course of banging around the premises in such a state, I dredged up an old poster board on which I could draw out a template, took the numbers off the house, lined them up on the template, marked the holes to be drilled, did final measurements and calculations for positioning, taped the template in place, drilled the holes and anchored the numbers in their new location.    

My original “conscientious objection” plan was to stretch the project out for at least three days ... maybe even a week!  But my worst instincts (my “evil genius” twin) got the better of me after the laborious process of “transitioning”, and it was all done in less than two hours. 

Now I’ve got to face transplanting an overgrown hydrangea bush! 

It’s another “Conscientious Objection” matter, but I’m thinking of engaging the “Devil’s Alternative” on this one.  The Devil’s Alternative is where an objectionable act can only be forestalled by engaging in something equally – or even more than equally – objectionable, but with a more than equally beneficial outcome … like getting some form of arduous exercise or doing something more useful or noble, like community service.    

“I’m reviewing the situation … “

Fagin

“Oliver”

You might call it “transitioning” …  

“There are limits to what one can do ‘within reason’.

Doing the ‘unreasonable’ makes limits disappear

and favorable results possible.”  

Quartermaster

 

Acts of War

After six hours of manual labor yesterday – spent thinning out a flowering crabapple tree in preparation for eventual removal, I was inclined to go purposely off-line today. 

For the record, the flowering crab has been severely destabilized and won’t survive another six-hour barrage.    

However, five pounds of crabapples from the “wild” crabapple tree in the back yard kept staring at me from the middle of the garage floor, and the ceramic log/gas fireplace had begrudged its first firing a week ago, and the latest weather report predicts a cold front approaching.   

So I decided to declare war on both fronts!  The crabapple butter is now simmering in the kitchen and I will tackle the fireplace shortly (the hearth needs vacuumed and the electronics need new batteries to drive the gas line solenoid.)  

And so it goes.   

As I reluctantly “settle-in” to retirement, I’m finding the best way to get things moving forward or out of the way or off the launch pad is to officially declare war.  Anything that threatens my presumptive idyllic existence – either NOW or at any time in the foreseeable future – is going to be dealt with by gun, sword, sledge hammer and tank … or kitchen knife, vacuum cleaner and batteries, as the case may dictate.   

Folks can preach all they want about “priorities”, “motivation”, “discipline”, and “due diligence”,  which are all fine attributes to have in one’s tool box.  But, for me, the thing that first or finally gets the launching done best is to mobilize a campaign … take up arms … embark on a crusade … alter the balance of power … and take no prisoners until the deed is done and matters are set right!   

If it’s something you really detest having to do, go ahead and make a fuss.  Put forth all the drama you can muster, activate the Absolute Imperative, put on your “By God Armorall Coveralls”, clear the battlement field for full engagement, align the armaments to be used, sound the “Call to the Post”, and let loose a blood-curdling battle cry as you wade in for execution.   

Happy to report that the fireplace is now back on line! 

NOTE: Once you pull the trigger of commitment, it’s almost like releasing a spring-loaded catapult or pulling the plug on a dam.  SOMETHING is going to happen! 

 “ ... he took to business as if it were war."
Cornelius Vanderbilt: Bare-Knuckled Capitalism

The Economist (London, UK); Apr 16, 2009 

Declare WAR and go forth and conquer!

Quartermaster

“Action is eloquence.” 

William Shakespeare

Wind In Your Sails

In the “Bite Sizing” blog (http://lifemasterymusings.blogspot.com/2014/09/bite-sizing.html), it was noted that putting air in bike tires (i.e., increasing the pressure) makes the biking experience so much easier/better.  To the uninitiated, that may seem like “cheating”.  And so it may be!  It’s going out of your way to make life easier and more manageable.  So is going the longer way around hills to avoid an impossibly arduous climb to the top.  So is riding in the cool of the morning rather than the heat of the day.  So is “conditioning” or “capacitizing”.  So is preparation.  So is having adequate nutrition under your belt and water and electrolyte replenishment readily available.  So is having a “pace-maker” riding ahead.  So is having a coach to keep pushing, goading, encouraging from behind.  So is having a personal goal to beat – like yesterday’s best time/highest gear for the biggest hill (i.e., having adequate internal pressure).   

 “Vectoring” against a headwind is another form of strategic “cheating”.  For simplicity, let’s just call it “strategizing”.  It’s like taking the gradual slope in hiking around a mountain or “tacking” against the wind in sailing.  Either way, it’s “bite-sizing” – nibbling around the edges of a large challenge in terms we are best equipped to manage.   

 

While one can’t always have the wind at our backs and “wind beneath our wings” – these are external forces which are difficult or impossible to control – there are, nonetheless, several strategies one can employ for creating “favorable turbulence”.    

I.              You can gamble, if you feel “lucky” [Not really a recommended “core strategy”!]

II.            You can invest or get a loan to get you over an obstructing hump

III.           You can “Double-Down” on the effort

IV.          You can engender the interest and support of significant others 

Engendering and acquiring the interest and support of significant others is the preferred core strategy here.  And “Doubling-Down” is an extremely effective way to start this ball rolling.  One can call it the “band wagon” strategy, and it generally creates substantial “ripple effects” (favorable turbulence).   

It is an ingrained law of nature that persons interested in advancement

cannot resist association with – and promotion of – enterprises that demonstrate

the inclination, potential and probability of going somewhere. 

Every true “fan” proudly wears the team colors, and many have specific player names and numbers sewn to their jerseys.   

Keep bite-sizing, keep vectoring, “Double-Down” as you can, and watch your team colors start to catch some wind.  Next time someone asks you “What’s happening?”, tell them “Unbridled Magnificence!”, and then share with them what you’ve got to show for it.  Give them a good reason to hop on the band wagon, put some wind beneath your wings, and help move the A-Team at YOU, Inc. forward.  Quartermaster

Galvanize

“Galvanization is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron, to prevent rusting. The most common method is hot-dip galvanization, in which parts are submerged in a bath of molten zinc. Galvanizing protects in two ways:

• it forms a coating of corrosion-resistant zinc which prevents corrosive substances from reaching the more delicate metal
• the zinc serves as a sacrificial anode (electrolysis) so that even if the coating is scratched, the exposed steel will still be protected by the remaining zinc.

The term is derived via French from the name of Italian scientist Luigi Galvani. Originally, galvanization was the administration of electric shocks, in the 19th century also termed Faradism. This sense is the origin of the meaning of the metaphorical galvanize into action referring to suddenly stimulating a complacent person or group to take action.” [Wikipedia] 

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At some point in our lives – if we ever hope to make a full distance run, we need to get “Galvanized”.   

The “metal” that’s in us needs to acquire some thick skin and it could use some sacrificial armor – most of which is provided early on by parents and by the extended fabric of the gratuitous community-at-large.   

But this early armor is friable and evanescent – “sacrificiality”, by definition, having its innate limitations.   

Those who develop effective, internally regenerative galvanization fare best, overall.

Independently generated galvanization usually happens by the “hot-dip” method in the wake of a calamitous Defining Moment – a “Moment of Truth” … a point beyond which we never-so-much-too-soon realize “life will never be the same again” (as if it ever WAS!) 

Unlikely Champions generally get their life-defining Moments of Truth early.  Through imperfections at birth, abject poverty, severely compromising accidents, or not-so-mere discrimination – or, in some cases, through catastrophic combinations – such individuals come face-to-face with the reality that their lives will never follow a perceived “normal” progression.  Yet astonishing numbers continue to rise well “beyond their station”.   

[NOTE: The “galvanization” of Unlikely Champions also serves as a “lightening rod” for infusions of energy and support from substantially significant others.] 

War Cry of the Unlikely Champion

“I’m not going to make it unless I give it everything I’ve got …

and, even then, it’s not guaranteed …

but I’m willing to die trying!” 

A preferred alternative “Galvanization” method is to cultivate a larger-than-life (as we currently know it) DREAM, MISSION, PURPOSE … dare we say CRAVING.  

What galvanized “The Greatest Generation” (Tom Brokaw) was the desire – the NEED, in most cases – to “better their own circumstances”.  After the horrendous nightmares of WWI and the Great Depression, which essentially lasted to and through WWII, they had little more than desperation to drive them onward and thin shards of hope to pull them through.  Through the rear-view mirror of the “Roaring 20s”, through multiple experiences of winning against imponderable odds with more-than-equally imponderable sacrifice, through the resulting conviction that they had it within themselves to create a better day, and through the lens of burgeoning opportunity, they saw a “Promised Land” of possibilities they would not be denied.   

“When we were growing up, we didn’t have a steady supply of food on the table or a reliable roof over our heads, never mind a room of our own or a television.  And five kids had to share one bike and a bathroom.   Now that’s motivation!” 

[Reference lost] 

Future generations, who became accustomed to the unprecedented fruits of such effort being readily and almost universally available – as presumptive “entitlements” – considered the effort excessive, unreasonable and unnecessary.     

Unfortunately, momentum requires constant reinforcement.  Even well-oiled machines need a source of energy.  Steam engines need steam, steam boilers need fire, and fire requires fuel.    

The Second Law

“Any system left to itself will tend toward the state of greatest disorder.” 

We need to restore “order”.  Let's get “GALVANIZED”! 

“I’m HERE and this is NOW!

What can I do HERE and NOW

to keep NEXT from running off the tracks?”

Quartermaster