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Been Bitten?

Last year certain parts of the country were infected by the West Nile virus.

A few people lost their lives and fear ran through communities that were affected. News reports made people very aware of the symptoms and the mechanism for getting the virus.

There is another epidemic that has affected our country as well as others, yet is undetected by most people. Unlike many other epidemics, nobody is certain of the exact cause. We can guess and pontificate but the direct cause cannot be linked to a mosquito or anything obvious.

It slowly erodes the passions of our hearts, the sparkle in our eyes and beats us down into the mediocrity that for some becomes “normal.”

What is this disease that is destroying families and dreams? What is this dreaded epidemic that invades so many homes and businesses? What is this ‘viral’ infection that wipes clean the canvas of our dreams and has bitten so many of our fellow human beings?

It is called the “GoodNuff” virus. This epidemic doesn’t kill people instantly… it is a slow, painful, lingering type of walking death. It slowly erodes the passions of our hearts, the sparkle in our eyes and beats us down into the mediocrity that for some becomes “normal.” Whereas, the West Nile virus is being transmitted through mosquitoes, the “Good Nuff” virus must be an air borne pathogen, because wherever men/women are breathing you will find this virus.

How do you know when you have been bitten? Usually you don’t know until something drastic happens in your life. It is a disease that has a slow onset; if it was quick and dramatic you would notice and go to Empower U’s Leadership Awakening class to be cured. It slowly manifests itself over time, kind of like boiling a frog. You know the story about boiling a frog—if you put a frog in a pot of boiling water, it will jump out. However, if you put a frog into a pot of cool water and you slowly bring it to a boil, you are having frog legs for lunch.

How do you know when the “GoodNuff” bug has bitten you? There are a few symptoms:

Amnesia – You don’t know you’ve been bitten. You become complacent with your relationships and your desires. Nothing really drives you.
Hallucinations – You justify your lackadaisical attitude by comparing yourself to everybody else. Things start looking different… opportunities become burdens. “Get to’s” become “Have to’s”. You start coasting.
Sick and Tired – Everything seems to be taxing. Direction is lacking. You start justifying everything.

The effects of this virus cause a new language to be used. All the sudden our logic becomes impaired. Instead of comparing ourselves to our potential, we compare ourselves to the “worst of the lot.”

It might sound like this.

“Well at least my kids aren’t taking drugs.”
“At least we don’t hate each other.”
“Everybody else…”
“Nobody really expects me to…”

The disease can spread rapidly throughout an organization or family until we unconsciously accept our fate… listen well you can hear it in our communications…

“Good Nuff” so my spouse doesn’t leave me…
“Good Nuff” for tenure…
"Good Nuff” to not get fired…and we have all heard this one…
“Good Nuff” for government work…

Because the Samurai warrior gave his word, his bushido, that he would never retreat, never surrender. When we put on our Samurai armor that consists of Vision, Passion, Focus, Commitment, Purpose and supported by a Team, we can move forward.

Remember one key thing during the evaluation process. Denial is not a river in Egypt. Now that you understand the symptoms the next question is, “What to do?” There is only one thing to do… put on the Samurai Warrior’s shield and focus on what you want. What is the Samurai Warriors shield? The Samurai warrior was one of the greatest fighting individuals to ever walk this planet. When the Samurai Warrior went into battle he had armor all over his front and sides, but no armor on the back. Why do you think that was? You’re right! Because the Samurai warrior gave his word, his bushido, that he would never retreat, never surrender. When we put on our Samurai armor that consists of Vision, Passion, Focus, Commitment, Purpose and supported by a Team, we can move forward. We move toward our vision like the warrior—no armor on the back!

When we do this, we can be called, “Leaders Under Construction.” To be “Under Construction” means you are not settling for “Good Nuff.” Leaders Under Construction are immune to the “Good Nuff” virus.

Complacency is replaced by creative discontent. There is a drive to be better and to do better. To be a better boss, co-worker, friend, sales manager… heck, a better spouse, a better parent – if those are rolls you play in your life.

To begin the healing process. Ask yourself these three questions.

Where am I now?
Where am I going?
What will it take to get there, and how long?

Now go and answer those questions, and then do something about it. As Bob Moab put it, “You can’t leave footprints in the sands of time if you are sitting on your butt. And who wants to leave butt prints in the sands of time”.

Leaders Under Construction don’t leave butt prints in the sands of time, they leave footprints in the skies of our dreams. Good Nuff won’t get you to your dreams. You’ve got to Want It. Create It. And Live It!

For excerpts on my soon to be released new book, “Becoming your Dreams: Want it. Create it. Live it.”, click here. You can also find out how to live these principles in our life enhancing, extremely challenging, Leadership Awakening Course.

Until Next time, remember…

Lead with Passion-Heart, Body and Soul.

Scott V. Black
The Empower U Leadership Team
March 2003

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