You build a brand. You can’t buy it.
You build character. You can’t inherit it.
You build relationships. You don’t click them.
The most important part of the Empire State building, or whatever you’re building, is what you can’t see.
Discipline prefers someone with a routine. The odds in the game of discipline favor the guy who is constantly cognizant of where the hands are dancing on the clock.
Bravery prefers someone with belief. The odds in the game of bravery favor the faithful followers of their ideals.
Connection prefers congeniality. The odds in the game of connection favor the friendly, selfless, and servant’s heart.
The deck is not as stack against us as the world has taught if you just take time to know what the rules prefer.
…..
Our world is governed by many natural laws, one of those being the Law of Cause and Effect.
If you got to your office this morning, you took the train or drove a car to get there. You didn’t close your eyes and I Dream Of Jeannie yourself there. If you’re having coffee today, either you made it or you went to Starbucks. Coffee can’t just appear in your hands. To read this blog, you either booted up your computer or unlocked your phone and inbox. Nothing just happens.
For every effect there is something that is essential for that effect to be or become a reality.
Thus the conversation of cause and effect is more about necessity than it is anything else.
Looking for shade? Then let’s talk about necessity.
Wherever there is shade, someone or something is going to need to have planted a tree.
I recently heard one of my heros, Matt Chandler, state that ‘most things that are not fought for are never had.’
These words rang a bell with me.
Unfortunately, the only way to coast is downhill and chances are what we all truly want out of our lives, families, and businesses is going to require an uphill battle, resistance, and a climb of some sort.
I’ve said this before, but I believe it’s worth repeating. The reason we gawk at mountains is due in part to us being able to hear their plea for us to come and climb them.
May we be battle responsive in-lieu of being battle oblivious. The only thing better than the view atop Mt. Everest is the fulfillment one holds.
#HowThingsAre
Ashton.Gustafson 