Show up and work

     

It’s no surprise to me that the authors of the books that most absorb me and add purpose to my daily life are also among my favorite columnists—Richard Rohr, Sally Jenkins, David Brooks, and Jon Gordon, to name four at random.

I had read Jon Gordon’s The Carpenter (Wiley, 2014) three times before I felt compelled to read his columns. Now, I never miss them, especially those on sporting topics—an interest we share.

But his latest offering is more general—leaning toward the spirit of the carpenter’s life lessons. I recall Mike Smith, one-time head coach of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, saying that when you read The Carpenter you can’t help but become a better person and leader.

He recommended the book to anyone who wanted to build up people and build better teams. I’d say pretty much the same thing about Gordon’s columns.

In his latest, he  points out that one person in pursuit of excellence raises the standards of everyone around them. And as they strive for greatness they bring out the greatness in others.

Gordon writes: “If they praise you, show up and do the work. If they criticize you, show up and do the work. If no one even notices you, just show up and do the work. Just keep showing up, doing the work, and leading the way.”

He recommends that we fill any voids with positive, proactive communication, and we’ll help neutralize any negativity before it starts. This applies at home, at work, and in every relationship in our lives.

Champions expect success, and their positive beliefs lead to positive actions and outcomes. “Win in your mind first,” Gordon concludes.

And I suspect that Rohr, Jenkins, and Brooks would agree with him.

ENDS