Reflections: Finding Balance – To Thine Own Self Be True

An hour ago I was lying in bed and asked Sheila, “It’s Sunday morning, what should I write about?” She laughed because it’s the first time in seven years that I asked that question. Off I went to my computer and wandering through Twitter E.H. Hau, from Canada, shared an article by Jeff Haden, “10 Ways to Be True to Yourself and Still Succeed” from Inc.com.

I felt like a gold miner who hit the mother lode! It’s the perfect topic for a Sunday morning and one that we all share. The article took me to this TED Talk by David Brooks. I urge everybody to read the article and watch the video.

The description of the video states:
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Within each of us are two selves, suggests David Brooks in this meditative short talk: the self who craves success, who builds a résumé, and the self who seeks connection, community, love — the values that make for a great eulogy. Can we balance these two selves? Perhaps, once we know them both.

I listened to the video twice before having my “Aha” moment. You see I have something none of you have – I’ve got my in-house life coach, Sheila! In 2009 when I left my job as president of Rangefinder/WPPI to start my company she spent a lot of time reminding me of the importance of Shakespeare’s to thine own self be true.  

As I look back on those days, it was that inner struggle between living my resume and wanting something more. I needed more of those qualities in my life that David Brooks talks about, connection, community, and love, but I didn’t know it.

So, here I am seven years later with a stronger balance, and it’s thanks to my “coach” along with so many of you. I wake up smiling every morning because there’s more balance in my life. At a time when most guys my age are considering retiring, I’m chomping at the bit to take on more. 

If I was younger, I’m not sure I could find that balance between the qualities of my resume and my eulogy. The younger you are, the more the material success matters. You’re struggling to be heard, and that means building your resume. Then at some point in life, if you’re lucky, you realize how far you’ve strayed from your core values and you work to refocus your priorities.
 
Well, whether it’s my age or experiences or both doesn’t matter.  Most of the time I’ve found that balance and stopped caring about my resume. It’s the reason I’m here right now. It’s the reason I remind you to hug somebody special.  

It’s Sunday morning and the perfect time to let the pendulum swing away from your resume. In fact, let’s declare it a Resume-less Sunday. Hug your family. Take a few minutes to think about how important your friends are and then just kick back and cherish the day! Oh yeah, and make those hugs last at least eleven seconds.

 While I take pride in adding accomplishments to my resume as much as the next gal,
I care far more about being remembered for deeper virtues.
As individuals, our capacity to make a lasting impact in the lives of others is as limitless as our days are numbered; we have only to seize the opportunity to act on conscience and inspire others in meaningful ways.
​What’s more, by balancing business with conviction,
we take significant strides toward settling the score between our dueling natures.
Ceclia Grimes