Friday morning I had a chance to attend a men's breakfast where former Steeler player, and current Steeler broadcaster, Tunch Ilkin spoke about football and faith. Tunch is a great and motivational speaker. Everyone I spoke with who attended were pumped up to attack the day. Many of you have attended similar events. They can be very encouraging.
But if you are like me the lift in your positivity level lasts a while then wears off, like your early morning cup of coffee by mid-afternoon. What do you do about it? Wait for the next big event? Hang in there as long as you can until you get another injection of motivation? I would offer there is another way. It's referred to in the following excerpt from Matthew Kelly's book, The Rhythm of Life.
The people we surround ourselves with either raise or lower our standards. They either help us become the best-version-of-ourselves or encourage us to become lesser-versions-of-ourselves. We become like our friends. No man becomes great on his own. No women becomes great on her own. The people around them help make them great. We all need people in our lives who raise our standards, remind us of our essential purpose, and challenge us to become the best-version-of-ourselves.
The best way to stay positive and on top of your game is by spending time regularly with a group of like minded folks who are seeking to be the best-version-of-themselves and want you to be the best-version-of-yourself. People who, "raise our standards," and "remind us of our purpose." People like those you find in your Pittsburgh Experiment groups. If you are not in a group, contact me and I can get you a list of current groups. If you are in a group, consider inviting a co-worker who could use a place and a group of people to help encourage them to grow professionally, personally and spiritually. You don't have to be an ex-NFL star to be a motivation and encouragement. Be yourself. And love your neighbor. That may be the best motivation they get this year! And make sure you are plugged in to a group who builds you. As they say in flight instructions on a plane, in case of loss of cabin pressure, make sure your oxygen mask is secure before helping those around you.
Blessings,
Chris Buda