Character Counts, Manners, and Don't Compare Yourself

"Manners matter, but at the end of the day, politeness is cold comfort.

Politeness is rote memory. It comes from the mind, not the heart. And people can feel that — both the giver and the receiver can sense the shallowness of the interaction.

But kindness is all heart. When we are kind, we are sharing the light within us to make another person's burden a little lighter.

Not because it's the mannerly thing to do. But because it's a human thing to do. And when we interact with people in this wholehearted way, it can lift the vibrations of the entire room." ~ Dr. Laura Berman

Shirley and I and friends are on a little two-day break to one of my favourite places to relax.

So this morning, I am looking for sunrise in St. Andrew's, New Brunswick.

Looking into the fog at 6 am., it got me thinkin'...

I can't see what I want to see. Sunrise is out there somewhere.

I could be pacing, anxious, wondering when I will see it, or I could "let it go" and be grateful for what I do see.

"If all you did was look for things to appreciate, you would live a spectacularly happy life. ~ Esther Abraham Hicks

So this is what I saw looking east this morning.

But, I was heading back to the hotel when I was reminded of home...

We call everyone, dear. 

This past week, I had the pleasure of conversing with people from all over the world.

It is a highlight for me. It turns work into joy.

Every person has a story if you have time to listen. 

Too often, we measure ourselves against what the outside world calls success. We tend to compare ourselves to others.

Waste of time, I'd say.

The pursuit of success can be a catalyst for failure.

I have learned that success is more dangerous than failure. There is no failure as long as I get to stand back up and learn from the stumble.

I can't be successful in the outer world until I am successful in my inner world.

And I don't wish to be successful at the wrong things, only the right things.

Character counts.

Earlier I read this Farnham Street Blog about the danger of comparing yourself to others. 

The most essential things in life are internal, not external.

"The big question about how people behave," says Warren Buffett, "is whether they've got an inner scorecard or an outer scorecard. It helps if you can be satisfied with an inner scorecard."

Some people believe in luck, I don't.

If I did, these 15 habits of lucky people, explains it well.

Lucky people:

1 work harder

2 complain less

3 teach others

4 show gratitude

5 share credit

6 choose kindness

7 volunteer first

8 unselfishly give

9 trust first

10 good manners

11 stay teachable

12 promote others

13 love to explore

14 storytellers

15 love to compete

~ Vala Afshar Twitter feed

I was asked to speak at a leadership conference, at the end of the month. The topic given to me was personal leadership.

I have many old journals and notes I have written to myself around the subject of leadership.

One of my favourite non-fiction books is Essentialism by Greg Mckeown.

In his book, he suggests, "give yourself permission to stop trying to do it all. Once you stop saying yes to everyone, are you able to make your highest contribution. Focus on the things that matter."

"Essentialist leaders communicate the right things to the right people at the right time. Essentialist leaders speak succinctly, opting for restraint in their communication to keep the team focused. When they do speak, they are crystal clear." Greg McKeown

Have to run, heading to Minister's Island today.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful weekend a great week ahead.

I have been listening to a new album by Keith Jarrett, a classical classic. 

J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier. Listen Here. 

Take care of each other.

With love from Prince Edward Island.

Sincerely,

Bruce

ps.

Little Jimmy: "So your family got a new house! How do you like it?"

Little Johnny: "It's terrific! I have my own room, Billy has his own room, and Jenny has her own room. But poor Mom is still in with Dad."