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The Next Level
The Next Level
Rob Opie is a Brand Strategist, Author and 'Game Changer' to organizations, sports teams and individuals
We all have inner desire to reach 'the next level' of performance, growth and contribution. No matter what profession one may choose in life, definite patterns of human greatness exist. In his weekly 'Game Changer Column', Rob shares some of the insights, innovation and inspiration of the great champions of business, sport and life.
Game Changer Number Ten: 'Take a Balance'
We live in the most technologically advanced society that mankind has ever known, which makes it increasingly difficult for most of us to find balance - to take a balance in life. Well the good news is that as much as things change - they also stay the same.
Here's an enlightening speech from many moons back - word for word. It's crammed full of wisdom about how to take balance. The speech was delivered as a university commencement address by the chief executive of Coca Cola at the time - Brian Dyson - do enjoy it:
"Imagine your life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air.
You name them - work, family, health, friends and spirit - and you are keeping all of these in the air.
You'll soon discover that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it - it will bounce back. But, the other four balls are made of glass. If you drop these they will irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same.
You must understand that and strive for balance in your life. Here's how:
Don't undermine yourself by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special. Don't set goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you. Don't take for granted the things closet to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless. Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life. Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us to each other.
Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn to be brave. Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give, the fastest way to lose love is to hold and the best way to keep love is to give it wings. Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going. Don't forget that a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated. Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily. Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.
Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a gift, and today is gift. That's is why they call it 'THE PRESENT'
As with most things in life, happiness and health are about 'taking a balance' - and Brian Dyson's words of wisdom can go a long way to putting the power back in your hands.
. * For more insight, innovation and inspiration please visit https://www.thegameplan.co.za. Rob can be contacted at robopie@thegameplan.co.za.