How do you know you are at your best?

Do you take the time to set standards for your own performance?

Do you live up to your own expectations?

That was a topic of discussion the other day.

Some of my thoughts...

I know I am at my best when:

1. I am thinking clearly. I am able to focus on specific topics and concentrate my thoughts on these topics to the exclusion of other thoughts not related to those topics.
2. My emotions are under control. When I feel negative emotions I identify them immediately and I set them aside replacing them with more positive thoughts.
3. I am fully engaged in the moment. I am not agonizing or stewing over the past. I am not worrying about the future.
4. I am organized. My thoughts are organized and my physical surroundings are organized.
5. I am in harmony with other people. My relationships are glowing in quality. My interactions with people are constructive.
6. I am doing things that build value.
7. I set aside time to envision a better future.

Recently, after reading one of my posts, a new acquaintance wrote to me and said, "You must love words".

That got me thinking.

Yes, of course, I do love words.

Our English language is ripe with interesting twists and turns and full of humour...humour laced with curious surprise.

I love to read words.

I love to write words.

But, most of all, I love to think about words.

That will probably surprise many people because I expect many people perceive me as more of a talker than a thinker.

What's worse, most people probably perceive me as a complainer, possibly a rather pessimistic person. Naturally, I have a much kinder opinion of myself. I consider myself to be more of a thinker than, say, a constant complainer. That is not to say I do not express objections rather regularly. (so much for whatever that rule means about 'no double negatives')

I have learned to free up time to listen to most [but not all] people who complain. Usually, where there's smoke there's fire. And, where there's fire a spark is likely to be lurking nearby. And we all know sparks ignite.

And sometimes sparks ignite change for the better.

I wouldn't want to be blind to those sparks.

***

Curiosity uncovers problems.

Complaints are, at their roots, statements of problems.

Problems are wonderful routes to opportunities.

P=2S+O

***

It's attitude that counts most. 

Problems uncovered with a spirit of adventure are valuable enough to excuse the complaints that carry them.

***

Don't shoot the messenger until you've at least had a chance to see the opportunity.

Like Beauty, Problems are in the eye of the beholder.

Somehow, Nature blessed human beings with the ability to identify and appreciate Beauty. And, similarly, somehow, Nature blessed human beings with the ability to identify and ... well ... on occasion appreciate ... and yes … often ... have other thoughts about Problems.

Beauty can take our breath away and inspire us to take extreme action.

Problems can take our breath away too ... and for some people ... the rare few ... inspiration and major achievements arrive with Problems.

Problems are in the eyes of their beholders. When you boil it down Problems owe their existence to Egos. The power resident in Problems is directly proportional to the size of the Egos experiencing the Problems.

When Self-Control generates true Self-Confidence and goes on to tame an Ego that Ego gains a tamed perspective on Problems. When viewed from a tamed perspective, Problems become a less-troublesome part of life. Their status is limited to simply being facts-of-life. They become everyday tests. They become paths to unanticipated places. They become stepping stones to the future. They become Opportunities signals.

When viewed from a tamed perspective, Problems become catalysts of change and fuel for personal development, creativity, and growth. And, for the rare few [including you, if you so choose], Problems become sources of inspiration.

Consider for a moment...

Consider what your life would be like if you believed Problems were sent by Nature to inspire you ... with one caveat ... you must sort through your Problems to find the ones most suited to inspire you. Like searching for diamonds in the rough, you must dig through piles of dirt to find the best of the rough-looking Problems. That's the first step, the second step is applying your special abilities to the task of converting those rough-looking Problems into positive outcomes. Consider the possibility – those positive outcomes can be as beautiful to you as precious gemstones.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And, sometimes, Beauty comes in disguise. When that happens we know we can choose to take action and free Beauty from its disguise.

When Problems arrive, why not challenge yourself to see the precious things they just might be disguising.