Seth Saunders Inspirational, Learning, Value

CTRL+ALT+DELETE in order to Move Forward

CTRL+ALT+DELETE in order to Move Forward

There is a quote that has taken many forms that goes “what you become is more important than what you accomplish.” This particular quote is credited simply to Anonymous. When it comes to addiction, the impacts can be far reaching. All too often addiction is looked at as something which only impacts the actual person but the reality is, there are direct and indirect impacts all around.

Ironically, the person who is dealing with the addiction can only make real, lasting change once they come the realization that their actions impact more than just themselves.

There is no easy way out of addiction. It is not a one-time event but rather a process of many steps. This process can take longer for others and for many, it will be a life-long process. The process is often bumpy, emotional and hard. To overcome an addiction of any type is awesome, it should be recognized as an accomplishment but as the quote stated, it is really who we become that means the most. This applies to the individual and all those who may have been impacted by the addiction.

Those who have struggled with addiction and eventually found the strength, motivation and drive to overcome this terrible trial must never forget that those who were there to support them will need to make a fresh start as well. See they have been living the pain, sorrow, sadness and emotional ups and downs with the addicted. The ability to make a fresh start is not only important, it is necessary. Just like with our computers, when a program freezes we hit the keys CTRL+ALT+DEL to bring up the Task Manager. At this point we can see the program is Not Responding. We now have the choice to shut down the program and we do so, we are asked if we would like to start it again. So it is with all those who have seen the influence of addiction impact their lives, there comes a time for a CTRL+ALT+DEL.

The fresh start really revolves around the concept of becoming. It is about who we can and should become. That process is one that can be filled with excitement, empowerment, love and hope. As we focus on who we become whether we are the recovering addict or a loved one, we will quickly realize all the good our life has to offer. We will see are desire to want to help others increase; we will see our ability to love others grow and maybe most importantly, we will see in ourselves the ability to become great.

President Thomas S. Monson has stated, “Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present. This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it.”[1] What a wonderful reminder about the need for a fresh start and the importance of focusing on today. That focus on becoming who we want to become is a daily task.

The battle with any addiction is real; it is real for all involved. The influence and impact of both the individual who is working towards recovery as well as those who are there supporting is substantial. This is true whether it is during the addiction, throughout the recovery process or after the official recovery process and a new life has begun. We can never underestimate the importance of recognizing the need for one another. That fresh start that all who have or are dealing with addiction comes by replacing the following:

  • Pride with humility
  • Excuses with empowerment
  • Anger with love
  • Selfishness with Self-awareness
  • Pain with Peace

It won’t be easy but it seems that the majority of the things that bring us the greatest happiness and feeling of accomplishment take effort. Whether you maybe the recovering addict or part of the support team of a recovering addict, know that a fresh start is necessary and will bring new hope. It will bring with it the desire to focus on who you can become. Let the lessons you learn be ones that allow you to reach your full potential. You can do it.

You are a HERO!

[1] “In Search of Treasure,” Ensign, May 2003, 20.

Seth Saunders Leadership, Learning, Value

Are you living in your reality?

How often do you want to change something? Maybe it’s your career, profession, location, the situation at work, etc?

Now, how much time to spend thinking about all the things that are wrong with your situation or reality? What about spending time thinking about how much better xyz would be? 

The only way to truly change one’s reality is a willingness to actually live in their reality. This is much easier said than done. Why? Because it is much easier to think about the perfect situation rather than take the time and action necessary to create that new reality.

I have seen this many times in my professional career. I have watched executives who think they are leading in an effective manner, they often talk about their successes and maybe even their failures but yet they are disconnected to the reality around them. Employees listen but struggle to embrace what is being shared. They feel such a disconnect, lack of transparency, and communication it is very difficult to listen to and believe this executive. Statements such as “if he/she only knew what was really happening or what employees are really saying they would be shocked”.

When a leader is not living and/or understanding their current reality, they can cause both direct and collateral damage that can cost the company in a variety of negative ways. From a loss in revenue, confidence, respect, and trust to a complete deterioration of company culture, the lasting impact of leaders who are not grounded in their true reality can be felt for years.

When we have the courage to live in our reality we give ourselves the greatest chance to change it. Taking control of one’s future is all about taking control of their current reality. Although it will often be a challenge, taking control of where you want your life to go can be one of the most rewarding, empowering, and impactful actions we can take.

So how can we check to be sure we are living in our reality, here are some ways to know:

Value Your Time. Spend your time creating an actionable strategy for where you want to go. Stop spending time complaining about where you are. Stop telling others how frustrated you are with your boss, and colleagues and how “unqualified” they are for the position they are in. Control what you can control l. For the most part, you decide how you use your time. If you value time, then start taking back control of it. Prioritize what matters most, both personally and professionally. If you want your reality to change, time is one of your most important assets, value it.

Respect Is A Two-way Street. How can you expect others to respect you and your experience if you do not first have respect for yourself and second others? One of the most impactful ways to demonstrate you have respect for yourself is by understanding the reality you are in. Always be sure you are performing at the highest level of what you are paid/asked to do. It makes it very difficult for others to show respect for someone who spends their time complaining, gossiping, and disrespecting others when they are not fulfilling their own duties. Let your actions speak and your words support. 

Own It. When you truly take responsibility and accountability for your reality, you own it. When you own it, you can change it. No longer are you blaming others, focused on what others aren’t doing, and being disconnected from what your reality is. You create a plan with realistic goals and actions that can lead you to the reality you want for yourself. Understanding the power and empowerment that comes from owning our situation is crucial in creating the reality you want. Do not underestimate the need to take ownership of your reality.

As one who has fallen into the trap of focusing on others’ reality, I have tried to learn from those times to actually improve my own personal reality. It has not always worked out how I planned but I did learn. As I have gotten older and further down the road in my professional career, I have to regularly check myself to ensure I don’t lose sight of my own current reality. I am grateful for those around me who have helped me focus on what I can control in an effort to improve my future.

Seth Saunders Facts, Inspirational, Learning, Value

It’s Time To Replace

When someone has a really bad hip, they go and have a hip replacement surgery. When a lightbulb goes out, we get a new one and replace it. When a athlete gets hurt, the coach puts in a replacement. So why would I be sharing these examples? The reason is, in every one of these examples, the importance of the replacement is so forward movement is not stopped. Even if there is a disruption, once the replacement is put in,  forward progress continues. Replace-Words-Featured-670x335

With all the is going on right now words are having a greater impact than ever before. Many people are living in panic, fear, crisis and greed. These feelings are creating an increase in anxiety, depression and hopelessness. Believe me, I have felt these over the past couple of weeks. However, as I have thought about this and watched stories of people doing good, I have tried to refocus my thoughts to ones of positivity. What I have done is replaced key words which has helped me change my thoughts and actions. Here is what I have been focused on:

Replace the word panic with patience. As we develop more patience with all that is going on we will have more clarity and peace of mind. We will also be more mentally prepared to help others.

Replace the word fear with faith. It does not matter if one has a religion or set of beliefs but everyone can have faith. That faith should can create feelings of hope which leads to positive actions and thus greater peace.

Replace the word crisis with comfort. The truth is, we have reason to be concerned about the world we live in right now but being able to feel comfort can change our entire outlook. Comfort comes when we listen to the professionals and do our part to be a good global citizen. Comfort also comes from an increase in faith.

Replace greed with gratitude. We can see how people are reacting by literally hoarding key essential items from stores without even a second thought about others. To put it bluntly, that is straight up greed. Can you image living with gratitude and how that can impact greed? There is no shortage of research that shows the power of living with gratitude. The more gratitude we can show to others, the better we feel. Gratitude brings peace and comfort. You cannot underestimate the power of gratitude. Take time write hand written notes to others, send a text to someone you have been thinking about, email those who are serving on the front lines.

Your ability to replace these and potentially other words you might be using to describe the current situation will bring a brighter outlook on your future. This is a time for each of us to develop in ways we may not have ever thought about before. We deserve it to both ourselves and the world to strive each day to be the best we can. Let us be know as a people who rose to the occasion. When we do this our anxiety, depression and loneliness will be more manageable. I love this quote:

Once-you-replace-negative-thoughts-with-positive-ones-youll-start-having-positive-results-1060x1060

Time to be a hero!

Seth

PS. Wash your hands, keep your distance, do your part