Shine a light in the darkness

Many are celebrating Martin Luther King's birthday as I write this post. When I think of Dr. King's body of work, I'm amazed at what he was able to accomplish during his short time with us. While Dr. King is certainly an African American icon, what he stood for touches all. It is ageless and colorless. While he struggled with life’s challenges as many of us do, he is a reminder of what we should be in our lives. A reminder of what we can be to others. Injustice and inequities exist in all aspects of our lives. It could be a neighbor being treated unfairly, a child being neglected, or someone being disrespected. What you do when you witness an inequity or injustice says something about you as a person. Do you stand up and shed light on what is happening or do you pretend not to see. Do you speak out when you witness unfairness or do you stay quiet?

King shined a light in the darkness. He put a spotlight on inequities and injustices and made them visible for all to see. He helped a people move forward, which helped all move forward. Where are you shining a light?

Is this item in your resolution?

If you've made any type of resolution for 2010, you absolutely need to be certain that your plan includes regular checkpoints. When I say checkpoint, I am talking about a moment where you stop and review what's happen to date or review the last period. It's simply a progress to goal review.

I'm telling you a checkpoint is critical because it can protect you from failure! When your resolve starts to go south, a checkpoint can be there to stop the slide. It forces you to look at the situation and ask yourself questions such as: What actions moved me toward or away from my goal? Where those things within my control or outside my control? What positive activity do I need to continue or what negative activity do I need to stop? ... and ... What do I need to do to get back on track?

The period between checkpoints should be long enough that they don't seem like work, but short enough so that you can correct the behavior without digging yourself too big of a hole. I do my checkpoints every Sunday. Even if it lasts just a few moments, it helps me to refocus and redirect if needed.

If you haven't already, plan regular checkpoints ... they will help you reinforce your resolve.

Blame is easy ...

Ownership is hard. It's hard because it requires the you take some measure of responsibility. Make an acknowledgment that it was in someway your fault. Yes, you faltered and rumor has it that you may not even be perfect. If you've watched the downfall of the most recent celebrity du jour, they've likely given their "mea culpa" speech where they shouldered the blame. It would be great if it wasn't done on the advice of their publicist, but at least it was done. While we'll rarely know someone's intent, all we can do is take them at their word and then see if they back it up with actions.

The same holds true for you. While your words important your actions take it to the next level. If you need advice on your next mistake, and there will one, I'll be your publicist with this free advice. Fall on your sword. A mentor once told me that if you can find 10% that's your fault, keep looking because there is probably more. People distrust folks with all the answers and seldom take the blame. It's possible to take the blame and keep your power, in fact, you could even gain credibility and respect. The key is that you have be sincere. We can all spot a fake, and if you are spotted you could lose credibility.

Remember, before you blame, point the finger at yourself first.