Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day pays tribute to the ontributions and achievements of American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events.
At its’ core Labor Day represents people individually and collectively determining their fate and deciding their destiny. Individuals chose to be part of the movement or not, thus actively determining their future. Like minded individuals collectively determined how they would be governed by employers following a precedent that had been set back in 1776. Their efforts became bigger than themselves and ultimately changed life in our modern world.
As entreprenuers, independent business owners, small business owners – we find ourSelves in a similar position. As individuals we each made a decision to actively make a difference in our life, and the lives of our families and communities – by collectively participating in something greater than each and all of us.
Thus, Labor Day represents you and I – individually and collectively – celebrating our true product – Freedom!
Live with Intention,
Dr Bill
Closing Olympic Comments
Good Morning Team – While the Closing Ceremonies of the Olympics were beautiful, for me the best part of the Olympics will always be the stories behind the medals. Stories of Courage, Endurance, Sacrifice and faith.
And so it was with the Texas Team Training at our home this weekend. The stories that people share are what generates the Power of live events. Sometimes it’s a story shared from a leader at the front of the room, and more often – it’s the stories participants share with each other that leads to someone having a breakthrough moment that makes all the difference. That’s the real magic!
I call it the “light bulb” or “aha moment” that someone has that gives them the drive or the reason to move forward and build their business. I absolutely love witnessing those moments and Julie and I love the privilege of helping to create the environment for those moments to occur.
Olympic athletes have an extreme amount of pressure and physical and mental pains to deal with – for years prior to competition. You and I have many life distractions that can cause us to lose focus – births, deaths, college, weddings, construction, caring for children and aging parents, illness, paying bills, friends, running a household,.. etc. We all have “stuff” going on. It’s what we DO about it that matters, and what we DO is highly dependent upon what we focus on….on our goals and solutions, or the pain, suffering and the apparent unfairness of the “stuff”.
Focus is a huge part of success. Every Olympic athlete referred to it. And this weekend, every participant story relating to success – or failure – mentioned it in some way. Focus.
Focus on your goal, make it much larger, more colorful and more meaningful than any of the “stuff” that might be occurring and write your story of courage, endurance, sacrifice, faith and success.
“Lost time is never found again” –Benjamin Franklin
Live With Intention,
Dr Bill