Be thankful for what you have.

1st September 2011

For those of you who know me, or have been to any of my seminars or workshops, you will be aware of the concept of being above or below the line. Below the line we find people who blame other people and bad luck on their circumstances, they make excuses for not doing things, or doing things badly, and they are frequently in denial about their situation, refusing to face up to reality and do something about it. Above the line, however, we find people who like to take control of their lives, by being prepared to take ownership of what happens in their lives, and accept the responsibility and accountability which comes with that. In other words we have some people who sit around waiting for good things to happen to them, whilst blaming the world for all their misfortunes, and others who will do anything to make their world a better place despite the many various obstacles and set backs which will invariably be thrown at them. So which category describes you?

Over the last two weeks I have watched the inspirational story of four ex-army men, who have all been shot or blown up, and have had horrendous injuries including limbs lost, and in one case a broken back. So what is their response to this? Instead of wallowing in their own misfortune and misery, they have jumped up off their backsides, and done an unsupported 160 mile walk to the North Pole! I for one, a fit(ish) man wouldn’t consider doing this, let alone if I was short one limb, but these men wanted to show what is still possible despite their injuries to help inspire others who have had similar experiences.

Compare these men to the wasters and lazy scroungers, who blame society for their need to smash and burn shops and loot goods, because they “deserve” it. Words fail me at this stage (it’s a family show!) but I like to believe there are still plenty of above the line people in the world to help inspire us and drive us to improve ourselves, our businesses and our lives. So next time a setback happens to you, remember how lucky you are and rise above it.

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