Duty over Consequence

Live your life as though your every act were to become a universal law.

—Immanuel Kant, German philosopher in the Age of Enlightenment (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

In other words, ask yourself the following question: “If everyone made the same decision and took the same action that I am about to, what would be the outcome? Would the world be better off, or would it have a disastrous, unsustainable result?” Act as though you are not making a judgment “exception” for yourself but, rather, acting on behalf of something larger than yourself. We will be judged by our actions. 

—Mike 

Better to Face a Chaotic World With a Disciplined, Ordered Mind

Good order is the foundation of all things.

—Edmund Burke (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

A stunningly large percentage of people are led through life by their emotions, controlled by the external environment. The quiet mind moves forward with a calm composure. 

—Mike 

Our Environment is Largely a Reflection of Our Own Thought Patterns

Our environment, the world in which we live and work, is a mirror of our attitudes and expectations.

—Earl Nightingale (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

Always expect the best possible outcomes. Treat life as an adventure; be excited to discover what awaits around the next corner of the journey.

—Mike 

An Action Plan for Change

The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.

—Alan Watts, British-born philosopher and author (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

When You Are Uncertain In Your Decisions, Check Your Values

When your values are clear, your decisions become easier.

—Roy Disney (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

The Same Conditions, Contrasting Mindsets, Vastly Different Outcomes

The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.

—Winston Churchill (photo by Yousuf Karsh, 1941; Public Domain)

When this photo of Sir Winston Churchill was taken, Britain stood practically alone against Nazi Germany’s seemingly insurmountable war machine, which had been relentlessly bombarding the streets of London. An Allied victory seemed anything but certain. His ability to remain upbeat during these dark days—and project a firm resolve to the English people—is legendary. 

Whenever I am feeling disempowered due to circumstances, I grab a book about one of my favorite leaders in history (Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt are two other great examples) for powerful reminders of how others have dealt with far greater adversity.

—Mike 

Humor Friday

I have nothing to declare except my genius.

—Oscar Wilde, purported quip to the NY Customs House, 1882 (by Elliott & Fry, 1881; Public Domain)

Our Mindset is Controlled Not by Outside Forces, but Through Our Own Focused Efforts

Happiness is a choice that requires effort at all times.

—Aeschylus, Greek Dramatist, soldier in the Battle of Marathon; 525–456 BC (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

The necessary first step in this lesson is refusing to blame external circumstances for our current frame of mind. We must take full ownership.

—Mike 

Active Engagement vs. Passive Consumption

Life has a higher end than to be amused.

—William Ellery Channing, 1837, An Address on Temperance (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

The default path is to slip into the unconscious motion of life, becoming a mere passenger on the train rather than an architect of the journey. Through regular reflection on our purpose, we maintain control over our direction. 

—Mike 

Don’t Be Afraid to Think Differently; Mediocrity Lives Among the Masses

If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.

—Jim Rohn (Image licensed by Penn Wealth)

Bridge in Kromlauer Park, Eastern Germany