Today is my sister’s birthday and she wrote some incredible blog posts to celebrate all that she has done thus far, and all that she is about to accomplish in the years ahead. What a way to start a new lifecycle – celebrating your success and planning ahead with some big, lofty goals! (There’s no point in having goals unless they’re big and lofty!) Needless to say, she makes me proud to be related to her and even more glad to be a member of the Corker Irwin fam!
On her bucket list in one of those posts is: “Sit front row when my Bro receives his first Noble Peace Prize.” (See note about big and lofty goals.) This immediately made me think – I should probably put that down as one of my bucket list items in order for that to happen. But then I remembered a conversation I had with a good friend of mine, Wesley George – who, by the way, is probably the most brilliant person I know. Waterloo grad now doing his Masters in Cryptography at U of Toronto, a rockstar athlete and is dating this chica who rocks my socks. I digress.
When Wes and I last met up in New York City, he told me “Never strive to be recognized, strive to do something worth recognizing.” That has always stuck with me. Instead of striving to receive an award/title/distinction, strive do something worthy of that award. If you get the award in the end – perf! If not, you still can be proud of what you’ve accomplished.
Instead of winning a best presenter award, I strive to deliver the best presentations I can.
Instead of being given a “top talent” distinction, I strive to be the best team member (and leader) to my colleagues.
Instead of being looked at as a change agent, I just change things.
So … instead of winning a Nobel Peace Prize, I will strive to be eternally positive and benevolent to those around me – locally and globally.
The rewards should not mark your final destination, for they are only the perks you get along the road.
Take a lesson from Steph (and Wes) today and keep dreamin big!
Pick of the post: This video – dedicated to Stepher (it’s one of her favs!)
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1 comment
Steph Corker Irwin says:
October 2, 2009 at 10:51 am (UTC 1)
Ahhhh…that video still makes me wave my lobster mittens in the air and smile from ear to ear – i LOVE it! I also love you. Heaps. Keep strivin’ to be more Corker everyday! XO.