At the other end of the spectrum is an equally painful reminder that even if you think you’ve finally arrived … achieved perfection … you will be greatly disappointed when you discover that there is someone … likely more than one someone … who thinks it’s lousy.

So, motor on. Do your best. Get it out there and if it needs adjustment, fix it.

Keep fixing it. It will continue to get better … but it may never be perfect.

Just keep on keeping on.

We’ve all read about the importance of practice.

“10,000 hours is the magic number of greatness.”

The maxim was popularized in Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Outliers, and has been recited countless times since.

As you know, the argument is that for you to be considered elite in a particular field, you must practice your craft for 10,000 hours.

Today, it’s pretty easy to see both sides, isn’t it?

Tragedy is how COVID-19 has been so destructive to our families, friends and colleagues … and in so many ways.

Comedy in the sense of this old adage:

“If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.”

In 2020, God should be rolling in the aisles watching all of us grapple with plans that look like they’ve been assaulted with an ugly stick.

For me, laughing beats crying, so I’m staying positive and remaining thankful for the healthy friends and families we can still embrace.

It feels tragic for sure, but if you think about it, it’s so crazy it’s laughable.

Your choice.

What a wonderful reminder this is for all of us.

Why?

Aren’t you – all too often – judgmental when a friend or colleague doesn’t think like you do … is prone to say stupid things you would never say… not as kind as you …. etc.?

We’ve all worked in environments – probably still do – where the negative observation is the first to be trotted out with the positive results taking a back seat … often WAAAYYY in the back.

I’ve often laughed with other executives about this. A common example we use is a hypothetical situation where the boss or owner is seeing a beautiful new football field … luscious green grass everywhere … and you envisioning how proud your boss will be about your accomplishment … only to hear him/her say after looking across its rich, green expanse:

“What’s this brown spot here?” as she looks down and eyeballs the few blades of grass that aren’t green.

It’s happened TO you I’m sure, but it doesn’t have to be coming FROM you.

Following Benjamin Franklin’s dictum will encourage you to look for the best in others while making sure you’re attending to your own vices so you will Become a More Effective Leader.

You may not know that Teddy Roosevelt, our 26th President (1901 to 1909) grew up as a sickly child, bereft of energy or initiative … until his dad pointed out that his life would be meaningless with a brilliant mind stuck in a frail body.

He responded, “I will make my body”, and undertook boxing, swimming, horseback riding and any number of athletic endeavors, ultimately working hard as one of the most productive and respected Presidents in American history.

Hopefully, his commitment and this epigram he lived by, will inspire you to step up your game to achieve all of the goals you’ve set for yourself.