Where to Now?

As the Martin Luther King Holiday approaches, I was trying to put in perspective what it might mean for most of us. In retrospect, most people speak of his Dream -- supposedly for "racial equality" and the freedoms and opportunities that come along with that concept. First, I don't believe anyone can bestow equality upon another. Equality, or more precisely a love and acceptance of self, comes from within. However, this sense of equality is manifested by the way we live our lives.

Although equality is inherent within each of us, living consistent with that inherent quality requires us to take responsibility for the conditions and circumstances in our lives -- whether fair or unfair. That was, in my opinion, what the Civil Rights Movement was principally about. In that case, taking non-violent action to transform the conditions resulting from prejudice and discrimination that existed then and still do in the U.S. Admittedly, today, under much less stringent conditions.

Another term associated with the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's is freedom. Again, freedom originates within each of us and is measured by the ingenuity we bring to our goals and aspirations in life. In making freedom a reality, we first have to acknowledge that different races, cultures and ethnicities do not have "equal" barriers (or challenges) for success.

For example, I do not expect others to respond to me as a Caucasian male -- because I am not. In my quest to be successful, I tend to view inequalities as differences, rather than conditions that create impossibilities for me. The instant I non-reactively acknowledge that reality, I am self-empowered to change it or at least seek alternatives for success. When we inevitably experience preconceived notions that attepnt to disempower us, freedom, in action, is the willingness (not ability) to seek alternative means for success; rather than being frustrated by mainstream approaches which were not created for non-mainstream individuals!

I hope by this time it is clear that this blog is not racially, culturally, or gender focused. It is intended for anyone who views himself or herself outside of the mainstream when attempting to achieve success. For example many talented women, who find themselves frustrated by limitations of their workplace, start their own businesses. Their success rates often exceed men, playing on an uneven playing field!

To summarize my message, which is closely tied to King's message:

1) Shift your thinking from victimization to empowerment to create a mind-set that seeks new paths for success.

2) Align your behaviors with your new way of thinking and begin to act as though you are already successful (fake it until you make it!).

3) Expect a test of your commitment to this new way of thinking as a transformation from faking it to making it (a new way of being).

4) When you pass the test, you can never go back to that confined way of thinking and behaving.

5) This mind-set will show up everywhere in your life; from choices of clothing to groceries to housing to ........ultimately the quality of life you desire!

Visit the Innovations website (above link) to learn about the "Spirituality and the Workplace Retreat" at Snowbird, Utah, May 19-21, 2006. Be there!