i. Social media has a benefit, but…
There are times when people use it and they shouldn’t

Yes, I know TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. Threads all provide convenience, efficiency, and opportunity and, in their own way, can play a significant role in our communication.

But to use them as tools for important communication? Simply put, No. I believe there is still a necessity in having face-to-face communication. Or, at the very least, pick up the phone and call someone and, when appropriate, put pen to paper and send someone a handwritten note.

Convenience and efficiency are all good, but sometimes there are more important aspects to consider.

ii. Everyone has rights
Don’t let others abuse yours, and at the same time, don’t let your responsibilities slide because of them.

It seems to me that there is an increasing amount of people when it suits their needs, conveniently remove themselves from their responsibilities and play the old “I have rights card”.

iii. People succeed that don’t deserve it
We all have, in our own way, seen or experienced this first-hand. We work our tail off to achieve something, and for some reason, someone who hasn’t done squat turns up and…Bingo, instant success.

Why?

How does this happen?

To be honest, I don’t know, and I don’t care. I just cannot be bothered to try and ascertain why someone just has the good fortune to achieve when they have no skill, desire, focus or intent.

I don’t know how many times I have been asked to explain why/how a specific individual has managed to achieve when they really didn’t deserve it. My answer is always the same…” In the end, I probably will not be able to, and therefore I am not even going to try”.

iv. Old school, still has a place
Taking responsibility
Firm handshake
Word is my bond
Respecting elders/authority
Music played by musicians as opposed to computers
Singing live regardless of the venue, weather conditions, or any other excuse as to why you had to lip sync.

v. Just because you collect other people’s ideas…
We all, in some way, have learned the lessons of life from someone or someone else’s experience. We take their examples, guidance and experience and use them to shape our own. In the process, we refine it, change it, and reinvent it so it is specific to our situation and in line with our wants and needs. Nothing wrong with any of that.

But just because someone collects other people’s ideas, quotes, experiences, suggestions etc. and then posts them all over the internet doesn’t make them a genius. Yes, I know it takes skill, time, energy, focus and effort, and I commend those people for that, but to put them on a pedestal like they have single-handedly solved the problems of the world. Please.

vi. You will always find an excuse if you look hard enough
It wasn’t my fault
We are under-resourced
Do you realise how hard it is
The sun, moon and stars were not in alignment

I wouldn’t say I have heard them all but I do believe I have heard a fair few excuses over the years. What you have to realise is, the excuse in itself gives a huge insight to you and what you are like. In most cases the excuse is not doing you any favours, so don’t make them.

Take responsibility for what has happened, however at the same time, don’t try and be a martyr or take responsibility for something that really wasn’t your fault. Integrity is a great source of guidance at these times.

The Journey Continues!