Live It, Love It, or Leave It.

In each of us there is a unique desire to be happy. This takes many shapes and sizes, and is one of the wonderful things making this world we live in so beautiful. Those of us who participate in our various communities (be it social or industry) have an affinity for sharing of ourselves. I particularly enjoy the written and spoken word, so you will find many examples of how I enjoy sharing (at least I hope you will).

I have learned that each of us has a special gift that we do better than just about anyone else out there. For all of you engineering- and IT-types out there – take notice – celebrate the differences you encounter with a spirit of gratitude because people are really just uber-complex systems!

We give of ourselves often to help others, but like to know that our gifts are appreciated. Don’t you?

Think about what occurs when you feel most appreciated. Is it when your boss, mentor, or account manager spends time with you, offers you genuine compliments, offers you gifts, says thank you by doing something for you, or simply gives you a hug or firm pat on the back for a job well done*?

You know what makes you smile!

But what if the shoe were on the other foot? What if you found yourself offering – of yourself, be it advice, time or compliments – and not only were they not being received, but outright refused. What a dramatic hit to our self-worth! It can be stunning to be rejected, right? Eventually, you no longer feel like giving of yourself – your advice, time or compliments. You begin to think it is pointless and falling on deaf ears.

As I see it, there are 3 choices the professional has:

1. Live it
2. Love it
3. Leave it

Which choice do you make when you are running on empty?

*methods of appreciation adapted from Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages.

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Ken Stewart’s website, ChangeForge, focuses on the collision between the constantly changing worlds of business and technology in an information-centric world. Ken serves on the board of the new Managed Print Services Association, an international industry organization seeking worldwide best practices for the managed print services industry. He is also the founder of Seeking the Son. He is always interested in connecting with you.

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