April....one year older and a bit bolder. Looking back…the work environment is better allowing for those out of the box thoughts, true reduction in variance and a strong argument for looking at those processes that plague us with inefficiencies that have “just do it” type fixes. In addition, the broader projects with some of the systems capabilities available present the possibility of having a workflow that mimics best in class including analytics, controls, efficiencies and elimination of manual low level tasks that add little value to anyone’s role. I look forward to seeing how this develops in the near future.
I have been fortunate to meet a couple of people who have a mode of being that wishes to push forward with a solid vision. On one front, a consultant who speaks in a manner that is similar if not of the same language as my own. A sort of looking outward that is not devoid of the fundamental knowledge that this environment is circular and not linear…it cannot be managed in a vacuum. Another interesting person is one associated with an automation project—the energy, honesty and ability to break down the process to its crucial components is a joy to be a part of. Although most of us tend toward breaking down a thing, rarely do you see the holistic behavior that ensures that upstream and downstream processes are compensated for…there is usually a stopping point around scope of responsibility which in turn limits one’s ability to learn and evolve in the environment. Others have struck me…some in the more mundane way—the hearing of their life struggles, the focus and direction of their life, the choices they make and continue to make. And I am happily surprised with the character of an individual I was not certain about but who in time may see that the very core of their being can positively influence the greater extension of this local group. How do you get people to eat “determination for breakfast”? How do you inspire them from afar? I look forward to seeing how this will be achieved.
There are things in this new environment that are less than welcoming. A need of some to control information, a want of others to rise in position by taking on “more responsibility” (although this vision of their future is held from an authoritarian perspective whereby it is obvious in time, this will fail), and still others who clearly have little passion for what and how they do things. Overall these are things one will find everywhere. Fundamentally what raises these detrimental attributes above the previous environment is that the overall tenor and approach of this group is one of work product and honest diligence. One in this group cannot speak to “ideas” and leave it at that, one must execute. Additionally, the enemy is not perceived to be within and so the natural alliances are strong—are there differences, yes, but the alliances are clearly bound to a similar vision of success.
On the more personal front. Freddie played his best ever defensive game in Vegas a week ago. His intensity, his desire, his passion came through. His 1-1 workouts are developing this mental intensity and focus. He had a workout a couple of weeks ago that was his most difficult ever where his trainer pushed him to the wall. Afterward the flow of words…the “I’m not going to training tomorrow, I’m too tired.”, “Everything hurts…”, it was the first time that he realized he isn’t close to where he can be in physical ability and strength. The workout that day was brutal…but the best thing about his trainer is that there is always a gentle hug at the end and a proud manner of standing tall—a demand from his trainer that Frederick recognize what in fact he did achieve and then set the next goal. The relationship between them is gaining strength and trust and hopefully this alignment of two people will produce the results they are both hoping for. Aside from the trainer he also engaged in Jump Camp workouts which is core strength training. His vertical has increased and his rebounding ability has improved greatly. He had his highest amount of rebounds ever in his 2nd game in Vegas. Academically his grades have fallen a bit which is expected this time of year, but his GPA overall is still where we expect it at a minimum. He also started baseball workouts…casual and for fun and is enjoying the diversity of workouts. His goal for next year is to play football, basketball and baseball if academically he can handle all of it. I think his preparation all around is making a good case for being successful.
Jefferson comes home in a week. Amazing to think he has completed his first year of college…that we met him at nine, we all became a family when he was twelve and that now he is a on his way to living the life of his own particular choices. We’re very proud of him and in many ways look forward to seeing the growth in his character, listening to his evolved perspective, laughing at the “used to be” mode of being he carried in high school. I imagine this summer will be a difficult one all around but my hope is his focus on working and mental preparation for next year will give him the energy to keep his goals in the forefront of his mind. He will be returning to school in a manner different than he started…away from the dorms to a shared apartment, away from an open food budget to one by which he must be cognizant of all his purchases, and an established direction of working deeper toward to the goal within Psychology or the decision to focus elsewhere. I am not amazed that Jefferson has arrived at this place in time, I am amazed that beyond everything we have experienced as a family that he has fully committed to being the person he is capable of being. There has not been a lingering of second guesses, or an exploitation of some of the less than positive things one might find at college; he continues to hold to his vision of the future and this is what makes us most proud. Time flies…but I still see flashes of us swimming in the pool, Jefferson on my back, Steve throwing him in the air like a rocket only to come down in a thunderous splash.
April has been an exceedingly busy month but a turning point for everyone. There is an enormous amount of energy just now, a striving toward individual goals and a synergy in allowing each of us to achieve them. I find myself diligent in professional and family goals, but lacking in doing some of the smaller things I set out to do. Hopefully May will allow for the development of these secondary areas of my life.
l ’chaim!