"Gratitude for the Spur"

7/6/2015

Consider the Spurs on the boots of the horseman. As seen in partnership, the horseman Spurs the horse to gain it's attention and move it to action - so that both can accomplish more together. What Spurs you to action and Why? What gets your attention and moves you to action?

To begin, I applaud the spur that moves us to act, but the question becomes; will we grow to appreciate the spur or grow to resent it? This always comes down to personal perspective. The horse that refuses to live and rise to it's potential will often be spurred until it does, or be found of little use in the overall mission. For example, as Simon Sinek recently shared in one of his daily notes of inspiration (subscription here and highly recommended) he says the best response to humiliation is to be humble. While no one asks for a character building experience, it's only through hardship that we develop our mettle, to become more for ourselves and others, and to strengthen our abilities to handle more of what life will undoubtedly bring. As Nietzsche said, "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger" Being human, at times suffering as we humans do, empowers us with the ability to relate, to have empathy and compassion for our fellow man and to develop within us capabilities to help spur others to action, actions that can bring hope and develop self efficacy - the knowing that one is effective.

The choice is always ours to make - no matter how the spur is delivered - the choice is ours, to see the Spurs of life as something to be avoided or something to be embraced. And if embraced, they are more likely to grow us, to develop us and to prepare us for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Observe the Spurs less out of fear and more out of a desire to become the best we can be in service to others - living out our Why... our chosen purpose, knowing that the Spurs are there to serve us, get our attention and provide direction. Embrace the Spur as a gift and you will be more likely to reap the possibilities life has to offer.

Make it a great week,

Steve Luckenbach

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