Live Better with Willie Jolley: Make It Happen…Don’t Let It Happen!
Don’t Let It Happen…MAKE It Happen!
By Willie Jolley
On my desk is a sign that reads, "Winners make things happen and Losers let things happen!" Others may state it a little differently; they say, "Some people make things happen, other people watch what happened, and then the rest stand around and ask, what happened?"
Whatever way you want to say it, the truth remains that those who are winners, influencers or decision-makers make a determined decision to make things happen!
Take the controversial “Kony 2012” documentary about Joseph Kony. The film details accusations of vile acts committed by the Ugandan warlord, which has spread like wildfire on social media - more than 50 million views already, as I write this article!
The “Kony 2012” filmmaker and co-founder of the group "Invisible Children (IC)" Jason Russell, is an influencer! Regardless of the conversations surrounding his motives for producing the film (to raise awareness and bring Kony to justice or to increase their own business coffers), the actions of IC have changed the awareness for millions of people and may help bring a warlord to justice! Even though it took Jason Russell over ten years to bring awareness to his cause, he is an influencer.
When asked what keeps most of us from taking action, people respond by saying, "the government,” or “the economy,” or their families; and some blame the "isms" of life, you know ... sexism, racism, ageism, etc. But the one thing that most people forget to include on their list, which is most important... it is the person we see every day in the mirror...OURSELVES! We are the main obstacles to our success in life or to making a difference in the lives of others!
It has been said, that success follows the 80/20 rule. As in corporate success, there is an 80/20 dynamic at play. That is, 80% of the work usually comes from 20% of the people. In personal achievement, we are responsible for 80% of our failure to hit our goals and outside obstacles are only 20% of the problem.
The old African proverb states, "If you can overcome the enemy on the inside, the enemy on the outside can do you no harm!" Or as Pogo said, "We have met the enemy…and he is US!"
Whatever way you say it, we must be brutally honest and come to the realization that we are the biggest challenge to our own success! So it is true that if you want to win you must stop letting things happen, and start making things happen!
Remember, when all is said and done, much more
is said than done...so let's go get it done! It may not take you ten years to bring to light an injustice as in the case of Jason Russell, but become an influencer, a decision maker a leader and get going today!
Today make a commitment to overcome yourself, so you can reach your goals. So today, let's go "MAKE It Happen!"
WJ
