When 2 Quotes Collide

I am a quote Geek to be sure. I can tell you there are dozens of them I use daily to help me shape my behavior, influence my thinking, and live my life. I am sure many of you have your favorites too.

However, here I am only going to discuss two of my favorites with you because of their unique relationship. I am also going to show how their combination equals application. Each one independently is powerful, but when I smash them together, BOOM! The power and energy thrown off by the collision has a profound impact on my behavior, my perspective, and my thinking and decision-making.

Let me show you.

Quote 1

Kevin Spacey has been quoted "if you're lucky enough to do well, it's your responsibility to send the elevator back down". As many of you know, I transitioned from the Military to Project Management over the course of 12 years. 12. Years.

However, the journey was, and continues to be fun, challenging, and extremely rewarding. I have met and worked with some absolutely great folks, delivering some spectacular results, for some valuable customers.

I have been sending the elevator back down for years to give those starting out a lift up. Why? It's how my key mentors raised me, which is similar to the way Jack Lemon mentored Kevin. They sent the elevator back down for us, and no matter which floor you are on, there is always someone on a lower floor that you could help up. You have to take conscious action; you have to send the elevator back down.

I do that through mentoring, coaching, training, and empowering folks on the 'lower floors' so they are prepared to get onto the elevator up when it arrives for them.

Quote 2

Modern author and philosopher Mark Twain said "the two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why”. This one's been pressed into the very fiber of my being every year on my birthday because my Dad always recounts the following story.

I was born three months prematurely, weighing 2 pounds and 11 ounces and measuring 11 3/4 inches in length. He was told I wouldn't live through the night. But I did. My Father says that's when he began 'believing', both in a higher power and that I must have been put here for a reason.

That's a big responsibility to live up to. It took 45 years to get there. I arrived January 1, 2015. That's when my professional purpose in life became crystal clear. I realized that I could help Military Veterans become Project Managers. I help them translate their experience, help them learn the language of project management and obtain a project management credential, and help them secure careers in project management.

The two days became profoundly important because the second one gave the first one meaning.

The Collision!

I now help my Brothers and Sisters in arms become my peers. I send the elevator back down for them daily. They deserve it, they've earned it. And, it's what I was meant to do.