Today I came across a quote that gave me a BIG flashback. At the time, my professional life was clearly on the rise. Unfortunately, my personal life was reaching new lows. The relationship I was in was quite awful ... it was unsupportive and going no where...no, the person was unavailable. That is more the truth. I thought I was the only person that knew my misery as I was sure I had been every effective in the truth from my friends.
On a particularly bad day, I had run out of the office at lunch wanting to burst with a deep sense loneliness, frustration and loss of self that loomed over the whole situation. When I returned to my office, my personal assistant had left a page of a magazine on my desk with this quote:
It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.
---- Somerset Maugham, Novelist (1874-1965)
Looking back this was a very powerful catalyst for change. Being forced to see the truth in an instant, seemed to be the tipping point I needed to make changes in my life. Whew! I am so glad I did! I've always been grateful that my PA had courage to be such a truthful friend.
What small influences have had a big influence on your life and leadership?
Debbe
Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the LEAD
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