Better Late Than Never

Without boring everyone with my life story, let's just say, I've overcome some major hurdles in my life. I've been practicing the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 32 years. That alone should explain a lot.

Sometime in 1995, I came across the book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". It took me about 50 or so pages to really get into it but once I did, I couldn't put it down. It was a life-changing book for me. It really didn't teach me anything I didn't already know but it helped me to see who and what I was/am and what I needed to do in simple, understandable terms.

I also saw how the 7 habits are a different way to express the 12 steps and traditions. Publicly admitting that I practice that program is not something that is commonplace. In fact, it's humbling, if not embarrassing. However, that program has also changed my life. So, being able to reference the 7 habits is much more socially acceptable etc.

So, that's the back story.

I joined WA in 2015. I've blogged about that many times. One of the main reasons I joined was because I could see the authenticity and transparency WA, especially of Kyle. I know Carson is a co-owner but over the years, my direct contact with him has been minimum. I'm sure he's an upstanding guy too. If he was not, I doubt the partnership between the two of them would have lasted as long as it has.

The authenticity and transparency, among other qualities of WA, is, as far as I'm concerned, a blueprint of and for the 7 Habits.

The 7 habits are as follows:

• Be Proactive
  Take responsibility for your actions and behaviors; focus on what you can control.
• Begin with the End in Mind
  Define a clear vision and goals for your life and work.
• Put First Things First
  Prioritize important tasks over urgent but less meaningful ones; practice effective time management.
• Think Win-Win
  Seek mutually beneficial solutions in relationships and interactions.
• Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
  Practice empathetic listening before expressing your own viewpoint.
• Synergize
  Leverage the strengths of others through teamwork and collaboration to achieve better results.
• Sharpen the Saw
  Continuously renew and improve yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Can you see how these habits are, almost to the letter, what is being taught at WA?

I've been doing my best to practice these habits for 30 years now but, for some reason, it wasn't until today, when I read a post by another WA member that I realized, I haven't fully applied them to my journey here in WA. I can't explain why.

It's not to say, I've strayed. It is to say, for whatever reason, I just never have put 2 and 2 together as it were.

So, here I am struggling under what sometimes feels like the weight of the world, although, it's mostly all good, and I'm definitely up to it. I'm nothing if I'm not a survivor. In fact, my life has never been better and it only continues to get better.

BUT,

One other thing, I've had trouble implementing into my life is trying to not do too much at a time. That's what causes me to feel the weight I just mentioned. I woke up yesterday morning to an epiphany or realization, whatever you want to call it. I need to continue with everything I'm trying to do but in a more manageable way.

The adage I heard years ago, What is the best way to devour and elephant? The Answer: One bite at a time.

I've already consulted with my AI assistant, that I call Chad, to help me organize myself in bite size chunks for the next year, beginning today.

Although I've made many improvements over the past year or so, overall, I've needed to make some life changes that include what I'm trying to do here at WA.

Authenticity and transparency are two areas I've focused on in the past year. That's why I'm writing this and recorded the attached video.

Your comments, questions, and feedback are welcomed and encouraged.

Bob