We Need More Love

Stoic Quote of the Week

It's courtesy and kindness that define a human being‚ and a man.

-Marcus Aurelius

What I learned this week:

Happy Valentine’s Day. A day that we have decided to label for romance and love. I’m not a romantic, not even close, but I do love, and that is what I’ve been thinking about, love. One thing that I can always do better at is love. I’m not talking about romantic love, although Ms. Suzanne may say something different, 😁. I’m talking love for our fellow humans, which I feel wains at times and needs to be brought back to the forefront of our thoughts. Love requires trust, and when we trust someone, even a stranger, we love them. My favorite example of this is driving. Every time you take off down the road, you trust complete strangers all around you. People you will likely never meet or even see again. You put your trust in them not to cross over the double yellow line or sideswipe you on the interstate and to stop at a red light. If we put that must trust into our fellow man, a complete stranger, then we are showing them, love. This week, the challenge I bring to you is to think about loving your fellow human more. Trust someone to do good and do good by them. We are happier when we give more love because it is better to love than hate. Love your fellow humans more and show it. A little smile and a nod to a stranger you pass—the two-finger wave to a car driving the other direction—a thank-you wave to that person who slows to let you merge. Share the love this week.

Planning thought of the week:

A plan that your team has bought into and understands provides you as the leader a level of trust in performance and execution that doesn’t exist without the plan. The plan doesn’t have to be down to the minute details of execution. Allow your team some white space to figure out how to do what works best for them and trust them to perform.

Business idea I heard about or thought of:

The modern-day side hustle continues to evolve. If you want freedom of movement, there are many options available from delivery persons to drivers. If that isn’t for you, the online world is even more open with options from book reviewer to graphic artist to a transcriber. All you need is the ability to connect online. You can do those jobs anywhere and chase the so-called romantic van life while exploring the world. If you need a few extra bucks to put a down payment on a house and finally stop living in a van, stop binge-watching shows and pick a few online gigs. I am always amazed at the opportunities out there if you look for them.

Veteran opportunity of the week:

This isn’t my usual vets go here to get this discount or service article. This article reminds me that if you aren’t willing to put in the effort to get the best care that you need and deserve, then you flat out won’t get it from the VA. This article points out that the system and some people in the system are more worried about their budget than the best care. Enough is enough: The VA must stop the manipulation and follow the law. 

Someone I met this week:

I had the privilege to meet Victor this week, a former Marine with a heck of a comeback story. Well, really, three comeback stories! Most of us are fortunate enough not to have to dig ourselves out of a hole and rebuild. A few have done it and made good again. But my friend Victor has been there, done that, then, done it again, and then, done it one more time. The fantastic thing about his story is the hope and belief that he could bounce back and recover. Three businesses, all successful, then all failed, bad. Now, Victor is turning it around again and doing what he loves—helping people be their better selves through fitness and leadership. Victor has a lot going on, but the secret to his success is the belief in himself that he can build it again and build it better this time or the next time if necessary.

Link to current The Cam & Otis Show podcasts Ep 141 Business is a Vessel-Yolanda Clarke CEO of Powder River Industries.

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