Craig DiVizzio

It’s Time To Celebrate And Only You Know Why

Oct 10, 2017

You’ve had your head down for a long, long time now. Isn’t it time to pick up your head, remove your nose from the grindstone and relax a bit while you take a 50,000-foot view of your successes?

You bet it is! You have reason to celebrate, but you haven’t… yet, and you need to. If not now, when?

What are you celebrating? That’s for you to determine, but there is something.

If you don’t yet know what it is, keep reading, and by the end of this letter, you will know. The more difficult it is to identify a reason to celebrate, the more you need to stop and celebrate.

Celebrating now will be difficult for several reasons:

  • your head has been down for so long it will be uncomfortable in any other position
  • an urgency to do more will make it feel like wasted time
  • deadlines of all types, like little haunting voices, will tell you not to stop – not even for a moment
  • any celebration will feel premature and uncomfortable

But the break and rest are necessary and serve many functions. They fuel your:

  • body with the energy needed to continue, when the time is right
  • mind with thoughts of accomplishment
  • heart with the courage to fight harder
  • spirit with the hope and expectation of the wonderful results just over the next hill and around the next corner

So fight the urge to push on right now. Surround your reluctant self with reason after reason it’s a good time to take a break. Bask in the beauty of the elevated view – you deserve it!

Don’t worry, a realization of awaiting tasks will overtake you soon enough. For now, you are free; soaring like an eagle, admiring your handiwork and smiling proudly!

Finally, reread this letter each month. In that time I’m certain you’ll have something else that is celebration worthy, right? Absolutely!

That’s my perspective, what’s yours? Leave us a comment or question below , and thanks for reading!

Why You Should Talk To People You Disagree With

Why You Should Talk To People You Disagree With

Sep 26, 2017

I have always believed that talking to people I disagree with has tremendous value, as does reading and watching content that promotes a viewpoint contrary to mine. I must admit, it’s not always easy, but I’m definitely wiser in the end.

I’m pretty sure that perspective is not shared by all – especially lately. The divide between people with opposing views appears to be getting larger, to the point where I’m questioning whether the statement ‘agree to disagree and respectfully coexist’ still applies.

I think the ‘it’s not easy’ part is helping to divide us when the ‘I’m wiser in the end’ part ought to be uniting us. What’s likely causing this divide?

  • News and talk shows promote more biased and skewed views of the facts, causing people to completely avoid some shows and gravitate to those they agree with.
  • Individuals spend more time in social media engineered echo chambers – having their viewpoints validated by like-minded individuals.
  • Businesses encourage employees not to discuss controversial subjects while at work.
  • Many companies foster unspoken mandates such as ‘we must all agree for the good of the team’ and ‘don’t say anything that might be upsetting to another.’

In spite of the heralded message to value ALL ideas, it appears we are losing our penchant for valuable, respectful exchange when views differ. I believe that when you recognize there is an opportunity to benefit from the exchange, the benefits reveal themselves.

Take the challenge to grow!

  • Move outside your social media feed. Read and watch things you know you will disagree with – at least partially – if not totally.
  • Listen to talk shows and watch newscasts that promote opinions different than yours.
  • Talk more often to people who disagree with you on certain topics.

Caution: This may cause emotional upset. Decide that no matter what happens, you will stay respectful in what you write, say or do. When interacting, I suggest you adopt the habit of replacing the words right and wrong with agree and disagree, as much as possible.

Telling someone that you’re right and they’re wrong is positioning yourself as the all-knowing judge and jury. In claiming the high ground, you’re suggesting there’s no point in disagreeing with you. Saying right and wrong can end discussions (and infuriate people) while using agree and disagree leaves room to continue the discussion beyond the point of disagreement.

Also, it helps to say “I agree or disagree with your idea” rather than “I agree or disagree with you.” You have ideas, but you and your ideas are not the same things – ideas can more easily be changed.

You can have great conversations and relationships with people you disagree with – even strongly disagree with. I disagree with many of my friends over multiple issues, and I love that we remain friends.

In fact, I value them – even more – because we have learned to disagree, learn from each other, and continue a relationship. More important, you can too!

That’s my perspective, what’s yours? Leave us a comment or question below , and thanks for listening!

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