December 27, 2003
FOUR FOR FRIDAY (ONE DAY LATE)
Q: What's worse... having expectations that are too high, or having no expectations at all?
MBís A: In my world, having too many expectations has always been the death of me. I try (emphasis on the word ëtryí) to follow the path of possibilities, not expectations. When I allow expectations to rule the day, and something gets in the way (either in or out of my control), thereís often disappointment on the other side. But if I allow myself the freedom to think in terms of ëpossibilitiesí, and something gets in the way, thereís always more hope and possibility on the other side. This has proven particularly useful in business, but admittedly is nearly impossible to control or affect where matters of the heart are concerned. Nonetheless, life has been a lot simpler since I adopted the practice of choosing possibilities over expectations.
Q: What was your favorite Holiday / Christmas gift (from either this year or of all time)?
MBís A: This is going to sound just awful, but I honestly canít recall which has necessarily been the 'best' per se. All of the gifts I've received have been great, but to single one out over another is really difficult. MomÖ you have a better memory for these sorts of things than do I. Was it Blip, ColecoVision, or that very first rendition of the Sony Walkman? Maybe it was something else entirely? Actually, now that I think about it some more, I was particularly grateful and happy with that trip to Paris I received my junior year in high school, and I'm sure there's more.
Q: Have you made any New Year's Resolutions? If not, is it because you don't believe in such things? If so, care to share any?
MBís A: Like so many people I know, I believe that the turn of the year is a great time to turn a leaf, but it's not the only time. The first of the year doesn't signify the only time that I start to do something that I hadn't done before. Nonetheless, my resolutions for 2004 and beyond include: 1. Learn to play the piano; 2. Maintain the 40-50 pound weight loss that I achieved in 2003; 3. Be a better friend and colleague by being a better person; 4. Work smarter, not longer; 5. Be with family, not just spiritually but physically, as well; 6. Work to not wear my heart on my sleeve as much as I normally do (which is to say, not let so many of my emotions reveal themselves in my face and posture); 7. Continue to volunteer in the community and beyond at least three times per month; 8. Don't be so hard on myself; 9. Make wiser decisions where my personal and institutional finances are concerned, and continue to pay down institutional debt related to my business affairs; and, 10. Before the end of the first quarter of 2004, create and start to put into action a 5-year plan that addreses both personal and professional goals.
Q: Have you ever slept with all of your clothes on? If so, what were the circumstances?
MBís A: As an adult (post-18) I donít think that I have, but then again my Mom may know something that I donít!
Posted by Mikal at December 27, 2003 9:58 AM
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1. I regularly set personal expectations high, and that can be unfulfilling on occaision. But, it drives me and that's a good thing. I can't imagine where I'd be if I didn't have certain expectations.
2. I have NO idea. I've been fortunate enough to have some incredibly thoughtful gifts from several very thoughtful people. So...I guess the continued interaction with fabulous people is a renewing, and better, gift each year that I beat the odds.
3. No, I haven't made any yet. I normally don't. I think that they are kinda silly. I might get around to making a resolution. We'll see.
4. Dude, all the time. Sometimes, I fall asleep with my shoes one. Typically, the fully dressed thing happens when I have a few drinks and start watching a movie with friends. Next thing I know, I'm being licked on the face by a canine and I'm late for work.
