Unfortunately much of work is immensely dysfunctional and does not reward this type of behaviour. Indeed it tends to reward those who can dissemble the most. Fortunately, I have a job that I love most of the time. Moreover, I have long since accepted that I would rather be myself or something close to it than pretend to be someone else in order to achieve global domination.
With this in mind, I thought I would further blur the boudaries between life and work (remember that Freud said, "Love and work") by reflecting on the biggest thing to happen in my life for some time.
Last week my wife died after 11 years fighting cancer.
I am not looking for sympathy, I already have more than enough. This is a learning blog. But this is, I think, a good time to reflect on what I have learned from Jelena in the 13 years that I was lucky to have known her.
- Persistance tends to trump talent.
- The English have got their attitudes to friendship completely arse about face - we are nicest to strangers and rudest to our closest friends. As a result we often doubt that we are loved and therefore lack sufficient confidence to take risks in life.
- Whatever you do, take some risks. They don't have to be big ones but if you don't take any, you won't learn anything new.
- Passion is a good thing. I remember Jelena jumping up and down with glee and clapping the first time she provoked me to red faced rage. That was the point where she believed there was hope for me.
- Anger is not a bad thing. Particularly if you recognise it and deal with it.
- Curiosity is perhaps the most underrated virtue in the world. People who ask questions, learn things and are remembered by those of whom they ask.
- Cultivate those who love you. Ignore those who don't. Otherwise you'll waste your time on people who are not going to help you much.
- Don't accept being taken for granted. Challenge if you think you have been short changed.
- Make sure that those you love know you love them. It is the best chance you can give them in life.
In memory of Jelena, my biggest fan.
5 comments:
My thoughts are with you and your daughter.
My words would never be enough, so I won't even try.
Remember to take care of yourself.
A fellow fan.
Excellent advice, Hugh, and thank you ever so much for sharing during a most difficult time.
From the Head of a Training Company, Wife and Mother of a 3 year old.
We all need Mentors & Coaches at times in our lives not just at work but in life. Thanks to you and Jelena for giving, teaching and inspiring at this difficult time.
R
Thank you for sharing Jelena's leesons, it was a pure accident that surfing the net tonight I thought about Jelena, typed her name in Yandex search field and found your blog with this post. Do think about you, guys.
Katia from Russia
Hello Hugh,
I so agree with you on looking after friendships, sharing love with those you cherish and value. I have a 17 year old son confused about his direction and lacking confidence in his ability. it is hard work continually reinforcing the importance of taking risks to overcome his attitude of if I don't try I won't fail! As a trainer and motivational speaker myself - why is it always hardest to encourage your own flesh and blood?
I have been enjoying scanning your blogs and wish you and your daughter well for the future
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