Big Aspirations and Difficult Goals

I read this morning an old note I recorded years ago ---" just because it is difficult, doesn't mean one shouldn't try."

Appalachian State found that out this weekend in the Big House. Long odds did not stop the belief that success was possible.

I strive to start each day with a focus on our mission of "Mobilize the caring power...." And our priorities of "Meeting Basic Needs", "Financial Stability" and "Educational Preparedness." These are big aspirations and difficult goals.

In my daily travels throughout the region, I often hear comments like --- "do you really think this region can change?" "Educational Preparedness --- good luck!" "In this environment, do you believe "financial stability" is possible?"

My answer is yes.

But I will tell you from a leadership standpoint, you had better believe it at your core --- otherwise the headwinds will wear you right out. The inertia of the current state does not embrace the work of the future state. Hence, one had better be prepared to make decisions not just for today, but for the long haul.

I often think about this region 50 years from now. 2057. What are the decision today that will play out then. I think about that because I face every day the consequences of decisions made 30, 40 and 50 years ago. Some of those are positive. Many are not.

If you believe your actions today influence success 10, 20, or 50 years from now, how does it change your daily decisions? In the world of quarterly returns and drive through service, leadership must seek a daily balance of looking between short vs long term benefit.

For example, do you work on a prevention strategy by focusing on children when they are below the age of five? Or do you focus on the young adults that struggle with academics or social development? The former gets you long term impact at a lower cost. The later, you get shorter term impact at higher cost. Both important --- but the decision on where to place energy and resource is a daily tension of leading social change.

Make your decisions count. Be aware of the intended and unintended consequences of today and in the future. And remember, just because it is difficult doesn't mean we shouldn't try.

Thanks for reading. Pass it on.