What Does It All Mean-Examples

Yesterday we saw how we get to define the meaning of things and how liberating it is to do so. Here are some examples to illustrate. The alternate meanings I have listed are not the “right” meanings; there’s no such animal as “right meaning” except the one that you choose for yourself.

What is the meaning of the European public debt situation?

• You can say, “It means that Europe is in for another rude awakening and the resulting drag on world economies will materially affect me, my income, and my family next year.”
• You can also say, “It means that people are getting much clearer about the way they want to organize and finance society. I can help others and myself benefit from this situation.”

What is meaningful in my career?

• You can say, “Not much. I flog products no one needs.”
• You can also say, “Everything. I get to use my talents, engage my interests, meet my own needs, and help others.”

What is the meaning of the challenge that showed up on our doorstep today?

• You can say, “More work. More stress. More things to go wrong. More proof that the people around me don’t get it.”
• You can also say, “It means nothing. This will pass.”
• You can also say, “This challenge is a gift. I will use this challenge to evolve the way we do business.”

Try it for yourself. What would you like to change the meaning of today? How will this new meaning help?

In your corner,

Mike