Iron sharpens Iron. A quote meaning that as iron sharpens iron, so does one person sharpen another.

October 16, 2019

All, businessdevelopment, Entrepreneurship, Leadership

Iron sharpens Iron. A quote meaning that as iron sharpens iron, so does one person sharpen another.

Be the Leader, Referral Partner, and Mentor that You've Always Wanted
Write your Own Story

OCT 16, 2019 by MARTIN CODY

With each new day we’re afforded the opportunity to write our story. We may lack the literary skills and prose mastery of Keats, Fitzgerald, Twain or Hemmingway, but we have the privilege of authoring nearly to the minute the story of each day. I’m a fervent believer this is a privilege we should not take lightly. Here are three things we can all do every day to make certain we’re authoring our stories and not someone else.

1. 七転び八起き That is the Japanese symbol for the proverb, fall down seven times, get up eight. Folks, building a successful business which becomes the de-facto standard of excellence in your region for the services you provide is difficult. EXTREMELY difficult. You will encounter setbacks (notice I didn’t say failure), rejection, missed opportunities, make multiple mistakes yourself and experience significant disappointment. Fall down seven, get up eight. No matter the difficulty, get up. Persist, persevere, build your resilience, move on. Don’t sulk when these things happen. And resist the urge to wallow in self-pity or seek refuge in two pints of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey. Practice this mantra: I don’t lose, I learn. You get to control your reaction to everything that happens to and for you. Learn from these activities and events so you improve. Fall down seven, get up eight.

2. Iron sharpens Iron. This is actually a quote from Proverbs 27:17 meaning that as iron sharpens iron, so does one person sharpen another. And for this to manifest you must read. I cannot stress this enough. Some of the greatest thinkers and minds of the last thousand years are of course deceased; however, this doesn’t preclude you from exposing your mind to their teachings. If you want to influence your thinking and how/what/why you think the way you do, study the greats both living and deceased. Invest time to reading. Every. Single. Day. Every single individual the world over who has amassed or been defined as a “success”, is or was a reader. If you’d like a suggested reading list, email me and I’ll send one out.

3. Write your own eulogy. On first pass this seems rather a macabre suggestion but hear me out. I don’t actually wish you to sit down and write your own eulogy, but metaphorically act, study, behave, be grateful and be humble from an authentic source as if each day you are writing your own eulogy. What do you want them to say about you? What highlights do you wish they make certain are mentioned? Great business owner? Incredible father. Amazing mom. Tireless contributor. Wonderful provider for her family and community. Are you living authentically from that position in your everyday life? Make no mistake, this whole life thing isn’t easy. However, if we form the habit(s) of committing to self-improvement each week, authentically react to challenges in a healthy, constructive manner and strive to live as an example to our children, peers, colleagues and staff’s, I promise you the life thing is easier and substantially more fulfilling.

Go out and write your story with the best possible you. Take action, improve 1% per week in three key areas and become a success beacon! Be the person people think of when they think of success. Start. Right. Now.