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July 02, 2007
In my life....
Today is my birthday. I have spent some of the day thinking back over my life, which has accumulated a few years now.
I am astounded at the number of bad decisions I’ve made. This is not a confessional; no lurid details. Suffice it to say an accounting for all the dumb things I’ve done, even as an adult, would take more time that you possibly have.
For example, I have wasted a lot of money buying a Mercedes and a BMW. I hope not to make that particular mistake again.
It’s a cliche, but I’ve learned much more from my mistakes than from any successes I’ve had.
As I look in the rear-view mirror, I see some pain and disappointment. Compared to some people, though, I’ve had it pretty good.
I’ve learned that I have a good gut instinct, and that I ignore it at my peril.
I’ve learned that the worst hiring mistakes I’ve made came from over-hiring. That is, hiring someone who is over-qualified for a job. That person will be restless and discontent almost from the first day on the job.
I’ve learned that God gave me two ears and one mouth for a reason. If I can listen twice as much as I speak, there’s a small chance someone will think I’m smart.
I’ve learned — and this is a big surprise! — that some people don’t like me, know matter how much I want them to. So really, the lesson I’ve learned is that there’s nothing wrong with me. It’s just a bad chemical reaction when I interesect with certain people. I don’t have to keep up a vain attempt to get that person to like me.
As I’ve been able to make more money, I’ve learned that it doesn’t make more happiness. Nothing in my life that makes me happy is a result of the money I make. I’ve heard people say this, and I’ve thought, “Yeah, right.” But now I’ve lived it.
I’ve learned that not all Democrats are good (which I already knew), and not all Republicans are bad (although even Barbara Bush probably would concede that her son George W. gives new meaning to the word arrogance).
I’ve learned that some of the worst examples of humanity I’ve met are “religious.”
I’ve learned that the written word is a demanding mistress. I love to read but never seem to have enough time to get through the magazines and books on my bedside table. And the best part of any workday is the attempt to write with clarity and persuasion. Emphasis on attempt. That’s why, with luck and grace, I’ll live to see another year.
Posted Jul 2 2007 @ 06:27 PM