March 2008 - Posts

• money, power and fear

  What drives us to spend so much time for so many of us to pursue money and power? It seems to me that it's not completely sane to develop a persona that is defined by how much we own and how much power we can wield. I wonder if it is fear that initially drives us to this relentless and addictive pursuit? To be successful these days in business most people think you must have a strong competitive drive to exert power over others. This drive from what I have experienced is usually derived from some abnormal circumstance in childhood where security at some point is threatened. This is just my personal observation. Although my drive is strong, it's not to the point where I don't recognize the sacrifices I am making or inequities in the employer, employee relationship. At this stage of my life I am more driven to protect the environment we have created at our work place. I remember what it's like to work in a difficult environment and I don't want to go back, EVER. I am often in awe of friends of mine that are so ultra focused to the point of obsession. There is a book that really gave me hope that I might find success in balance, "From Good to Great". in the book they diagnose the successes of various companies and the qualities in their leadership. It seems that the most long terms successes were created by leaders that created healthy and passionate work environments. I hope this is true because it gives me hope that I don't need to sacrifice my entire life for business. My once best friend seems wrapped in his pursuit of ego to such a degree that it will likely lead directly to his undoing. It makes me wonder what mistakes I might be making and am completely unaware of. Posted Mar 31 2008, 04:46 PM by kurt with 2 comment(s)

• Let's get this Party started

  OK, it's taken me a long time to start this Blog. I have given many people advice in starting their blogs. I usually say to them; "everyone has something interesting to say" or "share your life and people will connect with you and appreciate your sharing". Although I do agree with myself here;) it's harder to do in reality. You put yourself out in the world and that means you leave yourself vulnerable to criticism and rejection. Maybe your wrong and someone will publicly correct you:P What then? So ego gets in the way. It usually does. It's stopped me from trying many new things that I really wanted to try. It's kept me from reaching out to people and stopped me from being completely honest. So here I am imperfect and ready to begin.   My first comment is about saltwater aquariums. I have one in my office and it's funny how complicated my thoughts are surrounding this fish tank and it's inhabitants. Whenever I look at them I think about how beautiful they are and wonder if they are happy and then the thoughts come. How smart are they and what is their experience of life like in there? I wonder if I am limiting their experience and what their life would be life if I had never set this tank up. How much better life would they have led if I didn't bring them here? Also, it's a big expense and what does that say about me? I wonder if I could make their experience better. Then again I am taken in by their complexity. They remind me of a symphony in their behaviors all taking place in a perfect visual harmony. Maybe I shouldn't have this tank and maybe they should be in the ocean and if I want to see them I should go out and experience them in their world. Why can't I just enjoy them and relax and appreciate how wonderful and amazing they are? For me this fish tank is a microcosm of my experience of life. I called this blog "The Rant" for a reason. That's how I take in the world. To me I experience life as ideas, concepts and perceptions coming in from many directions all at once. I exist at their intersection changing constantly never knowing my own true form. Yet these thoughts are being created and they are my creation. Posted Mar 28 2008, 05:58 PM by kurt with 3 comment(s) Filed under: thoughts, starting a blog, aquarium, fish