"Recognizing the walls that I'd once laid"

Image by wal_172619 from Pixabay

 Over my time on this planet, just like everyone, I have built walls for any number of reasons.

Some walls I built were to keep people out.

Other walls were for keeping others in.

Some walls were where I made a final stand using them as a battlement.

Walls to protect myself from others and yes, I even made walls to protect others from me. 

I have made tall walls, short ones, thick ones, and flimsy walls, too.

Whatever the reason, walls were created to allow me time to regroup, reorient, and re-apply myself.

Walls are necessary when it comes to being the one that puts himself (or herself) out there. 

Putting layers between what we perceive as the bad, what we see as negative, and what we believe will hurt us is just and expected for survival. Our own survival.

Others do it to us, so it should come as no surprise, to anyone, when we do it to them. 

Now, I am not advocating for the creation of a "fortress of solitude" (sounds nice, though...hmm, sounds really nice). I am advocating for when the need exists to act sooner rather than later. To some degree, act with impunity and make haste. Building the wall one brick at a time reveals your intent allowing others to weasel their way through the gaps, thus, allowing them time to take root inside the walls.

Of course, there will be push back against those walls but more than likely that push back is coming from those that are the reason for the wall being up in the first place. 

Remember, while you cannot stop the behavior of others, you can most certainly curtail (if not completely stop) what others do to you and if building walls is the way then so be it. 

Thank you,
David Guerra, MA, MBA
U.S. Army Veteran & Author

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • Instagram: dave_guerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Yesterday's Gone

Image by Theo Crazzolara from Pixabay

 The new year is now well underway and there is no looking back.
There is only keeping your eye on the prize, there is only looking forward.

Looking forward is only for making it happen. Doing what it takes now to achieve your goals.

Forget those "new year’s resolutions" and all that nonsense.

You have a wide-open calendar ahead and the past is yesterday and yesterday is gone.

I can never go back. You can never go back. None of us can ever go back.

That is because there is nothing to go back to. We cannot change the past but we can change the future.

You can change your course in life, you an increase the trajectory you were on to something bigger and better. 

So how do you change your future?

Folks, I am going to let you in on a secret that most people know but few would even admit:

You change your future by living the best today you can.

The present is where it is at. By living in the moment, making choices and decisions that align with where you want to be later (not now).

Right now, you are living your life. As you are living in the present there is no benefit with focusing on the past and the future is still not written. While you may be working towards building a better future, remember you still must get through today.

You must do this every day until you reach your goal or achieve your dream then you continue to do so for all the remaining days of your life.

Get to work on today to go forever forward because yesterday's gone

Happy New Year & Thank you,
David Guerra, MA, MBA
U.S. Army Veteran & Author

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • Instagram: dave_guerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

NEW YEAR'S DAY: I WILL BEGIN AGAIN

HAPPY NEW YEAR FELLOW PASSENGERS IN TIME.

Here we are cracking open the door to a new year. 

As I write this overdue post, the world is still reeling from the results of the raid into Venezuela. Whatever, you political views are, please keep them to yourself. I have seen and experience more in my life time that I can honestly say I have stood on the other side of the Berlin Wall. Stood toe-to-toe with my then adversaries (Soviets and East Germans), so please do not start with me on politics.

Where I was going with this post is to give kudos and praise to the Armed Forces of the United States in their ability to work so well together in executing this action with only minimal damage and injuries. This us what Desert One should have always been but when egos and bravado and playing things too close to the vest is what caused the debacle in that Iranian desert all those years ago. Yes, I am old enough to remember.

Things change, times change, people change. When things change it is called an upgrade or reboot. When times change they are called seasons or a new calendar. However, when people change it is usually not considered a good thing. 

When things change, it is inevitable to do so for success. When time changes it cannot be stopped. When people change from the outside others call it bad, from within we call it a necessity to survive. 

No matter what it is called one thing is certain: Things, Time, People, it is a new opportunity to begin again. 

While it is perfectly fine to begin again on New Year's Day. It is fresh and clean and new however, it does not last long. Sadly, by the middle of February that "new year, new me" BULLSHIT is a faded memory with only the stink lingering. 

Did you know there is nothing saying that New Year's Day is the ONLY time to begin or begin, again.

There is NO set time or date to begin. What there is YOU. 

You can start as often as you like. There is no need to wait for the turning of the calendar page. You just have to start...to begin...and keep on doing it until it sticks, no matter what it is you want to do or accomplish. 

I have the power within me. 

 That is why in 2026 I know I will begin again, and again, and again. Count on it.

What about you? Will you begin again for as long as it takes? I know YOU have the power within you to do so.

Thank you for your time,
David Guerra, MA, MBA
U.S. Army Veteran & Author

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • Instagram: dave_guerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Veterans Day 2025

To All Veterans.

It does not matter when you served or in what capacity you served. 

You service in keeping this GREAT NATION the BEST and GREATEST NATION ever in the history of our planet, says a lot about you.

You took a stand to do something that the other 99% of the citizens of the United States never did.
You stepped up to be part of something bigger than all of us put together.

You and I raised our right hand and took that Oath to Protect and Defend.

To us, that means so munch more, now that we are not on Active status because we were there, we paved the way for those that have come after our time. 

We set the standard and for that I know we are honored to have that distinction bestowed on us.  

I want to THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID WHILE IN UNIFORM.

David Guerra
U.S. Army Veteran (11 Bravo - Infantryman)

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • Instagram: dave_guerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Opportunity is the Future...

In world full of so much that happening, so much that others are doing,. so much that gets in our way, there is plenty of room to create the future.

 There is plenty of room for us to do more. There is plenty of ways through, over, under, and around the obstacles, we believe others put in our way.  What about the obstacles we put in our own way?

OPPORTUNITY. 

Opportunity is born provide you act. Opportunity is there for the taking provided you get up and out from under the covers and put your feet on the cold tile floor and feel the world for what it is and then act.

You get to decide where you want to go, what you want to do, where you want to do it, and when you want to do it. That's all fine and dandy, the thing is that you DO IT!

The future is unwritten. The future at your beck and call provided you do something about it. Provide you ACT!

So what are you doing? What are you doing today?  What are you doing when there are NO obstacles? What are you doing when there are no more obstacles in your way? What are you doing when people have cleared the road ahead for you? 

Please don't say you are needlessly throwing obstacles just to block your own way. If this is the case, such a pity you cannot find a way to just be. 

Thank you,
-David Guerra, MA, MBA
U.S. Army Veteran & Author

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • Instagram: dave_guerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

On My List - May 2025

What's on my list of accomplishments and pending items:

1. Read NAVIGATING AMBIGUITY by Andrea Small (Author), Kelly Schmutte (Author), Stanford d.school (Author). You can click here to get yourself a copy on AMAZON.com

2. Started Reading: HOW AM I DOING? by Dr. Corey Yeager. You can click here to get yourself a copy on AMAZON.com So far it is a very interesting book. 

3. Started Writing, to FINISH, the last three 3000 WORD LEADERSHIP LESSONS to finally complete the set with plans to make it one physical book instead of 10 separate ebooks. The compilation, I am anticipating for late Fall 2025.

4. Speaking of very late Fall 2025, I am also wrapping up my first ghost story. Not a horror but the kind of ghost story that used to be told back in the day and made famous in the song "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and the line "There'll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago."

5. Started two new podcasts. Yep, 2 more. So on top of the WALKING LEADER PODCAST, there is now the DAILY JOURNAL WRITING PODCAST exclusively for my Patreon subscribers. The other podcast is 73 IN THE RGV and it purely an information sharing podcast on the latest happenings, actions, and events regarding AMATEUR RADIO OPERATIONS in the Rio Grande Valley in Deep South Texas.  

WHAT IS YOUR LIST FOR MAY 2025? 

Thank you,

-David Guerra, MA, MBA
U.S. Army Veteran & Author

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • Instagram: dave_guerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2025: So What If The Words Ain't Rhyming?

 

Today, Wednesday, February 5, 2025, was a day of another first for me. Today, I participated in a rite of passage for all of us that have achieved a certain age. A medical procedure that while is considered invasive is does not feel like it. Well, after the procedure it felt like it was over before it started.

The preparation leading up to this life event, now that was something that felt was never going to end. Before anybody tells you drinking a gallon of laxative over the course of several hours is the most difficult part of a colonoscopy, they are right!

It was most certainly the most dreaded part of the process, I heard horror stories about the 1 Gallon of Liquid Hell and the "immediate" reactions. For the grossly curious, I started after I finished the gallon. 

So what does this have to with anything?

It has everything to do with everything, everywhere.  It has to do with the obvious: Everyone that can should have a colonoscopy. Consider it part of being proactive when it comes to your health.

It is also a good test of how your digestive system is working. Again, being proactive.

Again, so what does this have to with anything?

Take Care of Yourself and Be Proactive! 

Thanks,
-David Guerra, MA, MBA
U.S. Army Veteran & Author

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • Instagram: dave_guerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2025: Now What?

Here we are finishing the last weekend in January and what have we to show for it?

So far this has happened to all of us:
1. We started a new year.

2. A New President of the United States of America successfully transitioned into office.

3. Life went on as it did on December 31, 2024.

4. We are all a little older and hopefully a little wiser.

5. Change has come, gone, and tomorrow will bring more change just like it did on December 31, 2024.

On the precipice of February 2025 we now have to take a moment or two and ask ourselves "NOW WHAT?"

Personally, that is the question to ALWAYS be asked. Asked, no matter the situation, no matter the conversation, no matter the idea.

Professionally, NO WHAT should be standard for everything action, every plan, every strategic initiative, everything!

NOW WHAT?
You ask and answer it. You alone know what is next for you in your personal, professional, and private life. 

Ask "Now What?" to challenge yourself, to challenge others, and to challenge everything.

Of course, asking "Now What?" should always be a conversation starter and never the conclusion. Then again, when something ends ask, "Now What?"

It really helps to keep the conversation going (it should always be going).

Now what?

-David Guerra, MA, MBA
U.S. Army Veteran & Author

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • Instagram: dave_guerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2025: Change -The Politics of Dancing (and other such nonsense)

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

While my views and opinions on politics are mine and I try not to OVERTLY cram it down anyone's throat. This I try not to do because one; it is pointless to do so, two: I am write where others are wrong (then again, there are times when others are right and I am wrong).  

There are times when politics needs to be mentioned. This is one of those times.

Today, is Friday, January 17, 2025, and on the other side of the weekend, the world will change, our lives will change. On Monday, while it is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day it is also Inauguration Day here in the United States of America.

Everything changes. For good or bad, who knows as that is still unwritten. 

What is not unwritten is the following:

• Change is happening.

• Change will happen.

• You do not have to like change.

• Change is what you make of it. 

• Remember, "changes aren't permanent but change is" (RUSH, "Tom Sawyer")

 A few words of advice: 

1. The sooner you accept the fact that change cannot be stopped the sooner you can get on with accepting and dealing with any change that comes your way.

2. It falls solely on you to come to peace with the change that is happening around you. You cannot force or demand others to acquiesce. They are dealing with their own change(s). 

3. Stick around, a new set of changes are coming fast.

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

The Day After...

Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay

THE DAY AFTER...
Yesterday, we celebrated an event of epic & legendary proportions. The birth of Jesus Christ. A Savior to the masses, a Prophet to many, an enigma or curiosity to others. Many of us celebrated the day by continuing the traditions that have been set before us: Family, Food, Merriment, Cheer, Food, Joy, Laughter, and Love. Did I mention food?

Today, we continue to be in good spirit and good cheer because it is contagious. However, a harsh reality sets in when we move away from the 25th day of December and face the realities that are the other days of the year. 

Should they be harsh? No!
They should, however, not be as full of joy and merriment as the holiday season. It is Joy and Merriment that makes the holiday season special. The remaining days of the year are there to tell us that there is work that needs to be done. This does not have to be a time for back and forth and ONE-UPMANSHIP (the art or practice of outdoing or keeping one jump ahead of a friend or competitor).

There must be a balance between all things. There must be attempts made to make all things better. However, egos are finicky things to work with but if you want to be better and make life better then be prepared to fight the good fight and work with the egos, of others, all in an effort to make things better. However, should you come across someone that expects it to be "their way or the highway" there is only one appropriate response and you will know what the response will be when your gut tells you. Remember, our lives will get better when we, ALL OF US, want it and will do what it takes to make it happen.

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2024: A Reflection on CONTROL (part 1)

Image by (https://pixabay.com/users/rigby40-6395145/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6861887) Rigby40 from Pixabay

Hello, again.

It has been a while since my last blog post. I had to take a little down time as the holidays started to ramp up just to get my "headspace and timing" aligned, in line, make myself ready to see the end of the year arrive, and to execute on the start of the new year.

Can you believe 2025 is now just days away? Before it comes to an end I want to take this blog post and a couple more to reflect on some of my observations, actions, reactions, and behaviors that affected my life in 2024.

So let's begin, shall we?

The first reflection as the title says is about CONTROL.

Personal Control that borders on Intimidating Control/Abusive Behavior.

Early in 2024, I experienced someone was exerting on the individuals they are "supposed" to be leading/managing. They would be quick to snap at people, the individual would instigate confrontations in order to find themselves on top. To re-assure themselves they had control over others.

I get it. People are different. People react to the actions of others in a different way for any number of reasons.

Well, come to find out this individual was losing their last parent. This individual was watching a close relative slowly and, from what I have been able to put together, a painful end of life. Then it all made sense. The behavior became crystal clear. They found themselves in a situation they could not control. There was pain and suffering and there was nothing this individual could do about it. They had no control.

It made all the sense in the world why they lashed out, why they behaved the way they did. It was completely understandable. NOT EXCUSABLE.

True, Genuine Leaders know their limits. They know when they can no longer effectively lead others. Leaders, while human beings, must also know when it is time to step aside. It is when they either do not know themselves or refuse to accept that things are out of their control that they continue to lose control and ultimately lose the respect of those they are supposed to be leading. Again, it is not excusable.

If you ever find yourself in a situation that is putting you in a place of where you feel you no longer have control and before you abusively try to control others CHECK YOURSELF and if need be, step aside. You will most certainly thank yourself.

While that is one incident, late in 2024, another individual's lack of control and attempting to be abusive to others reared its ugly head, again. An older gentleman suddenly found himself in a health situation that all but took away his freedom. Sure he was alive, able to walk, talk, eat, and breathe. He, however, was tethered to a machine and did not know if he would ever be free of that machine. It was obvious in hearing his voice his frustration came out loud and clear. It was just a matter of time before he lashed out.

Then one day, it all came out. His sense of losing control of his life came pouring out of him. A river of obscenities, racial slurs, derogatory statements about genders, sexual preferences, and orientations. This guy was way out of line. At first, you felt a bit sorry for him and his situation, then by the end of my interactions with this person, I felt nothing but disdain, disgust, and sadness what his situation made him into and that deep down he was always that angry, hate-filled person.

In the case of the older man, while people may want to excuse his behavior and allow it to continue. LEADERS do NOT have that luxury. You will be held accountable for your actions, inaction, words, and behaviors. There are other people involved in the life you have chosen and if you cannot lead them, STEP ASIDE.

If nothing else, you can CONTROL that aspect of your life. Yes, it is that simple.

 Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2024: Celebrate The Small Victories

A war is one through a long, sustained, series of battles. It is winning all the battles that hastens winning a war. These battles, big or small, will always pale in comparison to the war. Nonetheless, the battles must be fought and won. There is no changing that fact.

Of course, there are different perceptions when it comes to battles, conflicts, and wars. However, there is no escaping the fact that battles, conflicts, and/or wars must be fought. There will always be some conflict. There will always be some level of discord. There is no escaping the YIN and the YANG. In order to have harmony there has to be dissonance. Without dissonance how will anyone know what harmony is? It is inevitable and no amount burying your head in the sand will deny that fact.

This fact is important to remember, that while we may not win them all, the next battle is just ahead. This is not a pessimistic way of thinking. This is a realistic way of living. Our days are full of challenges with good and bad outcomes. However, we cannot let the bad over take us and just as we should never be complacent when it comes to the good. For those that feel they are too good to fail, then let me be the first to burst your bubble, YOU will lose. You will lose more times than you will win. How do I know this? I know this because I know I have failed more than I have won.

Failing makes me appreciate the climb and the small victories. While I may never win the war, I know that I have more failures ahead of me. I also know that I have more victories, as well. But in the end, there is no coming back from the ultimate and final loss. So keep kidding yourself but when the end comes, no one will care how much you won and most certainly no one will care how much you lost. It is over and there is no winning from that loss. See, in the end we all lose.

That is why celebrating the small victories, NOW, is just as important as celebrating winning the war. Make that trip memorable by having an adventure along the way. Do not see the trip as a means to an end (the destination) but see it as part of the entire journey (there and back). The same applies with experiences, competitions, and the like. Win or Lose; Rejoice in the fact that you are alive to experience the experience. Remember, while it may be an inconvenience, a flat tire is the moment to change priorities, you pivot and make the best of an unpredicted/unprecedented situation. You turn that detour into another adventure.

Then the celebration that follows will be even better. Of course, the small victories are just an excuse to celebrate. Winning the battle is just an excuse to celebrate. Waking up and putting your feet on the ground is just an excuse to celebrate. Here is a little-known fact: small losses are an excuse to celebrate. Losing a battle, losing a war are also just excuses to celebrate.

What I am saying, is GO AHEAD and CELEBRATE!

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2024: Adopting a 'Can-Do' Attitude

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

It is all about your attitude. It is all about your CONSISTENT attitude! It is NOT about being occasional. It is not about being a part-tine DOER! It is ALL about having a CAN-DO attitude. 

What is a CAN-DO attitude?
A CAN-DO attitude is just as it sounds. It means you have adopted an attitude (and the beginning of a lifestyle) that you will do what it takes to get what you know you can do and get done. The attitude is the mindset you have, that you believe what needs to be done can and will be done, by you.

Who can have a CAN-DO attitude?
EVERYONE! However, it all BEGINS with YOU. Someone has to lead the way, so why not you? Someone has to be the one to say, “enough is enough!” Someone has to be the one to do something in any situation when others refuse to step up.
One thing to know: The CAN-DO attitude is contagious. By being someone with a CAN-DO attitude know that others will see you, see your success, and want to achieve the same level of success. However, know that having a CAN-DO attitude is NOT a FLEX, it is something that others will want. The CAN-DO attitude is something that everyone can have, all they need is knowing that it is allowed and encouraged. By watching you exhibit a CAN-DO attitude, others will step up and join you.

Why is it important to have a CAN-DO Attitude?
The importance of having a CAN-DO attitude cannot be stressed enough. You, as an individual, know things must get done. You know that in almost all cases things are not going to get done by themselves. Additionally, you know that others lack the initiative to get those things done, especially those that must be done. This is where you, not for the sake of others, step up to get that done. You know you can do it, then do it. You know that where others fail, you succeed. So, succeed. You will come to find that the successful feeling that comes from completing something becomes like an addiction especially when you create more success.

Why is being CONSISTENT important when it comes to having a CAN-DO attitude?
Having a CAN-DO attitude means you hold yourself accountable, all the time. Seriously, what is the point of holding yourself accountable part of the time? Holding yourself accountable all the time minimizes any guess work when it comes to pushing yourself to achieve your goals and/or completing your mission. Consistency breeds reliability. 

As a current or future leader, the number one thing that those that will follow you look for and that is your level of reliability. How reliable are you to be present? How reliable are you to deliver the bad news as well as the good news? The only way to be known as a reliable leader is to be someone that is constantly consistent in what they do, say, and expect.

How long does it take to make CONSISTENCY a habit?
Short answer: as long as it takes. Long answer: As long as it takes for you to not to have to consciously think about or remember to have a CAN-DO attitude. Some say 21 days of consistency creates a habit. I say it depends on the individual some may be less others may be longer.

Let’s wrap this up.
As a leader, current or future, it serves you and those you lead to adopt a CAN-DO attitude. Having the mindset to do what must be done, when it needs to be done gives you and your team a one up on those individuals and/or groups that are not yet where they need to be to be successful. Be the example for those that are getting there and not yet inspired to begin their journey to have a full-time CAN-DO Attitude. Yes, as a leader that is your responsibility. 

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2024: About Bad-Mouthing Leaders / Others

The title of this week’s blog post is “About Bad-Mouthing Leaders and/or Others” 

First off, DO NOT DO IT!

Second, if you are doing it or have done it in the past…JUST STOP!

Seriously, there is absolutely no need for that to happen.

So what if they are bad mouthing you?

Consider the following: Is anyone that is professional more apt to stoop down to the level of having no option than to bad-mouth others? NO!

A Professional remains a Professional 100% of the time. Professionals do not believe in a “time out” to bad-mouth someone who bad mouthed them.

If anyone that claims they are always “professional” decides it is correct and proper to cast their “professionalism” aside just to get back at someone then they were NEVER a professional to begin with.

CHANGE MY MIND.

These individuals are the “do as I say and not as I do” type. They will never actually be professionals. The kind of professional that people respect, admire, look up to. They will never be leaders. They will never be leaders because leaders find other ways to deal with those they have conflict.

What if you are caught in the path of bad-mouthing? What if you find yourself in the presence of someone bad-mouthing a peer, co-worker, colleague, a supervisor, a manager, a boss, a leader?
First off, let them rant. Unless, you are prepared to be the victim of their next tirade do not stop them. These individuals have done this once or twice and have gotten away with it. So, what’s the use of trying to stop them now?

When they are done, make it clear that everyone heard their outside voice and leave it at that. While this might not stop them from doing it again in front of witnesses, they should, at least, give it a second thought before they open their mouth, again. Remember this, if they say “I don’t care who hears me!” Keep in mind, if they had any guts they would bad-mouth their target to their face. Face-to-Face. However, most of those boisterous individuals are just all talk and no guts whatsoever. To spot a coward all you must do is just watch and listen. They always give themselves away.

Now…it’s your turn!

As an up-and-coming leader, it is your responsibility to control yourself, your emotions, your words, your reactions, and most of all, control your situation. In my recent and not so recent past I have been guilty of not maintaining control of myself, my words, my situations. That’s OK as learning to control yourself comes with time. It is part of learning and growing.
Things are not always black and white but they are there to teach us. They are there for us to learn from. We serve ourselves best when we learn from our mistakes and NOT repeat them. However, be prepared to make more mistakes. I know I have and I know I will.

Final Thoughts: Bad-mouthing others never solves anything. It does, however, help in showing your true colors, who you really are, to those that are caught in the shadow of your rude words and deeds.

Be Better by learning to stop before you start.

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Instagram: dave_guerra • Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2024: SEPARATING THE WHEAT FROM THE CHAFF

Let’s break out the old Webster Dictionary to start this one off as these vocabulary words will be on this week’s spelling test.

Wheat is defined as “a cereal grain that yields a fine white flour used chiefly in breads, baked goods (such as cakes and crackers), and pastas (such as macaroni or spaghetti), and is important in animal feeds.”

Chaff is defined as literally, the “seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain” and figuratively as “something comparatively worthless.” Now with those unpleasantries out of the way let us get on with it.

When it comes to being a leader, a self-leader, or the leader of others it is imperative that you become proficient in knowing what is the chaff and what is the wheat. What is important and what is worthless.
In relationship building there will come times that you will find yourself up against what is real and what is not. It serves you to learn the difference sooner rather than later. The sooner you can recognize what is valuable and what is completely worthless the sooner you and those you will, eventually, lead will be better off.

So how does one go about learning how to separate the wheat from the chaff? The process may sound simple but rest assured the process involves making mistakes and learning from those mistakes so as NOT to repeat the mistakes but to get to separating the VALUABLE from the WORTHLESS faster and easier.

TIME is both an ally and an enemy in this process. It is an enemy as it will take time to experience the good and bad. Time is an ally in that the sooner you learn, the less often getting exploited by your ignorance or naivety will occur. Do not worry, people will take advantage of your ignorance and innocence (well not all people, just the ones with their own hidden agenda). Also, be advised people will be quick to figure out that you are satisfied buying the chaff they will not bother to sell you the wheat.

Time is the enemy in that this will happen over and over again until you get it. Therefore, it behooves you to get on the fast track to getting the experience and learning from it. Remember, the adage: “Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.”

Do everything you can to not to fall into the latter part of that maxim. Do your work, get your feelings hurt, take the L, and whatever else it takes to get the experience. However, do not go actively looking for people to cheat you, rob you, steal from you or do bad things to you all for the sake of getting the experience. No. Never do that. Let it happen naturally. Let it happen organically without any kind of intentional coercion or subversion. You will learn more when it comes at you unexpectedly. Trust me on this one.

Besides, where is the fun when you know its coming? Right, it is no fun at all especially when you expect the wheat and none of the chaff.

With that being said, the time to find yourself getting better is now. There is no better time than the present so get to learning and start separating the wheat from the chaff.
 
As for what to do with all that chaff? Plain and simple, just throw it away along with yesterday’s garbage. Get rid of it and eventually you will find yourself encountering less and less chaff and more of that golden wheat.

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2024: CHAINS…ROPES…OH MY!

As we venture in our journey of life, there are somethings that happen that are meant to set us free, while others are there to anchor us to the world we live in.

Like a ship that is docked, it has ropes that keep it tied to the pier. That way it does not drift away in the night. When the ship is ready to set sail the lines are cast off and soon, it is on a path to places over the horizon on a course set by the ship’s captain. 

The anchor is attached to a chain and when the ship is ready to temporarily stop, it drops anchor. When it is time to move on, hoist the anchor, and soon back on course to places over the horizon.

Do you see a pattern there? If not, that’s ok. I am going to explain it anyway.

Ships are built to head to the high seas. Ships are built to withstand rough seas. Ships are built to not only move from point A to point B but are also built to stay afloat, to stay above water.

As a Self-Leader you are also built to keep moving. You are NOT built to stay docked at any port for too long. You are also not built to stay anchored anywhere for too long. What does that mean?
It means that you are built to continue to grow, to develop, to become better than you are now.
 

While all this might sound like something I have said over and over before, it is because I have said it over and over. I believe in what I say. I stand by what I say. I have this passion for people to step up and be the leaders they know they can be and are. I stick to my passion because the message I share is that important. 

Over the decades I have been on this planet, I have witnessed good and bad. Good things, Bad Things. Good People and Bad People. Though it would be easy to say that I have seen just about all there is to see when it comes to Good and Bad. I promise you I have only seen the tip of the iceberg. Of what I have witnessed, rest assured it still surprises me to the levels of Good and Bad people can and do go to.
That’s ok, I know that as a human being I am capable of going to those extremes. I opt out of that. No one is, no matter how much they try to kid themselves, no one is perfect. I am not perfect.

Sure, people can claim they live a pious life but are they really? A pious person would never verbally proclaim their piety for a truly pious person lets their actions and behaviors do all the talking for them.
On the other hand, there are individuals that revel in their unabashed devious behavior. The boasting and bragging of their deceit are certainly not something to be proud of or to be used as a tool to make others fear them. The pious and the deceitful have one thing in common.

They have their chains and ropes tying them down. Tying them down to live the braggadocios life they have chosen to use as a facade to mask their inability to cast off their lines and hoist their anchor to live a life they can freely choose to live. While some may argue that the pious or the deceitful are living the life they choose but at what cost? This argument can quickly become a circular argument thus, I offer 

this advice or words of warning:
As we venture in our journey of life, while there is no set time to cast off the ropes and hoist your anchor. You will know when the time comes. Only you will know when the time comes to set yourself free, especially when there are others trying to anchor you down or keep you tied to the dock in the name of keeping you safe. The world is not a safe harbor. The world we live in has rough seas as well as smooth swells all of which you are more than capable of handling.

Get to work! 

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2024 - DAILY JOURNALING (REVISITED)

 It is now the middle of September 2024. In a few days FALL will officially begin and you know what that means! That’s right, the start of the 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON will be well underway. Pay no mind that our local Wal-Mart Supercenter already has their Christmas section in full effect. Sadly, almost as quickly as it starts, the holiday season is over. POOF! In an instant we sit with a new year ahead of us.

Another year with an empty calendar of 365 days and loaded with promises of better days. However, as reality starts to set in we recognize that there will be good times along with the bad. It is just life. That is why we must make the best of the time we have for life is very brief..

To make the best of the time we have, it is good to track our journey across the days, months, and years. It is good to look back at what life was like last year, three years ago, and even further back, if possible. However, we should journal to reflect and share emotions, actions, and events but we must not journal to linger on the past.

So, if you have not started journaling monthly, weekly, or ultimately daily, why not start now? I have been journaling through most of my adult life. I do wish I had caught the habit much sooner. In my youth I did log things but nothing formal or recurring or habitual. Nothing to the level or caliber I am doing now. That is OK as I have NO REGRETS.

Remember, no matter how hard we try, we cannot change the past. But we can change our future. Using the tools of the past we can build a better future. Not just for ourselves but for our legacy. Imagine the following situation:

Today, you have a sudden health scare. Nothing major but if left unchecked it can turn into something very debilitating. You look back on recent journal entries and you begin to spot a trend that led to the situation you find yourself in. Soon you take that information to your practitioner and your health is soon back on the right track. Now, fast forward two to three generations down the road, someone is reading your journal (someone will) and they soon discover they are on track to encounter the same health scare you once found yourself in. There is no guarantee it is the same thing that you had but, hey, genetics are funny that way.

Crisis Averted? Maybe! At least, what you journal today can help open someone’s eyes later or at best, save a life.

Again, just something to think about. There are countless possibilities and future uses for your journaling now. Who knows someone might just make a movie about your life. It has happened before. 

The thing is to get started. So, get started now. Seriously, what is stopping you? Nothing! Absolutely, nothing is stopping you.

There is no need for a dedicated journal, it helps though. Heck, even one of those black and white composition books will do as does some 3x5 index cards. Just do not forget to date your entries.

As for the writing utensil, our great-grandparents had pencils, you can use a pencil. Remember, a BIC blue ink pen works just as well as a Waldmann Fountain Pen - Private Eye of Baker Street (Limited Edition) (MSRP $21,200.00USD).

Leaving your mark on a piece of paper is all that matters.

 Thank you for your time,
David Guerra 

P.S. Check out the link to the Waldmann Fountain Pen (it will take you to the Goulet Pens dot com website).

P.P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2024: The Higher, The Fewer – part XXVII

For those that have been following my blog, you may remember the Bell Curve and the Chart that talks about finding yourself in a place better than most of the population. Well, let me take a moment or two of your time to help refresh your memory or to introduce you to what I called “The Higher, The Fewer.”

This comes from an episode of an old television show called Star Trek: The Next Generation. In an episode, there is a reference to obligations and what must be done (whether we like it or not) and what can be done (whether we like it or not). There is a line that at the time made no sense but over time and re-runs it started to make sense. That line was just four words: THE HIGHER, THE FEWER.

To take this literally, it means that while on the ground the place is crowded and as one changes elevation there are less things to get in the way. Picture the road at rush hour, crowded and packed and almost at a standstill. Now look up, in the sky. Not so crowded, is it?
Now look at it this way. You are starting out in life. You get a front line position, you are among many. I know this to be true. I was an Infantryman for the US Army. There were so many of us. Then again, as history has shown us time after time, there is always plenty of cannon fodder. However, all of us had a rank. The Army is funny that way. The rank helps keep things organized and it creates levels of operation, responsibility and a blame buffer between the top ranked individuals and the fodder down below.

While an Infantry platoon may consist of approximately 30 men, there are 4 squads, each with their own leader; Squad Leader. Then there is a Platoon Sergeant and a Platoon Leader. Moving up the ranks there is a Company First Sergeant and Company Commander. Moving up again, there is now the Sergeant Major and the one Battalion Commander. Up even further is the one Brigade Commander, one Division Commander, one Corps Commander and so on, all the way up to the one Commander in Chief. How’s that for a very brief overview the command structure of the US Army?

So, what does this have to do with THE HIGHER, THE FEWER?

As you move up the ranks there are fewer and fewer among you. Look at it like a triangle/pyramid. There is a wide base but as you climb up the available area becomes smaller and smaller. Eventually, when you get to the top there is only room for one. There can be only one.

The same principle applies in life, especially when it comes to those you surround yourself with. When we are young, everyone is your friend. You want to be liked. You want to be popular. Then as you get older and away from school you soon discover that it gets harder and harder to make friends, to be popular; why? Because now as you are older, no longer is charisma and good looks enough. Now it is all about what you bring to the table. What are your merits? Even then it might not be enough to bring into that “kaffeeklatsch” or get invited to the discussion round table or what not.

As you move up the line, you become more selective about who you hang around with. Others are doing the same. Now, you pick your battles wisely. You make decisions after careful deliberation and consideration. No longer is being carefree (and careless) enough. As you have grown, learned, and become more selective you realize the higher you have gone, there are fewer people like you are around you. There are even fewer that you find yourself wanting to be around. That is just human nature. Remember, it is not about being elite or being perceived as an elitist but more about self-preservation as those that call you an elitist are the same ones that bring nothing to a relationship with you. They just have not grown up. You on the other hand keep being you and the rest will take care of itself.

Remember, as Alexander Rozhenko said in Season 5, Episode 20 of Star Trek: The Next Generation, “The Higher, The Fewer.”

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2024: What Is Your Message?

In a world overflowing with information, where is your message? 

Among all the noise, static, and attention seeking where is your message?

Do not forget to throw opinions into the mix...there lots and lots of opinions out there and where is your message?

Is your message being heard? Is your message being understood?

You have a message and that message must get through.

Folks, getting your message through is a struggle. Then to get your message understood is an uphill climb.

 If I may impart one tip on getting your message through and understood it is this: YOU MUST FIRST KNOW WHAT YOUR MESSAGE IS, THEN YOU CAN PROPERLY CONVEY IT TO OTHERS.

Yes, it does fall on YOU to know your message. Know your message from stem to stern. No exceptions and most importantly, NO SHORTCUTS!

To get to know your message you must first get to know yourself. 

It does not matter what your message is, what matters is you knowing that your message is an extension of who you are and what you stand for. FAILING THAT AND YOUR MESSAGE WILL GET LOST.

Again, it does not matter who you are or who you think you are, if you and your message do not align then you have NO MESSAGE. 

There is no HACK, no TRICK, no TIP, all there is, taking the time to get know yourself and your message will be realized. Do not rush it. Do not try to speed through the process to get your message. I guarantee you that if you go speeding through your message it will be nothing but a jumbled mess. 

It will join its rightful place among all the other jumbled, mixed up noise out in the ether. 

At that point, you have to ask yourself, why bother? 

Why bother, indeed? If no one is hearing let along understanding your message, then it is high time to make a change. CHANGE your message so that it can be easily understood. Then CHANGE the way you are delivering your message. 

Now you might not get it right the first time. Keep working at it. Keep Trying.

At the end of the day, there is only one question to ask and the answer will determine whether your message can be found (or not): What's Your Message?

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

2024: Who is Listening and Who is Paying Attention (Part I)

I  recently found myself at a Medical Specialist office on what I thought was going to be a brief visit on Saturday Morning. Now I know, as to why General Practitioners or Family Medicine Offices have very little business on the weekends, it is the Specialists that have quite a large following on Saturday mornings. Who knew?

Seriously, there were people of all ages. Yes, even infants. I hope by now you can ascertain this specialist deals with issues of one of the senses. Without going any further I will stop right there. You know privacy and the nosy nellies and things like that. But back to the story, my story.

There are three waiting areas. The first one is where people check in and wait to be called. The next area is post-triage/vitals and waiting to be seen by the Doc. The third is a waiting area for letting things happen or recovery after injections or medication, just to make sure there are no adverse side effects. So that sets the stage. 

If you have ever been to any Waiting Room, in this case Waiting Room #1, there is an eerie silence that everyone shares. Sure there are whispers and murmurs but nothing else fills the air. That is until those that work there begin to speak. However, that is for part 2. Finally, your name is called and off you go.

After your vitals are taken and if any prep needs to be done, it is now that it happens. Soon you are whisked away to Waiting Room #2. 

You enter another quiet room or so it seems. In this room, you will find a handful of those waiting to be seen. Before long, someone speaks. You try not to listen but when they are the only one talking it is quite the challenge to block the woman's voice. 

Within seconds everyone in Waiting Room #2 knows what is ailing that individual. Followed by a full treatment history and what she expects the Clinician to do because her "friend had the same malady". Folks, days like that day are not the days to forget to bring your AirPods. I never knew who the lady was talking to but I suspect, no one was talking to her but more like listening to the words.

As for who was paying attention, as I looked around the room I could tell who was really invested and actively listening to the one side of a one-sided conversation. They were the ones who had a deer in the headlights look on their face. These were the faces of people that suddenly found themselves in a situation they were not expecting. The people are already anxious and for all they know face an uncertain future. 

Adding salt to the open wound that is their new, sudden, and unanticipated state of affairs was this lady and her issues. I understand that everyone handles stress differently, however, some common sense and decorum please. Throwing gasoline on a fire is never a good idea and neither is creating more stress and anxiety for others is also NEVER A GOOD IDEA.

Medical Office Managers get out from behind your desk and walk the halls and visit the waiting room(s) and YES the patients are your responsibility. They are part of the office, without the patients you would not have a job. Yes, it is that simple. So get out there and run interference. Pull aside those that like to over-share, those that like to diagnose others, and those that like to stir the pot for the sake of stirring the pot. Remember, your job is to keep the organization moving along. 

Medical Office Staff: Keep an eye and ear on those individuals in the waiting rooms. It is your job to take care of those patients from the moment they walk into the building to the moment they leave. Remember, you are the professional you were hired to be. So be it.

Patients find themselves not liking the environment, they will find some place else to go. I know this to be true as I fired my last General Practitioner and the one I have now absolutely ROCKS!

Patients: Have a little tact, some empathy, and most of all, just keep your mouth shut. I bet you do not like it when others get all up in your business. Guess what?  Others do not like it when you do it! So don't do it.

A Little Disclosure: I was one of the first timers that suddenly found myself there. That's how I knew what the look on their faces was as I had it as well.

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble