Never take anything for granted. Never become complacent. Never dare to presume that what you bring to your day today is what you will bring to your day tomorrow. Never assume that what is working right now will work tomorrow. Never think that what you sell today is what customers will demand tomorrow. Never assume the foundation you put in place yesterday will survive the challenging forces of tomorrow.
These are some of the most powerful reminders you can carry with you as you go through your career and life. Complacency is a dangerous drug, a destroyer of much success.
I was reminded of all this yesterday as I struggled to put my thoughts into words today to mark the American July 4th holiday. Here in Canada, my home country, we are back to work having celebrated our 156th year of unique success on July 1. Given that it was a Saturday, I didn't have a post, so I'll share this older one.
Our nation is seeing much of the same challenge and risk as the global forces of authoritarianism and vile politics invade our psyche. And yet, we seem to be doing ok - so far. South of the border, things seem far more challenging. With that in mind, for my friends and business associates in the US, my best wishes on this July 4th, a holiday in which you celebrate your success in establishing a bedrock of freedom.
As the writer Dave Pell stated on Mastodon yesterday, things can often change.
In the past, July 4th has been about celebrating democracy.
Lately, it’s about fighting to maintain it.
(The original version of today's quote took a different slant, featuring my grumpy self.)
My wish - and that of many throughout the world - is that the next few years will see the greatest inspiration for freedom and democracy survive the tumultuous times in which it finds itself today.
Because freedom itself is a mindset that is easily lost without careful nurturing and care.
Futurist Jim Carroll works hard to never let complacency creep into his soul.
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