The Bard

I have written over 40 books, more than a thousand of these columns, and a number of screenplays.  Writing is both my passion and my profession.  If we want to improve at anything in this life, we must examine and model the people who are where we want to be. William Shakespeare would have to be on anyone’s short list of the greatest writers of all time.  He completed an amazing body of work throughout his life encompassing a number of styles and genres. 

 Shakespeare wrote, “We know who we are but not who we will be.”  Like any great quote, this gives us much to ponder.  In our social media-driven world today, we are subjected to everyone else’s image, and we are driven to create and promote our own image.  While social media is a great tool, it is a horrible master.  We are tempted to worry about everyone’s opinion of us when, in reality, the only opinion that really matters is the one we have of ourselves.  If we want to achieve any goals personally or professionally, the process begins with a candid and accurate assessment of who we are and where we are right now.  If you want to get out of debt, lose weight, or build wealth, the process begins by determining how much debt you have, how much you currently weigh, what is your net worth.

 If you go to one of the giant shopping malls around the world, you will find that there are maps strategically placed so you can locate the stores or restaurants you want to find.  All of the maps throughout the entire mall are identical with one exception.  There’s a small arrow with the critical phrase, “You are here.”  Unless we know where we are, we can’t begin to reach our objective in a shopping mall or in life.  Mr. Shakespeare said, “We know who we are but not who we will be.”  In reality, we may not have an accurate view of who we are, but it is important to realize we have more control than we may believe regarding who we will be.

 We always live up to the expectations we have of ourselves or those expectations that we allow other people to place upon us.  More than education, contacts, position, or training, our own expectations of who we can become in the future will determine our destiny.  All of us have dreams, goals, callings, and a vision of our higher self.  Too often we’ve become so busy making a living, that we forgot to create the life we were meant to live.  Among the greatest factors in human existence is the fact that we can change our lives by simply changing our minds.  Your past does not have to equal your future.

 Another of Mr. Shakespeare’s great quotes may say it best.  “To thine own self be true.”  If we will set aside what everyone else thinks of us and our own images based upon our past performance, we can strive for our higher calling and step into our destiny. 

 As you go through your day today, remember Shakespeare’s words and your vision of who you were created to be.  

Today’s the day!