It Is What It Is

Greetings to all on this Monday, December 30, 2024, as we prepare to start a new year in a few days.

Today I thought it might be appropriate to ask you to look back and reflect on how things turned out for you in 2024.

Many of us have heard the phrase “It is what it is” either in conversation or when we accept what has happened.

I’m reminded that “It is what it is” when situations in my life appear that I have no control over.  I don’t know about you; however, I have learned in most cases to accept the fact that “It is what it is” and move on.

For those who will make your New Year’s resolutions; something I tend not to do, I challenge you to accept each situation as a lesson learned.

Those five words “It is what it is” are also a strong reminder of being able to keep my emotional intelligence in check.

50 tips for improving your emotional intelligence

“A key component of emotional intelligence, self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand your character, moods, and emotions and their effect on others. It includes a realistic self-assessment of what you’re capable of – your strengths and weaknesses – and knowing how others perceive you. It can help highlight areas for self-improvement, make you better at adapting, and can limit wrongful decisions.”

Each of us has various strengths and weaknesses; however, when you know what they are it is something we can learn from.

My strength comes from journaling my five things to be grateful for each as I can reflect on how my day went and the people who made a difference in my life.

As I prepared to write this week, I also thought about taking time to conduct my year in review and look at the tasks that I wanted to work on in 2024 and will adjust as well for 2025 on those things that require more of my attention.

In knowing my purpose in finding, following, and finishing it, I know what God has for me is for me.  I can only focus on myself and no one else.

I also am aware of the quote from the late legendary Tennessee Lady Vols Coach Pat Summit “It is what it is.  But it will be what you make it.”

As we honor this week the lessons on life, love, and politics from the longest-lived President of the United States Jimmy Carter who died yesterday, let us not forget that: “Failure is a reality; we all fail at times, and it’s painful when we do. But it’s better to fail while striving for something wonderful, challenging, adventurous, and uncertain than to say, ‘I don’t want to try because I may not succeed completely.'”

I don’t know about you; however, it seems that time flew by fast this holiday season.  The things that I thought I had planned in my mind to accomplish didn’t happen the way I wanted them to and I simply chalked it up as “It is what it is.”

What about you, did you accomplish everything you wanted to do during the holidays?

One of the best things I accomplished was getting my entire kitchen painted from the ceiling to the walls down to the baseboards the first week of December 2024.

I believe that by front-loading my most challenging task before the holidays I was able to rest and enjoy the solitude of my home.

Subconsciously, I’ve been a Covey Knight for many years, and I knew that rest is something we all need and when you have a mindset of “It is what it is” especially for me we all need time to rest.

It was a chapter out of Stephen R. Covey’s Book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” on Sharpen the Saw that caused me to think about “Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw.”

“Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw is about recognizing the importance of taking time regularly to take care of yourself physically, spiritually, socially/emotionally, and mentally. The late Dr. Stephen R. Covey explains the importance of regular renewal in all four of these areas, to create a fully satisfying life with intrinsic security.”

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Habit #7: Sharpen the Saw –

This holiday season, I took time out to “Sharpen the Saw” and reflect on life while understanding “It is what it is” in the process of living.

In essence, “Sharpen the Saw” is about balancing the four dimensions of body, heart, mind, and spirit.

As each of us prepares for the New Year and 2025, I challenge you to find your balance in “Sharpen the Saw” and learn to look at yourself objectively, while balancing the four dimensions of body, heart, mind, and spirit.

The principle of renewal that Stephen R. Covey talks about in the Four Human Dimensions can help us to achieve balance in our self-care means taking the necessary time to renew each of the four human dimensions.

Body: Exercising, eating well, getting enough sleep

Heart: Investing in our relationships

Mind: Growing our knowledge and skill

Spirit: Spending time on activities that align with our deepest values

“Renewal is the principle—and the process—that empowers us to move on an upward spiral of growth and change, of continuous improvement.”  — Stephen R. Covey.

Therefore, when you hear someone say “It is what it is” take a minute and ask yourself where you are in your life and where you need to go.

It’s my prayer that 2025 will be your best year yet to come!

Remember the quote from Abraham Lincoln “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/it-is-what-it-is/

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Climbing the Ladder of Success

What statements have you made today about how successful you are in life?

Better yet what steps are you taking each day towards success?

Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.”

With that said, every day you and I make conscious decisions about what we want or don’t want in life.

First and foremost, I trust that all had a great Easter Sunday or Resurrection Sunday depending on your faith.

As I finished up my Lenten Journey this past Saturday night, many things could have been better with proper planning; however overall, it was a successful 2025 Lenten journey/season for me.

These past forty-plus days I’ve learned to acknowledge even more that when you acknowledge it is not about you or me it’s about the people God has placed in our path to help us succeed; then you will understand that we need people to hold our ladders.

In every step of my success along the way, I’ve always thanked God for those opportunities and continue to thank him this very day.

This is why I say it’s not about me it’s about HIM.

When you know who’s you are, and who you are, it makes a difference.

“Of this gospel, I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.”  Ephesians 3:7 

We need people to hold ladders to help us from falling and failing. They are also a source of encouragement along the way in seeing things differently.

I’ve learned over the years there is always a sense of preparation in climbing any ladder.

Do I have the proper footwear, and have I selected the right ladder for the right job with the intended outcome once I have selected it?

In life, you and I have various ladders we climb and hold each day toward success.

Just like ladders, the rungs on the ladder are important.  We can choose to go higher and higher if we choose to move forward.

“Ladders are essential for many professions, from construction workers to firefighters to window cleaners. But have you ever stopped to think about what makes a ladder sturdy and reliable?”

What Is A Rung On A Ladder? (Significance of Ladder Rungs)

Most of you are probably not familiar with Sam Chand and all his books on ladders. I’ve read four of his books on ladders.  “Who moved your ladder; Who’s holding your ladder; What’s shaking your ladder; and Ladder shift.”

I’m currently in the process of my fifth Sam Chand book which is “Ladder Leaders: The Team, The Task, The Transition.”

I won’t get into all the dynamics of each of these four books; however, we need ladders to climb to success.

There are so many takeaways from Sam Chand that every time I see a ladder I think about his books.

I’m sure when I finish reading “Ladder Leaders: The Team, The Task, The Transition” I will be as enlightened as I have from all the other books and have never been disappointed when I read his books.

I must tell you that by reading two books every month I deem that a success.

In addition, writing five things down each day to be grateful is another success I learned from the book Limitless by Jim Kwik.

Metaphorically speaking I use ladders for not only climbing but also reaching higher heights.

https://symbolgenie.com/symbolism-of-ladders/

“Metaphorically, ladders represent the journey of self-improvement and personal growth. They symbolize the steps we take to reach our goals, whether they are career aspirations, personal achievements, or spiritual enlightenment. Each rung on the ladder represents a milestone or achievement along the path to success.”

I also had an epiphany while writing this blog as it relates to the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.  Particularly the seventh habit of sharpening the Saw.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw is about taking time for self-renewal. It makes all of the other Habits possible. When you sharpen the saw, you preserve and enhance the greatest asset you have – yourself.

Habit 7: Sharpen The Saw®

It’s that seventh habit when we make conscious decisions each day to do the things we love that can move us closer to our goals and our desires in life.

Last week I wrote about mastery, and I think about ladders, we must also know how to select the proper ladder for the job.

Asking a 12-year-old which ladder to select for example when painting a house is a different skill than those who do painting for a living.

Have you ever seen all the ladders that painters carry with them?

5 Best Painter’s Ladders (2025 Picks)

When you think about success what is it that you believe success is contingent upon-Risk, Luck, Fate?

I know that my success as a Cub Master for five years was contingent upon the leader’s various skills taught at Wood Badge.  Which in turn was my preparation early in the program to think strategically.

Wood Badge | Boy Scouts of America

Having served in the military for 30 years it was all the professional development courses required for each rank.  Ultimately, competition in the capstone course (United States Sergeants Major Academy) helped me be more effective and a better leader in assisting my commanders and field grade officers to accomplish their units’ missions as well as my own.

Sergeants Major Academy

Luckily it was the same when I became a Government employee and all the courses I took as well.  Namely the “Senior Leader Development Program a two-year program sending me to MIT, Harvard, and the Graduate School USA (Formerly the USDA  Graduate School, USDA) which all my certificates read before 2021.)

Government Training Courses and Online Programs | Graduate School USA

Not to mention my bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Electronics Systems Technologies and my master’s degree in education from Troy State.

Every ladder has had a purpose in my success over the years.  I know that there was always someone metaphorically, trying to move my ladder; holding my ladder; shaking my ladder; and shifting my ladder in various stages of the process.

This is why all of Sam Chand’s books resonate with me so well.

Because each course I took was a rung on the ladder and it was the people who became my sponsors or supporters that helped me be the person I am today.

I forgot to mention that during the two years, I was part of the e “Senior Leader Development Program, I was mentored by a Senior Executive Service (SES) who monitored my progress.  I also was required to submit trip reports on each training event.

It was there that I learned about all the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) that were incorporated into my training.

Senior Executive Service

Executive Core Qualifications

This was also part of my writing skills development for a different type of audience that was equivalent to a General Officer.

I am truly humbled by all the people who have held my ladder on my climb to success.

You should know that “The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity.”  Ayn Rand

I’m forever grateful for my education and all the experiences that I have learned along the way.

Today, I challenge you to take some time this week to reflect and think about all those opportunities you’ve had in life.  Think also about who’s been holding your ladder as you have climbed to success step by step learning lessons about yourself along the way.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/climbing-the-ladder-of-success/

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Masters

Every year around this time of year thousands of people descend on Augusta Georgia to attend the Masters Tournament.

The 2025 Masters Tournament is the first of four annual majors on the PGA Tour at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.

It’s all about being able to wear the iconic green jacket.

Today, I’m thinking about all the things that I have yet to master in my life.

I don’t need the iconic green jacket; however, self-improvement is always on top of my mind, what about you?

I do know having attended the Masters four times requires complete control of something whether it be your emotions, the pressures of the world, or your golf swing to name a few.

On one of those rare occasions while attending the Masters I was able to escort three Cub Scouts and have them right next to the Tee box when Tiger Woods was playing.

That was an experience I know I will always remember.  Although they were all in fifth grade at the time, it was by invitation only we were able to experience the Masters at that level.

Today, one of those Scouts is married and is an Eagle Scout who I spoke with last month at his aunt’s funeral.  The second Scout is my grandson who is working on his Masters degree.  The third Scout, whom I last saw during the Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony, I’m sure, is doing well, knowing that he was raised by his grandmother.

If I were to ask you, what are you in complete control of today, I’m sure the answers would vary.

Likewise, if I were to ask, what are those things you have yet to master the same results with varied responses?

MASTERY | English meaning – Cambridge Dictionary

I’m always amazed at the people who can speak five or more languages fluently or those called “Polyglot.”

What do you call a person who speaks 5 languages? – Geographic Pedia

Yes, If I have a choice to master something it would be speaking multiple languages correctly and fluently.

It’s a matter of being able to connect with different audiences and connect on their levels.

Too many times, I have witnessed that when we at least try and speak another person’s language it’s like another side of friendship that I can’t fully explain.

All I know is it works when you meet people where they are in life.

As one who has embraced the teachings of Scott H. Young, I’ve read several of his books including “Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career.” I know from experience self-mastery is available to us all.

Although I’m not able to do the things described in his books, it’s been an amazing journey over the last year learning various hacks to improve as an Ultra Learner.

Language Mentors #9: Scott H. Young (Ultralearner & Bestselling Author; Speaks 7 Languages)

Just like the golfers who can gain entrance to the Masters this past week, they must practice and experiment on how to get better.

Today there are plenty of “Number 1’s” to choose from in the world such as top universities, artists, golfers, podcasts, countries, cities, and the list goes on forever.

We hear the analogy about looking out for number one, yet sometimes we don’t think about improving in areas where we need course corrections.

Look Out For Number One Idiom – Meaning and Example Usage in Sentences – English Lessons

Understanding “look for number one” Idiom: Meaning, Origins & Usage – CrossIdiomas.com

One thing I have mastered is writing my five things down to be grateful each day as I recently celebrated five years of journaling this past weekend.

Can you believe the Pandemic was five years ago?

As something to think about this morning, the winner of the 2025 Masters yesterday was Rory McIlroy as he held on to win the 89th Masters Tournament in a one-hole playoff against Justin Rose, earning his fifth major championship and first since 2014.

Here’s a little research that I found if either Rory McIlroy or Justin Rose ever won at the Masters and their track record of 2nd place finishes after a Major Championship.

The bottom line neither of them had ever donned the green jacket until yesterday. Rory McIlroy has accomplished just about everything in the golf world except win a Masters.

Rory McIlroy Masters history: Best finishes, 2011 collapse, major wins and more

Justin Rose will have to wait another year to don the green jacket. His second-place result in 2025 is the third time in his career. He first came second in 2013, then did so again in 2017. The 2017 tournament was also the last time the Masters ended in a playoff for the winner, with Sergio Garcia triumphing.

Justin Rose Masters wins: Has the English golfer won a major? – NBC Chicago

It goes to show you that preparation and skill are part of winning the Masters after 14 years Rory McIlroy can now sleep well.

You can be Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1-ranked golfer in the world and not always win the Masters.

Scottie Scheffler’s Masters repeat chances come up short Sunday

I decided to write about the Masters having the opportunity to watch it at Augusta National, a place that is only open to the public for certain events.

Because the Augusta National Golf Club is a private golf club, it’s not open to the general public for play and the course is only open to members and their guests.

Of course, accessing Augusta National Golf Club during the Masters Tournament is only with the proper ticket or badge.  This is why when I took those three Scouts over 10 years ago, I still have fond memories of visiting the Masters.

“Mastery is not a function of genius or talent. It is a function of time and intense focus applied to a particular field of knowledge.”  — Robert Greene

This quote is tied to what happened over the last four days at the Augusta National with the world’s best competitor, competing for the opportunity to don the green jacket.

Today, I challenge you to take some time this week to reflect and think about what you have mastered and what’s next on the horizon for you.

In case you’re wondering if the grass as green at Augusta National Golf Club is as green as it is on TV the answer is a resounding Yes!

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/masters/

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Never Judge

Today, where is your mind going as you interact with various people you encounter?

I know that sometimes what I’m thinking doesn’t match up when I see the result later down the road.

A prime example was when I was in the post office this past week.

While standing in line I was observing and listening to the conversation of an elderly woman and the postal attendant as he was assisting her.

In describing this elderly woman, I have a vivid image while standing directly behind her in the process of listening. She was less than five feet tall, wearing jeans and sneakers, and very talkative.

There were two things that I learned in the process of that moment.

People may not always appear as they are and never judge.

We hear we should never judge a book by its cover.  I later learned that I was guilty as charged.

Although the elderly woman was bubbly and without a cane, her age and demeanor allowed my mind to judge her at that moment.

I know several people who are beyond the age of 80 and I had placed her in that category which I thought she might be based on the signals I was receiving.

First, I learned a lesson that people may not always appear as they are at first glance.  Although she could easily pass for someone living in a senior living, without talking to her I learned that her mind was still sharp as a tack.

I know you probably asking how I learned that without talking to her.

Second, I thought from her looks she was someone who had someone to drive her around or that she would soon not be driving at all.

In both situations, I was wrong again as I ended up without knowing until she turned off to exit a different road.

The elderly lady that I witnessed in the post office was a grown-up version of Janet Guthrie the American former racing driver and the first female to qualify and race in either the Indianapolis 500 or the Daytona 500, both of which she competed in during 1977.

Janet Guthrie – Wikipedia

Yes, the elderly lady was another version of the race car driver racing down the road while being a very good driver.  The speed limit on the road went from 25 to 35 to 40 miles per hour and this woman maintained each of those speed limits increasing at the proper times.  I never needed to pass her because as soon as it changed, she adjusted and adjusted her speed.

I mentioned earlier that she was sharp without talking to her because if I was a police officer behind her she obeyed every motor vehicle procedure.

She put her blinkers on properly, changed lanes properly going around other drivers, and was a great driver overall.

Maybe, this elderly lady had the mindset of not letting people tell you what to do, or when you get old people think you can’t do the things they can do.

She proved me wrong.

I would give her a perfect 100 points for how she drove that car.

“We judge ourselves by our intentions. And others by their actions.”  ~Stephen Covey

Don’t judge a book by its cover ’til you’ve read the book. We judge ourselves by our intentions. And others by their actions. Stephen R. Covey, Rebecca R. Merrill (2008). “The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything”, p.13, Simon and Schuster

“We are all books with varying covers and different colored pages who are written and rewritten every day.”  Beverly E. K. Mendez

Today, I challenge you to take some time this week to reflect and think about when the last time you were wrong about judging someone.

Maybe you should do like I did and read the Bible as it relates to judging others.

 John 7:24 KJV – Judge not according to the appearance, – Bible Gateway

“Judge not according to the appearance but judge righteous judgment.”

John 7:24 Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/never-judge/

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Weight Bearing

Many of us have probably heard the phrase, God will never give us more than we can handle.

When I thought about it, I wanted to know a little more based on all the recent events in my life.

The Meaning Of 1 Corinthians 10:13 (God Will Not Give You More Than You Can Handle)

I’m also sure that many of us have at some point in our lives or will experience limited use of our limbs such as our hands, hips, and feet.

Having experienced the feelings of various degrees of rope burns on both my hands as a Drill Sergeant I realized the importance of the use of my limbs.

Later undergoing a total hip replacement and having both feet operated on, I have continued to remain grateful for the use of my limbs and the ability to put weight on them.

Also knowing that we will also sometimes experience limited use of our thoughts because of the weight of other things clouding our ability to think clearly.

Finally, our emotions at some point will also have weight-bearing conditions as they trigger physiological responses and create different feelings.

Every day you and I have weight bearings in our lives that can affect our health or emotions.

Today, I’m thinking of two situations with people I know, and for you, it might be the same.

One in the hospital and the other who just lost another family member in less than two weeks.

In both of those situations, we must be able to handle the pressures of the world that weigh heavily on us.

Nowadays, as I reflect on the lady, I witnessed last week on her scooter shopping she was able to have her injured foot, rest on the scooter to get around without putting any weight on the operated foot.

Last Thursday as I was driving, I happened to notice a man carrying a large pipe on his shoulder as he was working fixing a drainage issue.

I quickly thought about the weight on his shoulders being more than 10 pounds.  I know that those with back problems carrying that weight or anything above ten pounds can have a bearing on their quality of life.

You and I have also heard that sometimes we must crawl before we can walk.

The ancient riddle of the Sphinx asks, “What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs in the evening?”

The answer is “humans, who crawl on four legs as babies, walk on two until, toward the end of life, we may require a cane.”

As I continue to age, I have learned that this is so true as I witness and see more people with canes to help provide necessary support and stability with their weight-bearing and reduce their risk of falls.

Today, I am also reminded that God will never give us more than we can handle when I received notification last Friday that my aunt had passed away from heart failure.

This morning, I’m reminded that we must make good use of our time while we are here on earth and that we are all living on borrowed time.

The weight of the world can be challenging at times yet there are tools in life that will help us to bear the weight.

As I made phone calls this weekend talking with family and friends about the recent unexpected death of my aunt it was reassuring to hear their calm voices.

I’ve also learned that you and I can’t take on the weight of the world and sometimes we must just put it in God’s hands.

Besides God never makes mistakes.

Romans 8:28 ESV – And we know that for those who love God – Bible Gateway

Today, although my heart is heavier than usual, I continue to process the unexpected loss of my aunt and realize that there are others in the same situation.

Last week I attended the funeral of a dear friend.  This week I await the date in preparation for another close to my heart.

Consider the pains which martyrs have endured, and think how even now many people are bearing afflictions beyond all measure greater than yours, and say, “Of a truth my trouble is comfort, my torments are but roses as compared to those whose life is a continual death, without solace, or aid or consolation, borne down with a weight of grief tenfold greater than mine.” — Saint Francis De Sales

Today, I challenge you to take some time this week to reflect and think about what weight is bearing on your life today knowing that we are all living on borrowed time.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/weight-bearing/

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