SHARE YOUR BLOCKS

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I’m not an expert in human behavior but my life experiences have shown me that those who own the good, bad, and ugly outcomes of their life tend to be happier. I believe humility is the best soil for authenticity to grown in. Men and women that own their mistakes and celebrate their victories are nice to be around. They laugh at themselves; they work hard and at the end of the day they sleep well at night.

Pretending to be mistake-free is painfully obvious to the onlooker. Pretenders are those that when challenged blame others. Ownership requires courage and self-belief that the failures are necessary for where you are headed.  Pretending is the equivalent of working out and not being sore the next day. Aches and pains are part of the reward for pushing yourself. It hurts a little, but it also indicates that muscles are expanding, and bones are hardening.

As your Chief Encouragement Officer, I encourage you to start conversations with failures rather than successes. Sharing your building blocks with others is why we are here.

Own it,

Matt Davenport

C.E.O.

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SNOWFLAKES AND FINGERPRINTS

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Today is one of a kind. There will never be another day quite like today. Much like snowflakes and fingerprints you are unique. Before you get your day started, step back and consider that you are exceptional and that you are about to embark on a moment of time that has never been and will never be repeated.

Looking at life as a one-time uniquely curated opportunity will change your work, your preparation, and your relationships.

Enjoy,

Matt Davenport

C.E.O.

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ASK THE RIGHT QUESTION

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Many of us have heard someone utter the statement- there is no such thing as a dumb question. We typically hear this right after someone asks a dumb question. Asking why instead of what and most importantly who is the beginning of a good question.

All of us have suffered trauma at the hands of one thing or another in this life. In fact, you haven’t really lived if you have not been unfairly beat up by something or someone. So what now? Asking why the trauma happened often leads to self-pity and a never-ending supply of excuses. Asking yourself, “what will this trauma be used for” suddenly changes the paradigm. All of the sudden this sack of stones that you have been carrying around now becomes building blocks for future steps.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Let’s take it one step further, ask Who? Who will I be able to encourage, empathize with, and support because we have a shared trauma?  When we begin to see negatives as passports to help others, we use what was once intended for damage and make it entirely useful and redemptive.

Flip the Script,

Matt Davenport

C.E.O.

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BLAH

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Blah. That word really is self-descriptive isn’t it. We have all had that blah feeling. Blah defined means boredom, lethargy, or a general lack of satisfaction. I’m guilting of feeling blah and it usually shows up after a day or period of time that involves me giving of myself to others. Why is that?

When we set “me” aside and give of ourselves to others it can deplete our spirits. Think of it this way, you have a gallon of water and when you give your ounces away it leaves room in your jug for filling.  If you are in a job that requires consistent outpouring then you run a high risk of dehydration and burnout.

What’s going back in your jug?

It is deeply important to fill yourself with the right stuff so that you have a continued source of freshwater to share. A wise man once said the software controls the hardware. This simple phrase means that the mind controls the body and the emotions that come with it. The mind is a precious instrument that must be carefully looked after to ensure that the body stays on course. Bad software updates can destroy hardware in an instant.  

As your Chief Encouragement Officer, I implore you to take inventory of what is replacing what you have given away. For us to move from blah to awe we must continue to pour out and allow ourselves to be filled up with a source that nourishes and sustains.

Move,

Matt Davenport

C.E.O.

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Don’t Fake It

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I don’t believe in positive mental attitude. I believe that having a positive attitude is simply about being humble and grateful. Have you ever met someone that was nearly impossible to encourage? These people are professional self-fulfilling prophets who intentionally let anybody who will listen know how unfair life has been for them. They typically end sentences with… whatever. I’m not here to criticize but the quicker we own ALL of our life the sooner we break through. 

I do believe that a negative attitude is a key ingredient to low self-esteem and loneliness. People that remain negative protect themselves from risk by settling. Once you settle and others don’t you become envious of the others that jumped while you sat down. Envy leads to anger which culminates in apathy.  Apathy if not detected and eliminated early can become viral and destroy a healthy culture overnight.

You can’t fake optimism. To be optimistic one must understand that a perceived failure is simply a building block for future success. Remember rock bottom is one heck of a strong foundation. 

Jump,

Matt Davenport

C.E.O.

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