W.I.N. Wednesday: Entitlement
"Don’t feel entitled to anything you didn’t sweat and struggle for."
Marian Wright Edelman
As you know I am a big fan of quotes. I am always on the lookout for quotes that make me think and that can help make a point, tell a story and provide guidance. When I saw this quote from Marian Edelman it caused me to pause, reflect and debate it in my head.
Ultimately I am going to disagree with Edelman in that I am not sure it is ever good to feel entitled. I am a big fan of putting in the work and sweat to accomplish tasks. I believe struggles are a valuable part of the journey as they push us to think differently and continue to strive. My concern with entitlement is that it makes it all about me. I am somehow entitled to accolades, acknowledgement or rewards for the outcome.
It is very rare that the journey to accomplish a task, goal or mission is a solo event. There are always others who help or contribute. Sometimes those contributions come in the way of quotes, books, podcasts or interviews. Sometimes it comes through discussion, dialogue and debate. Often there are other people directly contributing to the project in a variety of ways.
I am an advocate of focusing on effort and process, as that is what we control. When effort and process allow us to overcome the struggles, hurdles, obstacles, objections, skeptics and cynics, it is good to feel a sense of pride, a sense of accomplishment. The key then is to acknowledge those who were part of that journey and were there inspiring and guiding you or working and sweating alongside you.
To me pride and accomplishment are very different from entitlement.
What’s Important Now? Do the work. Focus on effort and process. Be proud that you put in the work. Remember to “Take the Blame and Give Away the Credit”. Now get back to work, as there is more to be done.
Take care.
Brian Willis
www.lifesmostpowerfulquestion.com
Maximizing human potential through Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?
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