Because I have to

Why? We ask ourselves this question so many times and for so many different reasons. I wrote about "why" a few posts ago when speaking about Simon Sinek's book "Start with Why" (which I am really enjoying, by the way!). That "WHY" was the one that talks about our reason for being, whether it's being in life, being in business, etc.

The "why" I'm mostly focused on this morning is why I bother to do things, say things, behave a certain way when the chances of my behaviour being able to change the people or circumstances in my life are slim to none. I experienced this last night.

I have very strong beliefs about appropriate and inappropriate behaviour. I believe in old-fashioned values like respect, consideration, tact, manners, fairness...I could go on, but I think you get the drift. I have made some life choices in the last few years that reinforce those values. In particular, I now insist on a life experience that promotes those values.

Of course, when you live with four other people, and you interact with society at large, you cannot ensure that others will follow these values. And last night, I voiced my frustration by saying that I was just wasting my time trying to get the world to cooperate with my way of thinking. After all, what was the point in trying to insist on getting appropriate customer service at the car dealership? They just want our money and have no intention of providing good customer service. And what was the point in trying to discourage my spouse's teenagers in experiencing violence on TV and in video-games when I have no control over this when they are not in the house? And why should I expect that people will respond to my email messages when society's demands leaves them no time for real communication?

Why? well, because I have to. Because I'm made that way. It goes back to my big "WHY". Because my reason for being on this planet is to transform the ordinary into extraordinary. And that applies not just for the people I interact with, it also applies to me. I want to live an extraordinary life. I need to live an extraordinary life. And sorry, but all those who interact with me will just have to accept that they will be part of this extraordinary experience.

So, yes, I will continue my "crusade". I will keep on insisting on table manners, on respect for me as a customer or supplier, on excitement when I present my ideas, on responses when I communicate. Those that don't want to be part of this extraordinary-ness are welcome to get off the bus. But those that choose to stay on the bus are allowed to expect extraordinary from me.

So, back to my extraordinary existence. I hope you have an extraordinary week too!