Dont lose your sheen, keep a promise

It was yearly discussion with diverse participants from 150+ countries and all of us eagerly waiting to kick-off the new year. Finding a guest speaker who can connect with most of the participants is a big challenge and this choice hit the spot. 

My usual habit is to google about the speakers, but this particular time, I could not find time to learn about Alex Sheen. I went into the meeting with just the thought that I was open for positive vibes to start off the new year in the workplace. I began listening to him with some skepticism at first since many speakers typically use a bunch of sports metaphors which are not as universal it they make them out to be.  Thankfully he turned out to be a very different kind of speaker.

Alex shared how he started off by encouraging people to make commitments on “promise cards” that his organization sends to anyone anywhere in the world, all at no cost. He went on to emphasize that that every individual has the strength to become a person of their word. Using personal examples about the loss of his loved ones, Alex said it is time to act now to make life-changing commitments to self-improvement and the betterment of humanity.

Alex started his non-profit “because I said I would” with the hope that it lives up to its name in letter and in spirit. Talk about clarity of purpose - it perfectly aligns with Trimble, a company with the purpose of transforming the world. In many ways, working professionals have become numb to the disappointment from broken commitments, and this numbness can enter our workplaces, our homes, our schools, our communities etc. 

Every person one meets is fighting a battle that the others don't necessarily understand. In a world where you can be anything - be kind, seek to understand and lend a hand. Every individual/customer is important, and every promise to them is just as important. 

I am a son, husband and father who has made promises and tried to keep them. But, I’m afraid that I may have allowed life to interfere sometimes in keeping some of them. Being in the rat race was the excuse and refrain I gave myself and may continue to do so. Well, I have resolved to change this and will start with making two promises to myself - 1) share this with my sons and 2) write a blog.

Catch Alex on TEDx or youtube whatever is your social to get the juice.

#alexsheen #becauseisaidiwould #keepapromise