Thomas Mangum

What Are You WILLING To Do?

Recently, I held a "walk and talk" with fellow big thinker Jennifer L Horton.  I was telling her about the results I've been getting lately by using what I call, the ultimate question....  

"What am I willing to do where I will do whatever it takes?"

And then she remembered something she was taught by Bob Proctor.  He told her there are really only two questions that need to be asked when you say you're going to do something...

1.  Are You Able?

2. Are You Willing?

Sure sounds like a simplified version of my question.  I LOVE it! Simple and easy. 

I interpret this as "Am I physically able to do this in my current reality"  Simple answer, move on.  And then, the most important question that is the best truth detector, "Am I willing to do it?"

I know I want it, I see myself having it, I'm perfectly capable and competent and there is no logical reason not to move forward....am I willing?  ...to do whatever it takes?

The answer to this has made a WORLD of difference in the last 90 days and I don't even recognize the former Thomas. 

The power lies in the true answer.  There is NO WRONG or BAD answer.  It's the starting point.  Remember that it's important to have a clear destination and just as critical to have a solid starting point.  Start there, move forward, correct, continue.  

I would LOVE to hear your results and feedback on this tool if you choose to use it.

Your Playing Small Does Not Serve The World

Today I wrote a thank you note to the executive director of Hostelling International, San Diego Council.

This note was prompted by a report I get from StepRep, a service that monitors online identity so I know what is being indexed with my name.  

Apparently Hostelling International's annual report from last year popped up lately in searches. 

Me believing fully that there are no mistakes in the universe, only clues (or overt messages!), I thought it was curious since it was LAST year's report and it featured a quote I made on the definition of sustainable travel on page 5. 

“For me, sustainable travel is done in such a way as to minimize the negative impact on the land, people and culture I am visiting. I like to keep in mind that Iroquois Nation saying that is on every ‘Seventh Generation’ product. ‘In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.’ (Hostelling International) is in a prime position to take a leadership role by example. I believe that actions speak volumes and it is what we do and how we do it that communicates the message. I see this done by continuing to BE the change we want to see in the community—not just talk about, wish for it, etc...”  --Thomas Mangum, HI-San Diego Volunteer and 2008 HI-San Diego Volunteer of the Year.

As I come to the end of a culmination year of challenges and learning experiences on all fronts, the words seemed foreign to me to read.  Not that I didn't believe what I said, but that I had lost passion this year...for anything and "hearing" my own words reminded me of who I am.  

It brought tears to my eyes as I "heard" myself and a reminder that I am powerful when I stand passionately and speak out. This isn't about sustainable travel as much as it is leadership.

It leaves those that could care less behind and attracts those that do. 

Thank You

Thank you dear reader as you give me the opportunity to do what I do best. 

Again, another thank you to Sue Schaffner, the executive director of Hostelling International.  I want you to know that I'm grateful for this indirect reminder today to get on with my life's mission and model doing whatever it takes to use the talents I have and skills I've acquired, no matter what it looks like.  

Oh and if that clue wasn't enough, how about this? In small stack of papers on my desk, the Winter 2008 newsletter is poking out with Sue's editorial "The 5 Whys of Hostelling" inspired by an exercise I gave her group during a workshop.  

Yet another clue.....

The Point?

The best way to illustrate the point of this article is share the famous quote by Marianne Williamson that has inspired so many to stand up and lead....NO MATTER WHAT.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Read that again. You deserve to savor it.