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Welcome to the Leadership Difference
Greetings!
In this issue Dave reflects on what's he's learned over the last 50 years, shares some summertime wine picks, and talks about change management. |
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| Fifteen in Fifty
In May, I turned 50. You know how people tell you that "age is just a number," or "you are only as old as you feel?" Well, I'll tell you right now, 50 is a big number that makes you feel old! The upside is that you get an AARP card in the mail with some great discounts and you are now qualified to share life lessons to others who will not care one bit. Here are fifteen things I have learned in 50 years:
- There are few things as important as sharing dinner, sitting at a table with your entire family on a regular basis.
- Being a loyal sports fan is only a good thing if you make wise decisions when you are 8 years old. I was really hoping the Mets, Vikings and Knicks would provide me with more joy.
- Lifelong learning is not an option; unless your goal is to be completely uninteresting, irrelevant and dependent on the generosity of society for survival.
- Just admit it, you screwed up.
- Wine and friends should be selected the same way: based on their balance, character and ability to improve with age.
- If you strive to have a positive influence on others, you will have a great deal less stress in your life than most.
- A good dog is a great role model.
- If you are lucky enough to find one person whose happiness is more important to you than your own and who feels the same about you, love them your entire life.
- When hiking, the most interesting moments occur at a point on the trail beyond where most people are willing to go. Life works the same way.
- Following your passion is not easy. Not following your passion is harder.
- Do something, even if it's wrong. It is easier to figure out life's challenges if you are getting feedback about the journey.
- Any trip to Target will cost $100.00 and not include the item that you most need. You will remember this after you return home.
- What you do not use, you will soon lose. What you take for granted, you will soon not be given.
- Work first; play later, but make sure you play.
- For many years we define ourselves by what we like least about ourselves and overlook what makes us special. The sooner we can reverse that process, the better our lives become.
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This Summer, Learn Your ABCs
As the weather gets warmer and the food gets lighter, I find that my tastes move towards white wines. While I continue to enjoy a nice Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling or Pinot Grigio, there are many other fantastic white wines. Here are some alternative white wines that reflect the "anything but Chardonnay" mindset: Yalumba Viognier South Australia Y Series 2009 - This is a delightful wine expressing pear and floral flavors and a steal for about $10. Drink this instead of Chardonnay Aveleda Alvarinho Minho 2009 - In Spain, this is called Albarino and by any name this is one of the best seafood wines in the world. Fresh, crisp and zesty; it is absolutely perfect for a lazy summer day. Drink this instead of Pinot Grigio Alamos Torrontes Salta 2009 - This Argentinean wine has fabulous minerality, grapefruit and lemon notes. Drink this instead of Sauvignon Blanc. Kanu Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2009 - South Africa produces some of the best Chenin Blancs in the world and this one is a refreshing mix of a hint of sweet with bright acidity. Like a gentle breeze on a sunny day. Drink this instead of Riesling. |
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