I remember being at my aunt’s M.B.A. graduation about 12 or 13 years ago and hearing the keynote speaker quote this line towards the end of his address:
There are three types of people.
Those that make things happen.
Those that watch things happen.
And those that are wondering what just happened.
(…the last line mustered up a laugh, of course)
But on a serious note, I don’t know what it was about that quote but it stuck with me. I’ve heard a lot of speeches, keynotes, sermons, motivational audio programs, and more, and while it’s humanly impossible to remember everything you hear (it’s more like you only remember the lesser half of 20% when heard), certain things rise about everything else and remain with you for years. This is one of them.
I’ve quoted it many times throughout my life’s activities and I really believe it’s true.
There are people out there that don’t make excuses, don’t feel sorry for themselves, blame no one else, never take no for an answer, never quit… and just make things happen. I’ve tried to be that person all my life, although it’s easy and tempting to slip into the “watch things happen” group.
Yup, the “watch things happen” group. These are the folks that don’t see themselves in category 1… the “make things happen” group. They’d rather watch others succeed. They are addicted to the activities of the go-getters. They buy the magazines and are infatuated with what the celebrities are doing, wearing, dating, birthing, etc etc etc. Nothing wrong with this but when you can be out making things happen and you’re more interested in “watching” others, then it’s problematic.
(Of course the occasional getaway is fine and warranted for the go-getter. Go pick up a magazine and read about what others are doing. But let that always sit backseat to YOU taking action, not the inverse).
Now, don’t get me wrong. Supporting others that are making things happen is good. Don’t misconstrue what I’m saying as… “only look out for yourself” or “only look out for #1.” That’s not what I’m articulating.
YES, you want to support others… WHILE you’re making things happen in other areas. You never want to slip into a “watch-only” mode and think you’re exempt from the rewards, benefits, lifestyles, blessings, and fruit that the action takers are reaping.
Always be striving for something! Whether in your music, career, spiritual walk, or other areas of life… always strive to make SOMETHING happen.
Even a step in the wrong direction is better than no movement at all. Faith without works is dead. Not stagnant, not inactive, not idle, not handicapped, not sleep… FAITH IS DEAD without action.
If it’s in your mind and you’ve been saying you’re going to do it, then commit to doing something that brings you one step closer to it NOW! Don’t wait, do it now!
Procrastination is one of our biggest enemies. It’s the enemy of progress.
(I’m just writing here, excuse the disorganized thoughts).
Then, there’s the group who’s alway wondering “what just happened.”
They’re not even watching. At least the watchers are exposed to what’s going on and may get an ephiphany later on and start taking action.
But the “wonderers” are just in LA-LA land. They catch on last. Slow adopters. If opportunity did arise, they’d miss it.
(After all, that’s what they say luck is… where opportunity meets preparation but the “wonderers” have no idea what’s going on).
I know this last type of person is meant to be a joke in the quote (because it always conjures up a laugh when i say it), but it’s really spot on. Sadly, most of the populace falls into this category.
So, let’s ask ourselves. Who are we?
Do we make things happen?
Do we only watch others make things happen and don’t see ourselves in their positions?
Or are we alway wondering what just happened?
God forbid the last option.
It’s not enough to be a watcher.
Let’s get out there and make things happen! :)
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August 23rd, 2008 (comment#1)
Great post, Jermaine. And truer words have not been spoken. I often equate “Option 1,” or the “people who make things happen” with great leadership. That is, often times, the ONLY factor that separates the good from the great. Again, thanks for the post. It’s always good to get a nice little reminder every now and again that encourages me to make sure I’m doing what I need to do in life and business. Keep the good stuff coming.
August 24th, 2008 (comment#2)
very inspiring jermaine
August 25th, 2008 (comment#3)
This is a great post! I wish those who ‘make things happen’ would never have to deal with the possible inclination to procrastination and poor consistency measures. It’s so easy to get distracted, and the day still doesn’t seem to be long enough. Any way, Hear and Play is a great blessing! I haven’t purchased any of the dvds as yet, but plan to. So far the free clips on you tube and your website have been helping to take my music to the next level (Michael Bereal, Jason White, and Jairus…). While doing that, I’ve been sharing the goals and strategies of Hear and Play with our band. It’s beginning to create some steam. My prayer is that we’ll be consistent in developing this great gift of music that God has given us.
I haven’t noticed any comments/dvd lessons on BASS. This is the instrument of my soul (or the one closest, LOL) and since passing the main responibility to a younger church brother, and assuming the responsibilities at the keyboard, I would like to arm our bass player with more! I think if he hears some of the things that I’ve shared with him from someone else (like holding the bass properly, properly fretting notes, scales, etc) would lift him a little higher. If you sat in our congregation, maybe you wouldn’t notice some of his challenges immediately, but as a musician, you would eventually.
Anything for an advanced drummer (who seems to know too much)?
What about the horn section?
We’d love to grow to be a band similar to fred hammond’s on POL 3 DVD (see “Old time mix”), just so you can understand the vision.