Outcomes

I enjoy competing, probably just a little too much.  In some ways it doesn’t matter who wins.  It’s the competition process which is brings out the best in me.  I find the intensity, pressure, and focus is inspiring, energizing, and often times nurturing to my soul.  Usually competition brings out the best however the desire to win often encourages short-cuts.  It can be seen as a dance of “doing what is right” versus “winning at all costs”.  Most want to win, tomorrow will take care of itself.
 
New York is a city where people compete on all levels.  Musicians, individuals involved in all kinds of businesses, and even riders on the subway hustle to get to the head of the line.  As I write I find myself reliving driving in New York (ants fighting for the best lump of sugar) versus Los Angeles (English Army and civilized codes of conduct (usually)).  The best seem to discover a balance – musicians truly master their craft, businesses are founded on a real value proposition, and strap-hangers are courteous even as sweat drips reflect the struggle which begins to overwhelm even the strongest.
 
The foundation of what makes people and things great can be found, sometimes.  Far too often, at a personal level as well as corporate, results are all that matters.  I find myself fighting compromise.  Is the “point” really that important or does the goal win out, at least for now.  On days, in moments, when this becomes acute I find myself remembering the sober warning; “Because you scorn this Message, preferring to live by injustice and shape your lives on lies, this perverse way of life will be like a towering, badly built wall that slowly, slowly tilts and shifts, and then one day, without warning, collapses—smashed to bits like a piece of pottery, smashed beyond recognition or repair, useless, a pile of debris to be swept up and thrown in the trash.”  (Isaiah 30.12-14) 
 
Outcomes are the fruit of your choice and mine.  Today is a great opportunity to create something sweet, delicious, and wonderful.