Quiet Pursuits of Excellence
Sometimes, I reflect on the
fact that I lead a number of public lives which revolve around simply doing
what I love, without seeking acknowledgement or reward. Something in my
upbringing, in the observation of my parents and mentors, drives me towards excellence.
Much as I seek perfection, I
quite frequently fall short. I upbraid myself, accuse myself, and talk to
myself in a voice that calls me by my own name, because there is a conversation
to be had before someone else has it with me. I would rather be my own critic,
so as to be prepared to receive a better critique, one of recognition, of
merit, and of acknowledgement.
Stories That Once Scared Me
There are stories from my
past that frighten me, where the infirmity registered in the ravine of failure
offered no opportunity or facility for recovery. It was unsalvageable wreckage,
beyond repair, and utterly hopeless.
Yet, I have a better story
to tell. No narrative I share today wallows in helpless resignation, for I am
blessed beyond measure with testimonies of goodness, success, victory, and
triumph.
The Pleasure of Work
At work, I enjoy what I do,
not for the remuneration, of which I have once earned stupendously, but for the
satisfaction that the knowledge and expertise I bring to bear on the mundane
and the complex still matters.
I get to learn as much as I
help others learn. I do what I do, not to get noticed, but to make things work.
In the process, acknowledgement, respect, and rewards may well come. My
motivation, however, is the pleasure.
Appearance and Carriage
In appearance, I have my own
kind of dressing, something I pay attention to, because appearance and carriage
matter. There have been times when I have been stopped so that pictures could
be taken of me.
Once, a young man, after
complimenting me, said he would love to have the confidence to dress like me. I
suppose hardly a day goes by without some sort of recognition from strangers,
and yet I am not out to attract attention. My motivation is simply looking
good.
The Wealth of Expression
On this blog, I write about
anything that takes my fancy, not for want of engagement or readership. To
think there was a time when I hated writing, even though I had a great deal to
say in conversation.
I am easily shy, quite
introverted, and socially awkward and nervous in organised meetings where
people are networking. It is in the use of words that I truly flourish. My
motivation is the wealth of expression.
The Story of a Man
What all this says to me is
to keep doing what I know to do, in the best possible way, with every aim to
impact, improve, and perhaps impress. I will never be everyone's cup of tea,
but I hope those who drink this tea enjoy it tremendously.
Decades of work, portrayal,
and expression all become the story of a man. Thank you for coming by.
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