Written By: Colin Blalock, The Pessimist Optimist

Is the glass half full or half empty?  Remember this old riddle?  Bill Cosby provided the best answer I have seen.  His response: “It depends on if you are drinking or pouring!”  Darn if that doesn’t make a lot of sense.  If I am consuming the contents, the glass is half empty; if I am filling the glass it is half full.  Many people are in a quandary on their life and don’t know if their life is half empty or half full.  It really depends on if you are giving of yourself or if you are receiving (taking) from others.  It has been my experience that the more I give the more I receive.  This is especially true working as a volunteer in not-for-profit organizations, including professional associations like the GSCPA.  If you continue to give (pour), the glass will go from half-full to full to running over.  One main point is not to “expect a payback.”  Part of the payback is the giving.  The balance of the payback/reward will come in due course.

Quote for this blog: Chinese Proverb

“If you always give, you will always have.”

In my first blog I mentioned a book that others may find interesting.  As promised this is a quick summary of the book.  I will go on record stating that the book is much better than my summary.

The Butterfly Effect, How Your Life Matters by Andy Andrews is a fast read that can help you focus on how much your life matters.  The book starts by describing a hypothesis:

“In 1963 Edward Lorenz presented a hypothesis to the New York Academy of Science.  His theory was that a Butterfly could flap its wings and set molecules of air in motion, which move other molecules of air, in turn moving more molecules of air… eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the planet.  Lorenz and his ideas were literally laughed out of the conference.  What he had proposed was ridiculous.”

More than 30 years later his hypothesis was proven to be authentic, accurate, and viable.  We know this law as “The Law of Sensitive Dependence Upon Initial Conditions.”  Science has shown the Butterfly Effect to engage with the first movement of any form of matter—including people.  The book then describes how the actions of one person may impact hundreds, thousands, millions and even billions of people.  The actions of one person may start a chain of events that alters the course of humanity.  The point of the book is that “every single thing you do matters!”

I highly recommend reading the book.  Afterwards, think back over your life to the individuals that have shaped, altered, enhanced, or changed your life.  I recently had an opportunity to reflect on individuals that have crossed my path and I am absolutely amazed at the number of them that have influenced my life.  Some have no idea what a tremendous impact they had on me as a person, a man, a friend, a colleague, a husband, a father, and a professional.  I can see the butterfly effect happening in my life.  In addition, I realized the impact I have had on individuals that I have encountered.  Looking back on it now I understand that I might have had a major impact on people.  What I do MATTERS!  It is scary, fascinating and rewarding.  As a result, I have come to the conclusion that what I do and how I do it matters.  As the book summarizes the theory “it is the first step in leading a life of permanent purpose.”  Read the book, reflect on the events in your life and let me know if you agree or disagree.

I tell people that I can sell anything that I believe in. This re-enforces that belief.  I believe in Edward Lorenz’s hypothesis.

Colin