Be the Exception

Recently, 64 year old Diana Nyad, decided that she was not too old to swim from Cuba to Miami…110 miles in 53 hours….in shark infested waters…without a shark cage! She decided she could…so she did. This was her third attempt…sometimes truly great things take more than one attempt. She simply decided it could and would be done…by her.

 Truly, with one thought, Diana Nyad moved from accepting average to…being the exception.

 The Bible says that “As a man thinks in his heart…so is he”. Whatever you believe in your heart is true… Whatever you declare to be true.. is true…for you.

There is a part of this city, like in most cities, where things have become old. Everything looks used…lots of worn out and rundown buildings. Some look like they should be demolished and many just need a serious face lift…at least a fresh coat of paint. There are numerous restaurants and most don’t look like places where I would want to eat.

One day a friend invited me to lunch at one of “those” places. It was very old fashion but when we pulled in I realized how fresh and clean everything was. I had driven by many times but never really looked at it. We went inside and I was instantly impressed. They had gentleman wearing dress shirts and ties waiting to seat us….and it was also packed out. I later learned that it is always packed out. They were unique with an extraordinary menu and completed the experience with great service. I’ve been back several times

You have probably had a similar experience. You know about the great restaurant somewhere that does not look like it’s going to be great. The thing about this one that intrigues me is that there is nothing like it around. They are in an area where most do not appear to even be trying. Almost nothing on the road is what you would describe as “nice”. But the people that own this restaurant did not say “We can’t attract good clientele because of our location.” They did not lower their standards to meet those of the businesses around them. They decided to continue to serve high quality food, with great service, and to keep their place looking great. They continue their forward thinking as they are presently repaving the parking lot and expecting it to be filled. They have decided to…be the exception.

 It’s obvious that many have given up on this stretch of road…their businesses do not look inviting and there are few vehicles in their parking lot.  Here is the issue...They look as good as those around them. They have accepted mediocrity as their standard. Consequently, they probably do as good as those around them. I would venture to say that they are doing exactly as well as they believe they can.

Actually, we all do that. We live exactly what we expect. Unfortunately, the low expectations of these failing businesses have become the limits of what they can achieve and the same can be true of us. Our expectations have come to define us and sometimes, to our own demise we just don’t expect much. Often, being an exception is far from our thoughts.

The truth is that we live only one thought away from being more.

There are opportunities everyday to be the exception. Every time we put others before ourselves we are being the exception. The person that refuses to talk badly about another person…even when the other person has been very wrong…the exception. Those who have taken responsibility for their own lives and have made the choice to blame no one….the exceptions.

Everyday choices matter…showing up for work early, being dependable, exercising, or eating healthy. Choosing positive responses to life’s inevitable irritations, praying for your enemies, refusing to gossip, doing good to those that despitefully use you, refusing to hold on to resentments…refusing to judge others…forgiving completely….all…exceptions.

This old diner reminded me that anywhere and at any time I can choose to be the exception. It does not matter what is going on around me…those around me are not my standard…excellence is my standard and I can choose, at any time, to strive for it…to accept nothing less of myself.

 

Diana Nyad reminds me that though my decision is made...it might take several attempts...and she reminds me not to fear the sharks...fear is paralyzing and I can't do what I need to do if I operate in fear....she set an example of keeping people involved in my mission...people that believe in me...people who will watch my back...who will warn me if the sharks get too close...she exemplifies staying focused on your goal...never giving up...refusing the polarizing beliefs that are filled with mediocre expectations...instead she chose to...be the exception.

You get to choose...choose to believe in the endless possibilities available to you...you are exactly one thought away from...being more.

Whatever you believe will be true…as the saying goes...If you say you can…you can…if you say you can’t…you will not. Say you can…say you will…choose to…be the exception.