The World is Before You...

"The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in."
- James Baldwin

As I celebrate my 30th birthday today, the quote above by James Baldwin (the writer, not yet another member of the celebrity Baldwin family) especially spoke to me. Looking back, I've lived most of my life accepting much of what has been presented to me, taking everything at face value. I've often seen myself as someone who doesn't like to make waves, and before starting a business I always tried to stay under the radar. I like to quietly observe the things around me and adjust my own approach to try and get the best result, which to me is when everybody wins.

Looking at where I'm at in life at 30 years old, I have to be pleased with what I've accomplished. I have good relationships around me, I co-founded and play a significant role in a small business that provides jobs in the community and services that help companies become more successful, and I can't say I have any regrets up to this point. However, after reading that quote, it makes me wonder how much more I may have been able to achieve at this point if I wasn't afraid to make some waves. Although the thought of getting ahead from a situation where not everybody wins isn't something I can comfortably seek out, I can't sacrifice my own potential for the benefit of everyone else.

As always, this applies to both my personal and professional life, especially since my decisions now affect the employees that I'm responsible for and as I look at starting my own family. So now I look ahead, and for the next 30 years of my life my challenge will be balancing what has conservatively worked for me so far and applying a somewhat more aggressive approach to help maximize my potential, as well as the potential of those that depend on me.