Settle For

Settle For

What is a “settle for” you may be asking. 

A “settle for” is a phrase I use around the house and in business.  I feel it aptly describes pieces of life that one is willing to settle for.

A wise man once told me that whatever you are willing to tolerate you will never change.

A “settle for” can apply to a variety of things:
• A couple refuses to keep a tidy home.  Then when they get visitors, they scramble to tidy their home.  Time is of the essence, so there are things that need done or cleaned – but because of time restraints, they must “settle for” not getting them done.
• A young man goes to a car dealership with visions of that shiny new sports car.  After looking at the sticker price, talking with the sales person, and evaluating his financial situation – he drives off the lot in a 5 year old car that barely passed inspection.  He had to “settle for” what he could afford.
• A woman is in love with a man.  The problem is he has a drinking problem.  She loves him, and justifies her feelings with the rationalization that at least he doesn’t beat me like my last boyfriend did.  She lowers her expectations in order to “settle for” a man with addiction issues.

The list of examples could go on and on, but I am certain that you get the picture.

When we “settle for” something other than what we want, we must force ourselves to believe that THIS is really what we wanted.

Everyone at one point or another had BIG hopes and dreams.  But as we traveled our life’s journey, we opted to “settle for” less than what we dreamed.

The reasons for our “settle for” can be:
• The economy.  Really?  This is America, and the last time I checked one could do or become whatever one wanted to within the parameters of the law.  So please do not use the con game of the economy.  Be truthful.  The reason you did not get what you wanted is because you were not willing to put in the time, the work or the effort.  So you went to the excuse machine and bought the “economy” card.
• My upbringing.  Really?  How much was that card in the excuse vending machine?  We all are responsible for our own actions.  If you lacked a skill, go out and learn it.  If you grew up on the wrong side of the tracks – move.  If you are this ethnicity or that color, or this gender or that belief – prove them wrong.  The problem has nothing to do with upbringing – it has everything to do with the desire to do better.
• I don’t know how.  Are ya serious?  Learn!  Get retrained in a field that combines your passion, skills, and is marketable.  Most people that made buggies had to learn a new skill when cars were mass produced.
• I am too old.  C’mon!  What’d that line cost you in the excuse vending machine.  People are going back to school at an amazing rate.  If he’d have stuck with that thinking Col. Harlan Sanders would never have opened a KFC.
• Physically, I just can’t.  So?  Surround yourself with people who can.  Transfer your passions to people who can work alongside you and make that _____ happen.
• It costs too much.  Hmm.  So you believe this is a financial issue?  Dr. Mike
Murdock has said over and over, “there is no such thing as a financial problem.  There is only wisdom problems.”  Go out and make more money.  Sacrifice what is going on in your life for the long term goal you REALLY want.  

Look around your own personal house, your own life situation.  Are you happy?  Or did you just “settle for”? 

Now make a list of the things you want to change.

BTW – if you have none – that’s okay by me.  It just says you have tossed in the towel and said, “I’ll Just settle for that.”  If that’s you, then great.  I am happy for you.

If you feel you have maxed out your goals – then you need a bigger dream.

Under each one – write out (honestly) what options you have.  Take your time.  This is NOT a rush project.  Consider it part of your spring cleaning.

Have a great week

Ron
  

To schedule Ron to speak to your business, civic group
or organization, contact him at:
ron@ronorendi.com
717-802-0483