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"A mantra is meaningful, memorable and short. I wanted something that inspires me and captures the essense of what I'm about..." |
Kate Harper, 2007
Guy Kawasaki wants organizations to create mantras instead of mission statements. “Don’t get me wrong. I love Wendy’s, but I’ve never thought I was participating in ‘leadership, innovation, and partnerships’ when I ordered a hamburger there,” says Guy. Guy Kawasaki is the former software evangelist for Apple Computer and now heads a venture capital firm. His mantra: empowering entrepreneurs.
I heard Guy speak at the International Coach Federation Convention in November and recalled his words as I was welcoming in the New Year. Usually I create a vision or theme for the year. Instead I decided to create a personal mantra. A mantra is meaningful, memorable and short, only three or four words. I wanted something that inspires me and captures the essence of what I’m about this year.
I was letting the idea of a mantra percolate in the back of my mind when I heard one of my favorite inspirational speakers, Esther Hicks explain that on a river rafting trip you don’t put your boat in the water ten feet from the finish. You put in far upstream to enjoy the ride. My mantra for this year: Enjoy the ride.
What is your personal mantra? Contact me to to share it.
For more from Guy Kawasaki, read his blog on Mantras Versus Missions.
