Who have we historically been when we’ve been at our best?Whom must we fearlessly become?What is true about us, at our core?Are we really who we say we are?What should we stop doing?What more can we do?What are we against?Do we want to take a shortcut here or do it right?

You’ve already found it - in your intention.You own this present moment. In it, you get to decide what you wan to do, for whom, and what change you seek to make. That intentionality is hope.Hope is you saying, “this thing that I’m about to do, yeah, it could make things better.“Instead of putting our thoughts too far into the future, what if we put our hopes and dreams into what we want 5 minutes from now to be like?

When musicians improvise solos, they compose melodies over a structure - like the outlines found in coloring books. But highly effective musicians know how to color over the lines and still create a work of art.Be an artist - be willing to play outside the changes, challenge the structure, and create your art.

Get out and play.Play with ideas, music, themes, books, words, chess pieces, your imagination, or sticks.Besides work and rest, play is an important part of life.It also helps get you out of the funks, drudgery, and slog of life.Get out and play.

When you get mad, it’s usually one or the other. Before reacting, figure out which one it is - justice or fairness?Then, instead of getting mad, say what you feel and what you need.Life is loads better when you can reinvest negative energy into something useful.

All you have to do is make through the day. Breathe one more breath. Climb one more step.Compose one more note.Write one more word.Ship one more piece of work.Step one more step.Keep going!We need you.

But sometimes it shows its head to show you that it’s still around. Whatever that “it” is - depression, anger, regret, shame - acknowledge it - say “hello”; and,Move on.

“Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air, and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.” - David McCulloughDo you do things so that your accomplishments will change people’s perception of you? Or do you hope that your accomplishments will invite you to the next challenge? Hopefully, the next opportunity to help the others.Stop and think you why climb the mountain you’re on.

If you earnestly want to be a change maker, ask your next employer this question in your first 30 days.Where within the company, can I explore heretical questions that could threaten the business as it is - without contaminating what you’re doing now? - HT Warren Berger, A More Beautiful QuestionIf your boss is a good, they’ll not only direct you to where but also set you up with the processes and protocols for being the heretic.A word of caution - don’t allow your desire to make change to interfere with your early stage apprenticeship. You have to learn how to play the instrument before you can start writing music.