A discussion about business ethics, character traits, integrity, and values

A tip from Brian Tracy: “Keep your thoughts and your energy focused forward, on the things you can do to improve your life, and let the rest go.”

“Let the rest go.” It’s such a simple concept, a great idea, but so hard to do. We love to hold on, even when we know it is holding us back.

I’m not stupid, but the stupidest thing I’ve ever done was ride one of those inner tubes tied behind a speed boat. The whole point of the exercise, as near as I can tell, is to give everyone in the boat a laugh while bouncing some poor schmuck out of the tube as violently as possible.

The first ride, I lasted about three seconds. My friend’s daughter could stay on, so I decided to try again and not to be shown up by a 12-year-old. I clutched the grips tight against my chest, despite smacking my face against them many times. I refused to let go, even when I flipped upside-down.

I don’t know the physics of it, but the longer I held on upside-down, the deeper I was pulled. I realized that I would eventually hit bottom, so I let go. The stupid tube went away immediately, and I soon made it to the top. My life improved immeasurably as soon as I let go.