No Secret Agenda

It's not easy. It takes a level of trust most of us are not prepared for. It requires a level of radical truth that exposes the scars and wrinkles of the world. It's this simple, and yet not easy: say what you mean, ask for what you want.

Why is that so hard?

We fear that others might resist our desires if they knew them. We fear we might hurt others' feelings. Or maybe, just maybe, what we truly want is not what we think we should want. Maybe it's not even in our best interest.

I reflect on that sometimes. Is what I want, what I want? What case am I building for now and for the future? How will my task list look to me ten years from now? Is my agenda a secret because it's too small?

I don't have the answer today. Today, I'm just a little tired of people who say they have all the answers, even in topics they clearly are not qualified to be experts in. But, can they -- should they -- express their views? Of course!

Say what you mean, ask for what you want, and do not get attached to the outcome.

The fun is right here, right now. The work is right here, right now. The conversation is right here, right now.

A secret agenda carries a heavy cost. Sleepless nights, stress, broken promises, surprising and unhappy disclosures. Expose's.

Why take the chance? Why take the excuse?

Say what you mean, ask for what you want, and do not get attached to the outcome.

Keep your secret agendas to yourself. And then let them go.

It's up to you.

-- Doug Smith

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