I had a phenomenal weekend up in the arctic tundra of Minneapolis at the first of three FBLA National Fall Leadership Conferences. I was lucky enough to do the closing keynote with 1,600 students in a room where there weren’t enough chairs…needless to say, the energy in that place was insane! Great event…great students…lots of fun.
I’ll be going to DC this weekend for the second of the conferences, and I can’t wait. After I finish up in DC on Saturday night, I’ll be flying over to Richmond, Indiana and do the closing keynote at the Indiana State Student Council Conference Sunday morning. It’ll be a packed weekend, but I can’t wait for it!
Regardless of how you feel about the election results or who you voted for, here is a unique look behind-the-scenes at the Obama family on election night as they watched the results unfold on television. Check it out here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/
I’m working on two new projects that I need help with from students. Here are the projects…
We’re developing a new website for students that will involve a Q&A forum where students can ask questions about anything and everything. So what I need is as many questions as possible from students. Questions about college, parents, relationships, friends, money, the media, scholarships, careers, and just life in general. So if you’re a student and you’ve got questions, email them to me at grant@grantbaldwin.com.
I’m working on a new book project that I would like some students to collaborate with me on and help write. You don’t have to be an outstanding writer or need to write a novel. All I’m looking for is 250-500 words from you that are genuine, honest, and real (this blog post is nearly 250 words…it’s not much). You can email me and I’ll give you more details regarding what you would write about. I need about 50 students for this project, so if you’re interested or you know of a student who may be, email me at grant@grantbaldwin.com.
Again, if you’re a student, you know of a student who may want to help with either of these projects, or you just want to throw your 2 cents out there, give me a shout at grant@grantbaldwin.com.
Yesterday I had a blog post titled “8 Lessons Learned From The Election.” Today, I would like to piggyback on that concept and share some lessons we are still learning about the election and about ourselves…
Actions Speak Louder Than Words – For the last year or more, we’ve listened to numerous candidates express how they were going to change our lives. And of course, many people voted based on those promises. Now it’s time to deliver. Regardless of who you voted for or if you like the candidate that won, all you’re interested in now is that the winner backs up the talk they’ve been selling. Are your actions communicating the same thing as your words?
Trust Increases With Consistency – What often happens with an election is that if your candidate loses, there is an immediate distrust for the winner. There was something about that person that you weren’t buying, you didn’t believe, or you didn’t want to trust, otherwise you would have voted for them. We’re all smart enough to know that trust isn’t built based on an acceptance speech or the policies you promise to implement. Trust is built little by little with consistent actions over a period of time. Are your actions and attitudes consistent so that trust is being developed with others?
Relationships Take Time To Develop – An election is kind of like a dating game show. For months, we’ve all been courted by various candidates who told us what they would bring to the table of this “relationship.” Then decision time came and some people loved what was behind door #1. Others were less than thrilled. But nonetheless, the choice has been made and now the journey of the relationship begins. The relationship with your boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, or spouse didn’t get to the place it’s at overnight. It takes time. What relationships do you need to invest more time into so they can full develop?
Change Is A Necessary Evil – Most of us prefer the consistency of a routine. We don’t want someone to rock the boat or dabble with our sense of security and stability. But change is a must. And for most of us, that isn’t easy. But if you keep doing what you’ve been doing, then…well, you know the rest. What areas are you being stubborn in that you need to change?
You Don’t Always Get Your Way – At work, at home, at school, and in life, there will be times when you don’t get your way. I know it’s not fair, but if I have to explain that to you, you should be sucking your thumb right now, not reading this. Become the type of person that even when things don’t go your way, you can remain positive, upbeat, and optimistic. When was the last time you were positive about something that you didn’t agree with?
Whining, Moaning, And Complaining Are A Waste Of Time – Stop griping about all that’s wrong with the world. Quit complaining about something you can’t control. Get over yourself and be an adult. If something is important enough to you, you’ll stop whining about it and actually do something to fix the situation. Griping about a situation never solved anything, but a person that is sick and tired enough that they will actually do something…that person could change the world. What situations are you whining about that you just need to get over?
Like most Americans, I sat glued to the television and watched the election results as they poured in last night. As I thought through the last several months of campaigning and our democratic electoral process, several things stuck out in my mind. Here are a few of the lessons learned from the election…
Your Voice Can Be Heard – One of the biggest reasons we live in the greatest country on earth is that every voice has a chance to be heard. Not just a chance to be heard, but an equal chance. A vote from a janitor matters just as much as the vote from a CEO. Your voice can be heard, but it is up to you an individual to determine if you want it to be heard. What are you speaking up for in the world?
One Person Can Create A Movement – Regardless of how you voted, we all rallied behind one individual or another. Even though McCain lost, he still received over 55 MILLION votes! That is an incredible amount of support behind one individual. These two men created significant movements within our country, and the fact is, you and I have the same opportunity as they do. What movement will you start?
We All Want To Be A Part Of Something Bigger Than Ourselves – Last night many people took the victory or defeat of their candidate personally. There were numerous citizens from both parties who volunteered countless hours of their time to be a part of something bigger than themselves. People who participated in the campaign process felt a certain sense of pride in the outcome of this election. What are you a part of that’s bigger than you?
People Care – While both candidates had distinctly different views on certain issues, no one could deny how much people genuinely and passionately cared about these issues. Too often, people (specifically young people) can be viewed as complacent, indifferent, and apathetic, but last night showed that people do care. What do you care about to the point that you’re going to do something about that issue?
Ideas Hold Power – As I watched Obama’s acceptance speech last night, I couldn’t help but notice that the chant of “Yes We Can” was more than just a motto. The talk of change was more than just a platform. It was an idea that literally millions of Americans bought into, believed in, and wanted to follow. Ideas are powerful. What ideas do you need to share with others?
People Can Be Ignorant, Naïve, and Dumb – I loved watching the status updates on Facebook, but I was shocked at some people’s reactions. Sure there were hints of sarcasm from some people, but other people’s comments were filled with disgust, hatred, and plain contempt at the outcome of the election. I’m amazed at how many people think their lives are completely ruined because their guy didn’t win. Some people are just plain idiots. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I voted for McCain. And I slept just fine last night. What areas of your life are you being closed-minded and ignorant towards?
Winning And Losing Is Part Of Life – Although this may sound strange, as a parent, I want my daughters to not only lose from time to time, but learn how to lose gracefully and with dignity. In addition, when they win in life, I want them to be humble, classy, and modest. We saw very good examples of both last night. How do you handle winning and losing?
History Happens – Regardless of the outcome last night, we all could agree on one thing: History was going to happen. Either we were going to have the first female Vice-President or the first black President. Every day history happens. How are you creating history?
Today is a new day, and our country has elected a new leader. Regardless of how you feel about the outcome, you’re an American and you have the responsibility to support our leader. You don’t have to like him. You may not always agree with him. But as an American, you should respect and support our new President.
Today, I listed several lessons we’ve learned from this election. Tomorrow, I will share a list of lessons that we are learning and have yet to learn. Stay tuned.
In honor of the election tomorrow, I thought I would post a few thoughts about voting. In fact, in my new book Reality Check, there is a chapter about voting. So I’m going to share chapter 34 in its entirety for FREE…just cause I’m a nice guy! Enjoy…
Should I vote? Who should I vote for?
Voting on issues and for political leaders is not only one of your rights but also one of your responsibilities as an American. Many students have legitimate questions about voting that we will address:
Why? – One of the biggest concerns that students have about the voting process is if their vote even matters. “Does it really make a difference whether or not I vote?” we often ask. But if every person had that mindset and no one voted, then the democratic system that we have no longer works. Your vote will be counted, so why wouldn’t you want to have your say in the process? Many countries around the world don’t have a democratic system. Their governmental leaders and officials are decided for them regardless of viewpoints and belief systems. But by voting, you have the opportunity to let your voice be heard. If you are not happy with the elected officials that are in place, you have as much power as anybody else to do something about it. But if you are not happy with the way things are and you did not vote, then you don’t have any reason to say anything.
Who? – The next challenge is figuring out who to vote for. In politics, there are two major voting parties you have probably heard about: Republicans and Democrats. Republicans tend to be more conservative on political issues, while Democrats tend to be more liberal. Each of the individuals who make up these political parties has a general set of beliefs and values that they tend to lean towards. In addition, there are some officials who do not associate themselves with either party and are known as Independents. In an election, your responsibility is to figure out, not only who you think would do the best job in that elected role, but also which candidate most closely reflects your beliefs and opinions. If you’re going to vote for someone, wouldn’t you prefer to vote for someone who closely mirrors how you think?
When? – There are many different types of elections on many different levels. There are local, city, county, state, and national elections. Some elections are an opportunity to vote for a candidate for a certain political position, and other elections are for you to vote on specific issues in the area such as a tax increase for a community development project. Elections can happen throughout the year, but most major elections happen in November. The Presidential election happens in November every four years.
Where? – Before you can vote anywhere, you have to meet two simple qualifications: 1) You must be at least 18 years old, and 2) you must register to vote. To register to vote, contact your local city or town hall to see what the process is. You may need to go to the city hall to fill out a form, sometimes they can mail you the form, and some areas are going to an online voter registration system. Regardless, in most states you are required to register at least 30 days prior to an election. After you have completed that process you will receive a voter registration card that will show you where you will actually cast your vote. It is normally a community location such as a school or church that is close to where you live.
Every year there is a growing interest in the election process among young people. Candidates, especially in the Presidential elections, are targeting young voters because they make up such a large voting demographic. In addition, more and more young people are getting involved with political campaigns in order to attract more voters for their chosen candidate. This is a great way to get involved with the political process and to encourage others to get involved as well.
Let me provide one additional thought on the issue of voting. While you have the responsibility to vote and help select our nation’s governing officials, it’s important to remember that no one you elect is going to change your life. So often we look to the President or Congress or the government in general to take care of us and solve our problems. And while part of their responsibility is to protect you as an American citizen, very little that they actually do in Washington D.C. will have a direct impact on your day to day life.
Too many people count on the government to fix their lives when in reality; you must learn to take personal responsibility for your own decisions and the outcomes. While some elected officials are certainly better than others in bringing about change, the only person that can truly change your life is you.
