December 23, 2022 by Brian Weiner No CommentsChanging The World One Thought At A Time., Lessons From The Mountain

The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.

The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.

PAULO COELHO

Do you truly walk the talk?

Many of us are willing to espouse on the multitudes of virtues that the world should abide by, such that we may make this a better place for all to live. But a much smaller percentage of us are actually willing to make the life changes, decisions and sacrifices to fully embrace all that we are so willing to presume that others might adopt.

Across a myriad of categories, there are countless opportunities, each enabling us to point out either the true example being set or the hypocrisy that is being exemplified by the person in the proverbial spotlight.

Some are very adept at making a great point, but when it comes time to actually abide by that which they write or speak about, they are far less capable of actually living by those terms and conditions.

One of the most important aspects of being either a parent or a leader, is truly the opportunity to lead by example. When others are able to see your determination to promote anything of virtue and do so consistently, day after day, your influence on them is profound for a number of reasons.

First, as they continue to observe your steady regimen, they subconsciously recognize the pattern, the effect of which is unmistakably positive. Regularity in your discipline towards any behavior is a continuous reminder that if you are capable of keeping that pace, perhaps they might be capable as well.

Second, if they watch you making a personal sacrifice of time, money, energy, opportunity or pursuit of a hedonistic desire, they recognize that deep within, you must have a moral conviction of magnitude. One that warrants their emulation.

And third, by demonstrating your willingness to model the proper behavior, you clearly illuminate the possibility that breaking out of a normal routine, in favor of something better, more noble or more appropriate, is not only possible, but overwhelmingly appropriate.

The next time you consider speaking out on a topic, perhaps your first move might be to examine whether or not you actually abide by those values yourself. And if the answer is no, then your first step might be to take your own advice.

Happy Friday!

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Written by Brian Weiner

When I was 5 years old, I discovered that the lemon tree in the backyard + dixie cups + water and sugar and I was in business. I have been hooked on that ever since. In 1979, I borrowed $14,000 to create a brand new product... photographic greeting cards with no text on the inside, called Paradise Photography. That was the start of The Illusion Factory. Since then, The Illusion Factory has been entrusted by all of the major studios and broadcasters with the advertising and marketing of over $7 billion in filmed, live, broadcast, gaming, AR, VR and regulated gaming forms of entertainment, generating more than $100 Billion in revenue and 265 awards for creativity and technology for our clients. When I took a break from film school at UCLA to move to Hawaii, my mother did not lecture me. Instead, she took 150 of her favorite aphorisms and in her beautiful calligraphy, wrote them artistically throughout a blank journal. That is the origin of the Lessons from the Mountain series. Since then, on my journeys to the top of a mountain to watch the sunrise, I have spent countless hours contemplating words of wisdom from the sages of all races, genders and political persuasions, constantly accumulating the thoughts to guide me on my life path. I hope you enjoy my books. Please let me know your thoughts, as I highly value your feedback!