I run into many people who claim to be open-minded but they approve every interaction with the world with the intent to agree or disagree.

I do it, too.

Yet, the most life transforming conversations I have had with people, happen when I only stay present in the moment, and allow myself to explore and discover the world as is.

Listen on for the example.

Maybe that will get you thinking.

I continue with the energy of the prior message under the framework of the Law of Trade-Offs: You Have to Give Up to Grow Up.

You are probably tired of reading the same idea. You probably think you do it well enough. But if you do, why don't you have what you truly want already?

Why don't I have what I truly want, already?

It's a journey. It's a process.

This one is really more for me than you. This one lets you know that I am aware of the situation. It's raw. It's unpolished. And it still generates some level of pain and frustration.

I'd like you to know because I don't see many people sharing some of these situations out of the possibility of creating a negative image on their services and their value.

Listen, Watch or Read at your own peril.

We here it all the time, yet we insist on ignoring the suggestion.

We like to think we dislike change. At the same time, we seem always be seeking fuller expression of ourselves. We want more out of life.

It's a constant fight for territory.

There's a famous quote attributed to Lincoln.

It talks about how any decent person can handle adversity, but their character really comes to be tested when they are in a position of power.

I just did a Facebook Live in Spanish talking about how we, Panamanians, like to complain about our government's corruption while we break rules/laws at the same time.

For me, the character tests started happening when I was given a position of leadership. It was a regular adventure of asking myself if I would do the right thing even if it cost me my job.

What would you do? Have you ever imagined yourself in a position of power and wonder which decisions you would make?

It's easy to criticize from the outside...as we do with celebrities when they break our expectations of them...or when famous people are found cheating on their taxes or spouses.

But, if you where in their shoes, understanding their full context, would you make the 'right' choice?

Would you?

I have no unbiased idea as to whether it's working or not. All I know is that there's little physical evidence to show to myself that it is.

Now, I should know better...and I do. Unfortunately, my ego is strong and "wants" to see evidence before making a decision.

Thus, I have spent many months, going in circles; and in the end, pretty much break my own "rules" of being me.

Maybe, these worked for you...Maybe, you have new ones...Maybe, it's all working and I just can't see it.

You decide.

For the last few years I have been going through a slow death.

I cannot verbalize it properly but I know it is happening and I'm fighting to stay alive even though it is a necessary outcome.

I'm not sure where this leads but there definitely a lot to swallow.

I was reflecting on Thursday about the idea of one of your inner circle people betraying you. What would I do?

What if it is a way for us to start becoming who we are meant to be?

I simply wanted to share the main teaching of chapter 8 in the 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. And let you go on your day.

Let me know which one is most challenging for you.

Today, I'm going back to 2012 when I'm called to my boss' office to be told I need to pack my things and find something else to do.

It was a painful moment, not necessarily because I was told my job was done but because I couldn't accept the nerve of my manager to let me go after a few months before he directly asked for my help.

Oh well...