My dear friend from college, Roger, passed way a couple of years ago after his third battle with brain tumors. I miss Roger but I don't mourn him. I've felt that he embraced life so much better than almost everyone else I know that to mourn would be disrespectful to him and how he lived his life. BIGGEEERR!
"Think BIGGGEEERRRR!"
Even in college, Roger would push me forward on all sorts of things by saying, "Think BIGGEEERRR!" as he held his hands far apart, like a fisherman exaggerating his catch.
What would happend? I would think bigger. And he would say again, "Think BIGGEEERRR!"
Know what... I would again! I'd think bigger each time he pushed me to do so.
Now bigger did not always mean large. It could be more creative, more interesting, sneakier, funnier or just plain smarter.
In business, I think of Roger's advice often. And without him in my ear, I have to now stand on my own and remember to "Think BIGGEEERRR!" without that fun, smiling face that could see my potential better than I could see it.
We all need someone to take us out of our comfort zones or to push us along. Some people do this well on their own. However, even Olympians have coaches to push and teach.
I submit that anyone that claims they don't need any push, motivation or training has chosen to stay where they are instead of growing personally and professionally. They won't say that, but their actions speak for them.
Do you have a Roger? Can you be your own Roger? I highly recommend it!
P.S. Here is an example of how big and different Roger could be.... my college stories begin with things like this, "So my friend Roger found this store that sells cannon fuse...."
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Glenn - I lost one of my best friends/mentors last year from throat cancer. He always brought a fresh and exciting perspective to any discussion. He was the first person (other than my wife and mom) that I told of my decision to get a real estate license over 12 years ago. Nicely done here.
Glenn, great post. We all need that someone to give us that extra push!
My wife is my "Roger". Since we are both in real estate we push each other all the time. :)
Glenn, These days bigger to me means, happier. I refuse to allow challenges to rob me of happy times, so I'm thinking bigger too. My condolences.
I'm very sorry on the loss of such a great and close friend -- some people can go a livetime and never have that experience.
I also love his advise: think BIGGGGGGGGGER! It can mean so many different things to sooooo many different people.
I can also think that this time period, in this country, at this time screams out Roger's message to think not only bigger but better. Thinking bigger can mean you go back to many basics that got lost in the hectic pace of life that this country got itself into (the normal/regular folks anyway). Just think how much BIGGER the reward is for you and your family as you can spend more family time and experiences together -- isn't that a paramount BIGGER reward for just one benefit of thinking BIGGER. I think there can be many other benefits to going back to some basics and reaping the rewards of thinking BIGGER.
Sue of Robin and Sue
Hi All, many thanks for the comments!
Marian, Roger found "FUN" to be the operative word and key to BIGGGEEERRRR, so I keep that as a focus in all we do. I am actively thankful everyday for my life, my wife and the wonderful life we have and have together. We work hard together and play hard together.
In fact, my wife and I have a rule... if either of us in not enjoying what we are doing, we'll leave and without guilt or explanation. There is always something we can go do that we both enjoy.
Sue, yes it is very versatile. A great example of the power of brevity. After round 1 of the brain issues, Roger wrote letters to his bride about the "gift" of his illness. He quit worrying so much about needing a larger TV and other stuff and spent more time playing with the kids and finding family things to do, projects at church (i.e., the extended family) and fun personal projects (We are still sorting out all the left-overs from those projects, but that has been fun).
Glenn, very inspirational... keep on thinking bigger!
How lucky you were to have Roger at such a formative period in your life!
That is timely advise for me today! Thanks! -Erika
I am lucky enough to have a stable of mentors. I have worked with and for a lot of really gifted people. And it is excellent to be able to call them and pick their brains and have the benefit of their experience and wisdom.
Glenn - Great story and a good reminder that we should all be grateful for the Rogers in our lives. And when the opportunity presents itself, we should be the Roger in someone else's life.
Thinking bigger already! Thanks for sharing.
Glenn every one needs a Roger in life no matter what you do ... I had an Aunt that did the same for me she past away a few years ago ... she had MS for over 25 years then breast cancer then BRAIN cancer finallytook her from me....I also have a good friend that lives about 60 miles from me and we talk often and see each other every few months that for the last 27-28 years has always picked me up when I was down.....funny thing is his name is Roger....thanks for the reminder....peace zane
Great post Glenn
Thanks All! Great comments and I enjoyed all that shared their stories too!
I hope all found something to Think BIGGEEERRR about today!
G