By pursuing being a ‘Star Performer’ one continually improves.
One of the blessings of being fully ‘retired’ is I can do what I please including working for nothing but on very worthy things. I work for a company, The International Academy for Public Safety ; we do on-line character education and development for public safety professionals. We are an answer to Ferguson and the other tragedies we see between police and communities. Just now I was asked to describe a Star Performer, one who is a graduate of our Command College (http://commandcollege.org/ ). It became a personal statement of what it is to live a life worth while.
The Star Performer Described
Just what are the characteristics of a Star Performer, a graduate of the IAPS Command and Staff College?
They live a life worth living.
A Star Performer sees life not as a project but as a process of continuously evolving, continuously contributing, continuously enjoying being alive in this country at this time in history. Thus, they see that life is good and difficulties are opportunities to grow. He and she are grounded in morals which are tested and developed throughout life.
The Star Performer sees fairness as the foundation of living morally. This is the challenge of understanding right from wrong and trying to do what is right – in the middle of the night – when no one is looking. The Asian ancients understood that one must not even think dishonestly as it begins the descent into being corrupt. The Star Performer internalizes that being fair is not about destroying it is about building. He and she realize that without truth little else is possible.
The Star Performer has grit. He and she does not fear challenges even though they stretch what they think they can do. They are especially eager to do those things that contribute to the betterment of those around them beginning with family. Thus, they choose wisely what they do because they know in their hearts they will see tasks, big and small, to their proper end. Determination also describes a life well lived.
The Star Performer has a love of gathering knowledge. They continuously read, study, learn, think and expressly apply lessons learned. They never leave home without something to read. They seek and find what truly matters.
The Star Performer is moderate. They know the value of exercising restraint, humility and modesty.
The Star Performer is generally content with who they are, the arc of their lives and that the future is bright, very bright. They make a good attempt at living holistically. He and she are healthy, are life-long learners and are generally happy. They see mentoring following generations as a duty and a joy. They know that taking a child into nature to make smores by the campfire will change that child’s life . . . and theirs. They are interesting people who gather interesting people around them where the whole is truly greater than the sum of the parts. They are fun to be with.
The Star Performer embodies virtue, good, wisdom and principle. Thereby they earn the respect of respectable people which is one of the most rewarding aspects of a life well lived. When they walk into a room it brightens.
It is wonderful to be able to ‘talk’ to so many of you who brighten my life.
Jim
