What Do You Honor

Honor [on-er] : honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions. ( dictionary.com)

As of late the word honor has been popping up on my radar screen. Several conversations I've had, be it with friends or clients, brought the word to the forefront.

Case #1: While talking to a good friend (both on cell phones) from high school who is in the military something interesting happened (at least to me). He asked that I please hold on for a second as he got out of his car and walked to a nearby building. Before putting me on hold, he quickly said, "I can't be on the phone while I walk." I was intrigued and asked once he returned to the phone if the Military does not want you to walk and talk on a cell phone at the same time so you don't bump into anyone or anything. He responded with a ,"no, it's out of respect for the uniform." I thought to myself "wow, that's pretty cool." For someone to have so much respect for an image and what it really represents that it causes you to act a certain way. Sure you could violate it, but why would you want to. He was honoring his uniform and what it stands for.

Case #2: One of my coaching clients was looking to make a change in the way they view discipline. They just could not understand why they procrastinated or did not take the necessary steps to reach the goals they set for themselves. There was some fear there but in the end the discovery that was made to help my client move forward was honor. They decided to choose the perspective of honoring themselves by taking the necessary steps to attain their goals. The perspective of honor, made all the difference and it felt powerful.

When I personally think of the word, honor, the phrase, "it's worth it" comes to mind. It gives the feeling of an old kind of system where a hand shake secured a deal. It connects you to something that is supposed to be "a rare quality in today's fast pasted society of litigation." It ties you to the knights of yesteryear and the Samurai (see graphic above,"Meiyo") who would lay on his own sword in the name of honor. It's an inner strength that provides exterior good. With all that being said; So what and who cares?

The big deal is that you can use, "honor" to help get you moving when you just don't feel like it or are stuck. Think about the things that you say are most important to you. Are you honoring them? For those who need a bit more accountability, here is something you can try out over the next few weeks:

1. List what you wish to honor(what's important to you)?

2. What does honoring it look like to you?

3. Rate it on a weekly basis to chart your progress and make the necessary changes to get where you want to be.

4. Let me or someone else know how it's going.

Don't do it for me or anyone else, but do it in honor of you. You are worth it, even if it doesn't feel like it at this very moment.

Ambassador Bruny
Representing your highest vision