ObstaclesSometimes, things are going to hit you.  Details will try to overwhelm you.  Obstacles will pop up in your path.  That's just the way life is.  And if you're a leader in hot pursuit of a vision, its best to learn to expect it. After all, resistance is what build strong muscles.  Ships are safe in the harbor but they aren't made for the harbor.  Strong sailors aren't made in calm seas.  And leaders are just going to have to develop thick skin.

One little phrase I started thinking to myself a long time ago was, "Doesn't Matter, Doesn't Matter, Doesn't Matter."  What I meant by this was that the goal remained the same, the obstacles were just there to add color to the story.  And maybe I'm just weird (okay, maybe it's more than a maybe) but it worked for me.  It helped me remember that the big picture was still the big picture.  The goal was set in stone and the path in sand.

As long as you've got the vision clear in your mind, and you've got the goal set in stone, perhaps keeping this little philosophy in your head will help you advance.  It doesn't matter what happens, it's how you respond.  Respond appropriately with a little self-encouragement and press on.  As Ghandi said, "Your playing small does not serve the world."  So play big.  Expect obstacles.  And realize that those obstacles don't matter!   

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12 responses to “Doesn’t Matter, Doesn’t Matter, Doesn’t Matter”

  1. Ian from Texas Avatar

    Chris,
    Thank you so much for posting this article now. When I heard the cd of the same topic it instantly became the armor I use to shield the negative bombardment that occurs in my life on a daily basis. When I find myself getting down or life is beating me up, I remind myself that it is only a temporary challenge and it really “doesn’t matter”…
    (repeat as needed). Thank you so much for this site and your postings.
    I really need them during this time until we see the next mile.
    Thank you,
    Ian from Texas

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  2. Chris Brady Avatar
    Chris Brady

    Ian from Texas:
    Glad this little tactic has proven useful! Keep leading!
    God bless!
    Chris

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  3. Liz Avatar

    Chris and Orrin,
    Here’s a follow-up story on the Power Point presentation I created for my soldiers based on LLR, CH.1. A few days later, my platoon sergeant called and said, “We’ve got to do that presentation again, but can you add about 20 seconds to those slides that had the single quotes on them? I know the soldiers wanted more time for the statements to hit their hearts because I know I did. And, by the way, do you have any more of those leadership statement ‘thingies?’
    I was thinking, ‘Anymore! I have a whole book jam-absolutely-packed with them.’ He asked me to start sending them one-by-one to our platoon. So, I’ve started.
    What this has shown me is that people are just plain hungry for this stuff. All other voids in our life get filled–our stomachs get food, our cars get gas, our relationships get commo, our souls get church but there is so little that feeds that part of our heart that is moved by earthly virtue and honor. The TEAM training system has managed to ignite that piece of my heart on a daily basis. It used to light up only once a month–every time our opening formation performs a ‘Right, Face’ in our armory to salute the flag.
    Someone told me that your book ‘LLR’ has ended up in military institutions. I cannot help but think that our already powerful military would take a flying leap forward if the principles in this book were mandatory training for all soldiers. Might I recommend considering that this book be transcribed into a Power Point format for just such a purpose?
    My family watched “Amazing Grace” last night, the account of William Wilburforce and his stunning leadership during the slave ship era. It felt like I was watching the beginnings of TEAM. I assumed that you must have seen this movie, but in the event that you haven’t, consider running, not walking, to rent it.
    Daily inspired by your posts,
    Liz

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  4. DaveC Avatar
    DaveC

    Chris,
    WOW! Two posts within ten minutes and both of them hit me between the eyes. Thanks a lot and keep up the good work!

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  5. Chris Brady Avatar
    Chris Brady

    Liz:
    I appreciate your comments, and am excited to see the hunger out there for these principles. You are so complimentary of Orrin Woodward and myself, but you are really the one deserving of recognition. You are doing exactly what I talked about in my previous post: showing leadership initiative and taking action. God bless you and keep leading!
    Chris

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  6. Chris Brady Avatar
    Chris Brady

    Dave C.
    Glad it’s helping! Please be sure to stop by and say hi at some upcoming book signing or seminar. I look forward to meeting you!
    Chris

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  7. Tia Avatar
    Tia

    That is an awesome saying I have used it so many times and I think that all the time It doesnt matter No matter what. Thanks for all of the hard work from the leadership of the team. It has made a very big difference in the life of my family and I thank you very much.

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  8. Trish Rusiecki Avatar
    Trish Rusiecki

    Thanks Chris so much for sharing, “doesn’t matter…” you are so right!!! I feel my problem all along has been that I have written both my goal and path in stone. I need to just get rid of that stinking thinking once and for all!! I have had mulitple obstacles placed in my path over the last couple of months from finances, health all the way to alot of big family issues, but all that doesn’t matter, doesn’t matter, doesn’t matter. My GOAL is set in STONE and my PATH is set in SAND!!! Wow I am alot more work in progress in I ever imagined!!! Thank you, Chris

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  9. Harlene Wiseman Avatar
    Harlene Wiseman

    I am with you Ian! I have used that cd’s content over and over in my life and it is a wonderful “mantra” when distractions keep popping up! Thanks Chris!

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  10. Pam Avatar
    Pam

    Thank you for this reminder!

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  11. Lori wells Avatar
    Lori wells

    Amen

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  12. Lori wells Avatar
    Lori wells

    Amen

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