Helling letter: Lost opportunities
I spoke with a German who is a green card holder, is employed, and has been in the USA over 18 years. He speaks with admiration of America, the job he loves and the lifestyle it affords. He says there’s one thing he would like to change and it’s the whining. Instead of being grateful for what one has or opportunities ahead there seems to be a propensity to whine, and a cottage industry supporting this sentiment. I’d have to agree. A paradigm change is needed to pass on a more optimistic mindset to our youth, one grounded in the optimism that sees life as it is and challenges its difficulties rather than pointing to life’s inequities.
The devotees of whining, forgo the “Win Cycle.” The “Win Cycle” meaning using and developing the tools of success, i.e. vision, preparation, skill development, teamwork, ingenuity, hard work, commitment to excellence, staying the course, and ending with the satisfaction of a job well done. These were the essential tools and traits used by strong men and women to forge the God-given nation we so love. It’s important to remember that not all were highly successful but continued on.
Gerald Helling, Boise
This story was originally published May 20, 2016 at 11:19 PM with the headline "Helling letter: Lost opportunities."