For some, Over the Wall seems a peculiar title. And, without the story, it is a bit confusing. So, let me begin with the story. As we journey through life, we figuratively carry a backpack with us that has all that is most valuable to us. Our mission, our roles, our relationships are all “in” the backpack. It is what truly drives us to take the next step. So, when we encounter a seemingly monumental wall in our path, what do we do? The choices are simple, turn back and quit or toss our backpack over the wall. When we toss our backpack we have made a definitive choice. We will find a way to surmount the challenge in front of us. That’s an Over the Wall life. We don’t wilt when we face the challenges of life, we toss our backpack over and find a way.
But there are two more indicators of an Over the Wall life. Do you leave every situation better when you exit than it was when you entered it? Possibly it’s a fantastic improvement, maybe it’s just the fact that you’ve changed one person’s day around because of your care and attitude. When you commit to an Over the Wall life, you understand that in what you do minute by minute you have the power to alter the future. You are not powerless nor meaningless, but rather you have incredible abilities to make every situation better because you had a part in it.
Lastly, an Over the Wall life means you have a positive affect on others. Peter Drucker’s advice to Jim Collins as he began his life as an author and speaker was profound. “Jim, you’re asking the wrong question. You ask, will I be successful. The real question is how many people can I help?” If you choose to live a life that puts other’s success above your own, if your measure of success is how many people you can help, you’re living an Over the Wall Life.
I will admit that the title can be misleading. But the purpose and affect, they’re not…
