Allison M. Shapira

Saturday, September 30, 2006

"Good to Great" Life

I just finished reading the book "Good to Great" by Jim Collins. It was a phenomenal and fast read that I found incredibly inspiring, especially given the fact that I don't often read books like this. Or didn't use to...

Throughout the book, I was struck by two factors.

The first factor that struck me was the simplicity of the concept: Do what you're good at, do it well, and stay focused. Similarly simple concepts in the book include: Surround yourself with like-minded people, be patient, be realistic, and have faith in the end game.

We are not talking about sophisticated strategies that are attainable only by business school graduates or heirs to fortunes. We are talking about self-evident truths that can be discovered by the hard-working owner of a hot dog stand. They can be taught to children through leading by example.

The second factor that struck me was the applicability of these concepts in almost any field, both personal and professional. In fact, using these concepts in an effort to merge personal and professional interests will help ensure a more satisfied life overall.

As a hard-working individual, you realize that you can literally do anything if you really want to. You can be great if you want to. However, the question to ask yourself is not "How do I push for greatness" but rather "What subject or issue makes me want to be great?

For example: I am talented at learning languages, but I don't simply pick up a language by watching TV or buying a book. I learn a language through consistent, diligent, and prolonged study of the language, both written and spoken. I put a tremendous amount of hours and energy into learning the language.

Anyone putting in the same amount of energy could learn the language, but my passion for languages makes me want to put in that amount of energy, thereby ensuring my success, which in turn makes me sublimely happy.

What field or career actually makes you want to work that hard? If you can't answer that question, perhaps you can find employers who demonstrate the values and commitments mentioned above. Stick with the right people and you will be inspired. The rest will come.

I hope.

Fall Morning

Just back from Israel, there are many stories to tell. In the meantime, I'm content to revel in the cooler temperatures, the crisp fall morning, the rising sun reflecting on the power wires, and the half-asleep girl in pajamas rushing to move her car before they start re-paving our parking lot.

Sometimes it's good to be woken up early. There's so much you would have missed by 10 AM.

Friday, September 01, 2006

Just when I thought....


Every time I go grocery shopping, I look at my shopping cart as a third-party observer. What would someone else think looking at my cart: that I'm a young mother? a college student? a healthy eater?

With all the prepackaged salads, individual-size cottage cheeses, and other convenient snacks, most probably you'd think I was a young mother with kids at home. Not so!

So when I buy a lot of fruits, vegetables and meats, I feel a lot more mature in my grocery experience. I feel like an accomplished foodie who is able to not only appreciate fresh food, but cook it herself.

Just when I thought that the "accomplished foodie" title finally applied to me, what do you think the above shopping list, left by my husband this morning on the refrigerator door, would say about us?