Perpetuating Our Own Myth
I am reading Rob Hart’s great new book, The Medusa Protocol. This is the second book in the Assassins Anonymous series. I am a huge fan of Rob’s work and couldn’t wait to read this one. As always there are great lines and insights into the characters that really make me think. Yesterday while reading, one of the protagonists, Mark, said of another person that he was “Perpetuating his own myth.” This is something we all have done, or are doing and need to be careful of.
“Perpetuating our own myth” means continuing to believe or act as if a false idea or misconception is true, thereby reinforcing it over time. It’s like maintaining a story or belief about ourselves or a situation that isn’t entirely accurate, which can influence how we behave or how others perceive us. Sometimes, we do this unconsciously, and it can limit growth or distort reality. Recognizing and challenging these myths can help us foster a more honest understanding and promote personal or collective development.
Seeing Others and Letting Them See Us
In one of my Focused Leader Academy gatherings this past week we got into a deep discussion about being vulnerable and authenticity. These are two really important and many times overlooked leadership attributes. I am so fortunate to have had this modeled for me very early in my career as a teacher and teacher leader. I have also worked in organizations where these two attributes were not valued. Let me tell you, it is not healthy to be in an environment where asking for help or needing more information is viewed as a weakness. Asking questions is a superpower we possess. Remember, we need to create space for vulnerability in order to have a psychologically safe environment.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of connection and the path to the feeling of worthiness. If it doesn’t feel vulnerable, the sharing is probably not constructive.” ~ Brené Brown
In our discussion we also talked about that in order to encourage vulnerability and authenticity we need to help those on our team be seen. Helping those on our team be seen means recognizing and appreciating their contributions, strengths, and efforts. It involves giving them acknowledgment, validation, and opportunities to showcase their skills. When we ensure team members feel valued and visible, it boosts morale, encourages collaboration, and fosters a positive environment where everyone feels motivated and respected. Essentially, it’s about amplifying their voices and successes so they feel recognized and empowered within the team.
An important concept here is that as leaders we need to see and understand others’ strengths and weaknesses and let them see us. I am a huge believer in understanding our strengths building on those. As a leader, understanding our team members’ strengths and weaknesses is crucial because it allows us to effectively support their growth, assign tasks that align with their abilities, and foster a productive and positive work environment. Recognizing their strengths enables is to leverage their talents for the team’s success, while understanding their weaknesses helps in providing targeted development or assistance.
Moreover, when we openly share our own strengths and areas for improvement, it builds trust and transparency within the team. It encourages honest communication, reduces barriers, and creates a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and feedback. This mutual understanding and openness ultimately lead to higher engagement, collaboration, and overall success.
Breaking the Chains of Sloth: Building Momentum and Staying Disciplined for Long-Term Success
I have previously written three posts specific to three of the seven deadly sins, inspired by the creative music of Deadlands. Here they are:
Now I am digging in deeper about a fourth deadly sin inspired by Deadlands awesome song, “Wither”, that addresses the deadly sin of sloth. “Wither” might be one of my favorites on their new EP, SEVEN.
As a student of C. S. Lewis I love that Kasey Karlsen has chosen to do what we used to call a progressive rock, or also called prog rock, type thing with their EP, SEVEN. I loved the rock band Rush growing up who also did this type of elaborate story-telling, particularly with science fiction, with conceptual lyrics, and advanced composition techniques. C. S. Lewis was masterful at incorporating the seven deadly sins into his writing and now Kasey has mastered it as well.
Sloth, is one of the most interesting of the capital sins. It takes so many different forms. Dorothy L. Sayers, friend of C. S. Lewis and Marion E. Wade Center author, might have defined sloth the best saying:
“It is the sin which believes in nothing, cares for nothing, seeks to know nothing, interferes with nothing, enjoys nothing, loves nothing, hates nothing, finds purpose in nothing. lives for nothing, and only remains alive because there is nothing it would die for.” ~ Dorothy L. Sayers
Kasey Karlsen’s lyrics depict this definition very well. I interpret the line “I won’t indulge in your impotence” from Deadlands’ song “Wither” metaphorically. It suggests that Kasey refuses to accept or enable another’s weakness, helplessness, or inability to act. Essentially, it conveys a stance of accountability and resilience—rejecting excuses or passivity, and instead urging strength or resolve. The phrase might also imply a rejection of enabling someone’s shortcomings or failures, emphasizing that they must confront their struggles rather than be coddled or excused for them.
C.S. Lewis wrote about this form of sloth in his iconic book The Screwtape Letters, where he discussed sloth as one of the capital sins, emphasizing that it isn’t just laziness or physical tiredness, but also spiritual apathy or indifference towards one’s duty and growth – this same impotence as Kasey describes it. He explored how sloth can manifest as a reluctance to do good or make an effort in one’s spiritual life, often disguised as complacency or comfort with the status quo. Lewis considers sloth a subtle but serious obstacle to spiritual development, warning that it can lead to a sort of despair or loss of purpose if left unchecked.
Another line, “Indifference seals your chamber” suggests that apathy or lack of concern can trap or confine someone mentally, emotionally, or perhaps even physically. I interpret “Chamber” here as a personal space or inner world, and “seals” to imply closing it off or sealing it shut. Together, it conveys the idea that indifference—either from oneself or others—can create barriers, preventing growth, understanding, or change. It highlights how neglect or emotional detachment can imprison a person within their own feelings or circumstances.
This indifference is not the physical laziness form of sloth, but the gradual wearing away of devotion. Jill, in C. S. Lewis’s The Silver Chair (The Chronicles of Narnia), fails because of sloth. She fails to remember the four signs given to her by Aslan. Aslan told her:
But, first, remember, remember, remember the signs. Say them to yourself when you wake in the morning and when you lie down at night, and when you wake in the middle of the night. And whatever strange things may happen to you, let nothing turn your mind from following the signs. And secondly, I give you a warning. Here on the mountain I have spoken to you clearly: I will not often do so down in Narnia. Here on the mountain, the air is clear and your mind is clear; as you drop down into Narnia, the air will thicken. Take great care that it does not confuse your mind. And the signs which you have learned here will not look at all as you expect them to look, when you meet them there. That is why it is so important to know them by heart and pay no attention to appearances. Remember the signs and believe the signs. Nothing else matters. And now, daughter of Eve, farewell—” ~ Aslan to Jill in C. S. Lewis’s The Silver Chair (Chronicles of Narnia), p. 20
When arriving in Narnia, Jill gets caught up in all the happenings and very quickly loses sight of the importance of what she was to remember and do. Sound familiar? We all do it. All of us, like Jill, become weary with the daily grind. Jill, because of sloth, was failing to persevere, but Aslan helped her find her way.
Finally, Kasey’s line “You’ll pay the price of arrogance” masterfully connects to sloth in a very symbolic way. While arrogance is typically associated with pride and overconfidence, it often leads to complacency or a lack of action—traits linked to sloth. In the context of the song, Kasey, in my mind, has suggested that arrogance may cause someone to neglect their responsibilities or ignore warnings, ultimately resulting in negative consequences. It highlights how overconfidence or stubbornness can foster complacency, allowing problems to grow or worsen due to an unwillingness to act or change. Essentially, the song draws a parallel between arrogance and laziness or inertia, implying that such attitudes can be self-destructive if not checked.
Remember, overcoming sloth is about building momentum and maintaining discipline. Small consistent efforts often lead to significant long-term results.
Our Self-Inflicted Catacombs
The lyrics from Deadlands’ song “More” off their awesome EP, SEVEN, offer a powerful reflection on the destructive nature of the deadly sin of gluttony and excess. The line “Corrode your soul for something selfishly indulged” leaped out at me as Kasey Karlsen sang about pursuing fleeting pleasures or material gains at the expense of one’s integrity, health, or well-being. It also speaks to how gluttony can be spiritually corrosive. Kasey and CJ remind us that chasing superficial rewards, highs , and satisfaction most often lead to inner decay.
The subsequent line, “With all this time you are biding; Your digging deeper into self-inflicted catacombs,” emphasizes how prolonging such gluttonous pursuits can trap us in a metaphorical tomb of our own making. I love the metaphor of catacombs used in the song – it is genius! It highlights the danger of wasting time on self-indulgence rather than focusing on more meaningful, lasting values.
The catacomb metaphor in the song is a powerful symbol for exploring themes of introspection, hidden truths, and the depths of our subconscious. Just as catacombs are underground chambers that house skeletons, secrets, and remnants of the past, they invite us to delve beneath the surface of everyday life and confront aspects of ourselves that are often buried or overlooked.
Just as navigating through a labyrinthine catacomb can be challenging, understanding ourselves often involves traversing complex emotional landscapes, learning patience and resilience along the way. The darkness and mystery of a catacomb symbolize the parts of our psyche that are not immediately visible. Exploring these can lead to greater self-awareness, healing, and growth. By contemplating the metaphor of the catacomb, we learn the value of looking inward with honesty and curiosity, embracing the unknown within us, and seeking lasting fulfillment beyond superficial layers.
From these lines, we can learn the importance of self-awareness and moderation. Deadlands is encouraging us to consider whether our pursuits truly serve our well-being or if they are leading us away from genuine fulfillment. Ultimately, the song urges us to prioritize what nourishes our soul and growth over superficial gratifications that might cause long-term harm.
Greed Is An Exception
I love the band, Deadlands, and I can’t wait to meet them on August 2nd. I also love their new EP, SEVEN. This EP is about the 7 deadly sins. I’ve already blogged about their song about pride, “Villain,” in Pride – The Unpopular Fault. Now, I’m writing about greed, inspired by their great song, “Die In Paradise.”
There are a couple of thought provoking lines that jumped out at me in the lyrics. The first was, “Thе more I gain then the morе I crave.” This line highlights a common paradox about greed: the more we acquire, the more insatiable our desires become. This suggests that chasing after material possessions or external gains often leads to a never-ending cycle of longing, which can be ultimately unfulfilling.
In contrast, qualities like contentment, gratitude, and meaningful relationships tend to foster genuine happiness and inner peace. Recognizing this contrast can encourage us to focus on pursuits that nurture our well-being and personal growth rather than fleeting, hollow gains.
Another line that really stood out was, “All but avarice never blooms.” I interpreted this as suggesting that almost everything in life can flourish or have significance—except greed (avarice). In other words, greed is an exception—it doesn’t truly grow or thrive in a meaningful way. The line might be emphasizing that greed is ultimately hollow or unproductive, contrasting it with other qualities or pursuits that can flourish and bring fulfillment.
I love how these metalcore artists have broken down the seven deadly sins for us! Keep an eye out for future posts on these SEVEN songs.
Glass Half Full
One of my favorite bands is Nothing More. A few years ago I was honored to spend some time with them on their tour bus discussing the deep meaning and lessons they put in their songs. One of the many great songs of theirs that has caused me to do a great deal of thinking about is “Just Say When.” One of the lines in the lyrics in particular has caused me pause. The line is: “The glass was half full when we stopped pouring in.” In the song the metaphor is referring to a relationship that is at the end. The relationship is now at the point where the couple is saying “Just say when.” In this case, neither person is putting anything into the relationship.
This makes me ask the questions, “Should they have stopped pouring?” or “Should they have kept pouring?” Then I always start pondering other situations like this as a leader. Imagine pouring water into a glass. You pour until it reaches the halfway point. When you stop there, have you achieved a state of perfect balance—neither overflowing nor empty? This simple act mirrors our lives: knowing when to push forward and when to pause. It reminds us that progress isn’t just about continuous effort but also about recognizing the right moment to stop, appreciate, and reflect. Maybe, just maybe, sometimes, halting at the halfway point allows us to conserve energy, avoid burnout, and cultivate contentment. I tend to be a full the glass and ask for a bigger glass person. But is this the best way to operate? Definitely something to ponder.
There can be potential harmful implications of stopping pouring prematurely, depending on the context. In collaborative settings, stopping too early without clear communication might cause misunderstandings about progress or expectations. What if we’ve let a glass go from full to halfway because we have stopped pouring in? Considering when to add to the glass or pause is an important balance to consider.
Once the metaphorical pouring stops at half full, it opens up possibilities: to refill, to reassess goals, or to enjoy what’s currently available. It emphasizes that stopping isn’t necessarily final but can be strategic. Stopping once the glass reaches half full underscores the importance of recognizing when enough is enough, fostering mindfulness, and making thoughtful choices about continuation versus pause. It reminds us that progress isn’t always just about pushing forward relentlessly but also about knowing when to pause, reflect, and conserve.
The Power of Ping-Ponging Ideas: Enhancing Community Collaboration
Today, during a discussion in the final day of a weeklong training of National FFA Teacher Ambassadors, one of the Ambassadors shared she loved the ping-ponging of ideas we did during the sessions. I was so proud to hear this because I really believe our work gets better in community. There is such power in heuristic learning and sharing. When I think of community and collaboration, I’m reminded of C. S. Lewis’s Inklings who provided J. R. R. Tolkien with encouragement and Lewis the right story.
In any vibrant community, innovation and progress often stem from dynamic conversations and the free exchange of ideas. One particularly effective method to foster this exchange is ping-ponging ideas — a process where thoughts, suggestions, and feedback bounce back and forth among members, much like a lively game of table tennis.
What Is Ping-Ponging Ideas?
Ping-ponging ideas involves collaborative brainstorming where participants actively listen, respond, and build upon each other’s contributions. Instead of linear discussions, this approach encourages a rhythm of giving and receiving, allowing ideas to evolve organically through continuous dialogue.
Why Is It Valuable for Communities?
- Encourages Creativity and Innovation: When ideas are bounced around, they often spark new perspectives and creative solutions that might not emerge in solitary thinking or one-sided discussions.
- Builds Collective Ownership: Engaging everyone in the idea-generation process fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the community’s initiatives, leading to increased participation and support.
- Strengthens Relationships: Regular exchange of ideas creates connections among members, building trust and understanding that can translate into stronger collaboration.
- Facilitates Inclusive Decision-Making: Ping-ponging ensures diverse voices are heard, helping the community make more well-rounded and inclusive decisions.
- Accelerates Problem-Solving: As ideas bounce around, potential issues are identified early, and innovative solutions are quickly developed through collective input.
How Does Effective Ping-Ponging in Our Communities Make Our Work Better?
- Create Safe Spaces: Encourage open-mindedness where all members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts without judgment.
- Use Structured Formats: Organize brainstorming sessions with clear prompts or questions to guide the idea exchange.
- Leverage Technology: Utilize online platforms that facilitate real-time discussion and idea-sharing, especially for remote or hybrid communities.
- Promote Active Listening: Remind participants to attentively consider each contribution before responding, ensuring meaningful exchanges.
- Follow Up: Keep the momentum by revisiting ideas, giving feedback, and implementing viable suggestions.
Ping-ponging ideas is more than just a metaphor; it’s a powerful technique that nurtures collaboration, sparks innovation, and deepens community bonds. By embracing this dynamic exchange, communities can grow stronger, more creative, and better equipped to face challenges together.
Experiences Over Experience
Today during a discussion with National FFA Teacher Ambassadors about who we influence and how we influence others, a teacher commented that sometimes she worried she lacked influence because others viewed her as not having enough years experience. This teacher is going into her third year of teaching and went on to say she has had a lot of experiences that others with more years of experience have not had. Did you catch the distinction here? I loved this and it is something I have always told teachers I’ve coached or mentored: Experiences trump experience!
While the number of years someone has spent in a field can give a general sense of their exposure, it doesn’t necessarily reflect the depth, quality, or relevance of their experiences. Considering the actual experiences of others allows us to understand their challenges, problem-solving approaches, and lessons learned in specific situations. This deeper insight helps us evaluate their true expertise and adapt their knowledge to our own circumstances more effectively. Ultimately, focusing on meaningful experiences fosters more genuine learning and growth than simply counting years.
Embracing Imperfection: How Progress and Patience Drive Meaningful Growth
The thought of perfection or being perfect has always been intriguing to me. While watching an episode of Yellowstone (Season5 Episode 6), after a great day on a cattle drive, John Dutton (Kevin Costner) tells his friend, Emmett Walsh (Buck Taylor), as he laid down on his saddle to sleep under the stars, “I’ve come to believe that perfection only lives in little moments. Can’t be sustained over hours, just instances, little wisps of time and the world becomes imperfect again.” I believe this suggested that true perfection is rare and often occurs in small, fleeting moments rather than as a constant state. He went on to say, “This day damn near proved me wrong,” pointing out the near perfect day of herding cattle, fishing, spending time with old friends, and gazing at the stars. Emmett app-lie responded, “Well, John, if it wasn’t perfect, it was damn close.” Check out the featured photo of this post to see the perfect end to a day for me – sitting on the back porch watching dairy cows graze and corn and soybeans grow.
When you think about it, perfection isn’t usually found in entire projects or life itself but rather in brief, special moments where everything aligns perfectly. These tiny instances of perfection can be cherished as meaningful and beautiful highlights amidst the imperfections of everyday life. The problem is that we so many times hunt for ‘perfect,’ and the more we hunt the more elusive it becomes. Then we crave perfection. That craving yields disappointment.
This does not mean we should not strive for excellence and personal growth, but we need to do it without becoming obsessed with perfection. The key is to recognize that perfection is an ideal, often fleeting and subjective, rather than a realistic or necessary standard. By focusing on progress, learning, and appreciating small successes, we can pursue our goals with passion and dedication while maintaining a healthy balance. Embracing imperfection and understanding that mistakes are part of growth helps us stay motivated and resilient, making the journey more fulfilling and less stressful.
Leading As A Joy Giver
Yesterday I was meeting with one of our great National FFA Mentor Teacher Ambassadors, J. R. Pierce, from Montana. I am excited to be going to his school in August to do a two day leadership program for the student leaders in his school. As we were finalizing the plans, J. R. shared one of his profound thoughts that I have grown to appreciate him for. He said, “I see how teacher joy goes out the window!” I then said that he couldn’t just make that statement and us not discuss it.
I asked him, “How do we keep that from happening?” I loved his answer and it was so true. He said “We need to quit killing the joy in other teachers; especially our younger teachers.” His solution for this was to keep our opinions to ourselves. An example he gave was when a teacher is working on a bulletin board and another teacher rants that it is a waste of time and they’re not taking the extra time to do that. That ranting teacher was killing teacher joy and needed to keep their opinion to themself.
These “joy killers” are what I also call a “buzz kill.” Beware of the buzz kill! That person who is in your organization, community, class, school, or government who takes a perfectly good idea, concept, or change and shucks it off as being worthless or not meeting their own values. The thing about buzz kills is they are usually smart, respected, and rationale people. They appear to be very noble in their actions and may not even know they are killing someone’s joy. Can you think of a time when sharing your opinion killed someone’s joy? I can!
Think about it. If we hear that something we are doing is stupid enough times, we will lose our joy. I have continued to ponder J. R.’s thoughtful solution of keeping our opinions to ourselves. Keeping our opinions to ourselves can help prevent unnecessary conflict and preserve harmony in our relationships. When we choose not to voice every thought, especially if it might be critical or dismissive, we create a more respectful and understanding environment. This consideration allows others to feel valued and free to express themselves without fear of judgment or negativity, which in turn helps maintain their happiness and confidence. Essentially, sometimes silence acts as a gentle gesture that protects others’ joy and fosters kindness and peace.
Everyone has joy killers in their lives, but we all have joy givers too. The challenge for us is to identify the joy killers to avoid, and replenish with the joy givers. Thanks J. R. for inspiring these thoughts. The world needs more great teachers like you! Here is our challenge: be a joy giver, not a joy killer.
Byron's Babbles 
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