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Inspirational color Quote of the Week: Color Purple It’s About Process Too! “There are numerous steps to making the Purple Hearts. Although it seems obvious, it's not. We had to refine the process.” --Tom Tucker (business owner; medal-making firm) What do you think? Purple hearts! The military’s highest honor for valor under pressure. You only earn one if you were injured (or killed) in the line of duty. Serving in war time has got to be among the toughest jobs, and to earn the purple heart, you’ve got to be the best of the best. It would be an understatement to say you deserve all the honor, prestige and recognition that go with the territory. Additionally, it seems fitting that the medal associated with such valor includes the color purple. With its associations to nobility and even royalty, the color for me enhances the quality of the recognition, and the seriousness often linked to the color (remember the associations to characteristics including wisdom, intuition and spirituality) enhances the effect. But let’s dig a little deeper too. As outsiders, we focus on the achievement. We see the outcome. We’re impressed by the ceremony, and we stand in awe of the heroism. What may get lost for us is how these purple hearts get earned. For those of us who have never been called to combat, we can only imagine the uncertainty of fast moving events on the battle field; the need for quick and decisive action; the amount of training that goes into the job; and the day-to-day aftermath of dealing with life at home, the loss of friends and the after effects of serious injury. It’s a stark reminder that process, as well as outcome, matters too. As is Tom Tucker’s description of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the making of the purple hearts themselves. They don’t just happen. They don’t just magically appear when needed to be given out to deserving soldiers. Somebody’s got to do the intricate work, that according to Mr. tucker, requires so much step-by-step refinement of a process. And of course, it’s not just about purple hearts. Your friend just bought their dream house. Got into a prestigious college. Seems to have the perfect partner/spouse. A little jealous? But remember it’s about process and planning as well as outcomes. Ok we can admit it; there’s not always a direct correlation between how hard you work and the results you get. But, it’s so easy to focus only on results. What about the process? What contributed to the achievements and the recognition? Isn’t how we got there as important as where we got to? And back to the purple hearts. In an interesting aside, sometimes process can lead to unanticipated (and hopefully good) outcomes. After all, how come purple hearts are purple? Yes, it seems the appropriate color for a distinction of such quality. Yes, it’s a designation that runs deep in our consciousness. Well, it turns out there’s another part of the story too. While George Washington (who established the initial award, may have had in mind some of the traditional associations we connect to the color purple, one story also has it that the designation came about because his seamstress inadvertently used ribbons of purple thread! Process matters as much as outcomes; that’s never more true than in the case of the sacrifices of the people who have given their service on the fields of battle; and at least for me, the color purple in this context solidifies the reminder to simply honor the journey. How do these ideas resonate with you, and what are one or two actions you might want to take in the next day or so on that basis?
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AuthorI am a Life Coach, a Color Wisdom Card Practitioner, and yes, even a Professor (political science, State University of New York at Albany). I use the Color Wisdom Cards to support clients in exploring priorities and taking concrete actions to stay on track with the goals they set. Because in my own life I have overcome a lot of self-doubt, I want to work with people towards more confidence and self-empowerment. You can do it! What is it you want to do? Categories
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June 2021
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