Defy Mediocrity
As I sit on an airplane on my way to Texas to provide a training tomorrow in Abilene, I am reading the book "Onward" written about one of my favorite companies, Starbucks. Those who know me well know that I am a big fan of Starbucks coffee and often buy gift cards for me from this well known company. What most do not know is that it is not just the coffee that I enjoy, but also that I have respect for a company that has provided great benefits to its "partners" and has taken "giving back" to the world, very seriously.
I will not say that I modeled "Balance For Wellness, Inc." after Starbucks because I did not study their business prior to our start up. I will say that we hold a common theme: to "Defy Mediocrity" through providing a wonderful, customer-oriented experience on a daily basis!
Now, I must go back further, before my Balance For Wellness, Inc. days and state that as a child I learned to "Defy Mediocrity" in many ways.
First and foremost, my mother named me Lorri, with 2 r's purposely, as she wanted me to be unique! I often joke with her and others as I say that she didn't fully realize what she had put forth. Unique, I am....mostly in a very silly way (my mom often calls me "bad", with a big smile)! Beneath my "business woman" exterior lies a very playful little girl who loves to feel comfortable in playing with others. As my Gemini personality predicts, the business woman also loves to envision, dream and build new business opportunities.
During my early days and throughout my growth process, I learned to "Defy Mediocrity" simply by taking chances that others would not. These chances occurred on sports fields, going to college (3 separate times) as I continued to earn advanced degrees, applying for and accepting positions that were considered promotions and eventually starting my own company. The ongoing joke in beginning Balance For Wellness, Inc. is that no one else would have thought of opening a physical therapy business with a portable massage table, an ultrasound unit and an inversion traction table (and Very Little capital)...but I did and every year for 10 years, Balance For Wellness, Inc. has recorded growth and profit. We will be opening a second clinic in Mars within the next few months.
Now, I write the above not to toot my own horn, but to hopefully share that this "little girl born and raised in a row house in Pittsburgh" decided to take some chances and "Defy Mediocrity." Because of this, wonderful people are employed, countless clients have been relieved of pain and gained function, amazing relationships have been developed, numerous charities have been supported, and I have come to truly know the Holy Spirit at work by opening myself as a vessel.
I smile and laugh more. I greet with hugs. I am comfortable with shedding tears, especially those of joy, but have shared many based in sorrow.
I KNOW that by "Defying Mediocrity" in myself, others have benefitted. And it is this truth that motivates me to continue.
Please, know that taking chances to "be the Greatest Version of the Grandest Vision of Yourself" (quoted from Conversations with God) will help make this world a more joy filled place in which to live!
Take one baby step today and "Defy Mediocrity."
If you need a boost, please call me!
And by the way, Thanks Mom!
Dr Lorri
(one more smile: my mom introduces me this way, "This is my baby, Dr Lorri")