If Not You, Then Who?

Travis Manion, a United States Marine who fell in combat in Iraq, famously said of what would become his fatal deployment “If not me, then who?”

There are things that only you can do do. Rather, there are things that only you SHOULD do. Let’s talk about why, and what happens when you don’t.

If Not You…

There are many things in your life that you are the best person for you. Whether it is at your job or career, with your family and friends, or simply things you need done for yourself. You are person for the job, and no one else will suffice…At least not the same way.

You are uniquely qualified for the things you are given, assigned, or even have volunteered to do. You’ve prepared for them, or at the very least, in most cases, known they were coming. You have a position and often times responsibilities within your personal and professional lives that is uniquely yours on some level, in some way.

You know should do these things. You know you need to do these things. Sometimes, however, finding a way begins to look very appealing. You’re tired. You’re hungry. The game is on. It’s Friday. So on, and so on. So let’s think about one more reason why you shouldn’t.

Then Who?

When you shirk these responsibilities, there are consequences that go beyond just them not getting done. Chances are that they will, but less efficiently and with a draw on someone else’s resources. Someone less prepared, and who shouldn’t have to step in for you.

Many of these things need to get done regardless, especially when it comes to professional and family obligations. If you don’t do them, someone else will have to. Chances are, that person won’t be as prepared as you were, which means the job won’t get done as you would have done. It may even place other people or organizations at risk, which could have been avoided if you had just stuck it out.

The job has to get done, one way or the other. Have the pride in yourself to do it. Don’t force someone else to clean up after you.

Is It Always You?

As always, I want to hear from all of you. Tell us about a time that you stuck to it and got things done so someone else wouldn’t have to. Or tell us about a time you didn’t, and what you learned from the aftermath.