While growing up I always took note of the older generation getting away with a lot of things they said and physically did. It's almost as if a person hits a certain age and society accepts their actions as just being what old people do. Being the bystander I wanted to know why so many forgave the actions. More importantly what would turn off someone's personal censors? My trip back home to Montana gave me a lot of insight. I heard these words a lot, "It doesn't matter." Wow! Talk about a Debbie Downer moment! It doesn't matter? I heard the other day a radio disc jockey talk about what it's like to turn 43 in Charlotte, NC. He said, "You begin to realize that everything you dreamed about becoming probably isn't going to happen." Basically meaning it doesn't matter. It hit me hard. Especially while lecturing yesterday to a large group of future leaders. While in break an 18 year old guest walked up, "Love the energy. Sure looks achievable. But...it doesn't matter. I don't have the talent and skill to pull something like that off." Without trying. Not a walk or waddle through victory or challenge. At such a young age. It was already decided. It doesn't matter. Those making business decisions say the same thing. The struggles have been taxing. The view of what the upper managers see and demand. It doesn't matter. I can't reach that far. I've had very successful friends walk away from their unbelievable positions in business. It doesn't matter. Can we turn this around? People are trying. New growth is an everyday event. Staying true to the source of energy is a bump in the road. Our constant need for instant success mandates that our positions of thought be in tune with a very out of tune consumer. Saying it does matter is a life changer. Winning is a choice. Do you see a rainbow then look for the storm? I'm guilty! Why does it rain while the sun is shining? I tend to laugh it off because it proves that Mother Nature is just as weird as the rest of us. When you tell yourself that it doesn't matter you're ripping the scab off an old wound. Telling yourself that it does matter revitalizes your intentions. The perfect solution is being aware of what you say and how you say it. When it matters your presence in other peoples journeys make you a leader and not a quitter.