National Geographic Photographer Dewitt Jones has made Celebrate What's Right with the World a mantra for creativity, inspiration and success.
Lately,
there has been a different type of attitude developing in the workplace. A philosophy that doesn't simply rely on the traditional thought that there always has to be a winner and a loser in every life and business scenario. Through the works of Dewitt Jones we see that there is more than one right answer and many ways to be successful. By Celebrating What's Right with the World, we make the world a better place and in the process our lives become more successful, creative and productive.
Dewitt Jones spent over 20 years as a National Geographic photographer and in his classic training DVD Celebrate What's Right with the World he takes the viewer around the world through the actual sites of some of his greatest photos. Through each of his pictures he demonstrates the main points of his philosophy: Believe it and you will see it, recognize abundance, look for possibilities, unleash your energy to fix what is wrong, ride the changes, take yourself to the edge, be your best for the world.
Believe It and You will See It
Dewitt believes that if you believe it, you will see it. How many times have we gone into a situation that seemed impossible and didn't open our eyes to possibilities? If we don't believe we are going to be successful, then we have already failed. Time and time again we hear from successful athletes, artists, and business people about how when in the face of criticism and doubt they still believed.
Recognize Abundance
It's so easy to see one route or none at all. But, in reality, most of the time there are many paths. It's not easy because we have all been taught that there is scarcity in the world, that there is only one winner and one loser. In reality, we only need to look around us - thousands of wonderful movies, books, songs and business start-ups are created every year - all of them, creative and successful. We just need to recognize the abundance in our world.
Look for Possibilities
When we look for possibilities in our world, we need to look past our initial assumptions and discoveries. If we give up too soon, we might miss the really special discovery - the discovery that is the true genius. In Celebrate What's Right with the World, Dewitt shows us photos that look phenomenal, but then he shows us what happens when he looks for more possibilities. The original photo pales in comparison to the other discoveries Dewitt makes by not limiting himself to the first good picture.
Unleash Your Energy to Fix what is Wrong
It seems paradoxical to unleash your energy to fix what is wrong by celebrating what is right, but when Dewitt explains it, it makes perfect sense. When spend all our time trying to fix what is wrong we start to forget about the great things in life. By only looking at negative, the world starts to look unforgiving and dark. As Dewitt says, "By celebrating what is right, we find the energy to fix what is wrong."
Ride the Changes
We all know that these are turbulent times and the world is changing at an ever-increasing clip. When Dewitt says, "Ride the Change" he is talking about taking advantage of change. If we resist change we are fighting the inevitable. With great change comes great possibility and if we embrace that possibility there is no end to the opportunities that will develop.
Take Yourself to the Edge
When we take ourselves to the edge, we are stepping out beyond our comfort zone into the unknown. However, no greatness comes without taking risks. We have to believe in ourselves and trust that we have the values and vision that will bring about successful change. If we truly want to create something great for the world, we need to take the risk and live with the results. As Dewitt says, "If I really wanted to soar, that was the edge I had to push...that edge in each of our lives between success and significance."
Be Your Best for the World
"It's that subtle shift from pushing ourselves to be the best in the world, and allowing ourselves to be the best for the world." Dewitt says it best when he talks about the change of a single word. If we are concentrating only on ourselves we lose focus by thinking about the shallow trappings of success. This one word allows us to reach our full potential of creativity and inspiration and be a force of good for the world.
Dewitt's philosophy is hardly the win at all costs mentality that permeates many businesses. Yet, despite this lighter approach, his words are far more inspirational. To look beyond your self and celebrate what is right with world are powerful concepts. Concepts we can use to take risks and unleash our creativity and talents. Dewitt challenges old ideas and if we follow his way we can't help but have a more productive, creative and fulfilling life.
Remember to Celebrate What's Right with the World.