George B. Thomas
Rather listen to this post?
In this vast world wide web, digital, automated, AI-powered universe we navigate daily, I often pause and reflect: What keeps us grounded in our humanity?
For me, it's not just about existing but thriving as a good human— not just for me but also for those I can guide and grow with on this crazy journey.
This article is my attempt to share a snippet of my world. We’ll walk through the "H Framework" that shapes my approach to life and leadership.
For me, staying centered on my humanity and focused on humans is about having a holistic, healthy, happy, helpful, humble, and human mindset or framework to follow.
What Does 'Human' Mean to Me?
When I speak of humanity, I'm picturing the best version of us—those with hearts wide open, ready to serve and uplift.
It's not just a concept; it's the very fabric of my philosophy. "Being human," to me, means embodying happiness, helpfulness, humility, and being our best selves in every flicker moment possible during our existence on this planet.
Happiness is our shared pursuit, isn't it?
We all chase that state, hoping to grasp it not just for ourselves but also for our loved ones. "I want to leave people better than I met them"—that's my mantra.
It's about spreading joy, fostering gratitude, and cultivating a positive aura that embraces everyone in its warmth.
The Joy of Being Helpful
Helpfulness isn't just an action; it's a state of being. It’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with others, championing their success as if it were my own.
It’s the time invested, not in pursuing material gains, but in the joyous ripple effect of collective achievement and growth.
In this spirit of service or servanthood, I've found a more profound success measured not in dollars but in our impact on each other, in our catalyst moments. That's the actual currency of our human experience.
$ = Catalyst Moments + For You and Others
What moments are you creating in the lives of those around you?
Embracing Humility
Humility is a quiet, resonant strength. It's not about lowering ourselves but about elevating others.
It's a balance of keeping our feet firmly on the ground while reaching for the stars. It's understanding that every lesson, every story, every moment of connection is a chance to grow.
It’s also a life lesson forged from the understanding that at any point, our ego can get in the way, and we can be broken!
🧭 Good Ego vs. Bad Ego: What to Do When You Get to Big for Your Britches
In my journey, humility has been a trusted companion. It's allowed me to listen deeply, understand profoundly, and move through life with a self-awareness that enriches every encounter.
Originality: The Heart of It All
Being original or authentic isn't about showcasing perfection—it's about being honest, raw, and ready to show up as we are.
I often say, "You're enough," because it's crucial to believe that. It's about tearing down the facades and masks we wear and just being... well, us.
🧭 You're Only Human, Be Kind to Yourself on This Journey
Whether you meet me on a stage, in my backyard, or we're breaking bread together, I am unapologetically me!
I’m just George. And I know that’s enough. 💖
And that's what being human is all about. It’s about consistency in your character, no matter the setting or situation. It’s about showing up, wholly and unreservedly, as yourself.
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
― Oscar Wilde
Personal Branding: It's All About the Humans
My personal brand is a mirror of my belief system—it’s all about “the humans”.
I've always maintained that organizations are collectives of individual humans. By influencing one person, I can start a wave that ripples through the entire organization, lighting the flame to change and growth.
Being a good human shouldn't be a unique selling proposition or a business differentiator, but it is.
It's shocking how this simple philosophy sets you apart in business. It's not just about profit and performance metrics; it's about the people behind those numbers.
Sharing Our Stories: A Balance in Transparency
I live like an open book (at least I try) - not for the applause but for the shared lessons. There's power in our stories—the triumphs, the failures, and even the mundane moments.
Sharing these isn't about creating a spectacle but forging connections, sparking inspiration, and finding common ground.
👉 Of course, there's a line to walk here.
It's not about airing every grievance but sharing those moments of struggle and strength that might light the way for someone else. It’s about finding that balance that uplifts without overwhelming, that educates without exposing too much.
Empathy: The Invisible Thread
Empathy is this invisible thread that connects us in unseen ways. I've always been drawn to the nuances, the microexpressions that speak volumes.
It's why I'm attuned to the person on the other side of the screen, even when discussing something as technical as call-to-actions or HubSpot forms.
Empathy is understanding and mentally “walking a mile” in another's shoes before jumping to conclusions.
It's about recognizing our shared humanity and responding with love and care, not criticism.
How do I foster empathy? By example.
You can preach all day, but it's your actions that people will remember. It's about being present, really present, in every interaction. It's the nuanced art of reading a room, sensing the energy, and responding with your mind and heart.
In my community, I strive to be that empathetic ear, the one that others can turn to and know they'll be met with understanding, not judgment.
Remember that each of us is on a unique journey. Yet, as different as our paths may be, our basic human needs—connection, authenticity, empathy—are universal.
Let's continue to unravel the layers of our human experiences. We'll talk about consistency and evolution, self-acceptance, and the love that fuels it all.
Stay with me as we delve deeper into what it means to embrace every part of our journey, and every element of our being and transform not just our lives but those we touch along the way.
Consistency in Change: The Balancing Act
Here's something I've learned: consistency doesn't mean stagnation. I show up as George daily—the same core, values, and intent to serve.
But I'm also evolving, learning, and growing.
Consistency in character doesn't mean you never change; it means the heart of who you are remains steadfast through life's good and bad. People often ask, "How can you be so consistent?" My answer is simple: know who you are and are not.
🧭 The Art of Consistency: Navigating Life's Thousand Molehills
Be unwavering in your core but adaptable in your approach. It’s about the fine dance between being reliable and being open to the new chapters of your life.
Self-Acceptance: The Foundation of Love
Ah, self-acceptance!
This is where the rubber meets the road. Loving yourself is a precondition to loving others, and trust me, it's not a walk in the park. It's a messy, beautiful journey toward silencing that inner critic that whispers you're not enough.
I've been called a "bull in a china shop," and for a long time, I believed it.
I thought of myself as this disruptive force, but over time, I've learned that self-awareness is key. It’s not about taming who you are; it’s about understanding how to channel your energy in constructive ways.
Being A Whole Ass Human: The Wholeness of Being
For the longest time, I grappled with my identity, trying to compartmentalize who I was supposed to be in various aspects of my life.
But here's the revelation: I am who I am. Whiskey-sipping, cigar-smoking, Jesus-loving, all of it.
It's not about the parts but the whole.
It's about showing up as a whole-ass human, with all your facets shining equally.
To be whole is to accept every piece of yourself, to bring forward the parts of you that the moment requires without losing the essence of who you are.
It’s a lifelong quest that I’m still on, but it’s rich with rewards.
A Simple Mantra: Be Good, Do Good
If I could distill everything into a single phrase, it would be this: be good, do good.
Simple, right?
But in that simplicity lies depth. It's about leading with love—not the romantic kind, but the agape kind, the love that transcends and transforms. Agape love is about the highest form of love, one that’s patient, kind, and selfless. It’s about striving to embody that love in every aspect of life.
It's what drives me to serve, to listen, to grow, and to connect.
So there we have it, a continuation of our narrative. Each section is a step deeper into the core of what it means to be truly human. It’s about showing up, not just in the physical sense but emotionally and spiritually as well.
As we come to a close, reflect on these thoughts.
Consider how you can incorporate these elements into your life, live more authentically, love more openly, and grow more intentionally. We’re all works in progress, and that’s the beauty of it.
Every day is a chance to be better, to do better, and to love better. I’m here, walking this path with you, and together, we’ll continue to learn and evolve.
Until next time, keep striving, growing, and remembering—it's all about being human.
