Mike Sisti
What I Believe
There are so many characteristics that define me and the person I have become today. Searching for one defining belief that stands taller than the rest is extremely challenging for someone who feels rounded in many areas. After careful consideration, I was reminded of my younger days, when I would see my father work overtime regularly: how happy he was about his job, returning home each day after working long hours. He would say to try and find a job you can do with great pride and enjoyment. Once you do that, the hours you put into it don't seem to be a burden. Both my parents always told me to do whatever I do to the best of my ability. Some of their reasoning for this was their feeling that I should go all out for the people I represent or for those who believe in me; others may learn from my example; I owe it to myself to reach my full potential; and many other reasons that will lead to excelling in life.
Their belief was if you shovel manure, then be the best manure shoveler on the planet.
Again to achieve this, you must take extreme pride in what you do.
In my efforts to achieve excellence I believe it is this undying pride of work, action in life, and self that has molded me into the person I am today. Aristotle said "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit." A prideful work ethic is a key to achieve excellence on a regular basis.
I know if someone takes pride to the extent of arrogance, it can become a negative, but under proper motivation and intentions, pride of self worth can guide you to your highest levels. This is especially true when no one is watching or measuring your work output, but you alone are demanding that you push yourself to do the job extremely well.
"Let not a man guard his dignity, but let his dignity guard him", Ralph Waldo Emerson said. When a person can look at themselves in the mirror each night and feel proud of their daily efforts in all areas of their life, I believe they are on their way to creating the habits that bring about excellence. A prideful, repeated work ethic can inspire people in many ways. A prideful life can touch people in many ways. A prideful self can help us achieve our full potential in life.
This sense of pride is developed throughout life. Clearly those around you can help influence pride of work, life, and self greatly in a positive or negative way. I am constantly shocked and disappointed at people who go out of their way to shatter or weaken people in these areas. I have learned it is equally as easy to build or break a person's pride. Good words, actions, or habits can do so much to showing someone a new powerful pride level. It is with this belief in one's self that truly magical things can happen. I always wondered what makes some leave work one minute before their shift is over and another person stay until the job is thoroughly done. What brings someone in hours before they are supposed to arrive and dive right into work, while another arrives right on time and slowly eases into the day at their leisure? Why do some people go the extra mile in aspects of life and others take whatever life brings their way? Why do some people care so much about others and some just don't care?
Answer: PRIDE of work, life, and self.
Do you like what you see in the mirror?
About Mike Sisti
Mike is the Head Women's Hockey Coach and has been at Mercyhurst for 14 years. His favorite aspect of Mercyhurst is "its endless potential and the wonderful people."