Please find all current and future blog posts at http://InspiredBySteve.wordpress.com
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Steve
Monday, November 9, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
"Feed, Cheer and Hug the World: One Person at a Time"
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." (Mother Teresa)
How many of us have grand ideas of how we would like to help the world..in a BIG way...someday? It is very honorable to wish for this. If only we could help, to that extent, today.
I have wonderful news...we CAN!!!
As Mother Teresa said, if you cannot feed 100 people, just feed one. Imagine helping just one person to enjoy a healthy meal...today. Then imagine if 99 other people did the same. BOOM! 100 people, healthfully fed!
We are all individual spokes in a wheel. We do not have to each be an entire wheel. When all the spokes move together, the world moves forward in a positive direction.
In the same vein, if you cannot hug 100 people today to bring some comfort...hug just one person. You can, and will, make a difference.
Is there someone in your world who could use a bit of cheering and encouragement today? You can provide that. You don't have to cheer on every member of the team...just choose one person, and trust that somewhere, someone else will be cheering on another.
See how easy it can be? We are all part of this experience called life. And we can all help out one other person who is just like us. Some days we need that hug, or word of encouragement, or meal.
And isn't it a wonderful feeling when someone takes the time and effort to help us?
Are you willing to hug someone today? To offer a cheerful greeting and support? To offer some healthy food to someone who desperately needs it?
The opportunities are not just halfway around the world, on a desolate continent. They are right there in your home town.
Seize the day, and make a difference.
You can do it. I know you can. You know you can.
We all can.
How many of us have grand ideas of how we would like to help the world..in a BIG way...someday? It is very honorable to wish for this. If only we could help, to that extent, today.
I have wonderful news...we CAN!!!
As Mother Teresa said, if you cannot feed 100 people, just feed one. Imagine helping just one person to enjoy a healthy meal...today. Then imagine if 99 other people did the same. BOOM! 100 people, healthfully fed!
We are all individual spokes in a wheel. We do not have to each be an entire wheel. When all the spokes move together, the world moves forward in a positive direction.
In the same vein, if you cannot hug 100 people today to bring some comfort...hug just one person. You can, and will, make a difference.
Is there someone in your world who could use a bit of cheering and encouragement today? You can provide that. You don't have to cheer on every member of the team...just choose one person, and trust that somewhere, someone else will be cheering on another.
See how easy it can be? We are all part of this experience called life. And we can all help out one other person who is just like us. Some days we need that hug, or word of encouragement, or meal.
And isn't it a wonderful feeling when someone takes the time and effort to help us?
Are you willing to hug someone today? To offer a cheerful greeting and support? To offer some healthy food to someone who desperately needs it?
The opportunities are not just halfway around the world, on a desolate continent. They are right there in your home town.
Seize the day, and make a difference.
You can do it. I know you can. You know you can.
We all can.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Keep Digging, The Gold is There!
As much as I prefer to not watch the TV news (where tragedy is compounded by flashy special effects and dramatic music), I will admit that I do still read my local newspaper…selectively. Generally, I start from the back page, because that is where the ‘human interest’ stories appear. For those unfamiliar with that term: it means the entertaining, fun people of the world.
They are the ones who rob a gas station and get caught because their getaway car ran out of gas, who construct a 16-ton ball of rubber bands, who play the trumpet for 218 hours straight to set a world record, and so on.
Also sprinkled far from the front page disaster-zone are the golden members of society. These are the people I admire most. While they are too positive for the front page, and not flashy (read: weird) enough for the back page, they are my favorites.
They are the passing motorists who save someone from a burning vehicle, the local contractors who build a wheelchair ramp for a local woman who had been unable to leave her home, and the Boy and Girl Scouts who collect enough food to keep the local Soup Kitchen open.
These are my golden nuggets!
Where are you in the pages of your local paper?
Are you screaming doom and gloom on the front page?
Are you hanging in the freak-flag flotilla of the back page?
Or are you nestled with the golden nuggets on the pages in between, adding positive energy to your community?
They are the ones who rob a gas station and get caught because their getaway car ran out of gas, who construct a 16-ton ball of rubber bands, who play the trumpet for 218 hours straight to set a world record, and so on.
Also sprinkled far from the front page disaster-zone are the golden members of society. These are the people I admire most. While they are too positive for the front page, and not flashy (read: weird) enough for the back page, they are my favorites.
They are the passing motorists who save someone from a burning vehicle, the local contractors who build a wheelchair ramp for a local woman who had been unable to leave her home, and the Boy and Girl Scouts who collect enough food to keep the local Soup Kitchen open.
These are my golden nuggets!
Where are you in the pages of your local paper?
Are you screaming doom and gloom on the front page?
Are you hanging in the freak-flag flotilla of the back page?
Or are you nestled with the golden nuggets on the pages in between, adding positive energy to your community?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Happiness: Feel It & Share It!
“Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is.”
Maxim Gorky
Is there something in your life about which you are happy…right now? Have you kept it to yourself, or shared it with the world?
In my life, I have been blissfully happy gazing at a sunrise, observing a playful puppy, seeing a favorite television show…and that is wonderful.
However, if I share that happiness with another, it can become an even greater experience. as two of us can appreciate the happiness. A third person may be affected, and brought into the experience as well.
And here is something amazing: each person added does not increase the happiness quotient by just one…it can become exponential, very quickly.
Is there something in your life which, at this very moment, is making you happy? Please consider sharing it with at least one other person.
If you can do it via e-mail, great. If you can speak over the telephone, even better. And if you can share it, face to face to capture the full-on no-holds-barred joy of the moment…then you have encountered one of life’s most bountiful gifts: a shared moment of happiness.
Enjoy!
Maxim Gorky
Is there something in your life about which you are happy…right now? Have you kept it to yourself, or shared it with the world?
In my life, I have been blissfully happy gazing at a sunrise, observing a playful puppy, seeing a favorite television show…and that is wonderful.
However, if I share that happiness with another, it can become an even greater experience. as two of us can appreciate the happiness. A third person may be affected, and brought into the experience as well.
And here is something amazing: each person added does not increase the happiness quotient by just one…it can become exponential, very quickly.
Is there something in your life which, at this very moment, is making you happy? Please consider sharing it with at least one other person.
If you can do it via e-mail, great. If you can speak over the telephone, even better. And if you can share it, face to face to capture the full-on no-holds-barred joy of the moment…then you have encountered one of life’s most bountiful gifts: a shared moment of happiness.
Enjoy!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Swing, Batter Batter Batter...Swing!
As Major League Baseball’s regular season ended this past weekend, I felt that one final tribute to the Boys of Summer would be fitting. There are so many life lessons to be learned from America’s pastime. You know, ones that do not involve spitting, scratching or (the one which drives my mom crazy)…adjusting.
The biggest lesson I learned from baseball, which has stuck with me from my Little League days, is this: you can’t get a hit with the bat sleeping on your shoulder.
This season, I enjoyed watching many end-of-game heroics capping off mammoth comebacks. You know, the ones that many so-called ‘fans’ heard on their car radios after they left early to ‘beat the rush’ out of the parking lot.
Two outs, three balls, two strikes, down by several runs with the bases loaded, a pitcher staring down the batter…and crack! Whether the ball cleared the fences, or shot through a gap, the winning runs scored because the batter, and his teammates, hustled and did not give up.
How is your team doing in the game these days? From what I have seen and heard, many have hit the showers early, giving up and calling it a day due to darkness, stormy weather, or worse: a self-imposed ‘mercy’ rule (in which they have been scored against so often, they just ‘gave up’).
No matter what the score is, please remember this: you cannot get a hit (i.e. create success) unless you stay up there at the plate, swinging away. You may foul a few off. You may miss a few. But, your pitch is coming. Wait for it, keep your eye on the ball, and swing with all you’ve got.
And when it happens, take off full-speed with every step…until the winning run crosses the plate and you, your teammates and your fans celebrate the victory!
The biggest lesson I learned from baseball, which has stuck with me from my Little League days, is this: you can’t get a hit with the bat sleeping on your shoulder.
This season, I enjoyed watching many end-of-game heroics capping off mammoth comebacks. You know, the ones that many so-called ‘fans’ heard on their car radios after they left early to ‘beat the rush’ out of the parking lot.
Two outs, three balls, two strikes, down by several runs with the bases loaded, a pitcher staring down the batter…and crack! Whether the ball cleared the fences, or shot through a gap, the winning runs scored because the batter, and his teammates, hustled and did not give up.
How is your team doing in the game these days? From what I have seen and heard, many have hit the showers early, giving up and calling it a day due to darkness, stormy weather, or worse: a self-imposed ‘mercy’ rule (in which they have been scored against so often, they just ‘gave up’).
No matter what the score is, please remember this: you cannot get a hit (i.e. create success) unless you stay up there at the plate, swinging away. You may foul a few off. You may miss a few. But, your pitch is coming. Wait for it, keep your eye on the ball, and swing with all you’ve got.
And when it happens, take off full-speed with every step…until the winning run crosses the plate and you, your teammates and your fans celebrate the victory!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tell Me Somethin' Good!
As that Rufus & Chaka Khan song played in the car this past weekend, I had to laugh. It reminded of my early days in radio as a copywriter and production director. I’d be walking the halls and suddenly, around the corner, an exasperated salesperson would emerge, paperwork in hand.
As I noticed the petrified look in their eyes, I used to sing:
“Tell me somethin’ good, tell me that you love me, yeah!”
Far too often, a knock at my office door was bad news, especially Monday mornings at 7:58, just before the sales meeting began.
We all hear bad news every day, don’t we? With the challenges of the economy, health care and the job market, it seems we can’t escape the dark clouds that the media, and those around us, have decided to hand out free with the dawn of every new day.
In case you haven’t heard, there are great things happening in this world, and in your home town, every day. You’ll find them at the end of the local newscast, or buried in the back section of the newspaper.
There are also many positive people who paths cross yours every day.
Perhaps you can reach out to one of these people today and share something positive. Create the expectation that, whenever you meet, a positive word or thought is a great place to start.
Want to create a smile and a great memory? Sing the song, loudly and proudly, as they approach. Then tackle the task at hand.
If life has a soundtrack, let yours be dominated by this song’s powerful, positive message:
“Tell me somethin’ good, tell me that you love me, yeah!”
As I noticed the petrified look in their eyes, I used to sing:
“Tell me somethin’ good, tell me that you love me, yeah!”
Far too often, a knock at my office door was bad news, especially Monday mornings at 7:58, just before the sales meeting began.
We all hear bad news every day, don’t we? With the challenges of the economy, health care and the job market, it seems we can’t escape the dark clouds that the media, and those around us, have decided to hand out free with the dawn of every new day.
In case you haven’t heard, there are great things happening in this world, and in your home town, every day. You’ll find them at the end of the local newscast, or buried in the back section of the newspaper.
There are also many positive people who paths cross yours every day.
Perhaps you can reach out to one of these people today and share something positive. Create the expectation that, whenever you meet, a positive word or thought is a great place to start.
Want to create a smile and a great memory? Sing the song, loudly and proudly, as they approach. Then tackle the task at hand.
If life has a soundtrack, let yours be dominated by this song’s powerful, positive message:
“Tell me somethin’ good, tell me that you love me, yeah!”
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Never Let the 'Nays' Wreck Your Days
All right, I know…I just became one of those motivational speakers who uses rhymes to make a point. In my defense, I was trying to create an affirmation that you, my reader, can use to protect yourself from negative people.
I have been sharing some Social Networking messages with friends who are suffering from negative clouds drifting into their dream skies. For many, the mere sharing of a thought or goal is quickly blotted by dark clouds, complete with planes towing banners containing the words “You CAN’T do that, you SHOULDN’T do that”, etc.
Throughout my eighteen years of entrepreneurial endeavors, I have had numerous people try to rain on my parade. Can I say that I have always protected myself from the storm? No. There are days I have let others dump all over my dreams, causing me to doubt my own thoughts and goals.
Have you ever seen similar storm clouds? Are you seeing them right now?
I found a way to eliminate most of them. I now subscribe to a different weather report. How did I do this? I changed the channel and found new people who report sunnier skies.
Essentially, I have managed to surround myself with more positive people who are willing to support me and offer advice on how to give strength and direction to my dreams.
And, as I have done this, I have noticed those who felt the need to dump on my dreams have managed to find new skies to darken, as mine have become brighter.
Their own personal skies are none too calm as well, as they consistently fail to improve their own lot of life, all the while complaining about the rain.
Do you have dark clouds looming on your horizon, just waiting to unleash their fury upon your sunshine? Even if it is someone whom you must encounter every day, you do not have to ‘allow’ that person to do this to you.
You have the right, and the power (if you wish to use it), to change the channel and discover a much better forecast.
Try it today.
You might just find a whole new network of people to brighten your skies!
I have been sharing some Social Networking messages with friends who are suffering from negative clouds drifting into their dream skies. For many, the mere sharing of a thought or goal is quickly blotted by dark clouds, complete with planes towing banners containing the words “You CAN’T do that, you SHOULDN’T do that”, etc.
Throughout my eighteen years of entrepreneurial endeavors, I have had numerous people try to rain on my parade. Can I say that I have always protected myself from the storm? No. There are days I have let others dump all over my dreams, causing me to doubt my own thoughts and goals.
Have you ever seen similar storm clouds? Are you seeing them right now?
I found a way to eliminate most of them. I now subscribe to a different weather report. How did I do this? I changed the channel and found new people who report sunnier skies.
Essentially, I have managed to surround myself with more positive people who are willing to support me and offer advice on how to give strength and direction to my dreams.
And, as I have done this, I have noticed those who felt the need to dump on my dreams have managed to find new skies to darken, as mine have become brighter.
Their own personal skies are none too calm as well, as they consistently fail to improve their own lot of life, all the while complaining about the rain.
Do you have dark clouds looming on your horizon, just waiting to unleash their fury upon your sunshine? Even if it is someone whom you must encounter every day, you do not have to ‘allow’ that person to do this to you.
You have the right, and the power (if you wish to use it), to change the channel and discover a much better forecast.
Try it today.
You might just find a whole new network of people to brighten your skies!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Saving the World...With a Slingshot
I am very proud to live in New Hampshire for many reasons.
We have it all: four seasons of interesting weather, easy access to beaches and mountains, spectacular fall foliage and a ’social contributor’ in Dean Kamen, visionary head of DEKA Research.
In addition to the Segway and many other contributions, Kamen’s latest project (10 years in the making) is the Slingshot, which is capable of turning contaminated water, even raw sewage, into pure, healthy drinking water.
One drawback: the current cost of assembly. Each unit taps out at several hundred thousand dollars to build.
Perhaps if government coffers were overflowing with ‘Cash for Clean Water’ stimulus money (clunker-free), life would be simpler (this is as political as I will get, I promise).
In Kamen’s own words (according to CNN.com): “The biggest challenge right now between this being a dream and a reality is getting committed people that really care about the state of the world’s health to get involved”.
The goal is not to make as much money possible, as quickly as possible, with justification that the product can serve people well. For Kamen, helping others is paramount.
Where are you in the equation of saving the world? Are you searching for ways to help those who cannot help themselves, without your first thoughts drifting to the bean-counters of Corporate America? Or are you looking to cash in, even just emotionally, on the suffering of others?
Is there one action you can take today, this week or in the fading months of this year, to make the world a better place?
Perhaps you can unite a team of people marching in the same direction, with similar dedication and care in their hearts, to make the world a better place for all its inhabitants, without thought to a balance sheet.
Where do you see yourself needed?
With whom can you align your dedication and resources?
How will you take action?
We have it all: four seasons of interesting weather, easy access to beaches and mountains, spectacular fall foliage and a ’social contributor’ in Dean Kamen, visionary head of DEKA Research.
In addition to the Segway and many other contributions, Kamen’s latest project (10 years in the making) is the Slingshot, which is capable of turning contaminated water, even raw sewage, into pure, healthy drinking water.
One drawback: the current cost of assembly. Each unit taps out at several hundred thousand dollars to build.
Perhaps if government coffers were overflowing with ‘Cash for Clean Water’ stimulus money (clunker-free), life would be simpler (this is as political as I will get, I promise).
In Kamen’s own words (according to CNN.com): “The biggest challenge right now between this being a dream and a reality is getting committed people that really care about the state of the world’s health to get involved”.
The goal is not to make as much money possible, as quickly as possible, with justification that the product can serve people well. For Kamen, helping others is paramount.
Where are you in the equation of saving the world? Are you searching for ways to help those who cannot help themselves, without your first thoughts drifting to the bean-counters of Corporate America? Or are you looking to cash in, even just emotionally, on the suffering of others?
Is there one action you can take today, this week or in the fading months of this year, to make the world a better place?
Perhaps you can unite a team of people marching in the same direction, with similar dedication and care in their hearts, to make the world a better place for all its inhabitants, without thought to a balance sheet.
Where do you see yourself needed?
With whom can you align your dedication and resources?
How will you take action?
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Give It Some Gas!
In a conversation with a close friend this week, I mentioned how some people never seem to take action in their lives. They will outfit themselves with the best accessories, dream of how their life will be (or could be), yet never pull the trigger and make something happen.
The excuses I have heard (and yes, used myself) include "when I get my new business cards, when I get that new suit, when I lose that 20 pounds, when I have more money, blah blah blah".
This is basically the equivalent of having a car and waiting to drive it until it has a new paint-job, has the best accessories, is vacuumed out, has shiny new tires, etc."
Does the car run? Is it operable? If so, turn that key and give it some gas!
Is your life running? (hint: if you are reading this, it is).
Sitting in the breakdown lane of life is no way to enjoy it.
People are blowing past you, on their way to something great, leaving you in the dust, literally and figuratively.
Does your life have a few dings in it? Maybe a couple of rusty spots? Got a headlight out?
So what?
Vehicles were made to be driven. Lives were made to be lived.
Get yours out there, and give it some gas!
The excuses I have heard (and yes, used myself) include "when I get my new business cards, when I get that new suit, when I lose that 20 pounds, when I have more money, blah blah blah".
This is basically the equivalent of having a car and waiting to drive it until it has a new paint-job, has the best accessories, is vacuumed out, has shiny new tires, etc."
Does the car run? Is it operable? If so, turn that key and give it some gas!
Is your life running? (hint: if you are reading this, it is).
Sitting in the breakdown lane of life is no way to enjoy it.
People are blowing past you, on their way to something great, leaving you in the dust, literally and figuratively.
Does your life have a few dings in it? Maybe a couple of rusty spots? Got a headlight out?
So what?
Vehicles were made to be driven. Lives were made to be lived.
Get yours out there, and give it some gas!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Never Shoot a Gift Horse (in the mouth or elsewhere)
A recent news article made me smile. Not all of them do, as they generally trumpet doom and gloom and showcase the 'worst' of humanity. This one was from Australia.
A female student was caring for her parents, struggling to help with their financial woes. She came upon several lottery tickets in a drawer, including one which her father had purchased as a birthday gift 10 months prior. On a whim, she decided to have them checked...and found she had, in her possession, a winning ticket worth $10,000,000!
Happy (belated) birthday, indeed!
Her reaction was one of comfort that her parents' money difficulties were finally over, and they could now live with the comfortable reassurance that they were out of the woods regarding debt.
Her next comments included her desire to give some money for research and charity.
Honorable endeavors, both.
Where this story went off the rails for me (as my smile dissipated) was in the list of comments following the article. The first two were of a congratulatory nature. The third sat firmly in opposition. I could almost hear the thunder and see the lightning from the top of Mount Negativo (neg-ah-TEE-voh)
"She should tear up the winning ticket and run the other way!!" (paraphrased, with negative comments condensed into this one line)
Let me examine the situation:
1) Parents are struggling with money issues
2) woman caring for them wins $10,000,000
You're right, this is terrible. She should flush it down the toilet and let her good fortune swim with the fishes.
Do I think that money is the answer to all of life's problems? Certainly not. There are plenty of tragic case studies to show that it doesn't automatically work that way.
However, a gigantic windfall can definitely help to overcome problems attributed to the lack of money, in the same way finding an amazing true love can end of period of feeling alone and unloved, finding an abundant source of food can solve hunger issues, etc.
It is the negative attitude from this source which creates the issue for me. There is an old proverb which states 'Never look a gift horse in the mouth'. Apparently, one can tell the age of a horse by looking at its teeth, and assess its value.
According to Answers.com, the proverb warns against questioning the quality or use of a lucky chance or gift.
The comment given here is basically advising this woman to shoot the horse, or perhaps tear it up and flush it down the toilet. I do not condone either action.
In my opinion, this is yet another doom and gloom, glass-half-empty response to what I consider to be an opportunity for a positive outcome.
Sadly, I have heard the same thing over and over throughout my life:
* Look, a new puppy! Response: Oh great, it's gonna crap on the rug.
* Let's go on vacation! Response: Why, the airlines are ripping us off!
* Wow, I got a raise! Response: Great, now you'll have to pay more taxes!
Have you had a taste of good fortune recently, only to have someone dump all over it?
Are doom-and-gloomers raining on your parade?
Is someone trying to shoot your gift horse?
A female student was caring for her parents, struggling to help with their financial woes. She came upon several lottery tickets in a drawer, including one which her father had purchased as a birthday gift 10 months prior. On a whim, she decided to have them checked...and found she had, in her possession, a winning ticket worth $10,000,000!
Happy (belated) birthday, indeed!
Her reaction was one of comfort that her parents' money difficulties were finally over, and they could now live with the comfortable reassurance that they were out of the woods regarding debt.
Her next comments included her desire to give some money for research and charity.
Honorable endeavors, both.
Where this story went off the rails for me (as my smile dissipated) was in the list of comments following the article. The first two were of a congratulatory nature. The third sat firmly in opposition. I could almost hear the thunder and see the lightning from the top of Mount Negativo (neg-ah-TEE-voh)
"She should tear up the winning ticket and run the other way!!" (paraphrased, with negative comments condensed into this one line)
Let me examine the situation:
1) Parents are struggling with money issues
2) woman caring for them wins $10,000,000
You're right, this is terrible. She should flush it down the toilet and let her good fortune swim with the fishes.
Do I think that money is the answer to all of life's problems? Certainly not. There are plenty of tragic case studies to show that it doesn't automatically work that way.
However, a gigantic windfall can definitely help to overcome problems attributed to the lack of money, in the same way finding an amazing true love can end of period of feeling alone and unloved, finding an abundant source of food can solve hunger issues, etc.
It is the negative attitude from this source which creates the issue for me. There is an old proverb which states 'Never look a gift horse in the mouth'. Apparently, one can tell the age of a horse by looking at its teeth, and assess its value.
According to Answers.com, the proverb warns against questioning the quality or use of a lucky chance or gift.
The comment given here is basically advising this woman to shoot the horse, or perhaps tear it up and flush it down the toilet. I do not condone either action.
In my opinion, this is yet another doom and gloom, glass-half-empty response to what I consider to be an opportunity for a positive outcome.
Sadly, I have heard the same thing over and over throughout my life:
* Look, a new puppy! Response: Oh great, it's gonna crap on the rug.
* Let's go on vacation! Response: Why, the airlines are ripping us off!
* Wow, I got a raise! Response: Great, now you'll have to pay more taxes!
Have you had a taste of good fortune recently, only to have someone dump all over it?
Are doom-and-gloomers raining on your parade?
Is someone trying to shoot your gift horse?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Playing Dodgeball With the Devil
I recently enjoyed a conversation with a friend about how we can benefit by being moral, acting ethically, and surrounding ourselves with good people and situations.
We also discussed how people who do the opposite generally stand a higher chance of experiencing misfortune.
Case in point: a newspaper report of a woman in a position of ‘responsibility’ with her job, who was caught dipping her fingers in the company funds, to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars.
What were the emergencies this money was used for?
Travel, her daughter’s wedding, paying bills, etc.
My opinion of this?
She, and others like her, are playing dodgeball with the devil. Do I think the earth is going to open up and she will fall into a fire-pit of eternal damnation? Not quite. But, I believe in karma. I believe that the energy a person puts out there into the world will ‘come back’ on him/her in life…sometimes sooner, sometimes later.
I describe it as a boomerang. Throw positive energy out there every day, generally positive results occur. Throw it out there with negative energy: deception, theft, criminal acts…guess what happens: you will likely receive some negative energy of your own in return. And when it happens, I do not want to hear about how unfair life is. Wahhhhhh.
You see them out there. I see them, and hear them, too. Wow, are they whiny!
“The world is so unfair to me. My life stinks. Nothing good ever happens for me.”
Is it so hard to bring even the slightest bit of positivity to the world around you?
A simple gesture such as holding a door open for someone, making a friend laugh, or helping a neighbor out can be generating positive returns in the karma bank. Do it every day and the numbers can ratchet up faster than the National Debt clock…but in a good way.
So what do you feel like doing today? Tossing a boomerang with positive energy or playing dodgeball with the devil?
It’s your choice. And if you make the wrong one, I suggest you look over your shoulder and duck now and then. Because that ball is coming.
We also discussed how people who do the opposite generally stand a higher chance of experiencing misfortune.
Case in point: a newspaper report of a woman in a position of ‘responsibility’ with her job, who was caught dipping her fingers in the company funds, to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars.
What were the emergencies this money was used for?
Travel, her daughter’s wedding, paying bills, etc.
My opinion of this?
She, and others like her, are playing dodgeball with the devil. Do I think the earth is going to open up and she will fall into a fire-pit of eternal damnation? Not quite. But, I believe in karma. I believe that the energy a person puts out there into the world will ‘come back’ on him/her in life…sometimes sooner, sometimes later.
I describe it as a boomerang. Throw positive energy out there every day, generally positive results occur. Throw it out there with negative energy: deception, theft, criminal acts…guess what happens: you will likely receive some negative energy of your own in return. And when it happens, I do not want to hear about how unfair life is. Wahhhhhh.
You see them out there. I see them, and hear them, too. Wow, are they whiny!
“The world is so unfair to me. My life stinks. Nothing good ever happens for me.”
Is it so hard to bring even the slightest bit of positivity to the world around you?
A simple gesture such as holding a door open for someone, making a friend laugh, or helping a neighbor out can be generating positive returns in the karma bank. Do it every day and the numbers can ratchet up faster than the National Debt clock…but in a good way.
So what do you feel like doing today? Tossing a boomerang with positive energy or playing dodgeball with the devil?
It’s your choice. And if you make the wrong one, I suggest you look over your shoulder and duck now and then. Because that ball is coming.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Make Up Your Mind...DECIDE!
Have you ever been on the receiving end of a shower of checkers, while dodging the cartwheeling checkboard?
Me neither. My sister was...once. After pondering her move (her ONLY move, by the way), I uttered the phrase which became the title of this blog, followed by a flip of my hand that caught the edge of the board, sending all pieces skyward.
She still claims a 'draw' on that game, which I have reluctantly given her.
In preparing for this blog, I researched the definition and etymology of the word 'decide. One, from TheFreeDictionary.com, calls it 'the act of reaching a conclusion or making up one's mind'. The Latin root 'decidere' means 'to cut off'. In my words, to cut off from other choices, to be clear of one's choice. My sister clearly did not make a decision in time to soothe my teenage temper.
On the other hand, I have historically made decisions fairly quickly, for better or for worse.
Saw a car I wanted. Quickly checked the specs and price, and signed the dotted line.
Wanted to quit a radio career and start my own companies. Made the decision, gave my notice and off I went.
Re-discovered an old friend from high school 2 years ago, whom I had not seen in 21 years, and we decided to reveal our true feelings from back then, realized they were still there, and we fell in love.
Can you imagine how my life might have turned out if I agonized over these desisions by thinking, researching, pondering, doing more research and then mulling over my options for a while longer?
I might still be driving my 1992 Hyundai Scoupe.
I might still be working 60+ hours weekly in radio, complete with chest pains.
I might have missed the opportunity to be in love with my sweet, beautiful Tina.
Some windows are only open for a brief time and are then closed, perhaps forever.
Numerous people suffer from a condition referred to as 'analysis paralysis'. They spend so much time gathering and evaluating data that they cannot pull the trigger on a final decision. They feel that, by not making a decision, they have saved themseves from making a bad one.
In their song 'Freewill', the band Rush penned this powerful lyric:
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice"
Back in the radio days, several of us were to come up with ideas for station ID's, brainstorming funny lines and concepts to amuse our listeners and define us as personalities. Three of us threw ideas on paper quickly, one deliberated every thought in his mind and ultimately none of them saw the light of day. He spent so much time not making a decision that, ultimately, one was made for him as he was left out of the process, and had no ID's promoting his show.
Lack of decision-making skills are prevalent in all phases of life: at home, at school, at work, in pondering one's own destiny.
If you suffer from this, perhaps adding immediacy could be helpful. Imagine a water balloon flying in your direction...you need to make a decision of going left or right...to stand still means stinging pain and wetness.
Got something on your mind that's been there far too long, looping round and round, waiting for a final decision?
Here comes the water balloon. What are you going to do?
Make up your mind. DECIDE!!!
Me neither. My sister was...once. After pondering her move (her ONLY move, by the way), I uttered the phrase which became the title of this blog, followed by a flip of my hand that caught the edge of the board, sending all pieces skyward.
She still claims a 'draw' on that game, which I have reluctantly given her.
In preparing for this blog, I researched the definition and etymology of the word 'decide. One, from TheFreeDictionary.com, calls it 'the act of reaching a conclusion or making up one's mind'. The Latin root 'decidere' means 'to cut off'. In my words, to cut off from other choices, to be clear of one's choice. My sister clearly did not make a decision in time to soothe my teenage temper.
On the other hand, I have historically made decisions fairly quickly, for better or for worse.
Saw a car I wanted. Quickly checked the specs and price, and signed the dotted line.
Wanted to quit a radio career and start my own companies. Made the decision, gave my notice and off I went.
Re-discovered an old friend from high school 2 years ago, whom I had not seen in 21 years, and we decided to reveal our true feelings from back then, realized they were still there, and we fell in love.
Can you imagine how my life might have turned out if I agonized over these desisions by thinking, researching, pondering, doing more research and then mulling over my options for a while longer?
I might still be driving my 1992 Hyundai Scoupe.
I might still be working 60+ hours weekly in radio, complete with chest pains.
I might have missed the opportunity to be in love with my sweet, beautiful Tina.
Some windows are only open for a brief time and are then closed, perhaps forever.
Numerous people suffer from a condition referred to as 'analysis paralysis'. They spend so much time gathering and evaluating data that they cannot pull the trigger on a final decision. They feel that, by not making a decision, they have saved themseves from making a bad one.
In their song 'Freewill', the band Rush penned this powerful lyric:
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice"
Back in the radio days, several of us were to come up with ideas for station ID's, brainstorming funny lines and concepts to amuse our listeners and define us as personalities. Three of us threw ideas on paper quickly, one deliberated every thought in his mind and ultimately none of them saw the light of day. He spent so much time not making a decision that, ultimately, one was made for him as he was left out of the process, and had no ID's promoting his show.
Lack of decision-making skills are prevalent in all phases of life: at home, at school, at work, in pondering one's own destiny.
If you suffer from this, perhaps adding immediacy could be helpful. Imagine a water balloon flying in your direction...you need to make a decision of going left or right...to stand still means stinging pain and wetness.
Got something on your mind that's been there far too long, looping round and round, waiting for a final decision?
Here comes the water balloon. What are you going to do?
Make up your mind. DECIDE!!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Heroes and Teachers are Everywhere!
Last weekend I had the immense pleasure of attending my first National Speakers Association Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Due to my work schedule, I was unable to arrive until the third day. But, the time I was able to attend was, quite literally, life-changing.
These conventions have it all: speakers, trainers, authors, educators, entertainers. I got to meet some larger-than-life ‘rock stars’ of the speaking industry. Despite any fears of feeling inadequate in the presence of such luminaries, my personal motto of ‘Play Big or Go Home’ stood fast.
From the moment I arrived, teachers presented themselves. Whether it was during a breakout session or in the foyer outside a conference room, any question I asked was answered with respect and helpful assistance. Any photo I requested for my personal ‘Wall of Fame’ was graciously accommodated. Any compliment I handed out was received with class, respect and sincere appreciation.
My personal high-point manifested itself at lunch on Monday afternoon. Nando Parrado, whose story came to life for me at age 17 in the book ‘Alive’ was the main speaker. One of 16 survivors of a 1972 plane crash in the Andes Mountains, Nando was one of two rugby players who challenged the mountains and won, trekking for 10 days through life-and-death conditions to arrange the rescue of his teammates.
To say this man has been a hero of mine for over 2 decades is an understatement. I am so thankful to have had the chance to express my feelings.
Who are your heroes? Have you ever had the opportunity to meet them? Speak with them? Write to them? If you did, yet failed to act on that opportunity, why not?
Heroes and teachers are people, just like you and me. They have their strengths and weaknesses. Best part, they once had heroes and teachers who inspired them. They probably still do. Reach out to them, share your appreciation, and ask how they were able to find the strength to accomplish their victories.
Inside their replies will be seeds of greatness…seeds that may be planted in your life as inspiration for you to reach your highest heights.
Embrace your heroes and teachers, and learn from them. Emulate their bravery and compassion.
You never know who you may inspire.
Someone may approach you someday with the words: “You are my hero”.
These conventions have it all: speakers, trainers, authors, educators, entertainers. I got to meet some larger-than-life ‘rock stars’ of the speaking industry. Despite any fears of feeling inadequate in the presence of such luminaries, my personal motto of ‘Play Big or Go Home’ stood fast.
From the moment I arrived, teachers presented themselves. Whether it was during a breakout session or in the foyer outside a conference room, any question I asked was answered with respect and helpful assistance. Any photo I requested for my personal ‘Wall of Fame’ was graciously accommodated. Any compliment I handed out was received with class, respect and sincere appreciation.
My personal high-point manifested itself at lunch on Monday afternoon. Nando Parrado, whose story came to life for me at age 17 in the book ‘Alive’ was the main speaker. One of 16 survivors of a 1972 plane crash in the Andes Mountains, Nando was one of two rugby players who challenged the mountains and won, trekking for 10 days through life-and-death conditions to arrange the rescue of his teammates.
To say this man has been a hero of mine for over 2 decades is an understatement. I am so thankful to have had the chance to express my feelings.
Who are your heroes? Have you ever had the opportunity to meet them? Speak with them? Write to them? If you did, yet failed to act on that opportunity, why not?
Heroes and teachers are people, just like you and me. They have their strengths and weaknesses. Best part, they once had heroes and teachers who inspired them. They probably still do. Reach out to them, share your appreciation, and ask how they were able to find the strength to accomplish their victories.
Inside their replies will be seeds of greatness…seeds that may be planted in your life as inspiration for you to reach your highest heights.
Embrace your heroes and teachers, and learn from them. Emulate their bravery and compassion.
You never know who you may inspire.
Someone may approach you someday with the words: “You are my hero”.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Quotes for the Road (of Life)!
Quote Power!
During a visit to my storage facility this past week, I found a box that had not been opened in some time. From this cardboard treasure chest emerged clothing that will likely never fit (or make a style resurgence) again, as well as my high school yearbook.
In looking through, seeing old friends (and hairstyles), I began to read the quotes that my classmates had selected under their photos. The sources of these words of wisdom ranged from Shakespeare and Sting to Brecht, Buddha and Bono.
When I got to mine, I couldn’t help but smile.
“There are two paths you can go by, but in the long run,
there’s still time to change the road you’re on”.
Ah yes, the immortal lyrics of Robert Plant, taken from the Led Zeppelin chestnut “Stairway to Heaven” (which has enjoyed swan song status at virtually every high school dance since 1971).
In retrospect, I have changed roads over the years. Many times. With excellent results. Occasionally with not-so-excellent results.
As a motivational speaker and coach, I often hear people talk about their roads of life, which have virtually become ruts. They feel stuck, much like the kiddie go-karts rides with the safety rail, restricting adventurous drivers from blazing their own trails beyond the limited path. When such people cannot veer from the path, they often feel doomed to a ho-hum existence in a boring bubble.
Too many lives resemble this…sadly.
If you are happy on your path, great! If not, on which road would you prefer to be traveling?
If you doubt your ability to blaze a new trail, please answer this question: Did you wake up this morning with fresh air in your lungs and a conscious desire for change in your mind?
If so, congratulations! There’s still time to change the road you’re on.
It just requires a choice. It takes the knowledge that you can travel the road desired. Not sure how? Find someone who has taken that road, and ask that person for advice and directions. Truly successful people will offer their hand willingly.
You can do this, if you truly want to. The road may not always be as smooth as you like. There may be slight impediments to your progress. You may scratch your head in wonder if part of the trail is not as obvious as you would like. Remember Lewis and Clark, the great American explorers. They explored uncharted territories of America, faced many dangers and fears, and had the incredible honor of being the first non-Native Americans to see the most amazing natural beauty of our country.
All journeys, large and small, share a common thread: they all began with a single step (paraphrased from Confucious).
What journey are you ready to take? What are the limiting beliefs currently holding you back? Are they real, or did you assemble them yourself, out of fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of trying?
In closing, I will leave you with another powerful lyric, from Aerosmith’s first album (it was my second choice for the yearbook):
“Life, in time, will take you where you want to go” (S.Tyler/J.Perry).
Where do you want to go?
During a visit to my storage facility this past week, I found a box that had not been opened in some time. From this cardboard treasure chest emerged clothing that will likely never fit (or make a style resurgence) again, as well as my high school yearbook.
In looking through, seeing old friends (and hairstyles), I began to read the quotes that my classmates had selected under their photos. The sources of these words of wisdom ranged from Shakespeare and Sting to Brecht, Buddha and Bono.
When I got to mine, I couldn’t help but smile.
“There are two paths you can go by, but in the long run,
there’s still time to change the road you’re on”.
Ah yes, the immortal lyrics of Robert Plant, taken from the Led Zeppelin chestnut “Stairway to Heaven” (which has enjoyed swan song status at virtually every high school dance since 1971).
In retrospect, I have changed roads over the years. Many times. With excellent results. Occasionally with not-so-excellent results.
As a motivational speaker and coach, I often hear people talk about their roads of life, which have virtually become ruts. They feel stuck, much like the kiddie go-karts rides with the safety rail, restricting adventurous drivers from blazing their own trails beyond the limited path. When such people cannot veer from the path, they often feel doomed to a ho-hum existence in a boring bubble.
Too many lives resemble this…sadly.
If you are happy on your path, great! If not, on which road would you prefer to be traveling?
If you doubt your ability to blaze a new trail, please answer this question: Did you wake up this morning with fresh air in your lungs and a conscious desire for change in your mind?
If so, congratulations! There’s still time to change the road you’re on.
It just requires a choice. It takes the knowledge that you can travel the road desired. Not sure how? Find someone who has taken that road, and ask that person for advice and directions. Truly successful people will offer their hand willingly.
You can do this, if you truly want to. The road may not always be as smooth as you like. There may be slight impediments to your progress. You may scratch your head in wonder if part of the trail is not as obvious as you would like. Remember Lewis and Clark, the great American explorers. They explored uncharted territories of America, faced many dangers and fears, and had the incredible honor of being the first non-Native Americans to see the most amazing natural beauty of our country.
All journeys, large and small, share a common thread: they all began with a single step (paraphrased from Confucious).
What journey are you ready to take? What are the limiting beliefs currently holding you back? Are they real, or did you assemble them yourself, out of fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of trying?
In closing, I will leave you with another powerful lyric, from Aerosmith’s first album (it was my second choice for the yearbook):
“Life, in time, will take you where you want to go” (S.Tyler/J.Perry).
Where do you want to go?
Thursday, July 2, 2009
How Many Clouds are in Your Sky?
(transcribed from rain-soaked notes written on Tuesday June 30th)
At the time of this writing, June 2009 is coming to a close. I believe I can count this month's sunny days on one hand. Five days of sunshine, out of a possible thirty.
Funny how I have seen the weather affecting people. Some have been dancing in puddles, some have been slightly depressed...some have been downright cranky, as though the rainy weather has banished their solar-powered smiles and good moods to a distant galaxy far, far away.
Even today, as I sit on a park swing at the edge of Lake Champlain, I hear varied responses to an approaching mass of clouds.
Thus far:
"Uh-oh, more clouds. This picnic will never happen."
"Sweet, another day I don't have to paint the house."
"I have f*****g HAD IT with this weather!!!"
This last one came from a very unhappy looking businessman, cruising the boardwalk during his lunch break, angrily barking into his Blackberry.
Moments later, the first raindrops came. A crowded lakefront walkway quickly became a lot less crowded. Not knowing how long the rain would last, I slid to the end of the bench, beneath the protective leaf-covered branches of a tree, and locked my legs in a standing position holding the swing back, taking advantage of a dry spot.
The rain shifted from drizzle to downpour. There were just three of us left in the area, laughing as we watched people scrambling to shove their picnic supplies and lawn chairs, some still unfolded, into their cars.
The rain stopped. A few people returned. The rain started again.
"This day is officially ruined" murmured a couple as they ran for their car.
"Told you it would start again", complained a child to his mother. "Make it stop!"
I leaned back again and invited another damp soul to share the dry area beneath the tree.
After a few drops hit her, she ran for the protective overhang of a nearby bus terminal, getting completely soaked in the process.
I had to laugh to myself, but not just because I was the only person left.
The reactions to the rain reminded me of many peoples' reactions to the challenges of everyday life.
Some people need only see one cloud on the horizon to abandon their plans and head for home.
Some love to find something to enjoy every day, even if it is dancing in puddles like a kid at play.
Some are just cranky, no matter what the weather (this is true, I have heard them).
Take a look up for a moment.
Are there a few clouds up there? If so, are they causing you to abandon your plans, or are you enjoying the shade they provide as you go about your day?
Are you willing and able to adapt, doing "the best you can with what you've got", knowing that you cannot control the world around you, only your reaction to it?
How many clouds are in your sky today?
At the time of this writing, June 2009 is coming to a close. I believe I can count this month's sunny days on one hand. Five days of sunshine, out of a possible thirty.
Funny how I have seen the weather affecting people. Some have been dancing in puddles, some have been slightly depressed...some have been downright cranky, as though the rainy weather has banished their solar-powered smiles and good moods to a distant galaxy far, far away.
Even today, as I sit on a park swing at the edge of Lake Champlain, I hear varied responses to an approaching mass of clouds.
Thus far:
"Uh-oh, more clouds. This picnic will never happen."
"Sweet, another day I don't have to paint the house."
"I have f*****g HAD IT with this weather!!!"
This last one came from a very unhappy looking businessman, cruising the boardwalk during his lunch break, angrily barking into his Blackberry.
Moments later, the first raindrops came. A crowded lakefront walkway quickly became a lot less crowded. Not knowing how long the rain would last, I slid to the end of the bench, beneath the protective leaf-covered branches of a tree, and locked my legs in a standing position holding the swing back, taking advantage of a dry spot.
The rain shifted from drizzle to downpour. There were just three of us left in the area, laughing as we watched people scrambling to shove their picnic supplies and lawn chairs, some still unfolded, into their cars.
The rain stopped. A few people returned. The rain started again.
"This day is officially ruined" murmured a couple as they ran for their car.
"Told you it would start again", complained a child to his mother. "Make it stop!"
I leaned back again and invited another damp soul to share the dry area beneath the tree.
After a few drops hit her, she ran for the protective overhang of a nearby bus terminal, getting completely soaked in the process.
I had to laugh to myself, but not just because I was the only person left.
The reactions to the rain reminded me of many peoples' reactions to the challenges of everyday life.
Some people need only see one cloud on the horizon to abandon their plans and head for home.
Some love to find something to enjoy every day, even if it is dancing in puddles like a kid at play.
Some are just cranky, no matter what the weather (this is true, I have heard them).
Take a look up for a moment.
Are there a few clouds up there? If so, are they causing you to abandon your plans, or are you enjoying the shade they provide as you go about your day?
Are you willing and able to adapt, doing "the best you can with what you've got", knowing that you cannot control the world around you, only your reaction to it?
How many clouds are in your sky today?
Monday, June 29, 2009
GPS for the Road of Life
If you own a GPS unit, you understand that if you do not know where you are going, you will never know if you have arrived.
Last week I received an amazing phone call. It was from my good friend Amy Tee. She is a stand-up comedian. If you haven't of her yet, no worries...you will. In the meantime, you can find her at www.AmyTee.com
She was most recently in Florida, performing several shows.
I have known Amy for over 5 years. We met when I started in comedy. She had begun 6 months prior. As soon as I met Amy, I knew she would be going places.
When she and her Mom attended one of my motivational seminars a few years ago, Amy brought the only needed materials for her Vision Board: her dreams for happiness and success.
If you are interested in constructing a Vision Board for your own life, here are the pictures you may wish to include:
1) things you would like to have
2) places you would like to go
3) people whom you'd like to meet
4) words and pictures that describe the type of person you wish to be in the world
The road of life is long, and has many forks and turns. If you are not sure exactly where you wish to end up, you could wind up in a dead-end or stuck in an endless loop of off-ramps, never committing to a single one.
Basically, in GPS-speak, you will spend an unfulfilled lifetime 'RE-CALCULATING'.
The outer edge of Amy's board was framed with the names of the many cities she wished to perform in. She has already knocked off several of them. Her dreams of having her own sitcom have led her to connections with producers and other industry people in Los Angeles.
Although Amy has had several GPS units stolen from her vehicle (gotta hide those things honey), her internal GPS remains well-focused on her destination. And nobody can steal that one, or change the destination.
How is your personal GPS?
Are you focused on your final destinations, with updates that remind you of how close you are getting?
Or are you constantly RE-CALCULATING?
Last week I received an amazing phone call. It was from my good friend Amy Tee. She is a stand-up comedian. If you haven't of her yet, no worries...you will. In the meantime, you can find her at www.AmyTee.com
She was most recently in Florida, performing several shows.
I have known Amy for over 5 years. We met when I started in comedy. She had begun 6 months prior. As soon as I met Amy, I knew she would be going places.
When she and her Mom attended one of my motivational seminars a few years ago, Amy brought the only needed materials for her Vision Board: her dreams for happiness and success.
If you are interested in constructing a Vision Board for your own life, here are the pictures you may wish to include:
1) things you would like to have
2) places you would like to go
3) people whom you'd like to meet
4) words and pictures that describe the type of person you wish to be in the world
The road of life is long, and has many forks and turns. If you are not sure exactly where you wish to end up, you could wind up in a dead-end or stuck in an endless loop of off-ramps, never committing to a single one.
Basically, in GPS-speak, you will spend an unfulfilled lifetime 'RE-CALCULATING'.
The outer edge of Amy's board was framed with the names of the many cities she wished to perform in. She has already knocked off several of them. Her dreams of having her own sitcom have led her to connections with producers and other industry people in Los Angeles.
Although Amy has had several GPS units stolen from her vehicle (gotta hide those things honey), her internal GPS remains well-focused on her destination. And nobody can steal that one, or change the destination.
How is your personal GPS?
Are you focused on your final destinations, with updates that remind you of how close you are getting?
Or are you constantly RE-CALCULATING?
Monday, June 22, 2009
Every Day Above Ground...(don't say it!!)
I am a motivational speaker.
It is what I choose to do, and be.
There, I said it.
However, this does not mean that I am always 'on'. Therefore, please do not be surprised when I wince and roll my eyes if you ever decide to inform me that "every day above ground is a GREAT day!!".
There are two predominant types of people in the world:
1) Optimistic (those who favor a more positive point of view)
2) Pessimistic (those who favor a more negative point of view)
I am okay with either of them. At least I know where you stand. I can respect that you have your reasons for being either one.
There is a third type of person, one that is too exuberant even for me (and did I mention I am a motivational speaker?). These are the people who are just too happy, wearing their ruby slippers a bit too often.
To them, I generally provide the following information:
I was above ground the day my ex-wife and I got divorced (not a great day).
I was above ground 2 weeks later when I realized I was $65,000 in debt (another bad day)
I was above ground as I watched one of my best friends die of cancer at the age of 23 (I was 24 and, 17 years later, it still ranks as one of the worst days of my life).
I do not reveal these things to be a downer, or sound pessimistic. These were days of my life that I dealt with. No ruby slippers. No ear-to-ear grin that wiped away reality.
I'll lay it right out there: those days sucked.
But, here is where my optimistic self shines through: what I did with these days is where the magic happened. They all taught me a lesson. They have all led to realizations, and better days.
While every day is not necessarily a great day, each one has the seeds of greatness within it somewhere. Some days it takes a long, hard look to find even one good thing. Some days it may seem impossible.
From my failed marriage, I learned that communication is key to a relationship.
From the debt, I learned you have to keep your eyes on the money and not make stupid choices (which I had done).
From my friend's death, I learned that life is too short to not take a shot at your dreams (he was the person who convinced me to follow my dreams of being in radio, and he died 2 weeks after I got my first job).
Every day carries with it the opportunity to make a great day.
The key is: opportunity. Seek it. Find it. Create it.
I believe there is at least one, every day, if we can just care enough to discover it.
It may the chance for a better job or more money, a great connection with someone special, even a smile for/from a complete stranger.
Who knows? You might just be that opportunity (for a great day) that someone else desperately needs today.
It starts with being aware...and that can start today.
It's your choice. It is out there, waiting for you. Are you willing to find it?
It is what I choose to do, and be.
There, I said it.
However, this does not mean that I am always 'on'. Therefore, please do not be surprised when I wince and roll my eyes if you ever decide to inform me that "every day above ground is a GREAT day!!".
There are two predominant types of people in the world:
1) Optimistic (those who favor a more positive point of view)
2) Pessimistic (those who favor a more negative point of view)
I am okay with either of them. At least I know where you stand. I can respect that you have your reasons for being either one.
There is a third type of person, one that is too exuberant even for me (and did I mention I am a motivational speaker?). These are the people who are just too happy, wearing their ruby slippers a bit too often.
To them, I generally provide the following information:
I was above ground the day my ex-wife and I got divorced (not a great day).
I was above ground 2 weeks later when I realized I was $65,000 in debt (another bad day)
I was above ground as I watched one of my best friends die of cancer at the age of 23 (I was 24 and, 17 years later, it still ranks as one of the worst days of my life).
I do not reveal these things to be a downer, or sound pessimistic. These were days of my life that I dealt with. No ruby slippers. No ear-to-ear grin that wiped away reality.
I'll lay it right out there: those days sucked.
But, here is where my optimistic self shines through: what I did with these days is where the magic happened. They all taught me a lesson. They have all led to realizations, and better days.
While every day is not necessarily a great day, each one has the seeds of greatness within it somewhere. Some days it takes a long, hard look to find even one good thing. Some days it may seem impossible.
From my failed marriage, I learned that communication is key to a relationship.
From the debt, I learned you have to keep your eyes on the money and not make stupid choices (which I had done).
From my friend's death, I learned that life is too short to not take a shot at your dreams (he was the person who convinced me to follow my dreams of being in radio, and he died 2 weeks after I got my first job).
Every day carries with it the opportunity to make a great day.
The key is: opportunity. Seek it. Find it. Create it.
I believe there is at least one, every day, if we can just care enough to discover it.
It may the chance for a better job or more money, a great connection with someone special, even a smile for/from a complete stranger.
Who knows? You might just be that opportunity (for a great day) that someone else desperately needs today.
It starts with being aware...and that can start today.
It's your choice. It is out there, waiting for you. Are you willing to find it?
Friday, June 19, 2009
Give a Little, Gain a Lot
"You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself" (Harvey Firestone)
At 4:00 yesterday afternoon, I received a telephone solicitation for a local charity. As it was not one of the high-profile charities (I think I have been relegated to a second-tier calling list), I declined. Matter of fact, I think it was the same guy who had already called me twice earlier in the week, disguising his voice. I think this third inquiry was an attempt to raise money for new windshield wipers on his mother's '78 Buick.
If Saint Jude is the patron saint of lost causes, I think this caller can safely be dubbed the patron saint of less-than-life-threatening causes.
As I politely declined his request (for the third time), his reply was: "Awww, come on, you have to give something back to the world".
My answer: I give something to the world every day, and you can too.
Some people hear this and think: "No way...I have to get the kids on the bus, drop off my dry cleaning, go to work, pick up the kids after school, go to soccer practice, make dinner, fix the couch where the dog thought his toy was hiding..."
Here is the beautiful part of giving: you do not have to make any additional entries on your already overcrowded To-do list. Actually, when you add 'giving' to the roster, your day may become less stressful and chaotic.
You can bring positive energy and value by enhancing, in the slightest way, things you are already doing.
Examples I have encountered recently:
1) My favorite question to ask convenience store clerks is "So, how is everybody treating you today?". Many of them are so tired of the "How ya doin'...good" dead-end conversations, it catches them by surprise. Then I make a little joke as they are counting change. Leaves them with a smile 99% of the time.
2) An older gentleman in a grocery store, examining his coupons for cereal, notices the one he wants is on the top shelf. As he raises his cane to 'hook' it, a young man asks if he can be of assistance. With a chuckle, the older man points to the one he wants and says: "Thank you, young man, very nice of you. Sometimes I drop the wrong one." They both share a laugh and get on with their day.
3) I was the opening act at a comedy club recently. After the show, as I greeted and thanked people for attending, two women aproached and pointed to another woman across the room. "That is our friend, and tonight was the first time she's come out with us since her husband died a year ago." Putting her finger to my chest, she told me "You made her laugh for the first time in a long time. Thank you so much!". I was there to make people laugh and have fun. Just doing my 'job' was suddenly so much more valuable, with no extra effort.
Simple giving, that is all it is. Being aware of opportunities while we are already doing what we are doing. It took no extra time or energy, really, to make the above actions happen.
How many opportunities do we have to give, every day?
At 4:00 yesterday afternoon, I received a telephone solicitation for a local charity. As it was not one of the high-profile charities (I think I have been relegated to a second-tier calling list), I declined. Matter of fact, I think it was the same guy who had already called me twice earlier in the week, disguising his voice. I think this third inquiry was an attempt to raise money for new windshield wipers on his mother's '78 Buick.
If Saint Jude is the patron saint of lost causes, I think this caller can safely be dubbed the patron saint of less-than-life-threatening causes.
As I politely declined his request (for the third time), his reply was: "Awww, come on, you have to give something back to the world".
My answer: I give something to the world every day, and you can too.
Some people hear this and think: "No way...I have to get the kids on the bus, drop off my dry cleaning, go to work, pick up the kids after school, go to soccer practice, make dinner, fix the couch where the dog thought his toy was hiding..."
Here is the beautiful part of giving: you do not have to make any additional entries on your already overcrowded To-do list. Actually, when you add 'giving' to the roster, your day may become less stressful and chaotic.
You can bring positive energy and value by enhancing, in the slightest way, things you are already doing.
Examples I have encountered recently:
1) My favorite question to ask convenience store clerks is "So, how is everybody treating you today?". Many of them are so tired of the "How ya doin'...good" dead-end conversations, it catches them by surprise. Then I make a little joke as they are counting change. Leaves them with a smile 99% of the time.
2) An older gentleman in a grocery store, examining his coupons for cereal, notices the one he wants is on the top shelf. As he raises his cane to 'hook' it, a young man asks if he can be of assistance. With a chuckle, the older man points to the one he wants and says: "Thank you, young man, very nice of you. Sometimes I drop the wrong one." They both share a laugh and get on with their day.
3) I was the opening act at a comedy club recently. After the show, as I greeted and thanked people for attending, two women aproached and pointed to another woman across the room. "That is our friend, and tonight was the first time she's come out with us since her husband died a year ago." Putting her finger to my chest, she told me "You made her laugh for the first time in a long time. Thank you so much!". I was there to make people laugh and have fun. Just doing my 'job' was suddenly so much more valuable, with no extra effort.
Simple giving, that is all it is. Being aware of opportunities while we are already doing what we are doing. It took no extra time or energy, really, to make the above actions happen.
How many opportunities do we have to give, every day?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
We All Need A Little Heart
At a recent Toastmasters Conference in New Brunswick, I had the chance to hear a young speaker named Mark R. W. Black. He was scheduled to present during lunchtime. Not recognizing his name, or knowing his topic, I nearly bolted for the door with the promise of a 3-piece order of the Colonel's Original Recipe on my mind.
It was the best trip I never made. KFC's $6.00 loss was a priceless gain for me.
As a professional speaker, I was humbled. As a compassionate human being, I rejoiced in the laughter and tears, hopes and dreams of his presentation. Without giving away too much, let me say this: medically speaking, he should not be here. Bottom line. His life is a miracle, and he is now dedicated to sharing that miracle with the world, to explain that we all have miracles within us, just waiting to happen.
After lunch, I had the incredible honor of trading a $20 bill for an autographed copy of his book "Live Life From the Heart". Another wise investment.
How is your life? Year? Month? Week? Day???
Are you creating your own miracle and sharing it with the world? If not, take a good, hard look into your own heart. There is one there, with building blocks made up of the many gifts you have been given as a truly unique individual.
It just needs you to reach for it, take it by the hand, add a whole lot of heart, and take it for the ride of a lifetime.
You just never know who you might inspire. Maybe even yourself.
What is your miracle?
It was the best trip I never made. KFC's $6.00 loss was a priceless gain for me.
As a professional speaker, I was humbled. As a compassionate human being, I rejoiced in the laughter and tears, hopes and dreams of his presentation. Without giving away too much, let me say this: medically speaking, he should not be here. Bottom line. His life is a miracle, and he is now dedicated to sharing that miracle with the world, to explain that we all have miracles within us, just waiting to happen.
After lunch, I had the incredible honor of trading a $20 bill for an autographed copy of his book "Live Life From the Heart". Another wise investment.
How is your life? Year? Month? Week? Day???
Are you creating your own miracle and sharing it with the world? If not, take a good, hard look into your own heart. There is one there, with building blocks made up of the many gifts you have been given as a truly unique individual.
It just needs you to reach for it, take it by the hand, add a whole lot of heart, and take it for the ride of a lifetime.
You just never know who you might inspire. Maybe even yourself.
What is your miracle?
Monday, June 15, 2009
When Motivation Meets Feng Shui
Hello all,
As part of a BlitzTime.com networking session last week, I enjoyed a wonderful phone conversation with talented artist and Feng Shui master Lidia Scher. We discussed how people often seek improvement in their personal lives, reaching out for books, DVD's, seminars, DVD's and other recordings. However, they often fail to realize that their physical surroundings are an integral part of the 'improvement' process. As a result, I will share the following account with you. I hope you will find her as inspiring as I did.
Thank you Lidia!
It is my pleasure to include talented people such as yourself in my blogs.
*************************************************************************************
"Last week I connected with interior designer & Feng Shui master Lidia Scher. She reminded me of how the art & science of Feng Shui is in fact a practical way to arrange a home and office that will enhance relationships, work flow, health and prosperity. Lidia and I discussed the advantages of incorporating these ancient principles when considering a renovation, remodeling, repainting, and/or even prior to buying and selling property, because they can greatly enhance the design/build team and give owners and their property a new lease on life. She explained that a layout of a home or office provides hidden cues to the success of people's life and career, because when you select a space to live and/or work in it, you do so based on your current thinking and feeling patterns. These patterns are a combination of your passion, your attitude, your goals and your beliefs. You may have discovered that in order to succeed you need to come up with smarter goals and you are eager to implement them. Yet if your environment has been arranged based on your former thinking patterns, your chances of succeeding with your new efforts are greatly dimished. Understanding how to tweak the space to support your new thinking may yield amazing results. Thus, she states that there are no management systems, marketing efforts, or client-centered practices that can be sustained without a supportive environment.
Lidia Scher is an award-winning interior designer, an accomplished visual artist and Feng Shui master. She has been at the helm of L.A.S. Associates, an interior and architectural design firm based in Arlington, MA for the past 23 years. Her specialty is dental and medical environments where occupants love to be in work in and return to day after day. She is also a partner in Virtual Dental Solutions, a web-based consulting company to the dental community.
L.A.S. ASSOCIATES -www.lasassociates.net
Integrated Interior & Architectural Design with Feng Shui Principles Dental & Medical Office Design * Feng Shui Consultations & Educational Programs with Certified Feng Shui Professionals* Optimal Space Planning
Art Studio- www.lidiascherart.com
Original Art * Custom Art & Furniture
PO BOX 750001, Arlington Heights, MA 02475
VX 781.643.2758 * FX 781.777.1139
Visit Lidia on Facebook, linkedin and www.e-dds.com
As part of a BlitzTime.com networking session last week, I enjoyed a wonderful phone conversation with talented artist and Feng Shui master Lidia Scher. We discussed how people often seek improvement in their personal lives, reaching out for books, DVD's, seminars, DVD's and other recordings. However, they often fail to realize that their physical surroundings are an integral part of the 'improvement' process. As a result, I will share the following account with you. I hope you will find her as inspiring as I did.
Thank you Lidia!
It is my pleasure to include talented people such as yourself in my blogs.
*************************************************************************************
"Last week I connected with interior designer & Feng Shui master Lidia Scher. She reminded me of how the art & science of Feng Shui is in fact a practical way to arrange a home and office that will enhance relationships, work flow, health and prosperity. Lidia and I discussed the advantages of incorporating these ancient principles when considering a renovation, remodeling, repainting, and/or even prior to buying and selling property, because they can greatly enhance the design/build team and give owners and their property a new lease on life. She explained that a layout of a home or office provides hidden cues to the success of people's life and career, because when you select a space to live and/or work in it, you do so based on your current thinking and feeling patterns. These patterns are a combination of your passion, your attitude, your goals and your beliefs. You may have discovered that in order to succeed you need to come up with smarter goals and you are eager to implement them. Yet if your environment has been arranged based on your former thinking patterns, your chances of succeeding with your new efforts are greatly dimished. Understanding how to tweak the space to support your new thinking may yield amazing results. Thus, she states that there are no management systems, marketing efforts, or client-centered practices that can be sustained without a supportive environment.
Lidia Scher is an award-winning interior designer, an accomplished visual artist and Feng Shui master. She has been at the helm of L.A.S. Associates, an interior and architectural design firm based in Arlington, MA for the past 23 years. Her specialty is dental and medical environments where occupants love to be in work in and return to day after day. She is also a partner in Virtual Dental Solutions, a web-based consulting company to the dental community.
L.A.S. ASSOCIATES -www.lasassociates.net
Integrated Interior & Architectural Design with Feng Shui Principles Dental & Medical Office Design * Feng Shui Consultations & Educational Programs with Certified Feng Shui Professionals* Optimal Space Planning
Art Studio- www.lidiascherart.com
Original Art * Custom Art & Furniture
PO BOX 750001, Arlington Heights, MA 02475
VX 781.643.2758 * FX 781.777.1139
Visit Lidia on Facebook, linkedin and www.e-dds.com
Monday, June 8, 2009
Always Keep Learning (and Don't Stop Believing)
It is 4:48am as I begin this writing session.
I should not be awake. I should not be in the office. I should not be forming complete sentences.
You see, I arrived home late yesterday after an 1100-mile weekend round-trip journey (in just over 48 hours) from the woods of New Hampshire to the even more 'woodsy' Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
I am a Toastmaster. I attended a Regional Conference more than 500 miles from home.
That is what Toastmasters do.
After two years in the organization, having achieved a healthy deal of recognition, I realized something this weekend:
I have so much more to learn before I even scratch the surface of what my fellow Toastmasters can teach me!
The weekend travel, begining at 2am on Friday, had its share of close-calls (3 deer, a rabbit and a squirrel) and casualties (2 butterflies, several bottles of 5-Hour Energy and my opinion that I was at (or anywhere near) my potential as a speaker).
It was humbling to see the talent present, each with different degrees of success in varying amounts of time: some have been at it for decades, others are more recent additions, yet already full of fire.
I am motivated by both.
My travel companion Sue (a fellow Toastmaster) and I shared a decision: we want to really buckle down and give our respective speaking endeavors a good kick in the butt. We spent the weekend with wide eyes, open ears and (even more important) open hearts.
The biggest reason I was present: I won the Humorously Speaking Competition for the region last Fall. To be honest, I felt I was performing at 'cruising' speed this weekend (as part of a showcase) and (sadly) may not have approached it with the intensity it deserved. The results were well-received, but nowhere near the greatness I know I could have executed.
Thanks to my co-presenters, I am now more open to learning, open to possibility...and open for suggestions.
The educational presentations over the weekend were excellent, all led by Toastmasters who have taken their opportunities farther than I have been (so far) willing to take mine.
I thank them for their inspiration (Darren, Val, Vince, Dilip, Mark, etc) as well as the friends I made over the weekend (Shawn, Debra, Dan, Nicole, Robbie, Joe and so many more).
You have all impacted my life forever.
The biggest reason for the conference was the regional round of the International Speaking Competition.
I observed more than a half-dozen contestants gracefully perform a dance that I dream of performing. They moved the audience effortlessly from laughter and tears to hopes and dreams. They were all winners, in my opionion, because they moved this humbled speaker from complacency to fascination.
My goal, complete with laundry list of activities which must be executed, is to win this International Toastmaster competition in 2010. Yes, the whole thing.
How does one set up and win his/her greatest goals?
1) identify exactly what you want (just did...wow, that is a big one!)
2) share the dream with others (for accountability, inspiration and support)
3) become familiar with those who have traveled the journey, and follow their path. Success leaves clues, as many have said.
As we arrived on Friday, after a ten-hour drive, we immediately dragged our exhausted selves into a conference room to hear a 90-minute presentation by Darren Lacroix, winner of the International Speaking Competition in 2001.
His words and message found their way though my foggy brain and (sorry Darren, not your fault) detached facial expression...and settled in my brain and heart. He told me (all of us, really, but I took it very personally) that we must always be working on 'the' speech, perfecting and crafting it until we know every nuance. We also need to find someone whom we trust to be our accountability partners, to coach and support us on our journey.
He also reminded us to believe in ourselves and our talents...always.
Thank you Darren. Thank you all.
I will never forget this experience.
I will always be learning.
Don't stop believing.
I should not be awake. I should not be in the office. I should not be forming complete sentences.
You see, I arrived home late yesterday after an 1100-mile weekend round-trip journey (in just over 48 hours) from the woods of New Hampshire to the even more 'woodsy' Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
I am a Toastmaster. I attended a Regional Conference more than 500 miles from home.
That is what Toastmasters do.
After two years in the organization, having achieved a healthy deal of recognition, I realized something this weekend:
I have so much more to learn before I even scratch the surface of what my fellow Toastmasters can teach me!
The weekend travel, begining at 2am on Friday, had its share of close-calls (3 deer, a rabbit and a squirrel) and casualties (2 butterflies, several bottles of 5-Hour Energy and my opinion that I was at (or anywhere near) my potential as a speaker).
It was humbling to see the talent present, each with different degrees of success in varying amounts of time: some have been at it for decades, others are more recent additions, yet already full of fire.
I am motivated by both.
My travel companion Sue (a fellow Toastmaster) and I shared a decision: we want to really buckle down and give our respective speaking endeavors a good kick in the butt. We spent the weekend with wide eyes, open ears and (even more important) open hearts.
The biggest reason I was present: I won the Humorously Speaking Competition for the region last Fall. To be honest, I felt I was performing at 'cruising' speed this weekend (as part of a showcase) and (sadly) may not have approached it with the intensity it deserved. The results were well-received, but nowhere near the greatness I know I could have executed.
Thanks to my co-presenters, I am now more open to learning, open to possibility...and open for suggestions.
The educational presentations over the weekend were excellent, all led by Toastmasters who have taken their opportunities farther than I have been (so far) willing to take mine.
I thank them for their inspiration (Darren, Val, Vince, Dilip, Mark, etc) as well as the friends I made over the weekend (Shawn, Debra, Dan, Nicole, Robbie, Joe and so many more).
You have all impacted my life forever.
The biggest reason for the conference was the regional round of the International Speaking Competition.
I observed more than a half-dozen contestants gracefully perform a dance that I dream of performing. They moved the audience effortlessly from laughter and tears to hopes and dreams. They were all winners, in my opionion, because they moved this humbled speaker from complacency to fascination.
My goal, complete with laundry list of activities which must be executed, is to win this International Toastmaster competition in 2010. Yes, the whole thing.
How does one set up and win his/her greatest goals?
1) identify exactly what you want (just did...wow, that is a big one!)
2) share the dream with others (for accountability, inspiration and support)
3) become familiar with those who have traveled the journey, and follow their path. Success leaves clues, as many have said.
As we arrived on Friday, after a ten-hour drive, we immediately dragged our exhausted selves into a conference room to hear a 90-minute presentation by Darren Lacroix, winner of the International Speaking Competition in 2001.
His words and message found their way though my foggy brain and (sorry Darren, not your fault) detached facial expression...and settled in my brain and heart. He told me (all of us, really, but I took it very personally) that we must always be working on 'the' speech, perfecting and crafting it until we know every nuance. We also need to find someone whom we trust to be our accountability partners, to coach and support us on our journey.
He also reminded us to believe in ourselves and our talents...always.
Thank you Darren. Thank you all.
I will never forget this experience.
I will always be learning.
Don't stop believing.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Can't Smile With (or Without) You
Okay, I have to admit this one caught me by surprise.
Here is a headline from USA Today on-line: "Four States Adopt 'No Smilies' Policy for Drivers' Licenses".
Huh?
In an attempt to cut down on drivers' license, fraud, you are no longer allowed to smile for your license photos in Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia. Or, at least, not smile very much.
I thought it was only the Motor Vehicle Department employees who were not allowed to smile?!?!?
According to an About.com search, smiling is (as I thought) a good thing:
* smiling makes us more attractive (may help with a speeding ticket)
* smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers and serotinin
* smiling lowers your blood pressure
* smiling changes our mood
* smiling relieves stress
In their defense, the Illinois Head of Drivers Services says that 6000 people have been stopped from getting fraudulent licenses since 1999. Of the likely MILLIONS of people who have gotten their licenses, they have caught 6000.
Given those odds, I am choosing to continue to smile, and hope that New Hampshire does not follow suit.
I hope that you greet this day with a smile.
“Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart.”
(Anthony J. D'Angelo)
Excellent quote Anthony. Just don't try to smile next time you are getting your driver's license at the DMV.
They appear to have changed the locks.
Here is a headline from USA Today on-line: "Four States Adopt 'No Smilies' Policy for Drivers' Licenses".
Huh?
In an attempt to cut down on drivers' license, fraud, you are no longer allowed to smile for your license photos in Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia. Or, at least, not smile very much.
I thought it was only the Motor Vehicle Department employees who were not allowed to smile?!?!?
According to an About.com search, smiling is (as I thought) a good thing:
* smiling makes us more attractive (may help with a speeding ticket)
* smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers and serotinin
* smiling lowers your blood pressure
* smiling changes our mood
* smiling relieves stress
In their defense, the Illinois Head of Drivers Services says that 6000 people have been stopped from getting fraudulent licenses since 1999. Of the likely MILLIONS of people who have gotten their licenses, they have caught 6000.
Given those odds, I am choosing to continue to smile, and hope that New Hampshire does not follow suit.
I hope that you greet this day with a smile.
“Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart.”
(Anthony J. D'Angelo)
Excellent quote Anthony. Just don't try to smile next time you are getting your driver's license at the DMV.
They appear to have changed the locks.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Celebrate Every Victory (even your own!)
Every day, in a corner of the world, someone is crossing a finish line. Someone is winning an award, taking a first step, breaking a barrier that had never been broken (especially the self-limiting ones).
When I took my first unassisted steps and graduated to becoming a toddler, my parents were there.
When I was 9 years old and hit my only home run in Little League, my teammates were there at home plate.
When I did my first radio show, all alone, my boss was there. (Okay, he did not exactly celebrate it as a victory so much as telling me that I "didn't screw up too badly", but he said it with a proud smile).
Did any of these victories change the world?
The answer is YES...they changed MY world. And each one was celebrated with those around me.
Somewhere in the world today, perhaps in your circle, a child will read his first book with no mistakes, a new salesperson will score the first big account, or a pilot will complete her first cross-country flight with 300 people on board, delivered safely.
You have an amazing opportunity to be there at the finish line with a big smile, a hug, a high-five or words of congratulations.
What will this accomplish?
It shows your true soul. It shows your pride in the accomplishments of others. It shows you are a person who genuinely cares enough to share in the positive energy created with even the smallest victories and breakthroughs.
Celebrate every victory with the same enthusiasm and conviction that you would use to celebrate your own, and feel the power that comes from it.
If you have completed reading this message...congratulations! I am proud of you. I hope it affects your life in a positive way, and inspires to to celebrate the victory of at least one other person today.
Thank you for being here at the finish line, sharing this journey with me.
When I took my first unassisted steps and graduated to becoming a toddler, my parents were there.
When I was 9 years old and hit my only home run in Little League, my teammates were there at home plate.
When I did my first radio show, all alone, my boss was there. (Okay, he did not exactly celebrate it as a victory so much as telling me that I "didn't screw up too badly", but he said it with a proud smile).
Did any of these victories change the world?
The answer is YES...they changed MY world. And each one was celebrated with those around me.
Somewhere in the world today, perhaps in your circle, a child will read his first book with no mistakes, a new salesperson will score the first big account, or a pilot will complete her first cross-country flight with 300 people on board, delivered safely.
You have an amazing opportunity to be there at the finish line with a big smile, a hug, a high-five or words of congratulations.
What will this accomplish?
It shows your true soul. It shows your pride in the accomplishments of others. It shows you are a person who genuinely cares enough to share in the positive energy created with even the smallest victories and breakthroughs.
Celebrate every victory with the same enthusiasm and conviction that you would use to celebrate your own, and feel the power that comes from it.
If you have completed reading this message...congratulations! I am proud of you. I hope it affects your life in a positive way, and inspires to to celebrate the victory of at least one other person today.
Thank you for being here at the finish line, sharing this journey with me.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Stack the Wood, Then Light Your Fire!
In a conversation over the weekend, a friend told me of one of her friends who owns a gigantic stack of motivational books, CD's, DVD's and ticket stubs from numerous events with some of the industry's heaviest hitters.
Her life, however, is a mess...and she can't figure out why.
In my opinion, personal development materials (books, CD's, DVD's, seminars, speakers, strategies) are just firewood.
Some people have acres and acres of firewood, either stacked neatly or strewn all over their property, which doesn't do anyone any good...
...unless that person has the SPARK to set it ablaze, or is willing to put in the extreme effort to combine a couple of those pieces (i.e. rubbing two sticks together) until they create fire.
Too many people think that next book or next seminar is the one that is going to "change their life forever".
To me, that is garbage. YOU have to be the most important part of the equation.
Some people only want a small fire...and some people want to burn their crappy village down and build an amazing new one so that many peoples' lives are improved.
Whatever you want to create or achieve in life, YOU need to be the accelerant to make that fire burn brightly!
Her life, however, is a mess...and she can't figure out why.
In my opinion, personal development materials (books, CD's, DVD's, seminars, speakers, strategies) are just firewood.
Some people have acres and acres of firewood, either stacked neatly or strewn all over their property, which doesn't do anyone any good...
...unless that person has the SPARK to set it ablaze, or is willing to put in the extreme effort to combine a couple of those pieces (i.e. rubbing two sticks together) until they create fire.
Too many people think that next book or next seminar is the one that is going to "change their life forever".
To me, that is garbage. YOU have to be the most important part of the equation.
Some people only want a small fire...and some people want to burn their crappy village down and build an amazing new one so that many peoples' lives are improved.
Whatever you want to create or achieve in life, YOU need to be the accelerant to make that fire burn brightly!
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Wonder of Wonder
As I enjoyed a sidewalk lunch this week, I noticed several sets of parents with their children. The coming and going of adult feet taking long strides mixed with the pitter-pat of tiny sneakers trying to keep up.
At the table nearest mine, a young man of about three years had just polished off a sugar-laden milkshake (complete with a three-year-old-sized burp for effect). As I laughed a barely-contained laugh, I silently wished his mom the best of luck at nap-time. This kid would be pinging off the walls for hours!
Just then a plane flew overhead. The boy, as well as several others kids in the parking lot, looked up and smiled as they waved, laughed and pointed.
“Airpane, airpane!!”
The adults never looked up.
Just then a motorcyle rumbled past, toward the exit.
The little boy said “Vrooom, vroom…mo’cycle!”
An adult commented: “That moron should be wearing a helmet”.
Just then two young girls, presumably sisters, approached. They were paired in matching shirts that said “Smile”. As they passed the little boy, they waved and both exclaimed “hi”. The little boy waved and, with a shy smile, looked away (then right back).
The adults didn’t seem to notice, as they chattered along in their own conversation.
Several minutes later, as the mother and two girls made their way back out of the cafe, I commented on their matching “smile” shirts, and how nice it was to see them say hello to the little boy. Their mom seemed genuinely appreciative that I had noticed.
As we spoke, a puppy (with its new owner) approached. The kids all made their way, giggling, to see this wonderful creature. The dog, being a child himself, played right along with them.
The only comment I heard from an adult was (with a slight frown): “We had a dog like that once…peed all over the rug for the first three months.”
As I wrapped up my lunch, I pondered these questions:
Where did our sense of wonder go?
Did it evaporate into thin air as we grew older and knew the hidden secret behind everything?
Has it been stomped down by the ‘reality’ we have come to accept as truth?
Can we ever hope to get it back?
As I walked to my car, another plane flew overhead. With a smile, I stopped, shaded my eyes slightly from the sun, and watched as it descended to the nearby airport.
Pretty cool moment, I thought, as I heard the excited “Airpane, airpane” from my little friends on the sidewalk.
Wonder is a wonderful thing.
At the table nearest mine, a young man of about three years had just polished off a sugar-laden milkshake (complete with a three-year-old-sized burp for effect). As I laughed a barely-contained laugh, I silently wished his mom the best of luck at nap-time. This kid would be pinging off the walls for hours!
Just then a plane flew overhead. The boy, as well as several others kids in the parking lot, looked up and smiled as they waved, laughed and pointed.
“Airpane, airpane!!”
The adults never looked up.
Just then a motorcyle rumbled past, toward the exit.
The little boy said “Vrooom, vroom…mo’cycle!”
An adult commented: “That moron should be wearing a helmet”.
Just then two young girls, presumably sisters, approached. They were paired in matching shirts that said “Smile”. As they passed the little boy, they waved and both exclaimed “hi”. The little boy waved and, with a shy smile, looked away (then right back).
The adults didn’t seem to notice, as they chattered along in their own conversation.
Several minutes later, as the mother and two girls made their way back out of the cafe, I commented on their matching “smile” shirts, and how nice it was to see them say hello to the little boy. Their mom seemed genuinely appreciative that I had noticed.
As we spoke, a puppy (with its new owner) approached. The kids all made their way, giggling, to see this wonderful creature. The dog, being a child himself, played right along with them.
The only comment I heard from an adult was (with a slight frown): “We had a dog like that once…peed all over the rug for the first three months.”
As I wrapped up my lunch, I pondered these questions:
Where did our sense of wonder go?
Did it evaporate into thin air as we grew older and knew the hidden secret behind everything?
Has it been stomped down by the ‘reality’ we have come to accept as truth?
Can we ever hope to get it back?
As I walked to my car, another plane flew overhead. With a smile, I stopped, shaded my eyes slightly from the sun, and watched as it descended to the nearby airport.
Pretty cool moment, I thought, as I heard the excited “Airpane, airpane” from my little friends on the sidewalk.
Wonder is a wonderful thing.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
And the Skies Are Not Cloudy All Day...
Ahhhh, Springtime in New England. As I take my favorite window seat in a diner overlooking the scenic shore of Lake Champlain, I realize I am on the wrong side of the glass: the IN-side.
As nice as it is in this diner, I wish to be at the lake's edge, on a porch swing, enjoying my 'waterfront office space".
Alas, it is overcast today, and drizzling frequently, as it has been doing for two days, and will continue to be doing for at least one more, according to the local weather reporter.
Does this slow me down, or relegate me to a day spent under the covers, praying for sunshine?
NO!!!
I'm wearing a big smile, feeling the warmth of an imaginary sun as I write this blog entry. I love to write, and that is the source of today's sunshine for me.
We all face some cloudy days in life. It happens...and when it does, it can help us to appreciate the sunny ones even more. It is what we choose to do with these cloudy days that makes all the difference.
Do you crumble and hide every time a cloud comes into your 'personal' sky?
It is up to each of us to get moving and find the sunshine in each day. I have known people who actually preferred cloudy days. Whenever the sun decided to cast a warm ray their way, they actually sought out the comforting shadow of a cloud. That way, they could complain that the sun never shone upon them.
Me? I love the sun. I love to bask in the glow of great happenings, and I invite as many people as I can to enjoy the sunshine as well. And if a cloud happens to come along, we simply pick up our stuff and find the next bright spot. Some days it can be challenging, but it's out there, just waiting for you to make the effort to push past the clouds.
Where are you standing, right now?
Are you withering under a dark cloud, or dancing in your own personal sunshine?
As nice as it is in this diner, I wish to be at the lake's edge, on a porch swing, enjoying my 'waterfront office space".
Alas, it is overcast today, and drizzling frequently, as it has been doing for two days, and will continue to be doing for at least one more, according to the local weather reporter.
Does this slow me down, or relegate me to a day spent under the covers, praying for sunshine?
NO!!!
I'm wearing a big smile, feeling the warmth of an imaginary sun as I write this blog entry. I love to write, and that is the source of today's sunshine for me.
We all face some cloudy days in life. It happens...and when it does, it can help us to appreciate the sunny ones even more. It is what we choose to do with these cloudy days that makes all the difference.
Do you crumble and hide every time a cloud comes into your 'personal' sky?
It is up to each of us to get moving and find the sunshine in each day. I have known people who actually preferred cloudy days. Whenever the sun decided to cast a warm ray their way, they actually sought out the comforting shadow of a cloud. That way, they could complain that the sun never shone upon them.
Me? I love the sun. I love to bask in the glow of great happenings, and I invite as many people as I can to enjoy the sunshine as well. And if a cloud happens to come along, we simply pick up our stuff and find the next bright spot. Some days it can be challenging, but it's out there, just waiting for you to make the effort to push past the clouds.
Where are you standing, right now?
Are you withering under a dark cloud, or dancing in your own personal sunshine?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Long Live Captain Chaos!
Sadly, as I got on-line this afternoon, I was greeted with the news that Dom DeLuise had left us at the age of 75. A big man, with comedic talent that dwarfed his hefty physique.
In my younger days, many laughs were shared with family and friends watching him in such movies as History of the World Part I, Smokey and the Bandit II and my favorite of all his projects: Cannonball Run.
In this comedic-talent tour de force, he played the goofy sidekick Victor to Burt Reynolds' in-control JJ. Lurking inside DeLuise's character, however, loomed a superhero who occasionally surfaced, bringing with him a plethora of power, confidence and blind devotion to helping others.
With a mighty "Dun dun Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!", Captain Chaos would spring forth, complete with cape and black nylon mask tightly drawn over his head and eyes, allowing Victor to become stronger, drive faster and always win one for the good guys.
While his dedication to helping others eventually cost his team the championship in the cross-country Cannonball race, it was well worth it (to him) as he proudly proclaimed: "JJ...I saved that woman's dog!"
Is there a little bit of Captain Chaos inside you? Do you put aside your earthly desires and weaknesses on occasion to do what is right, because it is right?
Can you find imperfections in your personality that you wish you could change? Perhaps it is time to create your own internal superhero who can show up to save the day for you or someone else who desperately needs to be saved.
Think about it. You could be a hero to someone...right now.
Thank you Dom DeLuise for sharing your talents and gift for laughter with us all.
Rest in peace, Captain Chaos!
In my younger days, many laughs were shared with family and friends watching him in such movies as History of the World Part I, Smokey and the Bandit II and my favorite of all his projects: Cannonball Run.
In this comedic-talent tour de force, he played the goofy sidekick Victor to Burt Reynolds' in-control JJ. Lurking inside DeLuise's character, however, loomed a superhero who occasionally surfaced, bringing with him a plethora of power, confidence and blind devotion to helping others.
With a mighty "Dun dun Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!", Captain Chaos would spring forth, complete with cape and black nylon mask tightly drawn over his head and eyes, allowing Victor to become stronger, drive faster and always win one for the good guys.
While his dedication to helping others eventually cost his team the championship in the cross-country Cannonball race, it was well worth it (to him) as he proudly proclaimed: "JJ...I saved that woman's dog!"
Is there a little bit of Captain Chaos inside you? Do you put aside your earthly desires and weaknesses on occasion to do what is right, because it is right?
Can you find imperfections in your personality that you wish you could change? Perhaps it is time to create your own internal superhero who can show up to save the day for you or someone else who desperately needs to be saved.
Think about it. You could be a hero to someone...right now.
Thank you Dom DeLuise for sharing your talents and gift for laughter with us all.
Rest in peace, Captain Chaos!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Take Your Office Out of the Office
With the abundance of electronic gadgetry doing my work for me these days, I occasionally feel like I am not even needed, except to carry it all around. Sometimes the only thing keeping me at my desk is a feeling of guilt that, if I am not there, I am not 'working'. Fear not, I can overcome this quickly.
As the warmer weather arrives, I am already plotting my escape to a place I like to refer to as my 'waterfront office property'. Before you imagine my Ferrari being valet parked at a high glass tower overlooking crystal blue Caribbean waters, think again.
I will be pulling my Honda Civic in the visitors lot, paying a small fee and walking to the boardwalk at the edge of Lake Champlain in Burlington VT. No fancy-schmancy mahogany office furniture here, it has been replaced by a porch swing nestled in the shade. The patter of footsteps are not those of my co-workers, but of by people walking their dogs, bikes, children, etc.
My favorite conference call last Summer was interrupted by a client asking 'what the noise was' in the background. Well...it was a duck, who was apparently very intersted in the granola bar perched atop my briefcase. He paced back and forth, squawking louder than the Aflac duck in desperation (he didn't get any).
I once spent 20 minutes wathcing a dog swimming after sticks in the water, refusing his owner's orders to 'come in, we have to leave!". Big smiles all around.
How about you? Can you break the bonds and take your office 'out of the office'? Is there a special place you enjoy, where you can set up shop for the day? It's a feeling that cannot be beat, whether it's in your back yard, at the beach or the top of a mountain.
As the warmer weather arrives, I am already plotting my escape to a place I like to refer to as my 'waterfront office property'. Before you imagine my Ferrari being valet parked at a high glass tower overlooking crystal blue Caribbean waters, think again.
I will be pulling my Honda Civic in the visitors lot, paying a small fee and walking to the boardwalk at the edge of Lake Champlain in Burlington VT. No fancy-schmancy mahogany office furniture here, it has been replaced by a porch swing nestled in the shade. The patter of footsteps are not those of my co-workers, but of by people walking their dogs, bikes, children, etc.
My favorite conference call last Summer was interrupted by a client asking 'what the noise was' in the background. Well...it was a duck, who was apparently very intersted in the granola bar perched atop my briefcase. He paced back and forth, squawking louder than the Aflac duck in desperation (he didn't get any).
I once spent 20 minutes wathcing a dog swimming after sticks in the water, refusing his owner's orders to 'come in, we have to leave!". Big smiles all around.
How about you? Can you break the bonds and take your office 'out of the office'? Is there a special place you enjoy, where you can set up shop for the day? It's a feeling that cannot be beat, whether it's in your back yard, at the beach or the top of a mountain.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Happy Anniversary.Count to 10.Pull the Ripcord
Ran into an old friend this week. We worked together in the middle-years of my radio career, in the late 1990's. He's one of the good guys.
As we exchanged hearty handshakes and smiles, he told me he had recently celebrated his 25th anniversary at the radio station. Not 25 years in radio, but 25 years at the same..radio..station. For those not familiar with the industry, to accomplish this carries the same probability as being struck by lightning, while being bitten by a shark, on the same day you win the lottery.
He explained that, the day after his anniversary, he walked into work and looked around with a realization: he was just not 'fired up' about being there anymore. While he was very successful, the flame of passion for his job had been reduced to fading embers.
In his early 50's, with a secure job (as secure as a job can be in the radio industry anyway), he decided to give his notice and make a change.
Something different. Something better. Something to re-ignite his passion.
He visited the boss's office and shared his decision. He was asked what his plan was. There wasn't one. He was encouraged to go back to his office and think it over. He did, then returned to the boss's office. Same decision.
With the love and support of his family, a few weeks later he packed up his office, shook hands all around and walked away from the place that had been his work life until that moment.
Where many would have panicked: he lived, he breathed, he dreamed, he loved.
As he handed me his new business card, he smiled. He is now the Vice-President of a major-league local advertising agency.
I asked him if he is happy.
He is.
We should all be this happy
Paul, I am very proud of you.
Best wishes for continued success, my friend!
A note to you, the reader: How happy are you at your current career? Is it merely 'paying the bills', or are you genuinely passionate? If not, what would you rather be doing, if money were no object? Is there a chance to begin making that activity part of your life, even in a small way? No need to quit your current job to make a jump, but you can taste the juice of life today, and savor the flavor. It could be the best decision of your life...it you let it.
More to come in a future blog. Please return soon.
As we exchanged hearty handshakes and smiles, he told me he had recently celebrated his 25th anniversary at the radio station. Not 25 years in radio, but 25 years at the same..radio..station. For those not familiar with the industry, to accomplish this carries the same probability as being struck by lightning, while being bitten by a shark, on the same day you win the lottery.
He explained that, the day after his anniversary, he walked into work and looked around with a realization: he was just not 'fired up' about being there anymore. While he was very successful, the flame of passion for his job had been reduced to fading embers.
In his early 50's, with a secure job (as secure as a job can be in the radio industry anyway), he decided to give his notice and make a change.
Something different. Something better. Something to re-ignite his passion.
He visited the boss's office and shared his decision. He was asked what his plan was. There wasn't one. He was encouraged to go back to his office and think it over. He did, then returned to the boss's office. Same decision.
With the love and support of his family, a few weeks later he packed up his office, shook hands all around and walked away from the place that had been his work life until that moment.
Where many would have panicked: he lived, he breathed, he dreamed, he loved.
As he handed me his new business card, he smiled. He is now the Vice-President of a major-league local advertising agency.
I asked him if he is happy.
He is.
We should all be this happy
Paul, I am very proud of you.
Best wishes for continued success, my friend!
A note to you, the reader: How happy are you at your current career? Is it merely 'paying the bills', or are you genuinely passionate? If not, what would you rather be doing, if money were no object? Is there a chance to begin making that activity part of your life, even in a small way? No need to quit your current job to make a jump, but you can taste the juice of life today, and savor the flavor. It could be the best decision of your life...it you let it.
More to come in a future blog. Please return soon.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Please Do NOT Feed the Bears!
As I scanned the news this morning, a favorite Jim Croce lyric ran through my thoughts:
"You don't tug on Superman's cape,
you don't spit into the wind,
you don't pull the mask off the ol' Lone Ranger,
and you don't mess around with Jim"
Sadly, Jim Croce left us in 1973. However, if he was still with us, I am willing to bet he'd be chuckling over breakfast as he pondered inserting the words 'polar' and 'bear' in tonight's rendition.
For those who have sworn off reading the news, let me share the story's timeline:
1) woman goes to Berlin Zoo with husband and child
2) it's feeding time for the polar bears, oh boy!
3) woman climbs fence and dives into polar bear enclosure
4) remember item 2? YouTube, here we come!
5) bear begins feeding on woman, biting her several times
6) onlookers toss a rope and create a Polar Bear Pinata before getting her out
I have only one major lesson to share today: there are some places we just do not belong. Here are a few of those places: under giant beehives, on dark street corners in high-crime neighborhoods, and in polar bear enclosures. Society, nature and sign-makers have a way of letting us know.
Like a child's hand on a hot stove, I am willing to bet this woman will remember the pain and not try this action again. She is very lucky to have a second chance.
As you make your way through the world today, please be conscious of all signs warning you of potential dangers, and heed them.
In this case, there was a sign and a series of fences which were blatantly ignored.
I am not sure if the bear's name was Jim, but I think (and hope) this woman learned not to mess around with him.
"You don't tug on Superman's cape,
you don't spit into the wind,
you don't pull the mask off the ol' Lone Ranger,
and you don't mess around with Jim"
Sadly, Jim Croce left us in 1973. However, if he was still with us, I am willing to bet he'd be chuckling over breakfast as he pondered inserting the words 'polar' and 'bear' in tonight's rendition.
For those who have sworn off reading the news, let me share the story's timeline:
1) woman goes to Berlin Zoo with husband and child
2) it's feeding time for the polar bears, oh boy!
3) woman climbs fence and dives into polar bear enclosure
4) remember item 2? YouTube, here we come!
5) bear begins feeding on woman, biting her several times
6) onlookers toss a rope and create a Polar Bear Pinata before getting her out
I have only one major lesson to share today: there are some places we just do not belong. Here are a few of those places: under giant beehives, on dark street corners in high-crime neighborhoods, and in polar bear enclosures. Society, nature and sign-makers have a way of letting us know.
Like a child's hand on a hot stove, I am willing to bet this woman will remember the pain and not try this action again. She is very lucky to have a second chance.
As you make your way through the world today, please be conscious of all signs warning you of potential dangers, and heed them.
In this case, there was a sign and a series of fences which were blatantly ignored.
I am not sure if the bear's name was Jim, but I think (and hope) this woman learned not to mess around with him.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sometimes It Takes a Village...
...to protect an idiot.
According to the Merriam Webster On-line Dictionary, a foolish or stupid person may be referred to as an idiot. I tried to upload my picture next to it, with a hyperlink that said 'See Me'. No dice.
Generally, I do not think of myself in this way. Nor should anyone, really.
However, given the events this week, if a parade were dedicated to idiots I might qualify as Grand Marshal on the main float.
First, let me quote a recent personal profile study in which I participated. According to the results, I am a person who:
* enjoys structure and order, over chaos
* has a clear sense of direction
* can weather many storms
In response to the last item: Baby, it's raining and we've got holes in the boat!
According to the same profile study, my weak points are:
* having too much ability for certain jobs
* getting easily bored
To avoid disasters like the ones I created this week, it is best that the idiot in question surrounds himself with people who can compensate for his weaknesses. Hence, the village.
Apparently, proofreading the sample copy of my latest book before authorizing the printing of 1000 copies created boredom for me. Perhaps I have too much ability to have realized that 8 of the 20 chapters were missing due to an error on my part.
Thankfully, I have people around me to save from myself. Good people who live, thrive and survive by actually paying attention to details and not fast-forwarding through the boring parts.
It was an expensive lesson, but a lesson just the same.
Wherever you are in life, I hope you have managed to surround yourself with a village which cares for you and saves you from dangers of all kinds, especially from yourself.
Play to your strengths, and never be afraid to send someone else up to the plate to play to theirs. It can save much heartbreak, embarassment, and money.
On a positive note, I've got a heck of a sale going on and, as I believe in truth in advertising: all books are literally 40% off !
According to the Merriam Webster On-line Dictionary, a foolish or stupid person may be referred to as an idiot. I tried to upload my picture next to it, with a hyperlink that said 'See Me'. No dice.
Generally, I do not think of myself in this way. Nor should anyone, really.
However, given the events this week, if a parade were dedicated to idiots I might qualify as Grand Marshal on the main float.
First, let me quote a recent personal profile study in which I participated. According to the results, I am a person who:
* enjoys structure and order, over chaos
* has a clear sense of direction
* can weather many storms
In response to the last item: Baby, it's raining and we've got holes in the boat!
According to the same profile study, my weak points are:
* having too much ability for certain jobs
* getting easily bored
To avoid disasters like the ones I created this week, it is best that the idiot in question surrounds himself with people who can compensate for his weaknesses. Hence, the village.
Apparently, proofreading the sample copy of my latest book before authorizing the printing of 1000 copies created boredom for me. Perhaps I have too much ability to have realized that 8 of the 20 chapters were missing due to an error on my part.
Thankfully, I have people around me to save from myself. Good people who live, thrive and survive by actually paying attention to details and not fast-forwarding through the boring parts.
It was an expensive lesson, but a lesson just the same.
Wherever you are in life, I hope you have managed to surround yourself with a village which cares for you and saves you from dangers of all kinds, especially from yourself.
Play to your strengths, and never be afraid to send someone else up to the plate to play to theirs. It can save much heartbreak, embarassment, and money.
On a positive note, I've got a heck of a sale going on and, as I believe in truth in advertising: all books are literally 40% off !
Thursday, March 12, 2009
History CAN Repeat Itself...With Your Help
Although I no longer watch the TV news or read anything that comes before the Sports page in the newspaper, I am well-aware that times are challenging out there. Am I putting on ruby slippers and clicking my heels in a cosmic state of denial?
No.
Have I made a conscious decison to not get caught up in the swirling negativity which seems to be compounded by prognosticators of exponential doom and gloom?
Yes.
Are these challenging times? Of course they are. Times are always challenging for someone. However, there are many people in this country who have chosen to rise above it all, push their way through, and not get caught up with those who are determined to broadcast negativity from the rooftops. I saw a button the other day, worn by a member of Business Networking International (BNI), which read "I Refuse to Participate in a Recession".
Personally speaking, I love this.
History has shown that, following challenging times, there can be periods of great reward. Perhaps if we looked at the seeds of those times, we can find the recipe for our next prosperous era. As Anthony Robbins and others have said: "Success leaves clues".
One of my favorite quotes is from Tom Peters (from a Success Magazine audio program):
"Leaders are merchants of hope"
If ever we needed hope, it is now. Too many people are running off the rails, and the Chicken Littles of the world are the overzealous engineers.
You can be a leader. You can inspire. Find someone from history whom you respect and admire, and emulate that person. Take their best qualities and breathe new life into them.
Create success, and leave your own clues for others to follow in the future.
Be a merchant of hope.
No.
Have I made a conscious decison to not get caught up in the swirling negativity which seems to be compounded by prognosticators of exponential doom and gloom?
Yes.
Are these challenging times? Of course they are. Times are always challenging for someone. However, there are many people in this country who have chosen to rise above it all, push their way through, and not get caught up with those who are determined to broadcast negativity from the rooftops. I saw a button the other day, worn by a member of Business Networking International (BNI), which read "I Refuse to Participate in a Recession".
Personally speaking, I love this.
History has shown that, following challenging times, there can be periods of great reward. Perhaps if we looked at the seeds of those times, we can find the recipe for our next prosperous era. As Anthony Robbins and others have said: "Success leaves clues".
One of my favorite quotes is from Tom Peters (from a Success Magazine audio program):
"Leaders are merchants of hope"
If ever we needed hope, it is now. Too many people are running off the rails, and the Chicken Littles of the world are the overzealous engineers.
You can be a leader. You can inspire. Find someone from history whom you respect and admire, and emulate that person. Take their best qualities and breathe new life into them.
Create success, and leave your own clues for others to follow in the future.
Be a merchant of hope.
Monday, March 2, 2009
How Do You Sleep?
So, how did you sleep last night?
Perhaps you woke up to a loud vehicle passing by. Perhaps the music from the neighbors party ran beyond your town’s noise ordinance.
Perhaps something you did recently is not allowing you to sleep soundly.
The most valuable gift my parents gave me was the gift of ethics, values and morals.
In the news recently:
Two teenagers steal $164 from a 9-year old Girl Scout who was selling cookies. Reason given: “Who doesn’t like money?”
A $15,000 motorized wheelchair is stolen form the concourse of a major league ballpark as its owner sat in the bleachers. Foul!
Bernie Madoff admits to swindling investors for an estimated $50 billion. That’s billion…with a ‘b’.
None of these actions were accidental. They were all brought to life by a human being making a conscious choice…a choice to go against the laws of society and worse, against the Golden Rule of “treating others as you would like to be treated”.
What choices did you make today? What actions did you take?
How do you sleep?
Perhaps you woke up to a loud vehicle passing by. Perhaps the music from the neighbors party ran beyond your town’s noise ordinance.
Perhaps something you did recently is not allowing you to sleep soundly.
The most valuable gift my parents gave me was the gift of ethics, values and morals.
In the news recently:
Two teenagers steal $164 from a 9-year old Girl Scout who was selling cookies. Reason given: “Who doesn’t like money?”
A $15,000 motorized wheelchair is stolen form the concourse of a major league ballpark as its owner sat in the bleachers. Foul!
Bernie Madoff admits to swindling investors for an estimated $50 billion. That’s billion…with a ‘b’.
None of these actions were accidental. They were all brought to life by a human being making a conscious choice…a choice to go against the laws of society and worse, against the Golden Rule of “treating others as you would like to be treated”.
What choices did you make today? What actions did you take?
How do you sleep?
The Jumper Cables of Life
Eight years ago, I was married with a successful career in radio, plenty of friends, supportive family, etc. But, I was not happy. I was drenching myself in the books and recordings of many motivational speakers, but instead of using these positive messages to float on the stormy seas of my life, I was drowning. Instead of serving as lifesavers, they fast became anchors weighing me down.
And it's a long swim in stormy seas when you can't find the lighthouse.
I chose to leave the radio industry, ended my marriage, discovered I was $65,000 in debt, moved in with a family member, and basically my life was stalled on the side of the road with the hood up, waiting for a jumpstart.
Despite the potential all those powerful messages held for me, I was basically a junkie. Every day, in a quest for my next 'fix', I was trying to shove in everything I could, always in search of the next guru or message that would 'change my life'.
My life was falling apart and I was miserable. Finally I realized that I was shoving in all this information through my eyes and ears, but none of it was reaching my heart. I often explain my 'then' situation by quoting (of all people) Bud Bundy from Married With Children:
'When you pour a gallon of knowledge into a shot-glass of a brain...you're gonna spill some."
I was spilling a slick of misery the size of the Exxon Valdez.
In 2003 I gave it all away, signed off from a major on-line motivational forum and stopped going to seminars. Spent several years 'throwing out all the other voices' to find out who Steve really was (with the help of a caring Life Coach who helped me to dismantle things, per my desire). The best thing about the Life Coach is this: he did not change a single thing about me. He held the jumper cables with me, had me hold one end as he held the other, and let positive energy flow through them. I could disconnect them at any time, but did not, until I felt my car was ready to run on its own.
In hindsight, as we stripped away the layers of junk, it turns out I really was there underneath all that other stuff. I did actually have my own voice, values, etc. I just let them get buried and stifled.
My life has done nothing but improve since then. Are there still little speedbumps and the occasional roadblock? Of course. Can I easily find a way over or around them, using my gifts and resources, listening to my own voice? Yes.
I have since gone back to share in that on-line forum, with a much different mindset, to help others.
Sadly I still see some people who were there years ago, still suffering and looking for that next fix, not able to find or express their TRUE SELVES and hear their own voice.
They get excited over this 'next big thing' that is going to make their life better, but ultimately it does not because they have forgotten the most important ingredient: themselves...the yeast that makes the dream rise.
It is what YOU add to something that makes it right for you...not what a speaker tells you, not what a book says, not what this blog says (even if you agree with it).
It is who you are, and the person you are becoming that makes all the difference.
And, whenever you can, please considering sharing your jumper cables with someone who is stuck on the side of the road of life.
And it's a long swim in stormy seas when you can't find the lighthouse.
I chose to leave the radio industry, ended my marriage, discovered I was $65,000 in debt, moved in with a family member, and basically my life was stalled on the side of the road with the hood up, waiting for a jumpstart.
Despite the potential all those powerful messages held for me, I was basically a junkie. Every day, in a quest for my next 'fix', I was trying to shove in everything I could, always in search of the next guru or message that would 'change my life'.
My life was falling apart and I was miserable. Finally I realized that I was shoving in all this information through my eyes and ears, but none of it was reaching my heart. I often explain my 'then' situation by quoting (of all people) Bud Bundy from Married With Children:
'When you pour a gallon of knowledge into a shot-glass of a brain...you're gonna spill some."
I was spilling a slick of misery the size of the Exxon Valdez.
In 2003 I gave it all away, signed off from a major on-line motivational forum and stopped going to seminars. Spent several years 'throwing out all the other voices' to find out who Steve really was (with the help of a caring Life Coach who helped me to dismantle things, per my desire). The best thing about the Life Coach is this: he did not change a single thing about me. He held the jumper cables with me, had me hold one end as he held the other, and let positive energy flow through them. I could disconnect them at any time, but did not, until I felt my car was ready to run on its own.
In hindsight, as we stripped away the layers of junk, it turns out I really was there underneath all that other stuff. I did actually have my own voice, values, etc. I just let them get buried and stifled.
My life has done nothing but improve since then. Are there still little speedbumps and the occasional roadblock? Of course. Can I easily find a way over or around them, using my gifts and resources, listening to my own voice? Yes.
I have since gone back to share in that on-line forum, with a much different mindset, to help others.
Sadly I still see some people who were there years ago, still suffering and looking for that next fix, not able to find or express their TRUE SELVES and hear their own voice.
They get excited over this 'next big thing' that is going to make their life better, but ultimately it does not because they have forgotten the most important ingredient: themselves...the yeast that makes the dream rise.
It is what YOU add to something that makes it right for you...not what a speaker tells you, not what a book says, not what this blog says (even if you agree with it).
It is who you are, and the person you are becoming that makes all the difference.
And, whenever you can, please considering sharing your jumper cables with someone who is stuck on the side of the road of life.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Most Important Part of Any Journey...
...is the extra mile.
In your life, in your home, in your work...are you going the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of those around you? To set yourself apart from the pack? To earn the reputation you desire?
In his book "The Success Principles", author Jack Canfield discusses several companies who go the extra mile for their clients, and do so willingly. He mentions:
* an auto dealership which offers free car washes for all its clients every Saturday morning
* a company which not only sells computers but does set-up and training at the clients' homes
* a fitness equipment company which provides instruction for the new owner of every piece of equipment sold
Are you going the extra mile on your life's journey?
That is where the magic happens, where legends are created, where you set the bar higher for the rest of the world.
In your life, in your home, in your work...are you going the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of those around you? To set yourself apart from the pack? To earn the reputation you desire?
In his book "The Success Principles", author Jack Canfield discusses several companies who go the extra mile for their clients, and do so willingly. He mentions:
* an auto dealership which offers free car washes for all its clients every Saturday morning
* a company which not only sells computers but does set-up and training at the clients' homes
* a fitness equipment company which provides instruction for the new owner of every piece of equipment sold
Are you going the extra mile on your life's journey?
That is where the magic happens, where legends are created, where you set the bar higher for the rest of the world.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Are you a CEO?
Okay, that was a trick question. You are a CEO. You have been named Chief Executive Officer of "(insert name here) Incorporated".
When it comes to the game of life, you are in charge, my friend. Head honcho. Big cheese. The buck starts here.
I sincerely hope you havenot adopted the style of a CEO whom I met in December 2001. As I emceed and provided music for his company's holiday celebration, he asked for the microphone to address his team (and their spouses).
"Happy holidays everyone, thank you all for being here. Well..this year was not a very good one for us. The products we rolled out haven't taken off like we had hoped. Projections for next year don't look much better. Of course we lost (name of employee) at the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. But, we've got a DJ here tonight. He'll play some music and we'll have a good time"
And he handed the microphone back to me with a "Here you go, son".
I felt like I was in a Southwest Air commerical...wanna get away?!?!?
Having noticed my speechless stare, several employees approached me during the evening and let me know that this was standard protocol for their CEO. Actually, some said, he was on good behavior as he had not used profanity.
Have you ever made a snowball? A giant one? And rolled it down a hill?
What does it do? It picks up speed as it gets larger, and gets harder to stop as it thunders downward.
I had to wonder if the sorry state of this company had something to do with the attitude of this CEO. He is at the top of the hill, gathering steam and gaining momentum, packed tightly with negative energy. Apparently, it has been gathering steam for some time.
How is your corporation doing? What messages are trekking downward from the top...from you?
Perhaps the reactions of those around you speak more loudly than words.
When it comes to the game of life, you are in charge, my friend. Head honcho. Big cheese. The buck starts here.
I sincerely hope you havenot adopted the style of a CEO whom I met in December 2001. As I emceed and provided music for his company's holiday celebration, he asked for the microphone to address his team (and their spouses).
"Happy holidays everyone, thank you all for being here. Well..this year was not a very good one for us. The products we rolled out haven't taken off like we had hoped. Projections for next year don't look much better. Of course we lost (name of employee) at the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. But, we've got a DJ here tonight. He'll play some music and we'll have a good time"
And he handed the microphone back to me with a "Here you go, son".
I felt like I was in a Southwest Air commerical...wanna get away?!?!?
Having noticed my speechless stare, several employees approached me during the evening and let me know that this was standard protocol for their CEO. Actually, some said, he was on good behavior as he had not used profanity.
Have you ever made a snowball? A giant one? And rolled it down a hill?
What does it do? It picks up speed as it gets larger, and gets harder to stop as it thunders downward.
I had to wonder if the sorry state of this company had something to do with the attitude of this CEO. He is at the top of the hill, gathering steam and gaining momentum, packed tightly with negative energy. Apparently, it has been gathering steam for some time.
How is your corporation doing? What messages are trekking downward from the top...from you?
Perhaps the reactions of those around you speak more loudly than words.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Were YOU a Hero Today?
Looking back a couple of weeks, the vision of passengers standing on the wings of a plane, floating in a freezing river, still shines brightly in my mind. Much has been said of the pilot (C.B. 'Sully' Sullenberger), including these words by New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg:
“His brave actions have inspired people in this city and millions around the world.”
It is one thing to say he was 'doing his job', but to glide a jet with double-engine failure to a smooth water-landing and make two trips through the plane to be sure all passengers were out before he exited the aircraft is a bit more than that for me. In a moment when panic reigned supreme, he put the lives of 154 others ahead of his own.
Were you a hero today?
Did you put the needs, or the safety, of anyone else ahead of your own? Did you put a smile on someone's face? Did you make the world a better place for a complete stranger?
If so, YOU might be a hero to someone who desperately needed one.
Feels pretty good, doesn't it?
“His brave actions have inspired people in this city and millions around the world.”
It is one thing to say he was 'doing his job', but to glide a jet with double-engine failure to a smooth water-landing and make two trips through the plane to be sure all passengers were out before he exited the aircraft is a bit more than that for me. In a moment when panic reigned supreme, he put the lives of 154 others ahead of his own.
Were you a hero today?
Did you put the needs, or the safety, of anyone else ahead of your own? Did you put a smile on someone's face? Did you make the world a better place for a complete stranger?
If so, YOU might be a hero to someone who desperately needed one.
Feels pretty good, doesn't it?
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