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!!!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
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?
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