On Monday April 15, 2019 my beautiful wife Lori and I had the opportunity to cheer on the athletes that were participating in the 123rd running of the Boston Marathon. We were also blessed that our vantage point was along the notorious Heartbreak Hill!
I am sure that Heartbreak Hill is not the longest or steepest hill in the world. And it may not be the longest or steepest in the running world either. But what I can tell you is that it starts right after mile marker twenty and if you are an exhausted runner staring up from the base it looks like it may go on forever. Needless to stay it can be very intimidating and can break your mental will.
We spent several hours on the hill watching thousands of runners pass by. And while the weather on this race day was not the worst they've ever seen ... it was definitely unpredictable. I grew up in New England so I wasn't bothered much by the sudden changes on this "Spring" day, Lori however was much more susceptible to sudden and constant changes in temperature, wind, sunshine and moisture. Coat on, gloves on. Gloves off, coat off. Coat on, gloves on. Coat off, gloves off. Rain coat on, rain coat off. Suns out, get more water. Here comes more clouds, coat on ...
Though the temperatures weren't extreme (if you were just watching the race), the need for appropriate weather gear was there. If you were a runner on heartbreak hill while there was a light shower you probably welcomed it. However, if the sun was out while you were climbing this hill and heading towards mile marker twenty-one you were probably hating life and questioning why you ever committed to this run.
Despite the weather changes and Heartbreak Hill we did not see a single runner quit. There were many that ran by very focused, seemingly oblivious to the cheering crowds that lined the course. There were quite a few runners that reached out for a high-five and inspiration. There were even a few that slowed down to dance to the beats that the Lululemon DJ was pumping out. And, yes, there were also plenty that passed by with the "joy of running" on their faces
[ironic inside joke: I say this to my wife when we are out running and I
see someone that doesn't look like they want to be out there running
either]. But none of these people quit.
I have no idea what happened after they climbed Heartbreak Hill and perhaps there were even a few participants that didn't quite make it to heartbreak hill. But from my vantage point I didn't see any quitters!
With most goals you don't have to come in first to be a winner. Not quitting can be winning! Finishing can be winning! And, starting is definitely winning if it's the Boston Marathon!
Interesting facts from an article posted on January 19, 2014 at MarathonTrainingSchedule that prove "Starting is winning!":
15. "... running for an hour a few times a week can lower your blood pressure readings 12mgs
25. "... approximately 0.5% of the U.S. population has run a marathon"
35. "Running (and preparing for a marathon) improves job performance."
Have a blessed day!
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Monday, April 8, 2019
Step #5 - Monitor and Adjust
You've got to keep your eye on your destination, your dream-goal. If it looks like the course you're on is not taking you to your destination then you have to be prepared to adjust.
You can't keep your nose down 24/7. You have to periodically pause, look up and verify that you are still on course to your dream-goal. You also need to verify that your destination is still relevant (to you and/or the marketplace).
This doesn't necessarily mean that your plan was wrong or flawed. There usually isn't a short, straight line from start to finish in life. There are headwinds and cross-currents that can blow you off course. The economics may change, resources can become scarce, committed parties can back out.
These things happen in life. If your dream-goal is truly worth it then you will stay focused, you will "tack" and you will you keep your project heading towards success!
Stay focused and make sure that you are still passionate about completing your dream-goal. This is the "why" that will keep you going!
Have a blessed day!
You can't keep your nose down 24/7. You have to periodically pause, look up and verify that you are still on course to your dream-goal. You also need to verify that your destination is still relevant (to you and/or the marketplace).
This doesn't necessarily mean that your plan was wrong or flawed. There usually isn't a short, straight line from start to finish in life. There are headwinds and cross-currents that can blow you off course. The economics may change, resources can become scarce, committed parties can back out.
These things happen in life. If your dream-goal is truly worth it then you will stay focused, you will "tack" and you will you keep your project heading towards success!
Stay focused and make sure that you are still passionate about completing your dream-goal. This is the "why" that will keep you going!
Have a blessed day!
Monday, April 1, 2019
Step #4 - Execute
Now it is time to execute. Put your plan into action!
You've created your plan, checked it and double checked it.
You've created your timeline.
You've lined up your resources.
Execute. Jump in. DO IT BEFORE YOU GET COLD FEET!
Have a blessed day!
You've created your plan, checked it and double checked it.
You've created your timeline.
You've lined up your resources.
Execute. Jump in. DO IT BEFORE YOU GET COLD FEET!
Have a blessed day!
Monday, March 11, 2019
Step #3b - Reiterate your destination
The next question you have to ask yourself is "Am I really heading towards your dream-goal?" Verify/affirm what your destination is - what your dream-goal looks like when you launch/achieve it -- and review the steps of your plan.
You'll need to take a critical look at your plan and enlist experts to provide feedback (especially people who won't care if they hurt your feelings when they are critical about your "baby").
You'll need to ask yourself the following questions about your plan and timeline:
1) Does it get me to my dream-goal?
2) Is it efficient and effective?
3) Is my timeline realistic?
The answers to both of the above may change as you start to execute your plan. But knowing what you know now, are the answers to the above yes?
If answer to #1 is no, you need to stop and take a hard look at your plan. If the answer to #2 is no, ask yourself how much time are you wasting and is it worth revamping the plan. And, of course, if the answer to #3 is no then you must adjust, but be aggressive. You can adjust it again as necessary.
And then you are ready for Step #4 - Execute!
Have a blessed day!
You'll need to take a critical look at your plan and enlist experts to provide feedback (especially people who won't care if they hurt your feelings when they are critical about your "baby").
You'll need to ask yourself the following questions about your plan and timeline:
1) Does it get me to my dream-goal?
2) Is it efficient and effective?
3) Is my timeline realistic?
The answers to both of the above may change as you start to execute your plan. But knowing what you know now, are the answers to the above yes?
If answer to #1 is no, you need to stop and take a hard look at your plan. If the answer to #2 is no, ask yourself how much time are you wasting and is it worth revamping the plan. And, of course, if the answer to #3 is no then you must adjust, but be aggressive. You can adjust it again as necessary.
And then you are ready for Step #4 - Execute!
Have a blessed day!
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Step #3a - Build your timeline
You've got your plan ... FANTASTIC! Now, what is your timeline? "Huh, timeline?" Yes, you need a timeline and yes it needs to be part of your plan ... that's why I'm calling this step #3a.
What are your drop dead dates for key milestones and what is your ultimate deadline -- when do you launch/reach your dream-goal?
I mentioned in Step #2 the importance of having someone hold you accountable. But what is accountability without a timeline? Answer, annoying! I can hear your accountability partner right now saying "Are you done yet?" ... "Are you done yet?" ... "Are you done yet?"
Accountability without a timeline is unacceptable. There might be some dream-goals that wouldn't require a timeline, such as being a good person, a good parent, etc. Those should be never ending dream-goals. But most dream-goals (personal development, building wealth/reducing debt, launching a business) should have a timeline with milestones and drop-dead dates. You have to keep yourself focused and there is almost nothing better for focus than a deadline or a drop-dead date! Plus wouldn't you rather hear your accountability partner say "How is it going on Step 9ii? Will you be done by March 29th? Or do you need to adjust your timeline? How can we get you back on track to meet your deadline?"
Hopefully you see the benefit of milestones with drop-dead dates. They really will help you throughout your development stage all the way to launch day. But during the planning and development stages of your dream-goal your timeline might be more guesswork than reality. You need to press yourself when it comes to your timeline, but you still need to be grounded in reality. There may be legs of your journey where you are dependent on others (suppliers) for completion and until you have contracted the supplier your timeline may not be realistic.
Of course your goal when sourcing a supplier will be to find one that can meet your timeline - they work for you right? But let's say you've met with four candidates and three of the four tell you that there is no way for them to meet your deadline, even if you were their only customer. But the fourth supplier says "no problem" I would heavily scrutinize this candidate and their references, as well as make sure that you have penalties in your contract if they miss the agreed upon deadline.
Once you've contracted your suppliers adjust your timeline accordingly and hold yourself accountable!
Have a blessed day!
What are your drop dead dates for key milestones and what is your ultimate deadline -- when do you launch/reach your dream-goal?
I mentioned in Step #2 the importance of having someone hold you accountable. But what is accountability without a timeline? Answer, annoying! I can hear your accountability partner right now saying "Are you done yet?" ... "Are you done yet?" ... "Are you done yet?"
Accountability without a timeline is unacceptable. There might be some dream-goals that wouldn't require a timeline, such as being a good person, a good parent, etc. Those should be never ending dream-goals. But most dream-goals (personal development, building wealth/reducing debt, launching a business) should have a timeline with milestones and drop-dead dates. You have to keep yourself focused and there is almost nothing better for focus than a deadline or a drop-dead date! Plus wouldn't you rather hear your accountability partner say "How is it going on Step 9ii? Will you be done by March 29th? Or do you need to adjust your timeline? How can we get you back on track to meet your deadline?"
Hopefully you see the benefit of milestones with drop-dead dates. They really will help you throughout your development stage all the way to launch day. But during the planning and development stages of your dream-goal your timeline might be more guesswork than reality. You need to press yourself when it comes to your timeline, but you still need to be grounded in reality. There may be legs of your journey where you are dependent on others (suppliers) for completion and until you have contracted the supplier your timeline may not be realistic.Of course your goal when sourcing a supplier will be to find one that can meet your timeline - they work for you right? But let's say you've met with four candidates and three of the four tell you that there is no way for them to meet your deadline, even if you were their only customer. But the fourth supplier says "no problem" I would heavily scrutinize this candidate and their references, as well as make sure that you have penalties in your contract if they miss the agreed upon deadline.
Once you've contracted your suppliers adjust your timeline accordingly and hold yourself accountable!
Have a blessed day!
Monday, February 18, 2019
Step #3 - Make your plan
Its obvious to most that you need to make a plan in order to achieve your dream-goal, right? We're use to making plans for many things in life.
You want to go to the beach? Make a plan! A plan can be simple:
Your plan needs to have:
Have a blessed day!
You want to go to the beach? Make a plan! A plan can be simple:
- Pack snacks
- Leave at 7 am
- Head to "famous" beach
- Have fun
- Head home
Your plan needs to have:
- Starting point - where are you now?
- A timeline with detailed steps and a DEADLINE
- Ending Point - what does success look like?
- Contingencies - what if step "C" gets messed up?
- Two budgets - One for time and one for money!
- That you are starting in Seattle
- That you want to leave on a certain date (and return on another date)
- That your destination is Waikiki (you'll probably need a place to stay)
- What if there is no place to stay at Waikiki - where else might you stay? What if you can't afford the cost or the time in going to Oahu - where else could you go?
- What is your money budget? You've got to be able to get there and back, right?
- What is your time budget? What are you going to do in Waikiki and when are you going to do it?
Have a blessed day!
Monday, February 4, 2019
Step #2: Be Held Accountable!
Eventually you will see and understand that all of the steps to achievement/success are a must ... but this one is probably the most over-looked and under appreciated step.
You absolutely must be held accountable for your dream-goal! And for most of us, dare I say all of us, you will need an accountability partner (AP) or mentor. Could you do it yourself? Maybe, but probably not. This is especially important if you have super-sized your dream-goal! Your dream-goal is too important to not subject it to criticism (so that you get it right) and support (from people who care enough to want you to succeed).
It is YOUR VISION, YOUR DREAM, YOUR GOAL! Having an outsider is extremely helpful for the days when you lose focus, hit a wall or lose confidence. This person(s) needs to be allowed to be critical and supportive. You need to make sure that this person(s) knows what your goal is, why you want to achieve it and when you want to achieve your goal. This person(s) needs to know these things because they will need to remind you of what you are trying to achieve, why you what to achieve it and what your deadline is. This person(s) needs to care enough about you and your goal that they can also be candid with you.
What be better would be to have more than one AP. And even better than that would be to have multiple APs with experience in helping others achieve their goals. They will bring experience, criticism, contacts and directions. For many people helping others achieve their dream-goals is more fulfilling than achieving their own. The APs are out there, build yourself a team of them and let them help you achieve your dream-goals!
You absolutely must be held accountable for your dream-goal! And for most of us, dare I say all of us, you will need an accountability partner (AP) or mentor. Could you do it yourself? Maybe, but probably not. This is especially important if you have super-sized your dream-goal! Your dream-goal is too important to not subject it to criticism (so that you get it right) and support (from people who care enough to want you to succeed).
 |
| Photo by Joshua Earle - Zermatt, Switzerland |
What be better would be to have more than one AP. And even better than that would be to have multiple APs with experience in helping others achieve their goals. They will bring experience, criticism, contacts and directions. For many people helping others achieve their dream-goals is more fulfilling than achieving their own. The APs are out there, build yourself a team of them and let them help you achieve your dream-goals!
Monday, January 21, 2019
Step #1 - Have a dream
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| Up ... |
But don't stop there. Next you have to take your dream(s) and super-size it(them). Yes, make it bigger. Stretch your dream as far as you can imagine it.
Perhaps your dream was to travel to London or Paris. Nice dreams ... but why not stretch it and quantify it? A trip to London from the United States might only require a week off from work. But a super-sized dream might have you taking a two month sabbatical to travel to London, Paris, Munich, Rome ...
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| Up ... |
Now you must write it down. In order for your dream to become more than a dream (a.k.a. A GOAL) you must write it down. And by write it down I mean on an actually piece of paper. Studies have shown that physically writing things down activates parts of your brain that typing into a computer never will.
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| And away! |
The final part of step one is having an accountability partner. You need to announce your new goal to a friend or family member who loves you enough to hold you accountable. They need to care so much about you that they will check in with you and remind you of what you are supposed to be focused on and why! And they love you so much that they are okay with being annoying and pissing you off once in awhile in order to keep you on track.
Have a blessed day!
Monday, January 14, 2019
The #1 Reason why you didn't achieve your goal!
Oh, you may have thought you had a goal. But if we're being honest with ourselves ... it was really more of a wish, wasn't it?
Wishes are great, wishes are awesome! But wishes are something that you make when you are blowing out your birthday candles, when you find an eyelash on your cheek or when see a unicorn.
But please don't mistake a wish for a goal. They may start out sounding the same ... but that is where the similarity ends. In fact, if we're still being honest, I don't think any of us really think that a wish will ever come true.
My mom (God rest her soul) wished for years that she could go to Paris. It never happened. There were a lot of reasons (a.k.a. excuses) why her wish never came true. But the main reason why she never went to Paris was because her wish stayed a wish. She never made it a goal. There was no planning involved. Yes, she repeated her wish numerous times through the years, but her wish never turned into a goal.My wife and I set a goal early in 2018 to celebrate a momentous birthday (I won't say which one) together in Paris. My momentous birthday was in June of 2018 and hers would be in August of 2019. We figured we would treat ourselves to the trip somewhere between the two birthdays. We set the wheels in motion and started planning and saving. Then she got some good news from work that she had to go Paris in September ... BAM! It was done, we now knew our travel dates and kicked our planning into high gear.
Yes, there was some good fortune that came our way. Her travel was covered by a work trip, but the rest was on us. Would the "for work" Paris trip have ever happened if we hadn't put our goal out into the universe and start making plans? Maybe, but maybe not. Could we have both gone if we hadn't started planning in advance, yes ... but not without thousands of dollars of debt. We were able to spend a week in Paris exploring and enjoying the food, culture and museums without having to bring credit card debt or stress back to the US with us. That made the trip even more enjoyable.
Wishes are nice ...
but goals are definitely better!
Have a blessed day!
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Make every day a 10!
Why not make every day a ten (10)? Is it possible? Maybe, maybe not ... but you won't know unless you try. Certainly everyday can't be a one (1), can it?
If you "woke up not dead again" today (thank you Willie Nelson) then you are already starting at like a five ... or at least a four. You certainly aren't starting at zero.
So what's the secret to getting from your starting point to a ten? It's actually pretty simple, just focus on an attitude of gratitude. And if you "woke up not dead again" you definitely have something to be grateful for. You have to learn to appreciate what you have, where you are at and who you have in your life.
You don't have to accept what you have, where you're at or who is in your life. It's possible that you don't like some (maybe much) of all of the aforementioned ... but none of that has to be permanent. This is great news! Now you know where you don't want to be, who you don't want to be with and that you want more or better things in your life. You've got a starting point. And if you've got a starting point then it sounds like today is going to be a ten!
Don't get down on yourself. You're not stuck unless you choose to be. Our world is filled with options and opportunities! And as Paul Thorn sings in his song "That's life" ... "behind the clouds the sun still shines ... enjoy the journey that's life."
Have a blessed day ... I know I will!
Have a blessed day ... I know I will!
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Stopping is so much easier!
It's become quite obvious to me that stopping is easier than starting. Even more obvious is that stopping is a million times easier than continuing! I've started many times in life (this blog being just one example); and I've started over many times too! The reason to start something over is either because that something is important to me or because I think it should be important and is worthy of trying again.
Since I am have no problem starting "things" and I have no problem re-starting "things", it's logical that where I fall down is in the area of continuing. Perhaps we all fall short in this area?
No doubt that in my case it's because I lose focus on my "why" ... or worse, maybe I wasn't as passionate or as interested in "it" as I thought I was? Maybe my "why" wasn't BIG enough to push away all the other distractions in life?
For 2019, I am making my primary goal to be honest with myself about my "why's" (a.k.a. my level of passion). As a secondary goal I am going to focus on creating a cadence and building momentum so that I can create the good habit of continuing. This coming year will be the year that I will continue towards my goals with purpose ... and if I stop doing something it too will be with purpose.
Happy New Year and God Bless!
Since I am have no problem starting "things" and I have no problem re-starting "things", it's logical that where I fall down is in the area of continuing. Perhaps we all fall short in this area?
No doubt that in my case it's because I lose focus on my "why" ... or worse, maybe I wasn't as passionate or as interested in "it" as I thought I was? Maybe my "why" wasn't BIG enough to push away all the other distractions in life?
For 2019, I am making my primary goal to be honest with myself about my "why's" (a.k.a. my level of passion). As a secondary goal I am going to focus on creating a cadence and building momentum so that I can create the good habit of continuing. This coming year will be the year that I will continue towards my goals with purpose ... and if I stop doing something it too will be with purpose.
Happy New Year and God Bless!
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
What does it really take to achieve your dreams?
Aren't dreams awesome! When I was a young lad I dreamed of becoming a firefighter, then a police officer, then a heavy equipment operator and on and on!
As the song "Angel in Blue" by J. Geils Band states "And she (he) never had dreams, so they never came true." Most of my dreams never came true, but I had dreams and some did come true ... and it wasn't by accident!
There are a few things that determine whether or not you will achieve your dream(s)!
They include:
More to come on each of the above bullet points in the near future. So, as the chorus in the Aerosmith song by the same name goes "Dream on, dream on, dream ..."
Have a blessed day!
Tubby
As the song "Angel in Blue" by J. Geils Band states "And she (he) never had dreams, so they never came true." Most of my dreams never came true, but I had dreams and some did come true ... and it wasn't by accident!
There are a few things that determine whether or not you will achieve your dream(s)!
They include:
- Passion
- Commitment
- Focus
- Sacrifice
- Direction
- Magnitude/Speed
- Momentum
- Re-commitment
More to come on each of the above bullet points in the near future. So, as the chorus in the Aerosmith song by the same name goes "Dream on, dream on, dream ..."
Have a blessed day!
Tubby
Thursday, March 22, 2018
What's wrong with my attitude and who are all these cowards?
There are many things that I try to protect, some to a better extent than others. I value, of course, and do my best to protect my: loved ones; pet(s); property; integrity; character and attitude.
Indeed, my loved ones are of the most value to me and I would lay down everything I have to protect them. Second most important to me is my attitude. My attitude not only effects me ... but it effects those around me. Therefore, my attitude should not only be important to me, but also to those around me.
For years now, I have made a conscious effort to maintain a positive and encouraging attitude. I don't always find the right words to lift up others and I don't wear a smile 24/7 ... yes, I am a work in progress. I learned long ago that watching the news on T.V. (and now via social media) would NOT lend itself to a healthy, positive attitude. So I try my best to limit my news intake.
Yes some news does bleed into my life, whether it be on a restaurant or hotel's TV, at one of the businesses that I visit ... or even a passionate post from a Twitter or FaceBook friend. Unfortunately, it appears that there is an abundance of "leakers" and "anon" (anonymous) sources supplying "facts" to media outlets who (perhaps because of their political leanings) run stories so that they can be first to report.
Please, please, please, regardless of your political leanings, I encourage you to ignore any news that the primary (usually only) source is a "leaker" or "anon". Or at the very least, take it with the BIGGEST GRAIN OF SALT imaginable. I question whether any or all of the "leaked" reports are founded in any truth at all? Is there really an anon source? Who are these cowards and why do they have so little character or integrity that they won't go on the record? And is what they are leaking really that important?
An anonymous source recently informed me of the following: Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer come out in full support of the National Grape Alliance after they discovered that President Donald Trump prefers strawberry jam on his morning toast ... scandalous! Now the grape and strawberry growers will be deeply divided in the next election. Ridiculous yes, just an example yes, but it really has gotten this bad.
Leakers and Anon sources, take heed and "have the courage of your convictions." If you have any credibility and your message is important, stand-up and be heard, use your full name, don't hide in the shadows.
Indeed, my loved ones are of the most value to me and I would lay down everything I have to protect them. Second most important to me is my attitude. My attitude not only effects me ... but it effects those around me. Therefore, my attitude should not only be important to me, but also to those around me.
For years now, I have made a conscious effort to maintain a positive and encouraging attitude. I don't always find the right words to lift up others and I don't wear a smile 24/7 ... yes, I am a work in progress. I learned long ago that watching the news on T.V. (and now via social media) would NOT lend itself to a healthy, positive attitude. So I try my best to limit my news intake.
Yes some news does bleed into my life, whether it be on a restaurant or hotel's TV, at one of the businesses that I visit ... or even a passionate post from a Twitter or FaceBook friend. Unfortunately, it appears that there is an abundance of "leakers" and "anon" (anonymous) sources supplying "facts" to media outlets who (perhaps because of their political leanings) run stories so that they can be first to report.
Please, please, please, regardless of your political leanings, I encourage you to ignore any news that the primary (usually only) source is a "leaker" or "anon". Or at the very least, take it with the BIGGEST GRAIN OF SALT imaginable. I question whether any or all of the "leaked" reports are founded in any truth at all? Is there really an anon source? Who are these cowards and why do they have so little character or integrity that they won't go on the record? And is what they are leaking really that important?
An anonymous source recently informed me of the following: Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer come out in full support of the National Grape Alliance after they discovered that President Donald Trump prefers strawberry jam on his morning toast ... scandalous! Now the grape and strawberry growers will be deeply divided in the next election. Ridiculous yes, just an example yes, but it really has gotten this bad.
Leakers and Anon sources, take heed and "have the courage of your convictions." If you have any credibility and your message is important, stand-up and be heard, use your full name, don't hide in the shadows.
Monday, January 1, 2018
Resolution Success!
Jim Rohn said it best ... "Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day."
Whatever you resolved to do or to become in 2018 ... make it your daily practice, your daily discipline!
Transform your resolution into a goal by developing a game plan or process that will lead you to whatever your success looks like.
Focus on your goal every day and take the steps or actions that you laid out in your game plan to get you from here to success.
Your plan doesn't have to be complicated ... but you will have to sacrifice. If your goal is small, then your sacrifices may be small. Just keep in mind that it is YOUR goal and it is worth the sacrifices that YOU have to make.
A quick example: Your goal might be to lose ten (10) pounds by June. How are you going to do it? Well, according to the Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/calories/art-20048065), for every 3,500 calories you burn/or reduce from your diet ... you will lose about one pound.
Let's say you are in the habit of going to Starbucks everyday and ordering a delicious 580 calorie Venti Iced White Chocolate Mocha. If you substituted a "Venti" glass of zero calorie water for the Iced Mocha for the next six days you would remove about 3,500 calories from your intake (that's one pound in the first week) AND you would retain about an extra $35 in your bank account!
Assuming that your habit is to buy the Iced Mocha on only work days, there are about 110 work days (translated: Iced Mochas you won't be buying!) between now and June. Those 110 days of skipping Starbucks translates into eighteen (18) pounds (or 63,800 calories) and $642 more in your bank account!
WOW! If saving more money in 2018 was a second goal you've just killed two goals with one simple discipline, practiced every day! That extra $642 can be put towards your summer vacation, a new bathing suit for the beach/on vacation (won't you look good!), a new grill, etc.
Happy New Year and have a blessed 2018!
Whatever you resolved to do or to become in 2018 ... make it your daily practice, your daily discipline!
Transform your resolution into a goal by developing a game plan or process that will lead you to whatever your success looks like.
Focus on your goal every day and take the steps or actions that you laid out in your game plan to get you from here to success.
Your plan doesn't have to be complicated ... but you will have to sacrifice. If your goal is small, then your sacrifices may be small. Just keep in mind that it is YOUR goal and it is worth the sacrifices that YOU have to make.
A quick example: Your goal might be to lose ten (10) pounds by June. How are you going to do it? Well, according to the Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/calories/art-20048065), for every 3,500 calories you burn/or reduce from your diet ... you will lose about one pound.
Let's say you are in the habit of going to Starbucks everyday and ordering a delicious 580 calorie Venti Iced White Chocolate Mocha. If you substituted a "Venti" glass of zero calorie water for the Iced Mocha for the next six days you would remove about 3,500 calories from your intake (that's one pound in the first week) AND you would retain about an extra $35 in your bank account!
Assuming that your habit is to buy the Iced Mocha on only work days, there are about 110 work days (translated: Iced Mochas you won't be buying!) between now and June. Those 110 days of skipping Starbucks translates into eighteen (18) pounds (or 63,800 calories) and $642 more in your bank account!
WOW! If saving more money in 2018 was a second goal you've just killed two goals with one simple discipline, practiced every day! That extra $642 can be put towards your summer vacation, a new bathing suit for the beach/on vacation (won't you look good!), a new grill, etc.
Happy New Year and have a blessed 2018!
Saturday, December 30, 2017
2018 is here! And you're not ready!
Oh my ... it's almost 2018 and you're not ready!
No, the new year is not like Christmas, Hanukkah or a dear friend's birthday. You don't have to buy presents or plan a surprise party. Although many of us will be partying in the new year and many of us will make resolutions. There are some of us who will even keep those resolutions through the whole month of January (i.e. gym memberships)! Others will resolve to do one thing (be kinder, do a good deed, give to a charity, etc.) and we will have until December 31, 2018 to accomplish it. Yeah us!
Unfortunately, just because you decided where you will be when the ball drops and have even given some thought to what you will resolve to accomplish in 2018 ... you are not really ready for the new year. Or at least, you are not really ready for a meaningful, purposeful, fulfilling, AWESOME 2018 ... until/unless you have already reviewed 2017.
There are many resources available online that can give you a framework to reflect on 2017 and your accomplishments. I would like to recommend that you "google" it and find a process/plan/form that you like. Don't worry if you pick the wrong one at first, every day can be your New Year ... your first day of your next 365. So you can always try a different process until you find one that works for you!
As for me, (see graphic below) I am going to reflect on 2017 by listing out the positives and negative memories/events of the year, highlighting the more important or critical ones and set goals for 2018. This should take me less than thirty minutes.
I will later go back and select the top three or four things I want to accomplish in 2018 and develop a plan on how to accomplish each goal, what resources and time commitment is required and then perhaps add more goals to my 2018 plan ... but only if it looks like my time and resources will permit me to accomplish more.
No, the new year is not like Christmas, Hanukkah or a dear friend's birthday. You don't have to buy presents or plan a surprise party. Although many of us will be partying in the new year and many of us will make resolutions. There are some of us who will even keep those resolutions through the whole month of January (i.e. gym memberships)! Others will resolve to do one thing (be kinder, do a good deed, give to a charity, etc.) and we will have until December 31, 2018 to accomplish it. Yeah us!
Unfortunately, just because you decided where you will be when the ball drops and have even given some thought to what you will resolve to accomplish in 2018 ... you are not really ready for the new year. Or at least, you are not really ready for a meaningful, purposeful, fulfilling, AWESOME 2018 ... until/unless you have already reviewed 2017.
There are many resources available online that can give you a framework to reflect on 2017 and your accomplishments. I would like to recommend that you "google" it and find a process/plan/form that you like. Don't worry if you pick the wrong one at first, every day can be your New Year ... your first day of your next 365. So you can always try a different process until you find one that works for you!
As for me, (see graphic below) I am going to reflect on 2017 by listing out the positives and negative memories/events of the year, highlighting the more important or critical ones and set goals for 2018. This should take me less than thirty minutes.
I will later go back and select the top three or four things I want to accomplish in 2018 and develop a plan on how to accomplish each goal, what resources and time commitment is required and then perhaps add more goals to my 2018 plan ... but only if it looks like my time and resources will permit me to accomplish more.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
If you can only believe in one thing ...
If you can only believe in one thing ... believe in yourself. Believe that you can achieve, that you have the skills. And if you don't have the skills yet ... that you will acquire the skills. Believe in yourself, believe that you can ... believe that you will!
If you can believe in two things ... believe in yourself and believe in God. God already believes in you, your uniqueness and your abilities. He needs you to believe in yourself as much as he does.
Have a blessed day!
If you can believe in two things ... believe in yourself and believe in God. God already believes in you, your uniqueness and your abilities. He needs you to believe in yourself as much as he does.
Have a blessed day!
Friday, August 18, 2017
Can potpourri be good?
What is potpourri? According to Merriam-Webster the words origins are French and it's literal meaning is "putrid pot". Ick!
Today potpourri is most commonly associated with a good smelling blend of flowers, herbs and spices. Depending on your olfactory ... some potpourri can certainly be putrid ... but to most, it is pleasant.
Not that I've been shopping around for potpourri or studying it at length, it's really not my thing. But I do recall that my mom loved potpourri and I also remember that it was never just one flower, one spice, one orange peel. It was always a blend of several of the aforementioned. It was a variety. And the variety dictated the scent, different variety ... different scent ... still potpourri
As the saying goes "variety is the spice of life." I believe that this is true. Variety certainly keeps things interesting. And the variety you choose will decide how interesting your life is. So try new foods, new experiences ... the variety will give you perspective that you didn't have before. And if you don't like the new experience or food, you will appreciate the things you do like even more.
Potpourri can be good ... make your life a potpourri! Start today, try something new and different. So what if you don't like the experience or the food item. At least now you'll know.
Have a blessed day!
Tubby
Today potpourri is most commonly associated with a good smelling blend of flowers, herbs and spices. Depending on your olfactory ... some potpourri can certainly be putrid ... but to most, it is pleasant.
Not that I've been shopping around for potpourri or studying it at length, it's really not my thing. But I do recall that my mom loved potpourri and I also remember that it was never just one flower, one spice, one orange peel. It was always a blend of several of the aforementioned. It was a variety. And the variety dictated the scent, different variety ... different scent ... still potpourri
As the saying goes "variety is the spice of life." I believe that this is true. Variety certainly keeps things interesting. And the variety you choose will decide how interesting your life is. So try new foods, new experiences ... the variety will give you perspective that you didn't have before. And if you don't like the new experience or food, you will appreciate the things you do like even more.
Potpourri can be good ... make your life a potpourri! Start today, try something new and different. So what if you don't like the experience or the food item. At least now you'll know.
Have a blessed day!
Tubby
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Make Today "Opposite Day!"
Stop and reflect on any aspect of your life.
Ouch, be careful with the friend question ... you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. But seriously, if the friends you have or the finances you have aren't who and what you want them to be then set your sights today on doing the opposite of what you you've been doing!
Maybe you are spending way too much time with John/Jane and they've got some bad habits. Maybe they like to have fun and party two nights (or more?) every weekend ... or maybe they like to go out every night after work for a drink. As Jim Rohn says ... "you've got to be smarter than that!"
Maybe you don't have to quit your friends cold turkey. But if you have higher aspirations in life you may want to consider cutting back the time you spend with them. Or if they are good friends, maybe you lead them down a different path where you can all grow and prosper. Do the opposite of what you've been doing and you'll be amazed at where it takes you (and maybe your friends)!
The same goes with your finances. You may not have to quit spending money all together. But you need some controls and a plan so that you don't find yourself at 65 years old and wondering which one of your kids will take you in and care for you in your golden years. I wonder why they call them "golden years" ... maybe if you plan well they can truly be golden? Get on a budget and, a la Dave Ramsey, tell your money what to do! You'll be amazed at how your bank account or retirement fund grows!
Look at your health! Twenty or more pounds overweight and you scratch your head wondering where the belly came from. You know exactly where it came from. Metabolism caught up with you and you've slowly cut back on all your activities over the years ... except for eating! Start moving again and get on a right sized, balanced and nutritious diet. [Please see a doctor for suggestions]. Put the fork down and pick up some weights or tie on a pair of sneakers. When you see a piece of apple pie turn away and head for the whole apple! Do the opposite of what you've been doing and you'll be amazed at the results!
Make today "Opposite Day!" And have an even more blessed day than usual!
- Your character/principles
- Your health
- Your friends
- Your finances
- Your spirituality
- Etc.
Ouch, be careful with the friend question ... you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. But seriously, if the friends you have or the finances you have aren't who and what you want them to be then set your sights today on doing the opposite of what you you've been doing!
Maybe you are spending way too much time with John/Jane and they've got some bad habits. Maybe they like to have fun and party two nights (or more?) every weekend ... or maybe they like to go out every night after work for a drink. As Jim Rohn says ... "you've got to be smarter than that!"
Maybe you don't have to quit your friends cold turkey. But if you have higher aspirations in life you may want to consider cutting back the time you spend with them. Or if they are good friends, maybe you lead them down a different path where you can all grow and prosper. Do the opposite of what you've been doing and you'll be amazed at where it takes you (and maybe your friends)!
The same goes with your finances. You may not have to quit spending money all together. But you need some controls and a plan so that you don't find yourself at 65 years old and wondering which one of your kids will take you in and care for you in your golden years. I wonder why they call them "golden years" ... maybe if you plan well they can truly be golden? Get on a budget and, a la Dave Ramsey, tell your money what to do! You'll be amazed at how your bank account or retirement fund grows!
Look at your health! Twenty or more pounds overweight and you scratch your head wondering where the belly came from. You know exactly where it came from. Metabolism caught up with you and you've slowly cut back on all your activities over the years ... except for eating! Start moving again and get on a right sized, balanced and nutritious diet. [Please see a doctor for suggestions]. Put the fork down and pick up some weights or tie on a pair of sneakers. When you see a piece of apple pie turn away and head for the whole apple! Do the opposite of what you've been doing and you'll be amazed at the results!
Make today "Opposite Day!" And have an even more blessed day than usual!
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Are you in the funk zone?
Do you ever find yourself in the "funk zone?" What is funk anyway?
My beautiful Lori and I were recently visiting Santa Barbara and went through the "Funk Zone." In Santa Barbara the "Funk Zone" is not a terrible place. Rather, it's the opposite! It has boutique wine tasting rooms, cafes, galleries, shops and night clubs. In the musical sense, it's really more of the funky zone. Santa Barbara's Funk Zone is a fun and happy place!
In the traditional sense, being in a funk or in the funk zone is not quite as entertaining or joyful. Being in a funk means that you are sad, depressed or melancholy. Let's say you get your report card and your grades are worse than you thought, for the next week you might be in a funk. Or your best friend moves to another city ... in another state ... on the other side of the country ... you are now in the funk zone. Or your girlfriend/boyfriend breaks up with you. No doubt that we've all been there, whether we defined it as such or not.
Time is needed to travel out of the funk zone, but how much time depends on whether or not you allow yourself to linger in this state. Yes, it is up to you! The longer you linger the deeper your funk zone will get, making it even harder to get out. Sadness is an important part of life; as it's been said in many different ways, happiness would have little meaning if you didn't know the feeling of sadness.
Moving from sadness to happiness, or from a funk to funky, can be achieved with a few simple steps. Notice that I said the steps are simple, the process isn't necessarily easy, but the steps are simple:
My beautiful Lori and I were recently visiting Santa Barbara and went through the "Funk Zone." In Santa Barbara the "Funk Zone" is not a terrible place. Rather, it's the opposite! It has boutique wine tasting rooms, cafes, galleries, shops and night clubs. In the musical sense, it's really more of the funky zone. Santa Barbara's Funk Zone is a fun and happy place!
In the traditional sense, being in a funk or in the funk zone is not quite as entertaining or joyful. Being in a funk means that you are sad, depressed or melancholy. Let's say you get your report card and your grades are worse than you thought, for the next week you might be in a funk. Or your best friend moves to another city ... in another state ... on the other side of the country ... you are now in the funk zone. Or your girlfriend/boyfriend breaks up with you. No doubt that we've all been there, whether we defined it as such or not.
Time is needed to travel out of the funk zone, but how much time depends on whether or not you allow yourself to linger in this state. Yes, it is up to you! The longer you linger the deeper your funk zone will get, making it even harder to get out. Sadness is an important part of life; as it's been said in many different ways, happiness would have little meaning if you didn't know the feeling of sadness.
Moving from sadness to happiness, or from a funk to funky, can be achieved with a few simple steps. Notice that I said the steps are simple, the process isn't necessarily easy, but the steps are simple:
- Acknowledge that you are sad or in a funk. Many times people around you will ask "what's wrong?" Possibly agitating you. Realize that they care and they noticed you are acting different.
- Identify what is causing your funk. This may or may not be obvious to you. Maybe a pet died, a friend moved away, or you didn't get a promotion at work.
- Accept that bad things happen and we don't always get everything we want. However, as the famous Rolling Stones song says "but if you try sometimes you just might find that you get what you need."
- Cliche alert! Visualize your happy place! Remember the good times that you've had with the pet or your friend. If you'd rather not ... then imaging yourself at the beach watching a sunset or in the mountains with no distractions, just you and nature!
- Understand that this isn't the end ... it's the beginning of another chapter of your life -- THAT YOU GET TO WRITE!
- Write the next chapter of your life. Yes LITERALLY WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU WANT THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE TO LOOK LIKE! Don't make it all rainbows and gumdrops, wishing for the easy life. Write some challenges into your next chapter. Grow your skills, your mind, your spirit!
- Begin to live out that chapter
Friday, May 5, 2017
Whatever it takes ... really?
Have you ever heard the expression "Whatever it takes"?
Have you ever said "Whatever it takes"?
Did you mean it?
Think about that phrase and those words and what they truly mean. It's not a phrase that should be used casually ... but I for one, hear it pretty often.
Just know that if you say "whatever it takes!" You are saying that you will travel to the ends of the earth. You will give it your all. You will utilize every resource at your disposable: time, money, energy. You won't stop until you die!
That is what is meant by "whatever it takes!"
In order to fulfill that commitment you will have to act like the ant. They truly do "whatever it takes!" They are ultra focused and only have one mission at a time, they will stop at nothing. If you see one marching down the sidewalk and you put your foot in it's path it will climb over your foot, go around your foot, go under your foot ... whatever it takes. You could build a brick wall in it's path and it will keep going until it gets around the wall and fulfills its destiny ... or dies.
So the morale ... if you use the phrase "whatever it takes" ... mean it. And if you use the phrase "whatever it takes" it'd be wise of you to be ant focused, ant intense, ant impassioned!
Have a great and blessed day!
Have you ever said "Whatever it takes"?
Did you mean it?
Think about that phrase and those words and what they truly mean. It's not a phrase that should be used casually ... but I for one, hear it pretty often.
Just know that if you say "whatever it takes!" You are saying that you will travel to the ends of the earth. You will give it your all. You will utilize every resource at your disposable: time, money, energy. You won't stop until you die!
That is what is meant by "whatever it takes!"
In order to fulfill that commitment you will have to act like the ant. They truly do "whatever it takes!" They are ultra focused and only have one mission at a time, they will stop at nothing. If you see one marching down the sidewalk and you put your foot in it's path it will climb over your foot, go around your foot, go under your foot ... whatever it takes. You could build a brick wall in it's path and it will keep going until it gets around the wall and fulfills its destiny ... or dies.
So the morale ... if you use the phrase "whatever it takes" ... mean it. And if you use the phrase "whatever it takes" it'd be wise of you to be ant focused, ant intense, ant impassioned!
Have a great and blessed day!
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