Sunday, May 30, 2010

Get very good at what you love to do!

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Good morning everyone.

“Get very good at what you love to do, because you can never get good enough at something that you are not suited for”   -Dr. Robert Anthony

I was introduced to this quote in 1993.  You may ask, why would I remember that?  It was a point in my career where I was making a strategic move within the company and I started on my journey as a sales coach.

At that time, I realized that I truly enjoyed coaching others to enhance their performance. As I quickly learned, I had the passion for the role, but I definitely needed to improve and get better. 

In life, there are so many things that we like to do, or even "love" to do.

My friend Al always had a love for boats and water and he decided to get very good in this industry, and today Al is a Certified Professional Yacht Broker in Sidney, BC.

Another close friend, Eden, is passionate about Martial Arts and a major part of his life since the early 70's has been the Martial Arts. He is the founder and most senior instructor for the Edmonton Goju-Kai Karate Club.  He decided to get very good at what he loves to do.

I know many people who are caught in a career that they are not suited for, yet they keep showing up every day.  They lack joy, success and feel helpless at times and definitely not fulfilled!

This topic has always resonated with me, because it should excite us that we get to do what we love.

Whether it is a dream career, fitness regime, cooking great gourmet meals or being very good as a parent, we do have a choice to make. 

What do you love to do?

Ski, bike, run, cook, write, coach, public speaking, painting, help others, construct buildings, stand-up comedy, farm, sing, being an entrepreneur, accounting, or selling real estate?

“Get very good at what you love to do, because you can never get good enough at something that you are not suited for”  -Dr. Robert Anthony

The message is simple...............you have to try many things in life to discover what you love to do, but when you do.............get very good at it, because you will enjoy it so much more.

Have a great week!!!

"Helping you to the next level"

Sunday, May 23, 2010

If today was your last day!!

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I hope that you enjoyed the long weekend!    

I realize that this may be a deep topic, but it is ok to think about how we may act differently knowing that today could be our last day.

It is ironic that we may conduct ourselves in a totally different way. Why is that?
Is it because we felt that we are running out of time to accomplish all of our goals and dreams?

Perhaps, we have guilt or regret and we want to wash it away?

...or maybe, we were greedy and now we need to make a difference and give back?

All of these are good reasons to make amends.

I am a big fan of the rock band, "Nickelback"

They have a song called, "If today was your last day."

It starts off with.....................

My best friend gave me the best advice. He said each day's a gift and not a given right.
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind

I really like this advice. Do we cherish and make the most of each day, regardless of what is happening in our life? Not so easy, sometimes, but it may make you think about making some adjustment.

Another verse that really resonates with me is the following:

Would you live each moment like your last? Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had, if today was your last day?

Too often we get too busy and we do not stop and offer our dime, or our time. The latter is much more valuable in most cases.

Now this next verse is a lesson in itself.....

Every second counts 'cause there's no second try. So live like you're never living twice.
Don't take the free ride in your own life.

I know many people that are taking a free ride, simply because they did not pay the driver to take them where they want to go. As I see it, we are the "drivers" of our own life. Do we know where we are going? Maybe we need to check out the map and plan a course that will get us to where we want to go.

On a motivational note, this finally verse, can motivate all of us...

You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars, regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes, cause you can't rewind a moment in this life.

Are we at a stage in our life where we think that there is no point to shoot for the stars any longer? Hopefully not.......we are never too old to shoot for more in life. (Remember my friend Harvey, who became an actor at 65......?)

Many years ago, I heard a statement, while I was attending a Time Management course.
It basically encouraged all of us to live life on purpose, not by accident. Be deliberate in what we do. Be glad you did, vs. you wish you had!

As you finish reading my Blog for this week, I do hope that it does not make you feel bad, but rather makes you see the opportunity to live life to your full potential......whatever that may look like.

"Helping you to the next level"

Sunday, May 16, 2010

The Buck stops here!!!

...

Time for a reality check!


You are exactly where you are at this point in your life because of decisions that you made in the past.
This is a harsh statement for some.......but it is true!


Think about it.  All of the decisions that you made in the past, (Both good and bad) put you where you are today.  Did you invest wisely?  Did you eat well and exercise everyday?  Did you conduct yourself in a highly professional manner?  Did you burn a bridge, or two?


We have all heard of the statement, "The Bucks stops here", yet it may mean something different for each one of us.

I was impacted by this statement approximately 3 years ago when I listened to an audio CD by Andy Andrews. http://www.andyandrews.com/             "Seven decisions for success"


Here is the actually excerpt for his message................

"From this moment forward, I will accept responsibility for my past. I understand that the beginning of wisdom is to accept the responsibility for my own problems and that by accepting responsibility for my past, I free myself to move into a bigger, brighter future of my own choosing.
Never again will I blame my parents, my spouse, my boss, or employees for my present situation. Neither my education or lack of one, my genetics, or the circumstantial ebb and flow of everyday life will affect my future in a negative way. If I allow myself to blame these uncontrollable forces for my lack of success, I will be forever caught in a web of the past. I will look forward. I will not let my history control my destiny.


The buck stops here. I accept responsibility for my past. I am responsible for my success. I am where I am today—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially—because of decisions I have made. My decisions have always been governed by my thinking. Therefore, I am where I am today—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially—because of how I think. Today I will begin the process of changing where I am—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially—by changing the way I think.

My thoughts will be constructive, never destructive. My mind will live in the solutions of the future. It will not dwell in the problems of the past. I will seek the association of those who are working and striving to bring about positive changes in the world. I will never seek comfort by associating with those who have decided to be comfortable.

When faced with the opportunity to make a decision, I will make one. I understand that God did not put in me the ability to always make right decisions. He did, however, put in me the ability to make a decision and then make it right. The rise and fall of my emotional tide will not deter me from my course. When I make a decision, I will stand behind it. My energy will go into making the decision.

I will waste none on second thoughts. My life will not be an apology. It will be a statement.

The buck stops here. I control my thoughts. I control my emotions.
In the future, when I am tempted to ask the question “Why me?”, I will immediately counter with the answer: “Why not me?” Challenges are a gift, an opportunity to learn. Problems are the common thread running through the lives of great men and women. In times of adversity, I will not have a problem to deal with, I will have a choice to make. My thoughts will be clear. I will make the right choice. Adversity is preparation for greatness. I will accept the preparation. Why me?
Why not me? I will be prepared for something great!

I accept responsibility for my past. I control my thoughts. I control my emotions. I am responsible for my success. The Buck stops here!!!"



When I first heard this it shocked me somewhat, but after hearing it again and again it started to sink in.

The good news for all of us is that the actions we take today, will impact where we are tomorrow.  So, we can influence our future in a good or bad way.  Sounds simple doesn't it? 

Draw a line in the sand today, so-to-speak and change the course of your life that is NOT heading where you want it to go.  While you may not hit the perfect destination, (a tropical beach of paradise) you can ensure that you do not end up on the rocks.....!

Have a great week!


"Helping you to the next level"

Monday, May 10, 2010

OPA!

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No....I am not inviting you to a Greek restaurant............not that I wouldn't.
My friend and "Greek God", Dr. Mike Hatzinikolas would recommend this restaurant, I am sure.

OPA means something very different for me.

I learned about OPA approximately 7 years ago.  It was created by Tony Robbins.  http://www.tonyrobbins.com/
I have been a student of Tony and had the pleasure of meeting him in 2007.

While, I have gained valuable insight from him, OPA has been the most impactful and valuable for me.

So....what is OPA?

Outcome:     What do you want  to accomplish?

Purpose:      Why do you want to accomplish it?

Action:         How will you get it?


As Tony suggests when you set out to get something that you really want, you need to follow the above principles.  In all cases, the WHY must be the most compelling!  Think about it.  When you last set you mind to achieve a particular gold or objective, if the WHY was significant enough you dropped off the goal, or lost interest.

Take any example..............losing 20 lbs.   This is your desired outcome.  What do you want to accomplish?  Lose 20lbs.

Why do you want to lose 20lbs?  Perhaps it is to feel better, with more energy.  Trim some weight before your son's wedding.  Prepare for a half marathon.   Whatever the WHY, make it compelling and motivating!

Action.......How will you accomplish this goal or objective?  Eat a balanced diet, walk 30 mins every morning.  Bike 3 times per week.  Be specific with your action and stick to the plan.  The key here is to ensure that you are getting desired outcomes from your actions!!  If not, tweak your action plan.  If you know WHY you want it bad enough, you will always figure how to get what you want....but don't give up!

You can apply the OPA model to all aspects of your life.  Try it......it works for me.

Many of you have heard this before, but here is a thought to ponder.

How long would you give the average baby to learn how to walk before you didn't let him try anymore?    You need to apply the same formula for your OPA!

Have a great week!!!



"Helping you to the next level"

Monday, May 3, 2010

I FEEL GOOD!!!

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Whoa-oa-oa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now.

I feel good, I knew that I would, now.  So good, so good...

For all of my older blogger friends born before 1965, you can appreciate this classic tune by.....James Brown.

When you hear the line, "I feel good", how does it make YOU feel?

It is rare that we hear it in a typical day.  Too often, we hear people complaining that they don't feel good, be it physically, mentally, or emotionally.

Last week, my friend Brad made a comment to me, that "he feels good".......but he wasn't exactly sure as to why he did.  I told him it was because he had belief and confidence in himself. He is in sales, and has been performing very well, and he also just bought a new home. You should feel good Brad!!!

For my son Nick, he feels good because he wrapped up his exams at NAIT for this term......party time!

For others, it could be due to the fact that they landed a new client, added a fresh coat of paint to their daughter's bedroom, or just returned from a warm vacation.

For the week ahead, let's try to "Feel Good", just because, or at least find any reason to Feel Good!

A place to start..............

You are alive!

It's spring!

You are healthy!

You have friends and family who care about you!

You live in a great country!


A few quotes for us to ponder.

"Middle age is the time when a man is always thinking that in a week or two he will feel as good as ever."
          -Harry Marsh

"If I felt any better, I couldn't stand it."
          -E. Horsfall Turner

I feel good......do you?


"Helping you to the next level."