...
In my profession as a Business Consultant and Sales Coach, I see and speak with many people who have struggles. Some struggles are personal, and some are professional issues, but the reality is that this is completely normal. It's called life!!
When the going gets tough, do you keep going? Many people do, and persevere, but many people just stop...or quit!
"If you're going through hell, keep going." -Winston Churchill
Life can throw us curve balls without notice, but we must teach ourselves, or seek support from others to learn how to get out of the rut, or funk. Be strong and put in the effort to step forward.
As I speak with more and more people in my journey called life, I realize that alot of people don't actually know where they want to end up. Their struggles may be related to job or career challenges. Perhaps they work hard and life is always hectic with their business and they see no end in sight. They may say, "why me?"
I really like the advice from Andy Andrews (7 Decisions for Success) .
He states, when someone asks, "why me, I will immediately counter with the answer, why not me? Challenges are gifts, 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. Adversity is preparation for greatness."
This is great advice, and I do know that it works.
In addition to the above suggestion, I really encourage you to think about the following advice as it has served me very well over the past few years as I encountered many struggles in my life.
Focus on what you want......NOT on what you don't want. This is very simple advice, but so many people don't follow this. Create the life that you want..................you deserve it!
Instead of saying, "I don't want to be unhappy, say "I want true happiness and will do what I need to do to find it"....(Two very different approaches)
I am a big fan of the work of Napoleon Hill. One of my favourites quotes from him is, "why is it that more people don't keep on, keeping on?" The meaning here is that, if we push ourselves just a little more or further, we may get through the challenge and reap the benefits of our efforts...!
Here is my way of illustrating the struggles of life and I will relate it to a baseball diamond. The goal in baseball is to get a hit (let's call that success) and advance around the bases (we will call this the journey of life) If you only get to 1st base and hit a challenge or struggle (you are out) you must start all over again. Getting to 1st base 10 times or 50 times is not the objective. Keep on keeping on, to advance your life!
When you get good at this, you realize that you will keep doing it, because as I see it, there is no other option worth considering!!!
Struggles will make you stronger........trust me on this one!!!
I would welcome your comments on this week's Blog, in the comment section below.
"Helping you to the next level"
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Helping a stranger!
...
This story may be a little out there for some of you.....................viewer discretion is advised!
Last week, I was working at my home office. It was a cool fall day, and I decided to step out on my deck.
As I could smell the crisp fall air, I noticed a beautiful butterfly folded on my deck.
Assuming it was no longer alive, I picked it up to admire the tremendous colors in his wings. As I did so, I realized that there was a glimmer of hope left in his very cold, and still life.
I decided to cradle him in my hands for a moment, in fact I went back inside and allowed the warm room to accelerate the somewhat optimistic recovery. A few moments past, virtually no time at all in my busy world, but something remarkable happened. He began to crawl on my hand and a few twitches were evident.
What could a few more minutes be worth to this little creature? Well, as fate would have it, those few moments were life changing. He started to respond to the warmth very quickly. I returned to the deck and held out my hand, offering support and encouragement to his healthy return. Moments later, his wings flapped with life and he went off. I took a moment to see him flutter away as he eventually landed on the warm grass, many yards away.
I must admit that this proved to be a surreal moment for me as I felt so powerful at that time, yet appreciated the fact that there was trust on his part. Sometimes being kind to a stranger is the greatest gift of all.
In life, we are presented with many opportunities to help others, but do we always take a few moments to make a difference? As you can appreciate, those few moments can be life changing for some and unforgettable for others.
Perhaps we can help a stranger in distress, or a friend that needs those few moments of our time! Ultimately, that may be life changing for us too!
"Helping you to the next level" (This has a new meaning for me this week)
I welcome your thoughts on my Blog in the comments section below.
This story may be a little out there for some of you.....................viewer discretion is advised!
Last week, I was working at my home office. It was a cool fall day, and I decided to step out on my deck.
As I could smell the crisp fall air, I noticed a beautiful butterfly folded on my deck.
Assuming it was no longer alive, I picked it up to admire the tremendous colors in his wings. As I did so, I realized that there was a glimmer of hope left in his very cold, and still life.
I decided to cradle him in my hands for a moment, in fact I went back inside and allowed the warm room to accelerate the somewhat optimistic recovery. A few moments past, virtually no time at all in my busy world, but something remarkable happened. He began to crawl on my hand and a few twitches were evident.
What could a few more minutes be worth to this little creature? Well, as fate would have it, those few moments were life changing. He started to respond to the warmth very quickly. I returned to the deck and held out my hand, offering support and encouragement to his healthy return. Moments later, his wings flapped with life and he went off. I took a moment to see him flutter away as he eventually landed on the warm grass, many yards away.
I must admit that this proved to be a surreal moment for me as I felt so powerful at that time, yet appreciated the fact that there was trust on his part. Sometimes being kind to a stranger is the greatest gift of all.
In life, we are presented with many opportunities to help others, but do we always take a few moments to make a difference? As you can appreciate, those few moments can be life changing for some and unforgettable for others.
Perhaps we can help a stranger in distress, or a friend that needs those few moments of our time! Ultimately, that may be life changing for us too!
"Helping you to the next level" (This has a new meaning for me this week)
I welcome your thoughts on my Blog in the comments section below.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Dam!!!
...
Did you know that the Hoover Dam was constructed in the 1930's?
A dam's main purpose is to hold back the flow of water.
So, what's holding you back?
We all have dam's that get created in our life, to hold us back or to prevent us from doing something.
It may be because of fear, career, relationships, health, etc.
What if the dam broke free? In some cases this could be a great and powerful force. You could flow more freely in life and not have so much pressure...........that pressure could be Dam frustrating at times!!
Ask yourself, ...Am I ready to break free and let what's holding me back flow? or...Am I willing to be restricted from discovering what is behind the pressure and build up?
More often than not, you will feel much better and definitely more powerful when you allow it to break free. Believe me, I can attest to this, and it is indeed very liberating!
Not to be so Dam serious today, I wanted to end this week's Blog with a quick clip from the movie "Vegas Vacation" with Chevy Chase, that`s Dam funny.
Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6oxhLz9l5s
I welcome your comments in the comments section below.
Have a great week!
"Helping you to the next level"
Did you know that the Hoover Dam was constructed in the 1930's?
A dam's main purpose is to hold back the flow of water.
So, what's holding you back?
We all have dam's that get created in our life, to hold us back or to prevent us from doing something.
It may be because of fear, career, relationships, health, etc.
What if the dam broke free? In some cases this could be a great and powerful force. You could flow more freely in life and not have so much pressure...........that pressure could be Dam frustrating at times!!
Ask yourself, ...Am I ready to break free and let what's holding me back flow? or...Am I willing to be restricted from discovering what is behind the pressure and build up?
More often than not, you will feel much better and definitely more powerful when you allow it to break free. Believe me, I can attest to this, and it is indeed very liberating!
Not to be so Dam serious today, I wanted to end this week's Blog with a quick clip from the movie "Vegas Vacation" with Chevy Chase, that`s Dam funny.
Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6oxhLz9l5s
I welcome your comments in the comments section below.
Have a great week!
"Helping you to the next level"
Monday, September 13, 2010
Slow down, you're going too fast...
...
As the song from the 60's suggests. "Slow down you move too fast, you've got to make the morning last"
...by Simon and Garfunkel -59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
It opens with............
Slow down, you move too fast.
You got to make the morning last.
Just kicking down the cobble stones.
Looking for fun and feelin' groovy.
It has been way too long since I kicked a cobble stone. Now that I think about, I have never kicked a cobble stone...LOL
Well, we may no longer use the word groovy, but what about, content, joyful, happy, grateful, accomplished, fulfilled?
As I reflect on the past summer and the many contacts that I speak and communicate with it is evident that we are moving faster and faster and don't feel "groovy" as often as we should. I can definitely attest to this from time to time.
Where are you going in such a hurry? Remember, life is about the journey not just the destination!
Much like what Jack said to Rose during a dramatic scene from the Titanic...
"You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count"
Are you making every moment count?
A very good friend of mine asked me recently, "Mike, do you take your own advice when you write your Blog?" The answer is yes. Remember, I am the first person to read the Blog and often refer back to past Blog's as a reminder to follow my own message. It is simple advice that we all need to be reminded of, from time to time.
Back to feelin groovy....
If we take a moment for ourselves and reflect on the journey and slowdown and not always go too fast, we may have alot more fun along the way.
Have a groovy week. Peace! (OK, a little too 60's perhaps)
"Helping you to the next level"
As the song from the 60's suggests. "Slow down you move too fast, you've got to make the morning last"
...by Simon and Garfunkel -59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
It opens with............
Slow down, you move too fast.
You got to make the morning last.
Just kicking down the cobble stones.
Looking for fun and feelin' groovy.
It has been way too long since I kicked a cobble stone. Now that I think about, I have never kicked a cobble stone...LOL
Well, we may no longer use the word groovy, but what about, content, joyful, happy, grateful, accomplished, fulfilled?
As I reflect on the past summer and the many contacts that I speak and communicate with it is evident that we are moving faster and faster and don't feel "groovy" as often as we should. I can definitely attest to this from time to time.
Where are you going in such a hurry? Remember, life is about the journey not just the destination!
Much like what Jack said to Rose during a dramatic scene from the Titanic...
"You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count"
Are you making every moment count?
A very good friend of mine asked me recently, "Mike, do you take your own advice when you write your Blog?" The answer is yes. Remember, I am the first person to read the Blog and often refer back to past Blog's as a reminder to follow my own message. It is simple advice that we all need to be reminded of, from time to time.
Back to feelin groovy....
If we take a moment for ourselves and reflect on the journey and slowdown and not always go too fast, we may have alot more fun along the way.
Have a groovy week. Peace! (OK, a little too 60's perhaps)
"Helping you to the next level"
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Surround yourself with good people!
...
Corporations try to do it, as they always try to recruit the right people.
In our personal lives, it should be similar, or at least in theory.
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
– Jim Rohn
Do they raise you up, or bring you down? Do they bring negative or positive energy?
As I see it, we don't always surround ourselves with the people that help us get better, or more positive. Why not? Are we even aware of it?
In my business, I work with a number of different businesses from time to time.
Over the past 5 months I have worked very closely with Terry R. He is truly good people. While we have a strong working relationship, I know that I am a better person every time that we communicate and meet. He raises my game and makes me better. Thank you Terry!
I had the good fortune of spending the long weekend in Southern Saskatchewan with my family and enjoyed the harvest mode of farming for the first time in many years. Now that I am a city boy, I do not have the opportunity to do this very often.
During the trip I realized many things. First of all, I have an amazing family. 3 awesome sisters and 2 great brothers. When I am in their company I know that I am surrounded by good people. They raise me up, and never bring me down. They always offer unconditional love and support and there seems to be no limit to this. Yes, I know that I am a very lucky man!
As we go through the ups and downs of life we need to think more about who we spend time with. Having said that, the people that associate with us can say the same. What do we bring to the table? Do we raise them up and bring positive energy more times than not? Think about it...!
The above statement about being the average of the 5 people that you spend time with, must also take us into account as well. Are we improving the average?
"Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher."
-Oprah Winfrey
Have a great week!
"Helping you to the next level"
Corporations try to do it, as they always try to recruit the right people.
In our personal lives, it should be similar, or at least in theory.
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
– Jim Rohn
Do they raise you up, or bring you down? Do they bring negative or positive energy?
As I see it, we don't always surround ourselves with the people that help us get better, or more positive. Why not? Are we even aware of it?
In my business, I work with a number of different businesses from time to time.
Over the past 5 months I have worked very closely with Terry R. He is truly good people. While we have a strong working relationship, I know that I am a better person every time that we communicate and meet. He raises my game and makes me better. Thank you Terry!
I had the good fortune of spending the long weekend in Southern Saskatchewan with my family and enjoyed the harvest mode of farming for the first time in many years. Now that I am a city boy, I do not have the opportunity to do this very often.
During the trip I realized many things. First of all, I have an amazing family. 3 awesome sisters and 2 great brothers. When I am in their company I know that I am surrounded by good people. They raise me up, and never bring me down. They always offer unconditional love and support and there seems to be no limit to this. Yes, I know that I am a very lucky man!
As we go through the ups and downs of life we need to think more about who we spend time with. Having said that, the people that associate with us can say the same. What do we bring to the table? Do we raise them up and bring positive energy more times than not? Think about it...!
The above statement about being the average of the 5 people that you spend time with, must also take us into account as well. Are we improving the average?
"Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher."
-Oprah Winfrey
Have a great week!
"Helping you to the next level"
Monday, August 30, 2010
Change your state....!
...
No, this is not a suggestion to move to the USA, but rather changing your personal state of mind....
It is common for many of us who get caught up and wound tight during stressful situations, to put ourselves in a bad or negative state.
I can dabble in that at times....................OK, maybe a little more than dabble....LOL.
Let's say you have being working your butt off, day in and out for weeks and you are burned out?
While you may not be able to stop working (you are self-employed or it is peak season, such as the situation for our farmers, who are in harvest mode at this time of year)
Or, your kid's back to school demands are causing some extra stress; or you are working on a big proposal for your company and the deadline is tomorrow?
I learned this concept from Anthony Robbins and it can really work.
Its called "incantations." That means changing your state of mind by saying positive things to yourself with feeling. Napoleon Hill called it "autosuggestion." This is one of the most basic principles for taking advantage of the awesome power of your mind and fulfilling your potential. Its simple, yet effective, such as: "I will be great soon", or "I will persist without exception."
It is up to you.....just make it positive and truly believe in what you are saying!
Here's another great, and very effective way to change your state.
Spend time with, or briefly chat with the most energized and positive person that you know.
I had a hectic and stressful week, but I made a very conscience effort to change my state of mind when I felt crappy.
A few examples for me. Went for a bike ride; worked out; called a great friend (Thanks Arnold!); enjoyed an amazing dinner with my good friends Harvey and Minnie; (who will be married 66 years this fall..!); had a beer with my friend Craig; had a very relaxing bbq with my other buddy Craig (and Spike); put some new music on my iPod; cooked a great dinner for my son Nick.
All of the above broke my routine and more quickly helped me out of the rut.
(WOW....I now realize that I had to change my state a few times this past week).
This might sound simple for some or radical for others, but both of the above tips do work............Really!
“Happiness is a state of mind; happiness means calmness of mind...”
-Unknown
Enjoy your week and if I happen to get a call from one of you, I will do my best to change your state....!
"Helping you to the next level"
No, this is not a suggestion to move to the USA, but rather changing your personal state of mind....
It is common for many of us who get caught up and wound tight during stressful situations, to put ourselves in a bad or negative state.
I can dabble in that at times....................OK, maybe a little more than dabble....LOL.
Let's say you have being working your butt off, day in and out for weeks and you are burned out?
While you may not be able to stop working (you are self-employed or it is peak season, such as the situation for our farmers, who are in harvest mode at this time of year)
Or, your kid's back to school demands are causing some extra stress; or you are working on a big proposal for your company and the deadline is tomorrow?
I learned this concept from Anthony Robbins and it can really work.
Its called "incantations." That means changing your state of mind by saying positive things to yourself with feeling. Napoleon Hill called it "autosuggestion." This is one of the most basic principles for taking advantage of the awesome power of your mind and fulfilling your potential. Its simple, yet effective, such as: "I will be great soon", or "I will persist without exception."
It is up to you.....just make it positive and truly believe in what you are saying!
Here's another great, and very effective way to change your state.
Spend time with, or briefly chat with the most energized and positive person that you know.
I had a hectic and stressful week, but I made a very conscience effort to change my state of mind when I felt crappy.
A few examples for me. Went for a bike ride; worked out; called a great friend (Thanks Arnold!); enjoyed an amazing dinner with my good friends Harvey and Minnie; (who will be married 66 years this fall..!); had a beer with my friend Craig; had a very relaxing bbq with my other buddy Craig (and Spike); put some new music on my iPod; cooked a great dinner for my son Nick.
All of the above broke my routine and more quickly helped me out of the rut.
(WOW....I now realize that I had to change my state a few times this past week).
This might sound simple for some or radical for others, but both of the above tips do work............Really!
“Happiness is a state of mind; happiness means calmness of mind...”
-Unknown
Enjoy your week and if I happen to get a call from one of you, I will do my best to change your state....!
"Helping you to the next level"
Monday, August 23, 2010
RESPECT
...
Good day everyone!
Many of us were taught to "respect our elders". Makes sense, right?
But, ...what about everyone else? The young lady that works at Tim Hortons, your neighbour, your kids, or past friends and relationships................and of course, yourself!
Respect has always been a guiding principle for me. I try to apply the teachings of Dr. Stephen Covey. Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood. It allows me to respect people for who they are.....in most cases!
Just because you don't see eye to eye with someone, or they make decisions that may impact you, take the time to respect that person's point of view. It takes a big person to respect someone for who they are, with their many great qualities and numerous flaws......
There are many people that I have a tremendous amount of respect for......all for different reasons.
For some, it is what they do, and for others it is for what they don't do....
Self Respect, can be equally difficult for many people. It is defined as, "The knowledge of one's own worth, valuing one's self". Are you comfortable in your own skin? Are you fine to just be you, and not anyone else? If so, good for you!!! This can come from confidence, or vice versa. Perhaps you receive validation from people that suggest you are great as you are.
I came across this quote and it really hit me!..............Ironically, a very special friend, who I have a tremendous amount of respect for, said almost the exact same thing to me a week ago.
“Don't rely on someone else for your happiness and self worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can't love and respect yourself - no one else will be able to make that happen. Accept who you are - completely; the good and the bad - and make changes as YOU see fit - not because you think someone else wants you to be different.” - Stacey Charter
As I see it, if you have ample Self Respect, it is easier to Respect others!
"Helping you to the next level"
Good day everyone!
Many of us were taught to "respect our elders". Makes sense, right?
But, ...what about everyone else? The young lady that works at Tim Hortons, your neighbour, your kids, or past friends and relationships................and of course, yourself!
Respect has always been a guiding principle for me. I try to apply the teachings of Dr. Stephen Covey. Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood. It allows me to respect people for who they are.....in most cases!
Just because you don't see eye to eye with someone, or they make decisions that may impact you, take the time to respect that person's point of view. It takes a big person to respect someone for who they are, with their many great qualities and numerous flaws......
There are many people that I have a tremendous amount of respect for......all for different reasons.
For some, it is what they do, and for others it is for what they don't do....
Self Respect, can be equally difficult for many people. It is defined as, "The knowledge of one's own worth, valuing one's self". Are you comfortable in your own skin? Are you fine to just be you, and not anyone else? If so, good for you!!! This can come from confidence, or vice versa. Perhaps you receive validation from people that suggest you are great as you are.
I came across this quote and it really hit me!..............Ironically, a very special friend, who I have a tremendous amount of respect for, said almost the exact same thing to me a week ago.
“Don't rely on someone else for your happiness and self worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can't love and respect yourself - no one else will be able to make that happen. Accept who you are - completely; the good and the bad - and make changes as YOU see fit - not because you think someone else wants you to be different.” - Stacey Charter
As I see it, if you have ample Self Respect, it is easier to Respect others!
"Helping you to the next level"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
