Walking in the Darkness

Is the title a give away? Too true too true you say? Well I agree totally.

Finding yourself in the seemingly never ending void between ideas and accomplishment is no fun at all. All seems black and results are the last thing shedding any positive light on your world. It's the void between and idea and it's fulfillment, an introduction and a relationship, a dream (or belief) and it's fulfillment. Like the time you began a business and now you find yourself in this void where nothing seems to work and work is all you do for precious little results. Or your working at getting fit, or digging into your own self improvement in another way. You search for things that will work, you try this and you try that only to find time spent again with little or no results. Maybe your even a few dollars lighter than when you began, wondering if this (or anything) will ever payoff.

I was reading this book that talks about "keeping alert with all perseverance" When I understood. It's the being consistent in the little things that bring small but definite results is what matters. SO . . . keep it up! Whatever you do that brings those small but measurable results in you life. That one more call, that one more repetition, or one more set, maybe just that one more "Hello, my name is" . . .

Have you ever heard the story about the person offered a penny doubled every day for a month vs. getting an mediate lump sum of one million dollars? You see most people would jump at the one million looking to avoid the work, when actually a penny doubled every day for a month equals more than FIVE MILLION DOLLARS!!!

The lesson here is. . . keep doing the little things you do right, the simple things. Here's another lesson I learned lately too: Don't panic in the moment when things aren't going the way you like. Do the right things right even when wrong things are happening around you.

Many times we complicate our lives and others with new things when the simple old tried and true done consistently are the answer. When those pennies pounds or whatever) are added continually, consistently, they will add up to huge gains in the long run.

That hit me in a huge way recently. Yes it's been dark lately and I've been uncomfortable, but it dawned on me I had been handed a simple solution and I was deviating from it. I heard the words in my mind, "Stay the course son and things will work out. Do the right things right and the end is guaranteed."

When you started your journey you had a couple of simple ideas and doing a little bit consistently was the answer to all your problems. Did you leave the track, deviate form the truth? Only you can answer that. But here's a truth that always works. KISS - Keep it simple stu...(baby). Even when it's dark . . . NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER SURRENDER.

Just call me persistent. I'm going to the other side. . . are you coming?

Who said? Repeated.

The following is a post from a Blogger,Tweeter, Facebook friend. And I'm reposting it here so that you know it's just not you and me that are thinking this way. It's from Annie Sorensen's blog, Live Your Best Life Everyday, and hope you will go there and receive some more inspiration. It reads as follows:

"A post inspired by a looong drive across the Midwest recently, and it’s all about…Average. Why is Average something that people are ok with? Or, stated a bit clearer – why is Average something that people think they HAVE to be ok with?

Let’s try this: You – yes, you – don’t have to be ok with average. It’s your choice. Who said you had to?

You don’t have to accept the fact that, well, the average person just kinda puts up with their job. Disliking your job is, you know, normal.

You don’t have to accept the fact that the average American gets sick every winter – or three times every winter – or once a month – or whatever.

You don’t have to accept the fact that you can kinda pay your bills every month. That you’re not saving nearly as much as you’d hoped – or none at all. But hey, that’s ok, that’s the same situation the average person is in.

You don’t have to accept the fact that if something is uncomfortable, it’s bad. People can’t change – they can’t better themselves or change directions or quit their job – that’s not normal, you say!

False assumptions.

You don’t have to accept any of these things. You can, if you wish. But you don’t HAVE to."

So there it is, and could she be anymore right!?! We don't now, nor do we ever have to settle for average. In the face of all the doubters in the world (they just want to keep you down at their level)you can forge on to BETTER than average. You can always be more if you want to be, and don't let anyone else try to convince you otherwise. See you soon.

Scarey . . . But Done!

I read this recently, "An entrepreneur (or person) should do at least one thing a day that absolutely terrifies them. I think you have to do things that scare you. There are so many more amazing life experiences when you operate on strength and courage, as opposed to fear."

Oh ouch, is that SO TRUE! So the question this statement begs is: "WHAT THE HECK ARE WE (YOU) SHYING AWAY FROM!"

Remember the last time you tried something new and it worked!?! Remember that feeling!?! Wasn't that great!?! That's what this person is talking about. That fantastic feeling that overtakes you when you try something new, and it works. But it doesn't have to be a complete success! You can get and incredible lift from just trying. You might fail the first time or even the second time. But you know what? After that, the third times not so hard (or frightening).

What would happen if we all took this persons advise? Everyday we tried just one more thing that we had deemed "scarey", something we shy away from because we consider it too hard. Why we would have conquered or taken a stand of strength in a new area of our lives three hundred and sixty-five times in one year! IS THAT ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE OR WHAT!?!

What if you only did it 100 or 50 or even 25 times in one year. You would have taken a position of strength that many more times. Standing up to something that before just scared the bejeebers out of yo!. OH MAN I"M GETTING PUMPED JUST THINKING ABOUT IT!

I say we do it! Jump it, I mean whole hog! (well you can work your way into it if you want) How much more than average is that? The average person just avoids the things that bother them. (Saw somebody at work do that) This is a road map to ABOVE AVERAGE! Take the high road with me! Let's go!!!!

Awk! Two in a Row!

Isn't this amazing! Two in a row. Can you tell I'm not at my normal job this week?

You know the thought occurred to me that we human animals are about as consistent and focused as the next new idea. That is to say we are excited and focused on something only until the next seemingly great idea or event comes along. It really wrecks our consistency. Thriving and not just surviving, requires a fierce mindset especially during trying times.

We need not only cultivate a more focused positive thinking in our daily lives. But to establish some kind of a vision of what we desire. One person said regarding thinking positively more often, "to treat life as a game where you are constantly being challenged. Then nothing fazes you."

But the vision part is different. You've got to look forward and see your desired result. Being thinner, in better shape, doing the successful things, living a better way. What will you feel like then? How will you live? Then bolster your belief in that out come. To do so copy someone else if you don't have your own ideas, and repeatedly tell yourself the way things will be if you stay on the path to betterment. Don't let small minded people who can't see your dreams steer you in a different direction.

And one tip toward boosting your mental fitness is. . . well I'll say it. . . Physical fitness. That's right. If you feel good about yourself, it will only show through in you as being more positive and confident.

So come on let's get up and get moving. Remember, the biggest benefit to your future success will be the mental toughness you develop now. And then focus when life throws you a curve, you'll be ready. I know you will. Getting tougher and getting better. See you later.

Hi there! It's a Beautiful Day!

Okay - Wow again. I can't believe I've been gone so long. But, good things are happening. Change is inevitable, you will change. The question becomes whether it will be good change or bad. I'm opting for the good. How about you?

Lately I've been having a wonderful time connecting and reconnecting with family and friends. The rewards are incredible. But it seems to take a constant and consistent effort on my part. I'm sure you know that sitting and watching "The Biggest Loser, Families" will not improve your relationships with any one. In fact from my perspective there's enough "Biggest Loser" candidates running around loose today anyway. While convicting, the show is not effecting enough people. In fact I know to many people that are probably watching the show and eating rather than DOING something about their situation. But you see that's really the point. Until we get out of our ruts and really do something, nothing is going to change. And then change has to become permanent (that's a "Biggest Loser" lesson). But it is true and if we face the facts truth then become a reality and not a reality show.

Lately I/we have been doing things that make for more time with family and friends and that in turn is paying great dividends. This weekend we had a bonfire in the backyard and invited just one person, and then someone else invited one person, which turned into two people and then the neighbors dropped by with their new baby and it turned into a really fantastic fun night and everyone enjoyed themselves. I know we went to bed that night personally feeling happy and fulfilled. And we didn't watch any TV!

You can do things like this to on your road to fighting average. Get out and do that little something different. Commit to new goals, small measurable ones, and then purpose to do the things that will make them happen. Turn it off (the TV) and turn it on (Doing new things). Make those new things include people. Maybe new people that feed your dreams and possibilities, maybe not the old ones that drag you down or cause you to lower your expectations. You know the old saying, "Bad people help build bad habits." You are greater than that. You can do it. Get busy, get better!
Love and see ya sooner next time.

Great Expectationsh

That was a cool book title. Was it a movie too? I don't really remember (age related thing I guess). At any rate, I read two things recently that got my juices flowing.

1. "World class performers are driven by positive expectations." - Steve Sielbold

2. "High achievement always takes place in the framework of HIGH EXPECTATION."
- Charles Kettering

The first question these quotes beg for me is, "Should I expect more?" and the resounding answer that rings in my head is "WHY NOT!?!". I mean why shouldn't I expect more out of life? I should (we should). A while back I was sitting in my car outside of where I work and I remember saying to myself - "I was created for more than this." The realization was that the mundane routine of life, the box I was living in, was so small compared to my dreams.

What are your expectations? Have you let others who live average steal your dreams? Please don't, you can be so much more. But we have to choose to live on a track other than average. Let's call it exceptional! Yeah! Why not! It seems everything and almost every one is bent on controlling those around them to be average (just watch TV commercials and you'll see what I mean). If you're reading this you'd like to break the mold. Well go ahead. I give you permission to do so.

Here's an idea. Outline your expectations in every area of your life and then ask the crucial question: "SHOULD I EXPECT MORE?" (By the way the answer is "yes") Then raise the bar. Change your thinking, change your talk (To yourself first, then others) and change your actions! Be specific! Focus on your dreams, goals, desires, and move forward (even a little) DON'T SIT STILL! Expect to win regardless of the challenges.

I believe you will, I believe you can. Here's to great expectations. See you next time . . .

Renewed Fight!

Well, just got back from my mother-in-laws memorial in Chicago. Wow - I still marvel at the greatness of a simple down home woman who loved family and people in general above all else. My wife shared a story with me about when her mom was in ICU how she motioned for something to write with (she was to weak to talk, tubes in her and all) and she wrote, "bagels, cream cheese, and fruit for the nursing staff". Even in her weakened state she was thinking of others and being better than average.

Why are we so self centered that we cannot be more like this? Truth be told I really struggled with the video of her life. I had to turn away or just cry like a baby because I miss her and her husband so much, and I know I have a ways to go to be more like them. I still struggle with the fact that they are not here anymore.

But in reflecting on things this weekend. I realized this! In the grand scheme of things it appears God has created us as eternal beings. And for a short time (in light of and eternity) we have been granted life on earth. A short time to experience "Life" and all of the beauty that it incorporates. SO DON"T WASTE IT!
LIVE YOUR LIFE TO BE BETTER THAN AVERAGE! BE HEALTHIER! BE SMARTER! BE STRONGER! DON'T LET OTHERS OR OTHER THINGS DETERMINE YOUR LIFE'S DIRECTION AND DESTINATION WHEN YOU KNOW THERE'S SOMETHING BETTER TO BE HAD! STRETCH YOURSELF!

Don't let life beat you down! Take a time out and enjoy a sunset, see something better in it's beauty. Stare at it for a while take it all in! GO AHEAD YOU CAN DO IT! Someone said that life is one thing that you only get ONE shot at. Live it well, don't be average - BE BETTER, MAKE BETTER EXPERIENCES! We all have the potential. Don't waste life, not one minute. It's not worth it. Growing, becoming a bit more every day is what makes this an exciting adventure!

So here's to your journey - Live a little more today, grow mentally, physically, spiritually. Do something out of the ordinary and become a bit more than average.
And remember the line from the movie "Hook" with Robin Williams, "No, to live, that will be an adventure indeed." On the road to better than average . . . see you there.

Short & Sweet!

Okay it was Sunday afternoon and I was sitting on my butt watching an absolutely stupid movie called "Shark-Boy and Lava-Girl" or something like that. It's about a boy who dreams (day dreams) and his dreams come true. Okay dumb movie for sure but . . .

Right at the end of the movie he says this, "Dream a better dream and then work to make it real." Who is the deviate that makes an utterly stupid movie and then puts something that profound right at the end of it. (I know, your thinking, "Who's the dummy that sitting through it?" Uh, that would be me.) Any way, think about it!

One of the reasons we accomplish so little in our lives is due to the fact that we don't dream (or day dream) good dreams! We effectively think too little of ourselves and others. Soooo . . . dream a better dream! And then like they said in the movie, WORK TO MAKE IT HAPPEN! Come on! Spend some time today dreaming! What can you dream up? Bigger! Better! You know it can be better than it is now! So take a little time and dream about it! Picture it in you mind. What does it look like? What does it feel like? Taste like? Come on you can do it!

Me, this has caused me to look at some things differently. I remember this quote, "Belief comes before results!"
Workin to make it happen . . . see you later.

Break On Through To The Other Side!

Lately I've been challenged with this notion of; Get to the next level. I've realized I'm at a place I've been before. Same bat time same bat channel so to speak. Same habits, same income, same attitude, same physically, all the same. A little better but the same as a place from before. I've never really broken through. An AH-HA moment for me!

In all of this I've begun to think about - "What have you got to lose?"
An wow! - the list is huge. In my musings I've begun to realize my passion (I love helping other people accomplish good results). And again in all of this I've begun to believe that I will break the barrier! I really feel the new level emerging! Whoa, cool thing.

Then I read this, " All things come to those who go after them . . . the secret of success . . .NEVER LET DOWN - NEVER LET UP!" (Do you remember Galaxy Quest? If you haven't seen it, even if you have, I recommend renting it!) Many times success consists of hanging in there just one more minute"

Did you get that!?! "HANGING IN THERE JUST ONE MORE MINUTE" Wow! I know how many times I've probably given up just one minute too soon. How about you? Let's decided together today to not give up on being better than average! I know we can do it!

- Be energetic about your pasasion! People will notice!
- Be passionate about what you may lose out on and the fact that your going to achieve those things (what ever they are).
- Be energetic/passionate about perseverance!

NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER SURRENDER! - and we'll see you on the other side. Later!

Whatcha Believin?

One of the major distinctions between average performers and champions is their belief system. Average people are just like champions in the fact that the average tend to be a product of their mental programming. In other words we all learned from our past, parents, teachers, coaches, etc. . . In most case though this programming is limited because it comes from people who believe they are limited themselves. To create a new system of belief we have to cast off our limitations. That's why as "average" we are saddled with beliefs that are more about "survival" than success. As average we are programmed to avoid pain at all costs, which promotes a "playing not to lose" mentality rather than a, "playing to win mentality" that involves an element of risk.

I have learned lately about something that I had cast off as silly. But that, I've surmised, was my average thinking. SELF-TALK. Yepper, talking to yourself about the way it could be, or should be. "I am not average, I am doing something positive to improve everyday." When I talk to myself like that I am programming myself to do more, perhaps better things. It's like waving your dreams and goals in front of your face. The proverbial dangling the carrot in front of the horse thing. I find like the horse I am willing to follow the carrot. I found out this is how "Champions" train.
(Anybody watching the Olympics?)

It doesn't matter how young or old your are, you can start rearranging your beliefs regardless of your current lot in life or upbringing. Believe you can change things, shake off the limitations and TELL YOURSELF (Self-talk) that you can do it. That's right, OUT LOUD, SAY IT! Hey it's a beginning.

It's been stated that, "As average people we believe champions are more intelligent, the champions know better. The truth is that intelligence plays a very small part. Belief is the real star of the show." Go for it! I believe you can.

Today - Make a list of your most closely held beliefs, and begin the process of questioning whether they are serving you in your journey out of average, or holding you back. Remember the old saying, "If you think you can't. You can't. If you think you can. YOU CAN!" Tell yourself you can! - Talking to myself and seeing you later.

We are the Champions My Friend.

Here's a bit for thought: "Average people have a world view that says being comfortable with who and where they are in life is the key to happiness. The great ones have a world view that says happiness is learning, growing and becoming."

In other words: The average seek mental comfort (Ouch). The what makes me comfortable feeling and not venturing outside that zone. The longer I travel this road the more I realize. . . If you're not growing, you're dying. It's true in the plant world and I believe true in my world too.

This of course begs the question, "Am I growing or dying?". Don't be afraid to ask yourself the hard questions. If your answer today is dying, make the decision TODAY to become more aware and begin growing. Heck, just giving time to thinking such thoughts is above average. The average wouldn't even consider it. Such things are outside the comfort zone.

I choosing to discuss this growing thing with myself today and in that discussion to find one thing that I can do to evidence some growth. Maybe not a huge thing, but something. How about you? Besides the conversation itself will be priceless. I love the little voices in my head. See you later . . .

Called Out!

I was called out last night. Well, sort of. It was mentioned that I haven't blogged for a while. It's a fact. While focusing on being something more than average I seemed to hit a wall. Maybe it's age? I know what I want to be/do. But I seem to come up short or lack the opportunities to move forward. There's also other tasks that seem to short circuit my ideas. Good or bad it's frustrating me to a degree.

Have you ever faced one of those times that something seems to frustrate your objectives at every turn? Humm . . . what to do?

I recently read that, "While average performers tend to believe truth and fact are the same, the world class knows there is a difference. . . The masses tend to operate from truth, which is often a distorted version of the facts. . . champions program their subconscious minds to believe their visions, dreams and ideas are truths." Ain't that a mouth full!

What I'm coming away with here is: What's my dream, vision, or idea and how do I program my subconscious to see that as the truth, rather than where I'm at right now?

Dream baby dream! Dream so often that you can't hardly distinguish the difference between the dream and your present circumstances! From what I'm learning then your mind goes to work on creating the steps to take you there. Then it's all action. OR so I hear. I'm a work in progress, and that's okay too.

How about are you? Are you dreamin? Hope so. All this helps us to become more than average. At the end of this who knows. We may become a movement. Not superheroes, just a bunch of something more than average people, maybe some one who makes a difference. Here's to the dreams! Later.