Only The Lonely

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel like your the only one on planet earth and you just don't have any friends? WHAT A LIE FROM THE PIT OF H-E-double hockey sticks! The truth is we all have somewhere between 100-250 or more people that we know.

Here let me show you. Really, if you do this you'll amaze yourself. It's really easy and incredibly enlightening!

1. First, take a pen and paper and write down the names of everyone you can think of. Now don't qualify any one for any thing, just write down the names. Write down as many names as you can think of.

2. Now, after you've exhausted that, turn to your local yellow pages and go to the letter "A" and notice all the job classifications. Go through these classifications one by one and write down the names of any one and every one who works in those industries or professions (remember no qualifying). For example who do you know that's an A - Accountant, B-Banker, C-Chiropractor, D-Dentist (or Dog Walker), Etc . . . until you've made it through Z.

3. After that pick up your Whites pages phone book and begin again with the letter "A". Now who do you know with the last name Able, Atchison, how about Anderson (that last name with Johnson will keep you busy.) Keep going now B-C-D...Z. We're not done yet by a long shot!

4. Now how about first names!?! Arron, Bob, Betty, Chris . . . come on keep writing!!! You know there's probably at least 50 male and female first names, even more depending on how fancy you want to get. Bet you're not feeling so lonely now! In fact look at how your sphere of influence is growing!!!

Now here's the challenge, if you're up to it. Start at the beginning of your list and begin calling every one you've written down (Oh yeah, this is going to take few days.) But call and just say, "Hi, we haven't talked for a while (long time) and I was thinking about you. How are you doing?" THEN LISTEN (the world loves a good listener.) Or, "Hey you may not remember me but this is ________, we met _________ (Maybe in high school or at the doctors office), How's it going?" and listen. Find out about them, their family, what they've been up to. . .
At the end you might say something like, "Hey, it was great catching up. This was fun, maybe we could do it again some time." If they say something like, "Sure this was great." Put a star by their name and you can talk with them again sometime.

Cool Isn't it!!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!!! And look at all the people you know!!!! You can go from hermit to social butterfly in minutes!!!!

The truth is, you know more people than you think and you are far from alone in the world. Don't ever believe that lie! You're a valuable item, and your friends will confirm it. When you're done you will know that you're never alone and you'll always have some one to talk to. Potentially, 100-250 or more. And if you start thinking about how they know that many too. Oh my gosh who could you end up knowing!?! EEEEEEK!

The road to an extraordinary life is paved with the people we know. Our network so to speak and you know more people than you think. In fact when you're feeling down, just one or two of these conversations can be a real "pick-me-up" (certainly better than another bottle of wine (or was that "whine") alone. Join me in connecting with new and old friends and acquaintances. It's really fun and it will keep you busy. Fills up your calendar too. See you later . . . .

PS -Hey here's an Idea! Leave me a comment and let me know how it worked for ya!

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?

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 . . .

Passing the Baton - A Case for Better Than Average.

Today is marked with sadness and thanks. Today my mother-in law has passed away (sadness). Lord knows I loved her and my father-in-law. Jake and Tully Kendall defined family for me. Family more than I had ever known. For this I am eternally grateful (thanks). I will miss them both, maybe more than I miss my own parents who have also passed away. Tully's life held the true meaning of family and social acceptance for me. After all she accepted me as a son-in-law over 3 decades ago. To think that maybe she saw something in me that could carry on her family with my wife is simply beyond my comprehension. But here we are. The carrying on is handed down to us. Those of us who are left (relatives) to keep and hold family together.

The cry to be more. . . better than average. . . is now louder than ever. Through tears I wonder at being up to the task. But I know with my maker, that all things are possible. I believe that is called faith. For them both I trust in God's providence.

We now will be the next to pass. Our goal, to see to and secure the heritage of family. We must sacrifice what is necessary, and boldly proclaim the need to be closer to all who will listen, inside and outside our immediate families. To our children and our friends. The flag has been passed.

To those of you who would follow these ramblings. Stretch with me, grow a bit to be better. Especially in this area of family. Call someone you love today. Tell them how you feel. Don't harp on the wrong but magnify the right and call them to closeness with your voice and your actions. Together we can be better than average. In fact I think there's a key there . . . "Together" we ARE better than average.
Good luck and God bless. . . see you later.

Breaking the Yokes

Today I made my first egg without breaking the yoke. As I twittered, that only took 58 (almost 59 years). HA! I was pretty excited about the deal and it tasted good too. But then I was thinking . . . Life doesn't work like that. You've got to break a couple yokes to be better than average in life.

I was oh so careful turning those eggs, trying to be safe. After all I just broke yokes for the last 50+ years while still trying to be oh so careful. Isn't that a bit like all of us though. We try oh so hard to be careful in the things we do. Trying not to upset the apple cart so to speak, even struggling to be normal, rather than trying something new that could possibly open up new opportunities for us.

With my eggs I tried a new spatula and then when they were a little solid I was able to flip them with success. I know some of you are laughing and maybe have even have more successful techniques for my eggs (love to hear them by the way). But that's not my point.

Break some yokes today. Try something new. Maybe a little thing that will make today just a little bit different (in a good way). You know there's an incredibly good feeling that comes from trying, especially if you're successful! Really. Try it!

I read this one recently: "Everyday do something that will inch you toward a better tomorrow." Notice the word "INCH"! You don't have to take big leaps to become better, just inch. So let's all join the "inchworm" club and break some yokes today!

See ya later . . .

Collections to Inspire

Okay this is cool! I found this listed under "World-Class vs Middle-Class" and it's totally worth passing on! Maybe just one of these will be your inspiration for the day. Good luck and don't be average (or middle-class)!

The Middle Class competes . . . the World Class creates.

The Middle Class avoids risk . . . the World Class manages risk.

The Middle Class loves to be comfortable . . .
The World Class is comfortable being uncomfortable. (trying new things)

The Middle Class lives in delusion . . .
The World Class doesn't believe security exists.

The Middle Class sacrifices growth for safety . . .
The World Class sacrifices safety for growth.

The Middle Class focuses on having . . . The World Class focuses on being.

The Middle Class has a lottery mentality . . .
The World Class has an abundance mentality.

The Middle Class slows down . . . The World Class calms down.

The Middle Class is frustrated . . . The World Class is grateful.

The Middle Class operates out of fear and scarcity . . .
The World Class operates from love and abundance.

The Middle Class has pipedreams . . . The World Class has vision.

The Middle Class denies intuition . . . The World Class embraces its intuition.

The Middle Class trades time for money . . .
The World Class trades ideas for money.

The Middle Class is problem oriented . . . The World Class is solution oriented.

The Middle Class sees itself as victim . . .
The World Class sees itself as responsible.

The Middle Class thinks it knows enough . . . The World Class is eager to learn.

The Middle Class speaks the language of fear . . .
The World Class speaks the language of love.

The Middle Class chooses fear . . .
The World Class chooses growth.

The Middle Class is boastful . . .
The World Class is humble.

The Middle Class seeks riches . . . The World Class seeks wealth.

The Middle Class Believes its vision only when it sees it . . .
The World Class knows it will see its vision when it believes it.

The Middle Class coaches through logic . . . The World Class coaches through emotion.

The Middle Class Believes problem solving stems from knowledge . . .
The World Class believes problem solving stems from will.

The Middle Class consciousness is what most of us are born into.
WORLD CLASS CONSCIOUSNESS IS WHAT IS POSSIBLE! - I find myself decidedly Middle Class in some of my thinking, attitude and actions. Today I choose to be more World Class! You can too! It starts with just a decision, then add some focus, stir with a little bit of action and you've got the receipt for growth and success!
Thanks for stopping by.
See you 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.

Average Overtakes Us.

Wow! I've been out of it lately! Overtaken by the Enemy Called Average. Ever happen to you? Self doubt creeps in, feels like your dreams are stolen, your alone and nobody cares. You Feel that your personal worth is valueless and life is relegated to the same old dull routine. Seems as though I've been there done that lately.

It's been 4 days since my last post and boy have I suffered for my wrong thinking. But I read something this morning that woke be out of my stoopper. "If you got out of bed this morning and started your day because you wanted to, you're in control."
"If you got out of bed and started your day because you had to, something else is in control of you." Did you know that 99% of the population is trapped in the second half of that statement!?! And it's tied up in our thinking!

Here's another one: "If you gave average thinking people a million dollar idea (Opportunity). They will find their way back to "Average". It's their limited self-image and thinking that drive them, it has nothing to do with reality. All of it is perception in the mind of the person.

This of course begs the question: "What are you thinking?" Where you feel most comfortable reflects your self-image and most likely your current state of being. If you want more (Better Than Average) you've got to upgrade your self-image. Finding out what the successful or "World Class" (above average) think and then promoting that to yourself through, images (pictures), self talk, our 10 minute a day dream session, all help us to move past average and into an improved mindset. From there we launch ourselves into "Above Average"!

So here's to thinking different today, better! Throw out the "stinikin thinkin" and upgrade yourself like you would a computer. Better memory, bigger hard drive, more desktop space based on improved performance. You can do it. Get some Grrrr . . . back in your life! THINK DIFFERENT!

I'm back and I am, thinking different. See you tomorrow!

I love my Dog.

I love my dog. But some times I wish I could just forget and dive into the next moment the way she does. Admittedly she doesn't have to pay bills, repair cars, buy food or go to work. In truth the one job she does have is . . . holding down the couch. Yes, holding down the couch. She nests on one side of the couch constantly and if we go out, or go to work she can be depended on to be found right there. Holding down the couch.

But I have to admit. When we come in she does jump down off the couch (Abandons that post) to wag , squeak and greet us, genuinely letting us know how glad she is that we are home safe. Hmm . . ALWAYS GENUINELY GLAD TO SEE US. Maybe there's a lesson to learn there.

And then there's those looks, like at feeding time, or the "I need to go out" look. And she genuinely expects to get your attention and an answer. And it's consistent, she always expects a response from you. Hmm . . . EXPECTANCY - maybe there's a lesson there.

And then she 'always' begs like she expects to get something whether she does or not. She never gives up. Hmm . . . PERSISTENT/CONSISTENT - Oh God! Maybe there's a lesson there too.

Okay this is getting spooky. Kind of like my dog is some divinely placed personality here to teach me some kind of lesson. (While pretty much being as cute as she can be)

Any way now it's got me thinking. I should work on mastering these things. They could quite possibly help me on the road out of average. Food for thought. See you tomorrow.

The Cancer of Average

You know cancer begins with a single cell in the body and spreads. Average can do the dame thing. But let me help you with something easy. Average only spreads if you let it.

Some days (like today, when you may be feeling below average) you have to just sit down and take stock of what's happened so far to see how far you've come.

I was just mentioning to a friend the fact that - Oh my God it's almost February! Where did January go. Then after sitting for a while and thinking about it it I began to realize how incredibly far I had progressed in the last 30 days! This taking small steps thing is working out. Here's the January take:
- 2 car repairs totally paid for in cash!
- Extra money in savings!
- New budget parameters set opening the door to an incredible future!
- A different attitude taking shape in my life (My dog's "Best Day Ever" thing)
- And a sense that I can carry some of this improvement into other areas of my life!

Now that may not seem huge to you. But consider it next to the same old same old, average way of life. Get up, go to work, come home, eat, watch TV, go to bed . . get up do it again way of life where NOTHING EVER CHANGES! Hey! We're making some head way here. Can't wait to see what happens in February!

And you know if you haven't really started yet. That's okay. You can start making small changes today. Just little things. Maybe only the way you think about things. Little things like snowballs, when packed and rolled become big (and noticeable) Evidenced by the 9' snowman in my back yard. Come on. . . take a chance on change . . . even just encouraging someone else some days helps you.

Make little things your goal and in 30 days you'll be amazed!
Better than average can spread to. Little things add up, like making snowballs bigger. I was surprised, I bet you will be too . . see you tomorrow.

Wow - The Stars Aligned

What a fantastic day. When things look bleak, the clouds part and the sun shines. You know there may be something to this thinking like your dog thing. EVERY DAY IS THE BEST DAY EVER!

This week we experienced another round in the car repair realm. $400 worth. Of course, living on a tight budget (What some people may call month to month) we were hard pressed to come up with the money out of pocket. We thought, "There goes the emergency fund, wiped out again." Not to mention we took the car to one place and they discovered that to replace the part required a special tool that they didn't have. So on to the next repair shop. Well . . . Let me tell you about it.

I've been talking to everyone lately about how "If you were you're dog," everything would be the BEST EVER. You know, the best walk, the best play, the best pet . . . yadda - yadda - yadda. Anyway, here's how it turned out.

First I get a 10% of coupon in an email from the repair shop where I'm taking my car, then some things I placed on Craig's List sold (2x what I need to pay for the car.)!!! My emergency fund stays in tack and I end up with some extra Money. THE BEST DAY EVER! Not to mention my dog got a walk AND a car ride, plus the car is fixed. Yeah!

You know, Don't give up! In the movie "Galaxy Quest" with Tim Allen there's a line, "Never Give Up! Never Surrender!" In this quest for a more than average life, "Don't give up!" Good things happen to those who don't give up. It may take a while, but stay on the bright side of things and remember that, "Every cloud has a silver lining" thing. In a book I read it talks about not growing weary in doing good, because in due time we will reap a reward if we don't give up. Remember what we've been talking about? Taking small steps and making small changes. Keep it up, good things happen. Believe it.

See you tomorrow.

Things I Learned From My Dog!

I recently read something from that dog whisperer guy that has really had me thinking.
It's so cool if you think about it. In your (a) dog's mind everyday is Christmas! Every day is the BEST day! Every walk is the BEST walk! Every meal is the BEST meal! Every snack is the BEST snack. Every playtime is the BEST playtime! And every pet is the . . . you got it . . . THE BEST PET!

Now think about it. What if we accept this kind to attitude adjustment? What if we started to think about things like our dogs. I keep hearing that song in my head "Don't worry, Be happy." But start thinking of everything in a very very positive way! - Wow! This is the best time blogging I've ever had!
- or, This is the BEST trip to work ever!
Any way I'm hoping you get the idea. It would be so far above average to think and act this way. Try to do so though without letting your tongue hang out, or wagging your tail.

I've started talking to myself about this consistently, telling others about it. I really believe it can make a difference. Do ya feel me? Cause I'm feelin it! I'm just sitting here thinking about dinner. Wow! It's gonna be the BEST meal ever! And then I'm going to play with my dog and we're going to really enjoy each other!

Oh man! The more I think about it the happier I get(THIS IS THE BEST ________ EVER!) And you don't even have to have a dog . . . just get happy about the next thing coming up. See ya tomorrow.

Status Quo

I'll bet you didn't know that "Status Quo" is Latin for "The Mess We're In"

Yesterday was a doosie. It would literally freak you out to know how much they want to put a new thermostat in a VW Passat! It did me! Just when everything seemed to be in it's place (or at least getting there.) Whamo! Isn't that just like life to throw you a curve ball just when you think things are getting better.

But you know . . . there's a way I used to act (average) that would let this kind of a thing derail me (at least mentally)and I would in turn let that ruin my day, and of course try to get everyone else to feel as bad as I do, etc, etc . . .

BUT NOT THIS TIME!!!!!! In reality I have a little bit of an emergency fund set aside and I'm going to be thankful I have that. Put it to the problem this time and then start over on that fund and build it up bigger! Things aren't as bad as they may seem, so I'm going to keep smiling and work through it. I've got my health, as they say and I'm not ready to give up! Besides when it's all said an done the car will be better and I'll not have to worry about that issue for a long time! So there life! You had your shot and you lose!

You know the unexpected will always happen. You can expect it. As someone said, "It's not the problem that's the problem. It's how you treat it."

You know I feel pretty good about this. I've got to go set an appointment for a thermostat change. Here's to success. See you tomorrow.

So don't blame me!

I am beginning to believe in consistent focus. Excuses, someone once said, are a skeleton of the truth mixed with a lie (or something like that). Truth be told we (and I mean I) spend too much time manufacturing excuses rather than focusing on our dreams. Instead of consistently focusing on the way we want our lives to be, we find excuses for why it just won't work. LAIR! Be it money, time, somebody else, we find a way to delay what we should do or blame someone else.

Someone once wrote "If you can find an excuse, don't use it!" Most failures are experts at making excuses. There are always enough excuses available if you're weak enough to use them. The world simply doesn't have enough crutches for all the lame excuses. It's all to easy to find excuses instead of time for the things we don't want to, or know we should do.

So find a way, not an excuse. Here's a neat easy exercise that's been helping me.
- Take 10 minutes (Minimum) out of each day to just sit quietly and think about the way you dream things should be. Whether that's relationships, work, finances, physical or mental well being. UNINTERRUPTED TIME. Dream, but be consistent 10 minutes each day. Write it down if you can. Really, it's magical! You soon find yourself believing more and doing more than you've ever imagined. Your attitude changes. You start regularly thinking above average.

Got 10 minutes? (Sure you do) Come on let's go . . . No more daily grind, 2 Harley Davidson's, Trips to Virginia and the Canary Islands, Paid off mortgage, My own business, Continuous quality time with my wife, Helping others . . .

Oh this is good. See you tomorrow.

Life Bites! Ooh Ouch!

Here's a killer I read this morning:
"Would the boy (or girl) you were be proud of the man (or woman) you've become?"

Last night I spent 2.5 hours in a session learning and talking about finances. While it was presented in a fashion that definitely made you laugh, the truths were, well let's say penetrating. Talks about things like, "What's your debt level" (want a scary view? Include your mortgage.),"Do you have a college fund for the kids?", "How about savings to (get this statement) retire with dignity?!", "Do you have an emergency reserve fund equal to 3-6 mos expenses? Because something WILL come up!", "How about a monthly budget?". There were talks about how we live on credit and the "Shazam! They moved Christmas!" (or any other special occasion)and now it's an emergency and how with credit we end up living with it for years and the cost (interest).

Needless to say. I've succumb to the fact that at least I find myself living beyond my means at times. And compound that with the realization of the credit card interest rates! And while it's exciting that they raised our credit limit again, I realize that the rate of interests is probably higher than most loan sharks charge! And they do it legally!!!!!

Time to apply the issue of "above average" to the finances. Because in reality it's average to be in debt. Hey, everybody else is doing it! Well not me! Not any more!
I was encouraged last night by what is called "Baby Steps" and starting today I'm taking them. Focusing on things like "an emergency fund", "Savings", "Monthly Budgeting", etc. . . Hey, remember "Baby Steps". Do you remember a couple days ago we talked about the little things. If you'd like more help with things like this yourself I'd certainly recommend this website . . . https://www.mytotalmoneymakeover.com/index.cfm I think Dave's got something there.

Come on . . . run with me a bit. We can do this! (I know I can) Remember if we make a little head way, we're above average, and that's a great place to be.

Feel the success and see you tomorrow.

It's the Little Things!

Don't cha know!? So many times we set ourselves up for failure. We dream and plan and then attempt the big things first. The result? Failure, discouragement, a no-can-do attitude and most of the times we quit. He's my take. Create some momentum and encouragement with the little things first.

Like today. Lists while annoying are a good thing sometimes. Make a list. I did. Then I immediately tackled a couple of the little things first. BINGO! I accomplished something and did more than I usually do. YEAH! I am the winner of the game that we are playing! I felt so much more than average. I had done something. And you know what else?! I feel empowered to do other things TODAY! Oh Baby - this is a milestone!

Seize the moment! Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment. John Burroughs said, "The lesson which life repeats and constantly reinforces is 'Look under foot." You are always nearer than you think." Get it? Try doing the little things first. Feel the success!

"Every day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons." - Ruth Schabacker

See you tomorrow.

There's a Time for Everything.

I am surrounded by thoughts today.
My wife just left to be with her mother who is very ill and her sister who needs help and support. I married an exceptional woman.

And I am sitting here at my desk surround by the quotes, sayings, books, and things that are supposed to inspire me to be better (more than average). I find that I don't feel that way. I feel disconnected, valueless, helpless, to say the least, less than average.

Yet one thing keeps coming to my mind. It is a scene from the movie "Rocky Balboa" where Rocky is talking to his son saying, "You, Me, nobody, hits harder than life! And it's not how hard you can hit that counts. It's how hard you can get hit, get up, and keep moving forward."

The flow of life (the routine) has been interrupted. . . But that's okay. I am convinced that all things work together for good. And Gandolph in the "Lord of the Rings" said, "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given you."

So while I expect and pray that all will turn out well with my mother-in-law. I remember the key lessons her wonderful life has taught me.
- LOVE EVERYONE
- Open your arms to all who would fall into them
- Help always (However you can)
- Reach out to those in need
* AND NEVER, NEVER, FORGET THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY!

Now that's way above average! That's exceptional!

"Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things." Louis Boone. No matter what's going on in your life.
- See you tomorrow.

You Can't stand in the Middle of the Road

You know you can't stand in the middle of the road (be politically correct all the time, or please everybody all the time) and still fight the enemy call average. Average tries to stand in the middle of the road and I read that there's nothing in the middle of the road but yellow stripes and dead armadillos. (James Hightower)

To attempt to be more than average is a choice, not a chance. Too many people go through life not knowing what they want, but the feel sure they don't have it. I guess there's an element of risk in stepping out of the average. You take a chance. That's what I'm deciding to do today. Take a chance. Do something differently. Hopefully surprise myself, and maybe someone else.

I discovered today that it's tough sometimes making the decision to be different. To not enter into the negative conversations and mind set. To force yourself to stay out of it, to not eat the cookie, to do the exercise (no matter how much it hurts.) Say something deliberate (maybe even cute) and move on.

I read this today:
"Too many people are like wheelbarrows, trailers or canoes. They need to be pushed, pulled, or paddled. You're either moving other people to decisions or they're moving you. Decide to do something now to make YOUR life better. The Choice is yours."

That really strikes me. THE CHOICE IS YOURS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER. I hope you can think of some choices you could make to make your life better too. As my wife would say "Make good choices." and the correct answer is . . . "Yes dear".

Making choices to change for the better. Something that fits in your own skin. And maybe even looks good while you do it. This sounds like fun! Make it great! See you tomorrow.