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?

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.

Not So Bad

You know I think that we forget that life's not really that hard. We worry so much about results sometimes that we forget that it's really just putting one foot in front of the other and taking one step at a time. Just take those small steps.

Think about it. In just your normal day to get from point A to point B. You just walk. One step at a time. And before you know it. You turn around and look back realizing that you've traveled some distance and you're closer to where you want to be.

Take a moment with me today and realize how far you've traveled. REALLY!! Even if you've been off course so to speak you covered some distance, you've been places and done things. Negative or positive there have been things to learn from and your a different person for having taken the journey.

This isn't some kind of sloppy "Oh, I'm okay, your okay" post. This is real and where you've been is real! It' may not be where you're going or what you ultimately want to be, but IT"S REAL! And your growing because of it. Heck I'm not at all what I want to be yet. But I'm not giving up and I'll bet my journey has been longer than a lot of yours.

So celebrate the journey with me today. You are great and becoming greater. Why? because you're taking life one step at a time and to look back only shows you the distance traveled. Cool Huh?

So here's to the journey. Stay focused on where your going. Don't let go of your dreams and just take one step at a time. It's so easy. See you soon. Better than average.

It's Been A While

It's been a while since my last post. Okay let's be honest, it's been a long while. I don't know if it's been just distractions and ultra business or laziness. Maybe some of both. But I know I shouldn't be that way. I have been reassured that we all have those moments and as things go you have to just get back on the horse and start riding again. So, here I am.

And you know that's the lesson really. Get up and get going. In the beginning of things it always seems that the work out weighs the results. But you have to keep at it. The major book that I read says that we'll see results if we don't grow weary in doing good, or what's right, and may I add be consistent. So if you're like me and you fall off, or fall down occasionally. Do like the old song says. "Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again." That's what I'm doing today. Why don't you join me?

You know as I think about it, average folk probably just quit, and that can't be us. As one blog I read recently said, "Your better than that." And you are. So am I. That's my stand, and I'm stickin to it. How about you?

Look for me tomorrow. I'll be here. And if you've stopped by lately only to see the same old post, please accept my apologies for being out for so long.

Here's to being better than average.

Something to Think About.

Lately I've been entertaining the thought that absolutely every thing in life is tied to self discipline. An ugly thought I know. Especially if you struggle with the subject and as I've come to realize, you do - if; you jump from one thing to the next without completion, try to do to much at once because so many things seem exciting, eat to much, drink to much or watch to many infomercials.

But any way . . . focus! Because we lack self discipline we also struggle with low self esteem. I mean think about it. If you were self disciplined, and focused, completing your tasks, reaching your goals. You'd feel better about yourself.

It seems that to many of us live on an island called "Someday". Like, tomorrow I'll get to that (Diet, exercise program, read more, do better, etc . . . ) Really "Someday" I'm going to consider that. Or, Your right, "Someday" I'm going to do something about that.

Let me tell you something I've realized. "Someday" is like tomorrow, IT NEVER COMES! When tomorrow gets here it's always "Today" and our excuses are still living in "Tomorrow" to keep us comfortable!

The absolute first step to success in anything is to VOTE YOURSELF OFF THE ISLAND! That's right vote yourself off "Someday Island" and take your stand in the self discipline of completing your tasks TODAY! I think some people call it taking action. TAKE ACTION TODAY. Don't wait for the tomorrow that never comes. Don't waste your time making up excuses for yourself to make you feel better. Today's the only day that's going to make a difference and if your trying to be better than average consider this. OVER 80% of the world's current population lives on "Sometime Island". That's one ___ big island! Can we all say "AWK!" together?

In fighting an enemy called average it pays great dividends to live some where other than were the majority lives. GET UP AND MOVE OFF THE ISLAND TODAY! Do something that you can make a habit of that takes you out of the average and off "Someday Island". Today I will _______ (You fill in the blank) and then when tomorrow becomes today DO IT AGAIN!

Vote yourself off the island today and form a small habit that makes you different than the crowd. Remember, I'm pulling for ya. See you latter.

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 . . .

Thinking about it!

Hey blog lovers!

My apologies for being away so long. Frankly I don't know how a daily columnist does it. I try but woof. . . !

Anyway . . . the fight goes on. You know life jumps up and bites you in the a__ occasionaly, but you've gotta keep moving forward. Set a target, take aim and go for it no matter what. I believe that everyone who stops here for a read has the power within them to be better.

Here's what I've been concentrating on lately. Thoughts. That's right. Here's something I read recently, "Be careful what you think. Because your thoughts run your life." You see, if we start changing our thinking then our words will change (how we talk about ourselves and others), then our actions will change creating new habits, and then AWESOME RESULTS! Cool huh?!

Did you realize that thinking (or saying) something as seemingly innocent as "That makes me sick." can effect you personally? Every time you have a sad, angry or unkind thought, your brain releases chemicals that cause stress in your body! That's why some of us get a headache or a stomach ache when we get emotionally upset.

So what are you thinking? Because your body reacts to every positive thought you have also. In a good way. Your brain releases chemicals that relax you and make you feel good. I mean come on, who doesn't want to feel better?

This goes a long way on fighting the enemy called average. If we would all start thinking differently . . . well just think what could happen. You know if enough of us would do this a world could change. So start with yours. I know you can do it.
Thinking better and seeing you later.

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.

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 . . .

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.

The Angry Rant!

I AM SO TIRED OF THE AVERAGE SAME OLD, SAME OLD!

"Average performers live their lives in first gear, resisting or ignoring change and avoiding risk! The masses all have the same talent and opportunity as the world class; yet they choose to play it safe and avoid the pain of possible failure and the uncertainty of (temporary) defeat."

Don't statements like that just tick you off! They do me! It's like I find myself playing not to lose too often, or playing to cruise. And it gets me no where. Just the same old thing. This whole journey out of the average is really causing me to take stock on a regular basis and see where I headed. Or if I'm even moving at all. The scariest thing I encounter regularly is the fact that if I don't do something, make at least a little change, take a little risk, that everything will be exactly the same in the future. And that more than anything is starting to scare me.

I mean really! Do you want to wake up in five or ten years and find that everything is still the same!?!

Really! I (we) need to make a commitment to spend as much time as possible PLAYING TO WIN, and quit play to just exist! The later is just boring!(Oh, and has no future by the way.) In a world that is changing, and all of the so call guarantees are fading fast. We have to shift gears and get out of our comfort zones to challenge ourselves to realize our true potential. In each one of us is something more than we presently are. Maybe reading a new book (something other than fiction), or spend a few minutes a day contemplating the way you wish things were (Dreaming), or doing one thing outside the norm. Could change the entire landscape of our existence.

I spent time with a guy this week that has such awesome potential and if (when) he finds that one thing that clicks with him. His AH-HA moment! With his personality and latent talent, he is going to open literally thousands of new doors.

Here's a challenge! SHIFT GEARS into the possibilities! Take a chance this week on the "Maybe it'll work". Try one thing that you've never done. Oh it's exciting! I for one am after the new things. The challenges. Yeah some of it's scary. But something tells me the payoff is awesome.

Ignore the mountain and envision the ride down the other side after the victory of getting to the top. See you on the other side. 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!

Never Give Up! Never Surrender!

"Never Give Up! Never Surrender" is a line from the movie "Galaxy Quest" with Tim Allen. I don't remember the movie that much accept that they were actors that ended up in a real battle in outer space and fighting for their lives and the lives of another race. Isn't that we what we are fighting the enemy called average for? Our lives to be better and for the lives of those around us to hopefully be effected? I believe so.

I read recently that "Belief comes before results." I know that's true and you do to. We struggle with things because we don't believe in the out come. But we should ask in that, "Where is faith?" So in the words of Tim Allen, "Never give up! Never surrender!" Choose to believe today in a better way. Today things will change (or begin to), today I choose the better life, today I choose to remain on the quest to be better than average, today I will measure my dreams and hopes with my belief of a different outcome. LIFE WILL NOT BE AVERAGE!

My life hero asks of me the same thing. To believe in a better way. Try it. You'll like it. Better yet - do it. It works! Believe. See you 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 . . .