It is the year 1963. A twelve-year-old boy sits in a pew at the back of an all-black church in Birmingham, Alabama, scribbling out math problems to pass the time as the service stretches on. Suddenly something the guest speaker says catches his attention: “If we can get the children to participate in this peaceful …
As a person who loves to learn something new every day, I tend to spend a lot of time thinking and brainstorming new ideas. I’m especially fond of brainstorming while walking or exercising, and also really enjoy brainstorming with colleagues. Often when I’m excited about a good idea, I send myself multiple voice messages to …
Balance. It’s something I believe we all want, but all tend to struggle with. There just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day or days in the week to fit in work, family, exercise, and a social life—not to mention hobbies, travel, or volunteer opportunities. What is the secret? How do we …
“Yes, talent is important. So is education and experience. But in the end, it is our character that makes or breaks us.” – Michael Hyatt We typically don’t think much about a house’s foundation until we start noticing cracks in the walls or doors that are sticking. Unfortunately at that point there’s already …
I have long been passionate about achieving greater success and helping others achieve greater success—however you define success. Today I want to take a closer look at exactly that—how we each define success. Darren Hardy, the founder and publisher of SUCCESS magazine, has the unique opportunity to intimately speak with some of the most …
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” This optimistic sentiment may not always be true, but there definitely are silver linings in a lot of difficult situations—if we choose to look for them. Last September, one Atlanta family chose to create their own silver lining in the midst of a …
We tend to put a much higher premium on action than we do thought. Though we’ve often heard the adage, “It’s the thought that counts,” we all know that just thinking about something isn’t the same as doing it. Even people who ‘get paid to think’ have to communicate those thoughts so that someone can …
By many standards, I have led a very successful life. I worked my way up from humble beginnings to enjoy a long career well suited to my talents and personality. Early in life I made some wise investments that are continuing to pay off today, enabling me to live comfortably and enjoy my ‘retirement.’ And …
One of the very best gifts that we can give to others is absolutely free, and yet extremely valuable. When given thoughtfully and sincerely, this gift will bring smiles and lift spirits. It will not only please and affirm the recipient, but also bring joy and satisfaction to the giver. Giving this gift is like …
“Maybe the most important promises that you ever make are not promises to someone else, but they’re promises to yourself.” – John C. Maxwell In one of his “Minute with Maxwell” videos, renowned author and speaker John Maxwell speaks about the word promises, touching on the critical importance of not just making promises, but …
As much as I’d like to, I can’t do everything. I’ve lived enough years to come to terms with the fact that there are simply some things I am not cut out to do. I will never be a figure skater, violin virtuoso, astrophysicist, or computer hacker.
Yes, I believe in my potential and my ability to learn new things. Yes, the possibilities are virtually limitless. But even out of all the things that…
...In the first chapter of his recently published book titled Sometimes You Win – Sometimes You Learn, John Maxwell correctly explains that many, if not most people believe and live the philosophy of “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. The message is: hope to win, expect to lose, and live with the results either way.” …
I have long believed and frequently repeated the phrase, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me!” Now I don’t mean that I have to do everything myself, or that I can’t delegate or ask others for help. I mean that I have to take responsibility for my life, my goals, and my …
We’ve all been there. Whether it was at the office, in line at the grocery store, or while shopping for Christmas presents, we’ve all witnessed or experienced those moments when someone becomes rude, unreasonable, or downright mean. At the end of it we walk away shaking our heads, a little angry and maybe a little hurt, but mostly just saddened that people choose to treat each other like that.
And if we’re painfully honest with ourselves, then we have to admit that we’ve been ‘that person’…
...It’s that time of year again. There’s just something about the beginning of a new year that inspires us to make big plans and set impressive goals. No matter that we didn’t quite reach last year’s goals, or that we have a history of reneging on personal resolutions within approximately a week and a …
Wow, what a year! 2013 has been one of a kind. This past Spring I enjoyed several weeks of traveling and photographing America the Beautiful in my Inspirational Vehicle (my motorhome). This Summer I wrapped up my traveling, launched my new website, and buckled down to focus on completing my book. This Fall my …
I read a blog post by Seth Godin earlier this year that reminded me that risks and opportunities often come in the same package. One example can be found in the form of ‘strangers.’ Godin said this: “From an evolutionary perspective, strangers represent danger. They are not only a direct threat, but carry …
Generosity is a beautiful thing. I have been privileged to be an observer, a receiver, and a giver of generosity in many ways throughout my life. Generosity and simple, sincere kindness go hand in hand, and I will never cease to be amazed at the power of kindness. Whether it’s observing a …
Like most people, I tend to spend time with people who are like me. The friends and colleagues who I most often find myself hanging out with and speaking to usually share similar interests, have the same values as I do, come from a background like mine, or are in the same season of life as I am.
As speaker and author Bill Treasurer explains it…
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