“There are no overachievers; we all have an almost infinite supply of potential.” Source: Beyond Success, Brian D. Biro “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” That over-the-top, seemingly unbelievable statement, often quoted by 21st Century writers and speakers, was made by best-selling author Napoleon Hill (1883-1970). How do you evaluate such a statement? Does it seem to be an exaggeration? Perhaps this is a step too far even for the ‘positive thinking … [Read more...]
Five Minutes
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Old Chinese proverb. When searching through your web browser for the topic, “how to be happy,” massive articles and opinions written about this subject suddenly appear on your computer screen. Within each article are lists of options you can consider and adopt as part of your thinking, promising the result of happiness. We all want happiness, individually, as well as contentment for the important people in our lives. For the … [Read more...]
Limitations
“A man’s got to know his limitations.” (Source: Magnum Force, spoken by Clint Eastwood as Harry Callahan) I am not going to win any kind of Olympic contest during my life time. Age and capability are concrete evidence at this juncture. Does this prove to those radical, positive-thinking gurus (of which I have been accused) that you can’t do everything? There are limitations. There is a thing called reality. “Face the brutal facts!” advises Jim Collins in his book, Good to Great. Not … [Read more...]
Zack
“Example is leadership.” Albert Schweitzer, M.D., Ph.D., Nobel Laureate We are attending the memorial service for our nephew, Zachary Stevens, who is only 25 years old at the time of his tragic death, due to an automobile accident. . His father, David, is my wife’s brother. Zack leaves other cherished immediate family members including his mother Cindy and sister Savannah. The service is being held at the church he attended in his youth. Zack’s former pastor remembers him as a leader- one … [Read more...]
This time, it will be different
‘Effort and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.’ John F. Kennedy The numerous holidays that close one year and launch another often become the catalyst for serious reflection on our current status and the future ahead. While this may be the time we search our souls for wisdom regarding the future, I believe that anytime during the year is a good time. I heartily encourage doing this at least once a year. Recently I had the opportunity to answer the following question: How … [Read more...]
The Breakfast
“The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance. “ Brian Tracy In a phone conversation, he asks if I would be willing to share a few words at an upcoming breakfast. He is Marty O’Malley, Financial Life Leader and Director of L’Arche Mobile, a non-profit organization that is a favorite of Carol’s, my wife, and mine. Involved with this group a long time, we have contributed financially and with many volunteer hours. Our participation evolves over … [Read more...]
Broken Glass
“There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself.” Henry David Thoreau It’s not the first time for my sisters and me. The shattering sound confirms that the drink container that was in my hand seconds earlier is now in many pieces on the hardwood floor. My first reaction to the mishap is disbelief – surely it had not occurred. How could I be so clumsy? My second reaction is to apologize, of course, but … [Read more...]
Intelligence Quotient
“There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder.” Ronald W. Reagan What is your IQ? If you do not know the actual score, you probably have some general idea. What does this number mean to you? It’s a measure of general intelligence, right? People with higher IQs are purportedly smarter than people with lower levels. Do you agree with this conclusion? If you are in the category of those measuring higher, the answer is definitely … [Read more...]
Letting Go
“. . . Forgiveness is letting go of the past. . . .”Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. One of my personal challenges is the inability to completely let go of past mistakes. I would like to say that it comes from a ‘perfectionist attitude’ toward some key areas in which my expectation is that of greatness. It is almost a comical contradiction in terms to associate me with perfection per se. Just ask my wife! She could easily point out areas that need major improvement. I do, though, embrace the … [Read more...]
Fourth Quarter
“It’s always too early to quit.” Norman Vincent Peale If you have ever watched a college football game, you know the sign that football players make as soon as the clock ticks off the final seconds of the third quarter. Players point four fingers in the air to emphasize that the fourth quarter is about to start. It predicts and commits them to the effort they will make in the final segment of the game. They intend to give it their all . . . to leave everything on the field. They want to … [Read more...]
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