CHALLENGING PEOPLE - CHALLENGING TIMES

 

CHALLENGING PEOPLE - CHALLENGING TIMES

In a time when many people are re-evaluating their ability to prosper and what that means to the security of their families, we are reminded of a well know and often forgotten message given to us by our founding fathers.

The vision of the Declaration of Independance was to ensure that people were afforded the opportunity to follow their dreams, and live in a society that is free from big government, and the oppression of totalitarian rule. Who we are as a nation, and as a people, has evolved, and in many ways, our country has chosen to ignore the values and ideals of what our nation was founded upon.

The written words of our American Declaration clearly define our governing values.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

I am deeply saddened that in a time of international unrest, when nations are raising up against nations, and innocent people are being slaughtered as a result of evil dictatorships, America has lost her vision, and rather than resist the temptation to become a socialist society, we are pandering to governments who hold the mortgage on our freedoms. Communicating effectively today requires that we maintain a dispasstionate approach as not to offend or alienate our listeners. If we take a position that differs with the idologies of those who are committed to so changing our society, we're branded as fundamental radicals.

When people become so furious with the status quo, they stand up and demand change. During the years 1775 - 1783, the American Revolution, also known as the War of Independence, was waged against Great Britain. It would be foolish to think our corrupt standards of government today can be sustained in their current form without a second American Revolution. It is certainly within reason to believe, the next war of independence will most certainly become a battle for our freedoms, and the values upon which our nation was originally founded.

Recently, I was reminded by a business associate that people are offended by the spoken word of God. Regardless of your religious or political affiliation, I was unaware the U S Constitutional was no longer valid.

                                        First Amendment - Religion and Expression

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

My fellow Americans, at the risk of offending those who do not support our freedoms and would much prefer the status quo to continue, I leave you with the words of that famous and beloved song, God Bless America.

God Bless America

Words and music by Irving Berlin
© Copyright 1938, 1939 by Irving Berlin
© Copyright Renewed 1965, 1966 by Irving Berlin
© Copyright Assigned to the Trustees of the God Bless America Fund
International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved.
Used by Permission

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. "

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.

Servant Leadership

When people are less concerned with who gets credit for a job well done, it’s amazing how much gets accomplished. We’ve all heard it said that great leaders are the biggest servants of all. Becoming a person of influence requires us to understand the key relationship between having others tend to our needs, and our commitment to serving those in our organization. When we place a greater value on what others can do for us, and not what we can do for others, we lose of ability to inspire others to lead by example.

For years I have been an outspoken advocate on leading by example and not by words. We all have areas in our life, which need to be changed. Servant leadership is reflection of our willingness to meet the needs of those in our organization. When we change our focus from “us” to “them”, we begin to understand other people from an entirely different point of view.

I recently added the phrase “Each One – Teach One” to our corporate philosophy. As we begin to understanding that we are all students who will in turn, help others become better, our perspective changes, and we become more sensitive to the needs of others. When we focus on other people, we learn compassion and empathy.

It’s not the mistakes we make in life that matters, it’s how quickly we overcome our own challenges, which empowers us to serve others in a highly effective way.

During his inaugural speech, John F. Kennedy said, “ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”

Ask yourself this question several times a day: “How can I best use my unique talents and gifts to be of service to others?” Then, listen for the answer. Once you let your ego know that this isn’t just about me, the unconscious part of you that wants to contribute something of value starts to speak up. Chances are, within a few days (if not a few hours) you’ll get some clear indications about the best path for you.

Dick Richards, the author of the fabulous book, is your Genius at work, writes, “knowledge of purpose will arrive only after the demands of ego have been transcended enough to allow that knowledge to enter awareness”.

By “ego” I mean that set of personal underlying programs that concern themselves only with their own survival and gain… Those programs drive out what is needed to seize and run with a purpose: courage, willingness, surrender, open-mindedness, and other-centeredness.

Servant Leadership can best be summed up in the words of Vince Lombardi.

"A leader must identify himself with the group, must back up the group, even at the risk of displeasing superiors. He must believe that the group wants from him a sense of approval. If this feeling prevails, production, discipline, morale will be high, and in return, you can demand the cooperation to promote the goals of the company."

Remember that Leadership is character is motion, without a solid foundation, we are merely manipulating people for our own self-serving purposes. When we genuinely learn to serve others, we become earn the respect and loyalty of others.

Faith – A Believers Walk Through Life

The Bible defines “Faith” as the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things unseen. As a frequent business traveler, I spend a great amount of time jetting to and from cities across these great United States. After the charming experience with TSA, I find myself boarding a modern jet in hopes of arriving safely at my destination on or about the expected time of arrival. I never question or even think to ask if the flight I have just boarded has the proper amount of pressurization to ensure I will have enough oxygen as we’re cruising the skies at 500 miles an hour. Nor do we think to ask when the last inspection was performed to be assured a safe journey, yet we have faith in the big name airline and feel reasonably secure to entrust our life to people we hardly know.

I am often reminded that Faith is our compass in the night when clouds obscure even the stars above. How we choose to live our life comes down to two basic principles. What we believe and in whom we trust to make things happen.

I have recently begun the process of relocating my business and personal residence. I must tell you that no matter how much planning one does, situations seem to always arise which cause you to ask yourself, if what you’re doing is the right thing. I am often reminded that just before a great victory comes unexpected storms and unwanted challenges. People of great faith understand that when we fall back onto our beliefs, we know for sure that no matter what obstacles we face, we will overcome.

Faith is our assurance that our path is secure as we walk calmly into un-chartered territory. No matter how much effort we invest, the best results come when we just trust and obey. Developing greater faith requires us to trust in what we believe to be true; a willingness to step beyond our comfort zones, and allow miracles to be unfolded in our daily lives.

In today’s uncertain times, we must become people of great faith. Life offers each of us many blessings; too often we become caught up in our human experience to remember that we are all spiritual creatures enjoying a brief earthly journey. Perhaps the goal for us all is to ask our creator what the real purpose of our life is, then as we move boldly ahead, our faith and our lives will certainly reflect our reason for being.

Make a difference in someone’s life today, we have no guarantee we will ever have the opportunity again.


Michael

Life, Liberty and the "Pursuit" of Happiness

As Americans, we have a rich history of men and women who have passionately pursued and realized their dreams. Thomas Jefferson, who is recognized as the author of the Bill of Rights, eloquently stated, all men were created equal, and have been given the rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

What most people miss in that time honored and powerful message, which has become the foundation of our legacy, is that we have not been granted happiness, we have been given the right to "Pursue Happiness” Let us never forget that happiness is a choice, and a decision we must make daily.

Realizing our dreams requires daily commitment, persistence, passion, and most of all the willingness to say, I REFUSE TO QUIT! Success is available to all those who seek to achieve and realize their dreams. The price we pay for our happiness is in direct proportion to the size of our dream and our dedication to doing what is right. Doing the right thing isn't always convenient, yet it’s always the right thing to do.

One of my biggest dreams for 2007 is to have a profound impact in the lives of those I am fortunate and blessed to be coaching and teaching. In the end, when we are asked to give an account of our lives, I hope that God will look upon me as say, good and faithful servant, in thee, I am well pleased. Who are you striving to serve?

Making a difference in the lives of others will substantially increase our joy, and bring us a new level happiness. I heard it best said. "Each One-Teach One" What a wonderful world we would live in, if we all could embrace the attitude of adding to the joy and happiness of another person.

Make today, your best day ever.


Michael

"Choosing to be Happy”

Can you believe that it's 2012? I recently turn 49 and have been asking myself, where did the past 20 years of my life go? We've all heard the saying, "If I knew then what I know now, I'd be a rich famous person" I have come to the realization that being happy is definitely a "CHOICE". 

I am often asked by people who attend my Motivational Seminars how I keep a positive and upbeat attitude. My answer is always the same. I choose to be happy. Knowing that life is an opportunity to grow and become my personal best, the responsibility for my happiness is all mine. Sure it would be great to have people whose sole purpose in life, was to feed my ego and spend their time making sure I'm happy. Now back to reality on plant earth, life, as we all know, doesn't work that way.

I am often reminded that we become most like the books we read, and the people we associate with. Since iron sharpens iron I am always careful whom I allow into my life. The best example of maintaining a positive attitude can be best summed up by the saying; don't become susceptible to the negative influences of other people.

I find that reading positive books which challenge me to think differently and cause me to constantly re-evaluate my priorities, I am able to stay focused on what matters most, and always be thankful for the many blessing in my life. Getting to the next level both personally and professionally demands that I become better.

When the teacher is the best student he will ever have, the student will always have a great teacher. Learning what not to do, has been as important for me as understanding the phrase, "Doing the Right-Thing". 

As I look ahead, I understand my purpose in life is helping other people realize their truest potential. I must be the example, and I say that with great humility. The responsibility of helping other people is one of the greatest joys in my life. I have learned though my many mistakes that life is a daring adventure, and remaining focused on my dream brings me great joy and happiness.

I've said many times, when you're going though hell, DON'T Stop! Happiness is a matter of choice, which so many of us forget to make. Each January many people make their "New Years Resolutions", and sometime between mid March and Tax Day, they're all too forgotten.

The many excuses we find to justify our abandonment of what we spent so much time committing to, is a sad representation of how easily we quit, just before something great is about to happen. I submit that if we just remain committed and stay the course, the results will be surprisingly positive. My advice to myself and to all of you is the same.

Refuse to quit, stay focuses and whatever you do, NEVER SETTLE for second best.

Make today, your best day ever!


Michael