What Or Who Inspires You?

The Power Behind Being Inspired

"I take inspiration from everyone and everything.  I'm inspired by current champions, former champions, true competitors, people dedicated to their dream, hard workers, dreamers, believers, achievers."...Conor McGregor

Who or what inspires you?  The power behind being inspired is nothing short of miraculous. Is there any child who has grown up who hasn't had an incredible role model to be influenced by?  I sincerely doubt it.  There are inspirations from every arena of life. Sports, music, inventors entertainment, business, religion, the humanities, and yes...even politics.

I love that quote from Conor McGregor and can honestly say that as a child I looked at many different personalities and historical figures and was fascinated by their accomplishments.  Thomas Edison, John F. Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, Elvis, Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower and so many more great achievers caught my interest. I use to go to the library and get a biography and spend hours reading about them, their origins and the journey of their lives, and ultimately the accomplishments that they made.

Now, as I've grown older, I can say that my inspiration comes from an even broader cross section of people.  The hero's of everyday life inspire me tremendously.  The first responders like the police or firefighters.  Our incredible military personnel.  The doctors and nurses who serve in all the hospitals across our great country and around the world.  The people who serve others in some shape and fashion.  And then there are the hard working people of our country who embrace the grind and forge ahead on an everyday basis to provide a living for their children and families.  And we can never forget the people who are thrust into life and death situations who fight the battles that nobody invites into their lives, but arrive anyway...the people who heroically fight diseases.

And then there are our non human inspirations.  The many different wildlife that shares this planet with us, the endless beauty of nature that surrounds us.  The splendid mountains that thrust themselves up towards the heavens, the rivers, lakes and oceans, that sustain us and which we boat upon.  The canyons and valleys that cross our country.  It's not hard to find inspiration in almost anything that nature provides for us...if we can take just a moment to look around us and enjoy it all.

How bout yourself?  You may...or may not...consider yourself a source of inspiration but that matters not.  We often do not know exactly how many people...our friends, family members, coworkers, etc... have took note of the way we live our lives and the deeds we have done.  I can assure you more people than you realize have YOU  inspired through your life.  It may have been some courage you displayed or an obstacle you overcame.  It may be the humour and kindness you display...or the quiet dignity you carry yourself with. 

It's ok to be inspired at any age!  Dream big.  Fantasize.  Establish big goals that you want to achieve.  Plan them out and seek out the assistance of others to help make them come true.  As the always super motivational Les Brown says: "You have greatness within you!"  Tap into it and it will serve to inspire others.  Share yourself with the world.  Ask yourself what or who inpires you?  Chances are you share some of the exact same characteristics of what inpires you.

Thanks for reading this post.  That inspires me right there!

Until the next time...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

How To Ask For Help With Something

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

"Unity is strength...when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved."...Mattie Stepanek

Sometimes we get in our own way.  One of the ways in which this happens is when we stubbornly refuse to ask for help.  I have been guilty of this many times, especially in my younger days, and because of this it's definitely something I'm trying to impress upon my two sons.  The world is filled with people who actually want you to succeed, but it's pretty important to realize you're going to have to seek these people out...they're probably not going to stumble upon your front door tomorrow...or anytime soon.

I think we're pretty much hardwired to help each other.  It feels good to help someone.  There is an emotional payoff in doing so. It's great to be able to watch a person succeed and know that you played a role in it, especially when that person expresses, in some small way, that they appreciate the help.

The best way to learn how to ask for help with something is to just do it!  Yep. Just like the Nike slogan.  Realize that all people have been on the receiving end of someone else's help at some point or another.  I found that a very straight forward approach works best: "Hey _____, I was hoping you could help me out with something.  I'm trying to _____ and I know you're pretty good at it.  It would mean a lot to me if I could get your opinion on it."  You can word it anyway you want to...the important thing is to muster up the courage and ask for the help that you need.  Don't let foolish pride or your ego get in the way of you achieving your goals.

It should be very apparent to us all that the most successful people have mastered approaching others and asking for help.  This often can lead to long standing friendships and even collaborations centered around a common goal or interest.  We do not live in a vacuum of space, and whatever you are interested in there are thousands, and even millions of people with the same exact interest. Living in the incredible information age that we do, with anything being accessible through the internet, you can find experts, groups, forums, books, etc...to help you seek out the guidance you need, should someone not be readily available in your local community.

Remember, the expert in anything was once a beginner.  People want to help you achieve your goals and self actualize.  You do not have to "go it alone".  Teamwork makes the dream work.  Form the habit of becoming interested in others.  Note what they do for their occupation.  Take note of their interests and hobbies.  You would be surprised at who knows what, and at anytime in the future that genuine interest that you developed in other people can pay off should you have an obstacle or problem you need help with.  You'll know who you can turn to.

In closing I'd like to point out that a "team" can be one person helping you...like a friend, family member, or mentor...someone that you're "teaming up with", or it can be a group or organization that you can join to get the help you are seeking.  It all depends on what you're looking to get help with.

Until next time...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

   

Patience...The Often Overlooked Component Of Success

It Takes Time To Achieve Anything Worthwhile.

"Have patience.  All things are difficult before they become easy."...Saadi

We live in a world of instant gratification.  It's probably the end result of being absolutely spoiled by the technology that surrounds us. People tend to forget how different things were not too long ago. The younger crowd?  Forget about it!  They laugh out loud when you tell them that at one time you had to turn on the oven to reheat some leftovers instead of zapping it in the microwave for 30 seconds!  Ok, I'm probably dating myself with that example...but it's true.  I actually remember when the first microwaves came out. We were absolutely amazed.  But our lives operate a little bit different than some left over spaghetti.  It takes time to achieve anything worthwhile.  And that requires patience from us.  Patience is the often overlooked component of success.  

We're often unrealistic in the time frame it requires to reach our goals.  We see the people who have achieved what we want to achieve and we become mesmerized by the circumstances they are able to enjoy.  The cold hard reality is that the most successful amongst us had to persevere for a long time! The bigger the achievement, the longer the journey.  A successful doctor had to put in many, many years of schooling to earn his degree.  He had to pay his dues in residency and then build up his practice.  He grinded for a loooong time!  A professional or Olympic athlete usually began their chosen sport when they were just little kids.  Absolutely countless hours of practice and years of competition came before the final spectacular performance that leaves the world audience breathless and amazed.  The successful comedian or actor/actress has go through acting classes and many rehearsals and auditions to 

before they get discovered or recognized.

"Patience is a virtue" was a common phrase used by many in generations gone by.  I'm not sure if it's still said with regularity but if it's not then it should be!  The need for patience needs to be cultivated and practiced by anyone looking to enact major change in their lives, or people who want to accomplish their long term goals. Set goals.  Develop a plan to achieve your goals.  Work hard with determination and stay the course.  Modify along the way if need be. Persist.  Have patience.  You can achieve anything if you can discipline yourself to do what is necessary over the long haul.

Until next time...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose    

The Rabbit Hole Of Modern Living

The Rabbit Hole That Is Facebook

"It time be of all things the most precious, wasting time must be the greatest prodigality."...Benjamin Franklin

I remember when I first joined Facebook. It was awesome being able to reconnect with old classmates and catch up.  It was like a cyber class reunion!  Within a few short weeks I caught up with literally dozens of childhood friends and others who I lost track with over the years.  It's a remarkable thing.  Instantly we were able to share pictures of our children and family and recall memorable stories and talk about sports and so much more.  Absolutely incredible.  But nobody warned me about the rabbit hole that is facebook!

I know you know what I'm talking about! Along with the ability to reminisce came all the other posts that suck you in...the politics, the funny animal videos, the news stories...and of course the 999 comments that go along with all these virals posts. You can get on Facebook, and if you're not time conscious and disciplined before you know it you're running late for work or school or any of a number of important things.  Not good.

I was reading an article not too long ago that said that many kids are getting sucked into the rabbit hole of modern living also. Many kids, because they can't even relate to a world without the technology that many of us saw the invention and advent of, find separating from their smart phones an anxiety filled situation. Personally I had to make sure my sons didn't have their phones in their rooms with them when it was time to hit the sack.  Between texting, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites I'm not even in the know about, it can be a real problem! So yeah...the rule in the Kiussis household is no phones in the bedroom when it's time for bed.  Sleep is very important. 

Some of us, when we were kids, use to love reading.  That was our rabbit hole.  At night time we would use a flashlight to read a book under our covers if we were that engrossed.  I'm sure you remember that.  Good times.

Recently I deactivated my Facebook account.  Just too much noise and distraction.  Plus I missed reading books. So I made a concerted effort to begin reading again in whatever downtime I have.  I have to tell you it's been great! Seriously.  But it was not easy.  It took about three days before the urge to log into my Fb account and see what was happening in my newsfeed waned.  I think I even had a slight withdrawal from it lolol! Seriously. There's definitely an addiction component to it!

So now I will go forward with the strategy of jumping on at a set time, or set a time limit on how long I will stay on.  I'm still working it out.  The one thing I know, however, is that my love for books will never disappear, and I will never let the rabbit hole of modern living come between me and a good book ever again.  Not going to happen!  I'll keep you posted.

Until next time...
#YouMatterTremendously
#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

Check out this video.  You'll find it very interesting if you've ever wondered why we are so attached to our technology.

  

          

How To Be More Productive

The Power Of The "To Do" List

"If we boost productivity, we can improve economic growth."...Tony Abbott

Without a doubt the very best way for you to become more productive and more efficient is to incorporate a daily "To Do" list. You hear a lot of talk concerning time management related to the discussion of productivity.  The reality is that you  cannot manage time.  We all have the same twenty four hours in a day to work with. It goes by at the same speed as everybody else's does.  What we can do...what we do have control over...is activity management.  And the power of the "To Do" list is THE time tested method for mastering activity management.  This is the first thing to master in learning how to be more productive.

Personally I prefer the old school method of pen and paper when creating my to do lists.  But in these modern times you have plenty of options.  You can create your daily "To Do" list on your phone or tablet, and yes there are even apps that you can check out if you're so inclined.  The choice is yours.  The important thing is using a method that you're going to stick with.

We can't trust our memory to get things done.  You'll disappoint yourself.  Believe me I've done it a thousand times.  Too many things pop up during the course of our day that compete for our attention, time, & energy.  Distractions galore!  Having a "To Do" list allows us to stay on course...to be organized...to have a game plan on how we are going to attack our day.  After utilizing a daily list for any stretch of time you'll find that you're getting things done.  And it's a great feeling checking things off of your "To Do" list!  It gives you a sense of accomplishment.

I personally like to create my "To Do" list towards the end of my day. Everybody has a different style and approach.  Some prefer to make theirs in the morning before they begin the day.  As you begin to utilize a "To Do" list with regularity, you will soon see that you can strategize your day better by giving certain "high importance" activities priority. 

It's also important to realize that you don't have to be a slave to your daily "To Do' List.  As a matter of fact it's best to just prioritize your list by the activities that create the most impact for you...the ones that "pack a punch"...if you will.  Many advocates of "To Do" lists only advocate putting a few, no more than three, high priority activities on your list.  Personally I feel that's for the individual to decide. Some have a lot more energy and less demands on them throughout the day than others.

At the end of the day it all boils down to the fact that "To Do" lists help you manage your activities better...in a more efficient manner. Properly utilized you'll create more time for yourself and be way less stressed out.  It helps you honor your committments and stay on top of things.  As we all know well focus is everything. Click here for an article that can give you more insight on the benefits of using a "To Do" list.  

Until next time...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

The Power Of Being An Optimist

As You Think So Shall It Be

"Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress."...Nicholas M. Butler

Being an optimist gives you an undeniable edge in every facet of life. It's rooted in belief and faith, both in oneself and in the world in which we live.  The power of being an optimist is that when problems or setbacks occur, as they eventually will, you have the understanding that "this too shall pass" and can see past the momentary obstacles.  As you think so shall it be.

Our history books are filled with accounts of optimism.  Often there is a strong leader associated with these events whose unparalled optimism can give courage and hope to an entire nation of people. Winston's Churchill's leadership during World War 2 is a fantastic example of this.

Imagine a world without unyielding optimism.  Doesn't sound like a lot of fun does it?  I'm a big believer in the fact that optimism can be cultivated...even if you've been a total pesstimist your entire life. I would suggest trying to be more aware of your overall attitude. Whenever you catch yourself caving in to a pessimistic thought pattern try to replace it with an optimistic positive thought.  Mental "spin control" so to speak.  Give it a real go for a substantial amount of time because replacing ingrained thought patterns won't happen in a day or two.  But I can speak from experience that the more you practice maintaining a mindset of optimism and positivity, the easier it will become AND the better you will be for it.

Also...safeguard your optimism.  Recognize quickly the people who have a "woah is me" attitude and pessimistic out look on everything. Gravitate towards people who are upbeat and enthusiastic about their life.  People who exude a confident, positive, optimistic vibe. It's all about the Law of Attraction people!

Until the next time...

#YouMatterTremendously
#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

Why The World Will Miss Prince

Prince Was Authentic

"All these non-singing, non-dancing, wish-I-had-me-some-clothes fools who tell me my albums suck.  Why should I pay attention to them?"...Prince

If you spent the better part of the Eighties in your teen years, like I did, then without question you know exactly what I mean when I say Prince was authentic.  An original.  One of a kind.  He exploded into national recognition with a visual and musical style that was unique and unapolegically his own. 

Sure the Eighties were characterized in general by a kind of excessive look...big hair, parachute pants, etc...and sure other huge stars like Madonna and Michael Jackson were also pretty wild looking and unique...but nobody...and I mean nobody...owned that persona more comepletely than Prince.

That's what, aside from his lyrical and instrumental genius, made him so successful in being able to have crossover fans like myself. Sure, I was mostly hard rock and heavy metal, but there was no denying the immeasurable talent and charisma that Prince had. What teenage boy who watched Purple Rain...the smash movie that really made him famous...couldn't relate to the angst that he suffered in regards to his music, his gorgeous girlfriend, and his relationship with his father.

His was a unique story.  A tremendous career and individual whose hallmark was just being himself.  The man, and his unlimited musical creativity, will be missed.  

There is something very special and powerful in finding...and then being...your most authentic self.  It seems that the people who are able to reconnect with that part of themselves are the happiest on Earth.  I say reconnect because I am of the opinion that most of us go wayward somewhere in young adulthood.  There is nothing more enviable to a grown up...trapped in the grind of a lifestyle that is killing them slowly...than the unadulterated freedom and self expression of a young person not yet robbed of their dreams.

What would your life look like if you had of never gave in to the conformity of working that 9-5 that you stumbled into, all because you wanted to please other people?  Isn't it possible that with a little more grit and determination...with a little more resiliency and a little less fear...you might have been able to tap into the true talents and abilities that you have within you?  Perhaps you are doing exactly what you wanted to be doing when you were a child.  If so congratulations because you are a successful person!  But if there is a passion that you have repressed...a talent or ability that you've been keeping within you...then chances are the world hasn't been exposed to the most authentic version of you that there is.  That's food for thought. 

RIP Prince...and thank you for your authentic brilliance.

Until next time...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

Clink here to see today's video and watch Prince rock 100,000 people and 1,000,000 total around the world.  He was totally in his element...the Purple Rain.