The Secret Sauce Behind Your Effort

What Is Your Why? 

"Every character is asking: 'What's my place?  Why am I here?'  I don't want the answer to be 'Just because.'  You find your own purpose.  Each finds the reasons to be here and contribute."...Sharon Creech

I'm pretty sure everybody would agree that in order to achieve anything in life you have to give forth a certain amount of effort. And it stands to reason that the more effort you put forth, the more you'll get in return.  As the saying goes: "Hard work pays off."  The secret sauce behind your very best effort however, is knowing what motivates you.  It's knowing the answer to the question: "What is your WHY?" 

Everybody has reasons behind whatever it is that they choose to do in this world. Based on everything I've learned from knowing, observing, and studying high achievers, all of them have a very clearly defined WHY behind their tremendous efforts and achievements.  Having a very clearly defined and compelling reason WHY is a prerequisite to success.  It will provide you with the extra motivation and desire that you need to overcome the challenges and obstacles that you are sure to encounter in pursuit of your goals. 

Your WHY is usually personal and deep rooted.  Often...but not always...a person's WHY originates from a place of pain.  It may be that a person has hit rock bottom in a situation and they made a promise to themselves that they were going to make a substantial change.  It may be stemming from a type of loss that one suffered, or that one possibly faces if strong action isn't taken.  Or it could be that a person recognizes a special talent or skill that they possess, and are challenging themselves to become the all time best at something.  They realize that they owe it to themselves to self optimize.  Or it could be that somebody's WHY is very altruistic. The reason they do their best and give it their all is for other people. To provide for them.  Once again, your reason is personal. I mean, of course you can share it with other people, but it comes from within...it's something that you don't have to justify to others.  It's something that has deep meaning to you, and that you feel passionate about.  It could be connected to a big dream you have.

I would advocate writing your WHY down on paper and connecting it to your goals. Don't just write it down, but review it several times a day...especially in demanding moments.  This can serve as an excellent source of motivation.  For example if you're a salesman you could write "I want to be the number one salesman in my district by the end of this year in order to give my family the dream vacation in Europe that they always wanted." That's something specific...it's tied to a goal...and the why is clearly stated. It's to deliver pleasure to this salesman's family.  His/her WHY is stemming from something altruistic...although I'm sure the emotional payoff is pretty big for themselves also if they can pull it off.  A win win situation for sure!

The very most powerful WHY's are when we have them for what we consider our life's purpose.  We can find the drive within ourselves to accomplish anything we desire with a calling such as this. The life we live should have meaning, and with meaning comes deep purpose.  It's impossible to separate the two.  It is no small wonder that many peoples life purpose centers around serving others.  To contribute to the betterment of the human condition.  The "SELFLESS WHY'S."  I am convinced that this is the Secret Sauce to the 10th power! If you've never given serious thought towards what your lifes purpose is...if you feel that your life has no meaning...than perhaps some serious spiritual and self inspection is necessary.  We all have a purpose.  Every single one of us.

Until the next time...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

The Art Of Appreciation

Appreciation Is Showing Them You Care

"Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return.  Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you.  Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it."...Ralph Marston

I am sure with many people it comes intuitively.  And I know that there are people who make sure their children are raised in such a manner that appreciation is a part of their fabric, part of their being. That's parenting done right.  With many of us, however, it is something that we need to recognize and cultivate more.  The art of appreciation, when mastered, can result in you becoming a new person, not just in the eyes of others but in your own self perception.

Appreciation is showing "them" you care. Showing all the people around you that they have meaning in your life.  It's doing something simple like taking the time to make a special home cooked meal for your family.  It's listening to your children when you're spent but they are excited about something and want to share it with you. It's taking a few minutes to rub your dog's belly.  It's lending a helping hand to a neighbor when they are stuck in the driveway after a heavy Cleveland snow!  Ok that one's personal...but my neighbor sure appreciated it.  It's showing a customer or client you remember them with by sending a birthday, Christmas, or anniversary card, or even better by going the extra mile to help them solve a problem or achieve a goal they have. Delivering far more than they expected. 

Gifts are nice!  There are times when a great gift is appropriate.  But everyday well intentioned gestures are rarely a matter of money.  It costs you nothing to pick up the phone and call an elderly relatative or an old friend you haven't spoken with in awhile.  It costs you very little to pack a picnic basket and take your significant other somewhere to spend some time with them.  Somewhere with a spectacular view that they may have spoken about at an earlier time.  It costs you nothing to observe that somebody is in a time of need and offer them an ear to confide in without judgement.

With some effort, and a little creativity, you can wow somebody through the art of appreciation.  It's too damn easy to fall into the routine of taking everything for granted.  We have a tendency to do this. Our family and friends.  Our neighbors and coworkers.  Our community and country.  It makes sense to begin to revive the relationships around us with a renewed sense of appreciation towards them and life in general.  Remember...this life we are leading is not a practice run.  Love and happiness are not the types of things that you should be waiting for, but instead they are the type of things to be experienced TODAY.  Right here in this present moment. And it is only with appreciation and sincere gratitude for the many many things that we're probably taking for granted on an everyday basis that allows true happiness to be felt.

Let's take a moment sometime this week to think about 2 or 3 things we can do to show some of "them" that they are appreciated. And then repeat every week with a few more of "them."  The Universal Law of Reciprocity dictates that appreciation will find it's way back to you for doing so.  How could it be any other way?  Think about it.

Until next time...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

The Legacy We Leave Behind

What Do You Wish Your Legacy To Be?

"The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith."...Billy Graham

We ALL leave a legacy behind when we exit this world.  Now I know some people give deep thought to such things, while others don't, and that's alright.  To each their own...like most of the things in life.  I personally don't think there's anything wrong with taking a few moments, here and there, to think about the legacy we will leave behind when we move on.  Have you ever thought about that? What do you wish your legacy to be?

Some of us living in this world leave a huge footprint when they pass. They impact lives to such an extent that future generations will be recalling their achievements and quoting their words.  That's astounding when you think about it.  With most of these people I think it is very apparent...as they are living their lives...that they will be leaving a legacy.  People like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates for example. Of course Steve Jobs has passed on, but it was clear long before he passed that he was going to have a remarkable and enduring legacy because of the contributions he made in both technology and the business world.

Perhaps you have the talent, the ability and the determination to bring the gift of your uniqueness to the world and be recognized for it.  If you do, you should strive with everything that's within you, to share it with mankind and leave behind the next giant footprint of your legacy.  Tap into your creative imagination...tap into your resourcefulness and resolve...and see that you make it available to the world. The world will...and I am sure about this..the world will reward you for your gifts. 

Most of us mere mortals, however, leave quiet legacies behind...and there's absolutely nothing wrong with this! While our legacy footprint isn't left behind in a big way, it IS indeed left behind, and we should understand that it has value.  You see, you matter tremendously to someone. How we live our lives will be remembered by our children, their children, and their children's children...and how we live our lives undoubtedly impacts them as well.  

Sometimes our legacies are the result of a well planned out life. A life well planned out and then executed perfectly. Some of us stumble upon our legacies, or have it thrust upon us.  You never know what, outside of our own planning and control, fate has in store for us.  But it can be argued that facing whatever is thrown our way in life with courage, character, honesty, and faith can...and will...affect our legacies. 

Everyday we have a chance to expand our legacies by being compassionate, thoughtful and helping.  We can reach out to others to lend them a helping hand when they are in need.  We can teach our children how to live a good life.  A life based on the timeless principle of serving others.  We can leave behind a meaningful legacy that was value centered and that was focused on family, friends and community.  Since we are all connected in some way, shape or form, you cannot tell me that this doesn't impact the world in a big way also...with many footprints being left behind instead of just one! What we do, and how we live, matters tremendously to the world as well...and we are all rewarded in kind.

Until the next time...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

Personal Development Never Ends

One Never Stops Learning Or Growing

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow.  Learn as if you were to live forever."...Mahatma Gandhi

I absolutely love this quote by Gandhi.  Probably because I really enjoy learning.  I consider myself fortunate in that I took to reading very early in life and fostered a true love for books.  I met many people over the years who told me that they don't particularly enjoy reading.  And I get it.  From what I understand, there are many different ways to learn.  Some people process things visually, others auditory, and yet others really need to be hands on.  I think the important thing is that no matter how it is that you prefer to learn, you make sure that learning is something that you value.  One never stops learning or growing if one is seriously trying to get the most out of life.

  

There are people who seem to be content with just doing the same thing over and over and over again in their lives.  They haven't cracked open a book since high school.  Or they refuse to buy and watch an instructional DVD.  These people scoff at others who would invest in tickets to a seminar given by an authority of a particular subject matter.  To be honest I don't know how they can do it.

Personal growth is largely predicated on one's ability to learn and grow from the lessons that we both seek out and that we experience through living.  It makes perfect sense that when we have a growth mindset and look for the lesson's that every situation contains, we become better equipped for all the challenges that lie ahead.  That reason in and of itself is exactly why we should constantly be seeking out knowledge.  Like Jim Rohn wisely said: "Miss a meal if you have to, but don't miss a book."  He also said "The book you don't read won't help. 

I have to admit I didn't become a student of self development early enough in life.  I wish I could say that I read the writings of the many great personal development leaders when I was a teenager, but that wasn't the case.  I can assure you that if I had, I would have heeded much of the great advice that they have made available to the world and would have saved myself some heartaches along the way.  Ah, live and learn they say!  I would rather learn and live given the option!  Think about that for a second.

As it is these are exciting times and I enjoy spreading the word and promoting the messages that the pioneers and giants of the personal develpment field have left for us.  The message that our thoughts and feelings have everything to do with how we live our lives and furthermore what we get out of our lives.  The message that through positive thinking and attitudes, combined with proper goal setting and planning, combined with relentless astion...YOU can live the life that you desire and thus are living life in the most satisfactory way possible...on YOUR terms! 

Until next time...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

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