A Journey of Learning - The 5 P's You Need to Avoid Being the Next Failed Venture...

I wanted to re post this blog as a good reminder for me.  As you can see I took off a few months from writing to deal with some personal health challenges my family was facing.  During this time I also struggled with getting back on the horse.  Therefore, I thought it was good timing to remind myself about moving forward as I look to starting a new adventure tomorrow.  Have an amazing day, and I hope you can find something that is beneficial in this blog post.  Take care, Dave.

Have you ever been through an experience in life that stretched you to the point you wondered if you were a 70's icon toy like the "Slinky".  There are few journeys in life that have the ability to cause both rapid personal and professional growth like starting a business.  It's a self-discovery pathway that according to the current statistics has the high likelihood of ending in despair and failure. Why would anyone go down this path when there is so much negative data that supports the real possibility it may end in failure?   Reasons may vary, but for most it has something to do with solving a problem they've identified that can make a significant contribution to the world, provide more control over their life, or is just the best fit for their abilities and skills.

In order to avoid being that next failed venture there are 5 Keys to creating the possibility of success:

Plan - It seems like an obvious statement that you would want to plan if you were starting a business, but it's easy to get sidetracked and look at the shiny objects rather than sticking to the task at hand. Having a business plan built on market research is the first essential step if you have any chance of succeeding.  That means taking the time to ensure you have chosen a pathway that will solve someones pain or problem.  Once you have that in place you can begin the process of embarking on your journey of how you're going to ensure they know you have the answer to their problem.


Provisions - Sadly you're not going to get very far on your journey without that figurative gas in your tank (provisions).  When starting a business it's challenging to know all the financial obstacles that you need to plan for to be successful, but if you don't take the time to list out all your needs then the car isn't even going to start.  Therefore, enlist the help of a mentor, business coach, or financial analyst that can help you forecast your financial needs to both run the business, and survive yourself. Without both needs being met your journey will be extremely short.  This should be embedded into your business plan in as much detail as possible.  It also provides the ability to be more appealing to possible investors or qualify for lending for your start-up.


Promotion -  I had a very wise business woman recently tell me, "You can have the greatest product or solution in the world, but if no one knows about it then it doesn't matter".  Marketing and promotion is crucial to getting off the ground, so many new entrepreneurs try to do DIY (do it yourself) marketing, and often fail because they may not have the complete understanding of how to effectively reach their customer.  When starting out it's crucial to your success to hire a marketing consultant or firm that create a plan for your business.  Ensure that their plan encompasses all the pathways that are needed to promote your product to the masses.  One way you can save money is to try to find someone who can give you a package deal, and has the background to function in various aspects of marketing your product.  If you have other small business owners in your network, ask them for a referral to someone who is legitimate and trustworthy.


Patronage - I think one of the biggest challenges new business owners may agree upon is that a start up can be a lonely gig.  When you decide to go down this road you'll need to ensure that you have a supportive network that can provide both feedback and support.  It doesn't necessarily have to be your family and friends because realistically they are often the one's who want you to go back to punching the clock.  In most cities there are great chambers or small business networking groups that can provide this support, and completely understand your journey.  It is an important way to have access to great advice, and also keep your tank fueled when you feel like you're on empty.


Perseverance - Feeling like you're on empty happens to every new business owner.  The passion may fade as you struggle to get things moving, or you realize your finances are quickly drying up.  The road is a challenge, and therefore requires that you continually keep your head in the game so you can persevere.  It's easy to work all hours of the day, and be focused only on the business when you're first starting out.  Somehow you have to manage your schedule, so you have time to care for your body and mind.  If you don't get enough rest, exercise, or interaction with the important people in your life you may fall prey to the possibility of burnout, apathy, and ultimately becoming the next statistic in an annual economic report.

These 5 P's are my take on what is needed to help you with creating the possibility of succeeding in the first year of business when many others will go down in flames.  If you find that you've become one of the statistics take some time to complete a post-mortem investigation on your dead business. Don't forget that numerous successful people have already been done this road, but didn't let the failure be the end of their dream.  Therefore, do what you can to be vigilant and smart, and learn from the experience so you can have a successful venture the next time out.  I wish you all the best as you strive to make a life for yourself by meeting an unmet need the world wants to solve, and where you can control the flexibility and choice in your life.  Take care, and best wishes for much success.

Dave

Live Happy - The 4 W's to make it happen in your life...

"Happineszs a state of well-being, contentment, a satisfying experience, and good fortune"(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness)

Think about your life right now in this moment.  Are you truly happy?  Are you pursuing the things in life that add to your happiness?  Have you thought about the importance of happiness to our existence as human beings?  Finally, does happiness really matter?  I'd like to share the 4 W's that I believe are important to Living Happy.

Why Happiness?

Being happy is truly a mind, body, and spirit experience that has lasting benefits in our lives.  It has been supported by scientific research for many decades.  More recently scientific research is diving into the topic more with the changes in health care reform and the rise of disease.  What's evident  if you read any health or psychology articles is that being a happy person has a positive effect on our entire being.

Some of the research has shown significance in how happiness can create the following benefits:

• Becoming a genius - Being happy may not get you to be a card carrying member of Mensa, but studies have shown clearly that happiness has some significant benefits to our cognition.  Some of these benefits include:
• Improved problem solving skills
• Greater imagination and thought production
• Increased ability to assimilate new information - I was smiling and that's why I used those big words - wow it really works - Awesome!!! :)

• Becoming an Adonis - Sorry to disappoint, but being happy won't make you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger's identical twin, but it has been proven to have these helpful effects on the body:
• Decreases the workload of the heart by lowering BP and HR
• Decreases Cortisol (a hormone that exists to help manage our body's response to stress, but high levels of it are detrimental and cause decreased immunity, increased belly fat, decreased muscle, and decreased thyroid)
• Decrease the risk of heart disease by limiting bad blood plasma like cholesterol

• Becoming the Life of the Party - This could actually happen by being a happy person.  Studies show that people with the following traits are able to be more successful at creating meaningful relationships.  Those traits are:
• Enthusiasm - nobody wants to be around Debbie Downer (except us SNL fans)
• Gratefulness - understanding and appreciating the many good things in our lives.
• Optimism - that glass is half -full I tell you - the ability to see beyond the negative

Listed below are some links to some good information about the benefits of happiness on our bodies, minds, and spirits.  

Happiness and health

Smile your way to happiness

Happiness and making a buck

Being mindful of happiness

What Happiness looks like in action

In order to enjoy these benefits we must take action in our lives to "Be Happy - don't worry" - good song.  Seriously, it is important to understand some practices we can implement in our lives to promote the happiness that leads to our holistic improvement.

Here are the 3 G's of Happiness:

•  Gratitude - Gratitude means thanks and appreciation.  It's the warm feeling you get when you remember the person who told you to drop your 1980's hairstyle and get with the new millennium already.  It also opens ourselves to new opportunities and possibilities.

• Giving - Another way this could be said is being generous with your time, your emotions, and your finances.  When you give to another person it fills a special place in our hearts.  How did it feel when you gave an unexpected person something from your heart?  They smiled, and you had this warm fuzzy feeling in your heart.  That may not be the scientific wording for that reaction, but you know what I mean.

• Greatness - Not being a pompous jerk, but pursuing excellence in your own life that can positively impact others.  Having that drive to make a difference in this world.  This means taking action to look for these opportunities in your life, and knowing...

When Happiness starts to make a difference

Happiness will only occur when you decide to actually take action.  Then happiness can start to invade lives in a way that creates positive change.  When you walk down the street or through the office, do look for the opportunity to make another person's day?  How much effort does it take to say thank you or give a smile?  When you take the time in that moment it can make all the difference to both the giver and receiver.  So when should you start looking to make a difference?  Yesterday.  If I've learned anything from the privilege of helping hospice patients and their families, don't wait for tomorrow.  Therefore, just like any goal, we have to put a plan into action for success.  Here are some practical things you can do to start making a difference:

Three ways to put happiness into action:

• Give your Mind - This means in all your interactions you need to be present.  Whether it's in your relationship or your friendship you need to give your attention.  This promotes happiness because you've just validated the other person's importance to you, and made them feel valued. Working on being a better communicator and listener in our everyday interactions can promote happiness.

• Give Your Heart - Look for ways to put your caring for others into action without making sign that says, "See what I did".  When you look for opportunities to make others feel better it can create increased happiness and fulfillment in our lives.  Look for opportunities with your family, your friends, the person on the corner, or an official organization where you can give to others.  Do you remember what happened to the Grinch when he gave to the Who's?  Let your heart grow today as you give some of it away to others in need.

• Give Your Hand - Scientific research supports the effects of human affection from the time we're babies in the nursery.  Without the touch of another human our growth and development become stagnate.  Therefore, having touch in our lives is important to building happiness.  As a staff nurse I always would get down to eye level with my patients, and gently touch there shoulder to let them know I would be there to meet their needs.  Each of us can do this each day with those we love, know, and meet.

Where Happiness can Grow

Being happy in life takes understanding why it's important, knowing what actions can produce the happiness we seek, how to generate happiness in our interactions with others, and finally we have to have a place where we can let happiness grow.

Here are 3 locations where you can let your happiness grow:

• Place full of purpose - We each need to have a sense that what we do in our life makes a difference.  Being happy won't occur if you don't have a location for your happiness to grow. Is it the smile of my little 3 year old when Daddy comes home at night?  Is is your visit to a sick relative that provides them comfort as you sit with them in that strange place?  Or is on the corner in your car at the traffic light as you hand a dollar out your window to another person in need?  Only you know where that place should be for you, but to be happy you have to find that location for your purpose.

• Place where you can grow - Each and every one of us need to and hopefully want to become better people.  To be happy in our lives we need to have a place that promotes our personal growth.  A small group, a friendship, and non-profit organization.  Or it could be your own routine of reading, meditating, or exercising.  All these actions provide the environment for you to grow and increase your happiness.  Look at your life today, and find that place you can grow.

• Place where you can share - It is amazing to me that with so many people on the face of this earth not one of us is the same.  That's great news because we are all special individuals with unique gifts and talents that can be used to improve our life, and the lives of others.  Do you have a place where you share your gift?  Do you know what your gift is?  Most often your gift is that thing or things you do that come naturally to you that you enjoy, and can impact others positively.  Are you a great artist?  Do you have talent baking?  Are you a compassionate person that knows how to make others feel better?  Or are you talented at inspiring others to be their best?  There are a bunch of great books out there that can help with the process, and then you need to find a place to unleash your greatness on the world.

So are you ready to Live Happy, and make it a part of your everyday life?  Would you like to know of a place that might possibly be your opportunity to change your life and others?  If so, reach out to me about a great opportunity to make a difference... here's a sneak peek

           A Place to Make a Difference

Focus is the key to success - Don't look down just hold on...

  

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

 “In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” – Dwight Eisenhower

”Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” 
 Alan Lakein

“One reason so few of us achieves what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular.” – Tony Robbins

“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.” 

Zig Ziglar

A look at our needs - Maslow's interpretation...

A look at our needs

​

Hello,

I have a few questions for you:

What do you want to achieve in life? big question I know

How do you plan to achieve your goals or get to that desired destination?

The reason I ask is because I want to review Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, and how using some personal motivation that resides in each of us can help us achieve our goals and destiny.

The Pyramid of Needs

• Physiological Needs - air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sleep, and intimacy
• Safety Needs - protection from the elements, security, order, law, limits, stability, freedom from fear
• Social Needs - belonging, affection and love - from co-workers, family, friends, and lovers
• Self Esteem Needs - achievement, mastery, independence, status, dominance, prestige, self-respect, respect
• Self-Actualization - realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experience.What is the importance of

The Pyramid in understanding how to reach our potential? 

Maslow believed that when needs are unmet people are motivated to achieve those needs first, and then seek to fulfill the higher needs - (ex. - starving people will do anything to satisfy that basic need because if they don't they won't survive) I would hope that each of you reading this are meeting your basic needs, but this example creates a good focus for us and further justifies the thinking of Maslow. The pyramid is just that - A pathway of moving to a higher level of personal growth where we meet needs that either are central to our survival or will greatly enhance our human experience.

So where are you currently on this pyramid? Do you want to find out? Here's a quick quiz that will help:  http://helloquizzy.okcupid.com/tests/the-revised-maslow's-hierarchy-of-needs-test.  Did you complete the quiz? Does it seem like an accurate assessment of where you're currently in your life? If it is, but it's not where you want to be how are you going to change that starting today? I want to provide some help in the form of an article you can read that outlines a process for you to start moving up that pyramid toward the goal of self-actualization. Below is the link to the article. I will discuss the article and provide some practical strategies related to the article in my next blog post.http://hubpages.com/hub/Self-Affirmations

I hope this has been beneficial. Please let me know because my goal is to provide help to people in achieving their goals for personal development and health. Thank you for visiting, and have a wonderful day

Being Grateful - One of the Keys to Moving Forward in Life...

Gratitude - feeling or being grateful

How often do you stop throughout your day, and think about the good things in your life?  Completing that process is called being grateful.  One definition is “Having a sincere appreciation for both the people and possessions in your life”.  This feeling or emotion is often praised as the "father of all emotion".  I personally believe that most likely stems from the fact that every known major religion has an aspect of gratefulness in their practices.  Believers are exhorted to give thanks for the good in their lives, and in some faiths even in tough challenges.

Why does giving thanks matter?  That may seem like a silly question or not depending on your personal view of this emotion.  Either way, an attitude of gratitude has been proven to be a very beneficial component in the lives of people who remind themselves of the good in their lives.  There are a number of studies that support this concept, and have shown results that include improved health, mood, and better sleep all by saying thank you more often.

Wow!  So, how does someone start to increase the frequency of giving thanks?  I would imagine that each and every person reading this is thankful for many things in their lives, but may not verbalize that gratitude.  Taking the time to focus your mind, and really think about the good in your life is how outcomes improve according to these studies. ( http://www.socialemotions.org/page5/files/Bartlett.DeSteno.2006.pdf )

There are a couple of ways that you can experience the benefits of gratitude:

• Every morning when you wake up say one thing you're grateful for in your life.

• You can split up and say 5 things on one day as well.

• When you return home at the end of the day write down how grateful you are for the events that occurred during you day.

Start small, and see how you feel.  Try doing it every day for one week.  Let me know how it goes.  The nice thing about gratitude or being thankful is it can be a two way street.  You can give and receive, and enjoy the benefits no matter what direction you’re traveling.  Take care.

Dave

Midlife Crisis Ahead - 7 ways to prevent a crisis through positive action...

So what is a mid-life crisis, and how can we avoid the perils it may cause in our lives to derail us from the goals and happiness we want.  Recently I've been focusing on ten thoughts in my life that are holding this crisis at bay, and are generating positive action in my life.

According to Wikipedia the following is true about a midlife crisis,

Midlife crisis is a term first coined by Elliott Jaques referring to a critical phase in human development during the forties to early sixties, based on the character of change points, or periods of transition. The period is said to vary among individuals and between men and women.^[1] Despite popular perception of this phenomenon, empirical research has failed to show that the midlife crisis is a universal experience, or even a real condition at all.^[2]

According to psychologist and writer Oliver Robinson, a life crisis is defined as a period characterized by unstable mental and emotional health, altering the course of their lives and affecting them for a year or longer. Life crises usually have similar characteristics for each age group. Those in the early midlife stage are more likely to experience the deaths of loved ones, while declines in physical strength and vitality and impending death or work stoppage are more likely to affect people in late midlife. Effects of crises vary from being beneficial to some and life altering in a negative way for others. About half the people studied found results of their crises to be positive.^[3]

Midlife is also significant as a time adults come to realize their own mortality.^[4] A mid-life crisis is experienced by some people as they realize they have reached a midpoint in their lifespan and experience conflicts or dissatisfaction within themselves because of unrealized goals, self-perceptions or physical changes as a result of aging or health issues.^[5] Sometimes, a crisis can be triggered by transitions such as andropause or menopause, the death of parents or other causes of grief, unemployment or underemployment, realizing that a job or career is hated but not knowing how else to earn an equivalent living, or children leaving home. Additionally, when experiencing a mid-life crisis, people may reassess their achievements in terms of their dreams. The result may be a desire to make significant changes in areas such as career, work-life balance, marriage, romantic relationships, finances, or physical appearance.

I'm 45, so I'm right in that perfect window to experience that famous midlife crisis.  I suppose it's only natural to look at your life because when you enter the middle portion of life there are numerous changes that occur.  I'm starting to recognize changes in my parents that make me realize that time is passing quickly, my body doesn't look like it did when I was running with a bunch of Marines in my twenties, hair is growing where hair shouldn't be growing, I've realized that I'm not that dumb young kid anymore that doesn't know anything because I know at least one thing, and for those of us with kids they're becoming independent as they ration their hugs and kisses.  At least some of your kids are becoming independent.  My three year old daughter thinks she is more each day, but I'm just contemplating how much Geritol I'll need to keep up with her as she grows. :)   Therefore, our lives are often referred to as races because we run through various stages, experience the highs and lows, and must possess both the right mindset and perseverance to finish the race with a sense of pride and satisfaction.

I'm not sure where you are in the age spectrum, but here are 7 ways that has helped me to continue running successfully through the middle stage of my life's race.

• Stay Positive - Remember it's just a phase on life on your journey to a successful lasting legacy.  When you allow your mind to look at your current circumstances with a positive perspective, new opportunities can be realized that will propel your success into the next decades of your life.

• Evaluate Your Successes - Everyone can immediately remember the times that they've failed in life, and sadly those events usually sit in the forefront of our minds.  To avoid succumbing to the challenge of a midlife crisis focus on your successes both big and small.  These events should help you remember the amazing journey you've had that has resulted in a number of achievements that should make you swell with pride.

• Remember You're Important - This may sound strange, but think about the reasons why a midlife crisis may occur for someone.  What's the catalyst?  When we truly look at the cause it stems from a feeling of inadequacy.  Not just tied to your successes and failures, but sometimes a sense that you don't matter.  That's a bunch of @#$%!  Think about all the people in your life that love you.  Not because of what you've done, but purely because of the special person you are that brings joy to their life.  Focusing on how important you are will keep the crisis at bay, and should help you look in the mirror with a smile. 

• Rediscover an Interest or Talent -  When life gets busy, as it does when you enter the middle stages of life, things you enjoyed doing sometimes fall by the wayside.  I remember as a kid my Dad would come to our sporting events, work in the yard, go to work, volunteer to be a part of a committee.  What I don't remember is my Dad getting to take many chances to play golf or go fishing.  Now that I'm at this point in my life I fully understand why because he was sacrificing those interests for the family he loved.  I'm sure we're all doing that, but we also need to remember what it's like to go back to that thing we once loved.  Taking time to sit a the piano, take out the sketch pad, play a sport you enjoy, or spend time in the outdoors may be some of the lost joys that need to be rekindled in our lives.  Preventing a midlife crisis can happen when we make time create the balance the play and work in our lives. 

• Manage Your Stress - That seems to be a constant theme these days with the increased demands people are experiencing in their personal and professional lives.  Each of is very unique, and respond to the stress in our lives very differently.  The key is to find a healthy mechanism that fits your needs, and works to minimize the negative stress that is impacting your life.  Here is link to a couple of things that may be beneficial to you 4 ways using your mind can reduce your stress  and The story behind stress

• Make a Difference - We all need to feel life our life means something.  That's the whole reason for the midlife crisis in the first place.  We get to a point in our lives where we question what we've done for others, for our community, and to make ourselves better people.  During the stage of life when these feelings and questions arise it's easy to dismiss any negativity if you're actively involved in making a difference.  That can be by being the most nurturing person you can to those important in your life, seeking out a cause that drives positive change, or work on your own personal development.  By becoming better people the other two actions will naturally occur.

• Make a Plan -  It's like training for that 5k you want to successfully complete to prove you haven't become some tired old fart.  It will never happen if you don't figure out the time and effort it will take to realize your goal or dream.  Therefore, we need to make a plan of how we will navigate our race through the middle section of our life to avoid that looming midlife crisis.  Start thinking about the things that are important to you in your life or the changes that you haven't quite achieved.  List out these goals or dreams with a specific action of how you can make them a reality as you continue running your race.  Have fun, and start filling that bucket.  Races are much like life, there's a lot of anticipation and preparation that occurs for something that seems to happen so quickly if you're just sitting in the stands.  Let's hop on the track and make this a race to remember.

Here's some of the things that I jotted down after pondering how I've been running my race.

1. I want to tell the important people in my life how much I love them everyday.
2. I want to let my daughter know why making choices in life is so important to our futures.
3. I want my daughter to know she will always have our love no matter what she does.
4. I want to share with my daughter what I believe is true about hope, love, and faith.
5. I want to challenge myself everyday to look for ways to impact the world positively.
6. I want to show another person kindness everyday.
7. I want my wife to know she is the glue that holds my world and heart together.
8. I want to take risks even when those around me can't understand my hopes and dreams.
9. I want to provide a positive interaction with every person that crosses my path.
10. I want to write down my story, so my daughter will see the amazing joy we can have in life.

Minimize the Clutter in Your Life - 5 ways to achieve success through organization...

Does your life ever feel like its spinning out of control because you have numerous demands from your work, your family, and the other unplanned events that impact your life daily?  It often feels similar to having a cluttered garage, and feeling overwhelmed by the piled up projects staring you in the face.  To be productive in life we all to make time to enjoy the things that bring us happiness, and the only way this can occur is by creating a system that ensure organization in our lives.  

Here are 5 easy ways to achieve success by organizing your life:

• A place for everything:  How many mornings can you remember needing to rush out of the house to get to work when you realized you can't find your keys?  You retrace your steps in a mad panic, so you won't be late to work that morning.  Thankfully in the midst of your anxiety, a helpful hand comes around the corner dangling your car keys.  Part of the reason this occurs is because that there needs to be a place for everything in your life.  When you dedicate a specific location to put things in place in your life, the chaos of the missing keys quickly subsides.

• A time for everything - Why were you chasing those keys in the first place?  Most likely because you have a challenging schedule where you have to make time to work, eat, sleep, spend time with those you love, stay healthy, and maybe have a minute to mentally digest it all.  Sadly there are only 24 hours in the day, and these necessities in life make it difficult to keep a grip on things in your life.  I recently read Steve Harvey's newest book where he gives the details on his daily schedule.  The guy wakes up a 3am and proceeds to work-out, meditate, do conference calls, conduct business meetings, host 1 radio and 2 TV shows, and finally gets home at 8 pm to act as a father and husband to his family.  He said he's only successful because each event on his life has a scheduled time.  If we want to be successful in our lives we also need to organize our time by creating a events that fit into the moments of our day.

• A note for everything - I don't know about you, but sometimes the thing resting on my shoulders (my head) fails me.  Therefore, creating a list of my tasks helps me track my progress.  I write down everything.  Even those amazing inventions that are yet to be unleashed on the world.  Writing down the things that impact our schedules creates the organization we need to see how well were managing our time, and creates opportunities for improved success. 

• A deadline for everything - That was due yesterday?  That can be a typical response for the unorganized person who hasn't written down what they need to do or when it needs to be done.  Without time lines for the tasks in our lives, we become like a rudderless boat adrift in the chaos of a busy schedule.  Start creating more organization by adding time lines to that to do list, and continue to re prioritize the demands as they're met or rescheduled.  Knowing your time lines will reduce your stress, let people know you're dependable, and create success by achieving the goals and tasks in your life.

• A purpose for everything - Creating the opportunity for success in our lives requires that we move forward with a sense of purpose in our lives.  We must develop a mindset that is supported by a drive to make a difference in our own lives and others.  Our actions and motives must be tied to the reason for developing a pattern of organization in our lives.  Therefore, when your life feels like it's spinning out of control we have to take control by intervening with the actions to create organization.   By having a place for everything, scheduling the time we need to accomplish our tasks, writing down the things we need to accomplish, understanding that we need to meet deadlines, and focusing on the purpose for developing organization we can achieve the success we desire in life.

“Organization isn't about perfection; it's about efficiency, reducing stress and clutter, saving time and money and improving your overall quality of life.”
― Christina Scalise, Organize Your Life and More 

Positive Change - 4 Ways to prepare for a road trip to new opportunities...

Change is the one constant in each of our lives, but it is often a challenge for some rather than others. So, how can people be prepared for change in their lives and work, so they'll take advantage of the unexpected opportunities?  Just like going on a trip to a new destination, people have to see change as the vehicle that creates the possibility to reach that great destination they hope will result in enjoyment and relaxation. 

Choosing a Destination

The first step in taking any trip is choosing where you want to go.  This means that you have to make a conscious decision to plan your trip, and understand that you may have to be flexible on the way if you're going to enjoy the journey.  Just like getting in the car for a long road trip, we don't get moving in life without taking the first step forward.  Therefore, it is imperative to understand without action we won't move out of any dissatisfaction that may be happening in our lives.  We have to be willing to hop in that cramped hot little car, and remember that it's going to lead to better opportunities that are waiting.

It's time for a vacation  

Before many of us make decisions or accept change in our lives we want to know the effects it may cause.  To help start the process of change we need to start planning for our trip, and remember that taking steps forward in life will only occur when we remember why we need change.  Therefore, think about the positive benefits that will result from choosing to change.  Start looking at the map and plan the route you're going to take to lead to that amazing destination.  With a plan you'll be successful because it's like having your GPS that creates certainty and trust because you know it will lead you to your chosen destination.    

Packing your suitcase

These three words cause me to cringe when I think about our family trips.  Not so much for me, but for the other wonderful ladies and co-travelers in my life.  Every time we prepare to take a trip I wince thinking about the long night ahead of me because my hopes of packing the car early quickly comes crashing down.  I soon realize that I'm not the one who's controlling our family's schedule. Over the years I've learned that the element of packing is just part of the process that eventually results in a fun vacation with those I love.  The mindset we choose will determine the enjoyment we experience on our way to better things ahead.

Let's play slug-bug 

A childhood memory that creates nostalgia.  It also reminds me of the numerous long trips on the in the back of the car with my brother getting pounded in the arm as that little German insect of a car went by us on the highway. We laughed through the pain we caused each other because it made the long hours go by quickly, and saved my Dad from being questioned constantly about our destination. In the same way, change in our lives needs to create an element of excitement for people.  It has to be about a new adventure that promises fun, new sights and sounds, and the opportunity to improve as people through the process.  When we finally realize that change is the only way we can invite new possibilities for success into our lives, then we'll be ready to get in that car that's going to speed off to great destinations that will result in new amazing opportunities for our success.

"Success seems to be connected with action.  

Successful people keep moving.  

They make mistakes, but they don't quit."

Conrad Hilton

"Success isn't a path you find, it's a trail you blaze."

Robert Brault

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Thoughts for the Day - Dealing with the black clouds in your life...

Does it ever seem like you have a black cloud that just seems to have you in it's sights?  This last year has been that way much of the time for my family.  Just when you thought you were through the storm, another small gale blows into your life.  When these things continue to occur it can be challenging to remember that storms are a temporary events that impact our lives.  Sometimes you need to focus on dancing in the rain versus just surviving the storm.  Here are some quotes I hope will help both of us today to have fun jumping in the puddles that are created by the storms in our lives.  

Take care, Dave.

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
― Ashley Smith

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey 

 “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”
― Helen Keller

 “What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it. Don't complain.”
― Maya Angelou, Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now 

“Peace begins with a smile..”
― Mother Teresa

 

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Decoding da Vinci - 4 Ways to Increase Your Impact on the World By following His footsteps...

Do you believe we live in a perfect world?  Are there things you'd like to see change?  Would you like to increase your impact in the world?  The Renaissance (from the French word meaning "re-birth from the French word meaning "re-birth") was a cultural movement spanning (depending on which cultural historians you believe) from the 14th to the 17th centuries.  Artists, writers, sculptors, musicians and architects began to look back to Greek and Roman times, and seek out ideas and inspiration from ancient texts.  The changes in the Renaissance were social and political as well as intellectual.  The Renaissance "re-birth" pertained to a return to the classical culture, which was the inspiration for numerous inventions and improvements that have benefited our modern day society.  One of the most famous influential people during this time period was Leonardo da Vinci.

 

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (Italian: [leoˈnardo da ˈvintʃi] ( listen); 15 April 1452 – 2 May 1519) was an Italian polymath, painter, sculptor, architect, musician, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist, and writer. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest painters of all time and perhaps the most diversely talented person ever to have lived.^[1] Hisgenius, perhaps more than that of any other figure, epitomized the Renaissance humanist ideal. Leonardo has often been described as the archetype of the Renaissance Man, a man of "unquenchable curiosity" and "feverishly inventive imagination".^[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Renaissance)

Why is it so important to focus on da Vinci if we want to become people who can drive changes in our own lives and the world?   Leonardo da Vinci was an extremely accomplished person who possessed the unique ability to master broad topics of knowledge and their technical skills.  This uncommon talent has been recognized in our history books by coining the phrase "Renaissance".  Which means a man or woman who command a breadth of understanding and abilities in both the arts and sciences.  It is for this reason that decoding da Vinci is important to develop a template we can each use to become extraordinary in our lives.

When we look at the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci we can start putting down the stones that will help to build a pathway achieve similar success in impacting the world.  Da Vinci impacted the world by showing us 4 fundamental ways that we can use to also impact our surroundings:

Be an Observer - We know that Leonardo da Vinci was one of the greatest observers in history which was proven by the masterpieces that he created.  Why is being an observer so important to creating a significant impact in the world? If we look at the definition to observe it states, "to see, watch, perceive, or notice; to regard with attention, especially so as to see or learn something".http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/observe?s=t?  What made him so unique was his ability to see what was invisible to others.  The slope of angle, the reaction of a person, the impact of an action.  Being observant offers many benefits:

It will offer you an amazing insight into how people think, react, and behave in general. This could have startling revelations in your work, no matter what you do for a living. - See more at: http://www.beyondphototips.com/2008/11/28/7-ways-to-a-more-observant-life/#sthash.0sI92AGr.dpuf

• Provides insights into how people think, react, and behave
• Helps you gain an understanding into how mechanical things function
• It will help you appreciate the people around, and improve your social skills which will help you impact others positively.   
• How can you improve your abilities to observe:
• Take an art class, be more aware of your own actions, listen more intently, watch people, and take time to focus by meditating.

Be a Learner - Life is a continual process of being exposed to new information and experiences.  Much like da Vinci we need to have a burning desire to increase our knowledge and understanding about the world.  By choosing to be a learner you'll be exposed to new ideas that will give you the ability to connect with more people, and increase your imagination to come up with new concepts to improve the world.  Learning new things also expands your mind and can prove beneficial as we move through life.

• Being a learner helps you develop your abilities
• Opens your mind
• Increases your wisdom
• Improves your adaptability
• Provides access to more fulfillment in life
• Offers opportunities to develop relationships with others.   
• How can you improve your abilities to learn:
• Take an online class, try reading a book, learn another language, do brain games, and participate in thought-provoking conversations with others.

Be a Catalyst - The purpose of looking around and learning is to utilize experiences to impact others in a positive way, but you'll never do that without action.  Therefore, being a catalyst means taking risks by challenging yourself to get out of your comfort zone.  We only find success or create an impact when we're in motion.  Are you in motion in your life?  Are there things you've wanted to do that you've been putting off?  Now is the time to act, and use your talents to make a difference.  Start thinking about what makes you special and unique.  Every person has talents or "gifts" that they can put into action without much effort.  What is your gift that could be used to benefit others?  

• Being a catalyst will help you show others how choosing to make positive changes can result in personal growth, improve the ability to handle challenging situations, and opens the doors for new opportunities to enter your life.  
• How can you improve your abilities to be a catalyst:
• Put an idea out there and see what happens, share your talent with others publicly, join a volunteer organization that matches your gifts and interests, make yourself available to others that could use a helping hand.

Be a Giver - The reaction that comes from being a catalyst is that you have the ability to benefit others through your actions.  When we look at Leonardo da Vinci we see someone that used his perceptions, talents, and imagination to create things that have significantly changed the world forever.  If you desire to make an impact in this world you have to look for ways to increase your generosity to others.  Giving to others provides as much of a benefit to the giver as the receiver.  It can be taking the time to sit with a sick friend, listening to someone important in your life, getting involved in your community, or just providing a smile to those who cross your path each day.

Leonardo da Vinci is thought to be one of the most intelligent people to ever lived.  Making an impact is truly about having a plan on how you want to create a legacy.  If you're a person who is driven by a desire to improve the world and the lives of others, then start following da Vinci's footsteps.  Having the code to his success includes starting to teach yourself to take the time to look at the world with an artist's eye, challenging yourself to learn something new every month, taking action by looking for ways to show others how to take risks, and using your talents to benefit the lives of others.  If you implement these 4 ways that da Vinci used to impact the world, you will also leave a trail for others to follow.

"The road to success is not a path you find, 

but a trail you blaze."

Robert Brault

 

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