By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars, Inc.
Only a few more days and 2010 is over!
Will 2011 be a better year than 2010?
Only you can decide how your year will be. While we can't control life circumstances, we can decide how we react to them. When we leave life to chance each day, we also leave our future to chance.
When we're committed to what we want, the future moves from "chance" to "how" and "when." What in your life needs to move from "chance" to "commitment"?
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Happy Holidays!
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
Most of us are celebrating something we believe in during the month of December. It's a time for friends, family and good food.
While I don't like the holiday-season rushing, I do love watching my grandkids run around our house and having fun.
Nancy and I are often very busy, and we don't get to see our kids and grandkids as much as we would like. Of all the accomplishments I celebrate, none stack up to how proud I am of our five kids. They are good people and good parents. What more could a parent ask for?
I wish you and your families a very happy holiday season!
Most of us are celebrating something we believe in during the month of December. It's a time for friends, family and good food.
While I don't like the holiday-season rushing, I do love watching my grandkids run around our house and having fun.
Nancy and I are often very busy, and we don't get to see our kids and grandkids as much as we would like. Of all the accomplishments I celebrate, none stack up to how proud I am of our five kids. They are good people and good parents. What more could a parent ask for?
I wish you and your families a very happy holiday season!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
2-4-6-8
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars
In Life Success's Basic seminar, we discuss the concept of responsibility and the difference between "responsibility to others" and "responsibility for yourself." And we look at how responsibility affects your relationships.
Whether they admit it or not, most people are taking responsibility for 2-4-6-8 or any number of people!
It's easy to get caught up in taking responsibility for the people we love, like children, parents or friends. It seems like a great idea in the beginning, but eventually this always drives a wedge in the relationship.
If you want the best relationships, understanding this concept is critical: We are responsible for ourselves and to others.
In Life Success's Basic seminar, we discuss the concept of responsibility and the difference between "responsibility to others" and "responsibility for yourself." And we look at how responsibility affects your relationships.
Whether they admit it or not, most people are taking responsibility for 2-4-6-8 or any number of people!
It's easy to get caught up in taking responsibility for the people we love, like children, parents or friends. It seems like a great idea in the beginning, but eventually this always drives a wedge in the relationship.
If you want the best relationships, understanding this concept is critical: We are responsible for ourselves and to others.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Relax, Relax, Relax
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
You've probably heard the saying, "The third time is the charm." I'm not sure where the saying came from, but I went ahead and made up what it means to me!
In my life, success hasn't always happened on the third attempt. But I do usually reach my goals with repetition.
Relaxing is no different than any other goal in life. With practice, you eventually find the way that works best for you.
When we first attempt to do something new, it often feels like an effort and might be frustrating. Learning to center and relax may be a struggle when you first start but, with practice, you will improve.
In other words, just relax as you learn to relax!
You've probably heard the saying, "The third time is the charm." I'm not sure where the saying came from, but I went ahead and made up what it means to me!
In my life, success hasn't always happened on the third attempt. But I do usually reach my goals with repetition.
Relaxing is no different than any other goal in life. With practice, you eventually find the way that works best for you.
When we first attempt to do something new, it often feels like an effort and might be frustrating. Learning to center and relax may be a struggle when you first start but, with practice, you will improve.
In other words, just relax as you learn to relax!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Peace of Mind
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
Isn't it funny that we become a slave to our own minds? I guess it makes sense. After years of training in school, we think our minds are in-charge. That's where all the knowledge is!
But what would happen if you decided that you wanted something different, like calm and relaxation? You'd have to take a different approach and quiet your mind--peace of mind.
There's a difference between knowledge and wisdom, doing and being, elsewhere and present. When the mind is in-charge, you'll probably be elsewhere doing what you think you should do.
Or you can choose to relax and be. That sounds too simple, doesn't it?!
Isn't it funny that we become a slave to our own minds? I guess it makes sense. After years of training in school, we think our minds are in-charge. That's where all the knowledge is!
But what would happen if you decided that you wanted something different, like calm and relaxation? You'd have to take a different approach and quiet your mind--peace of mind.
There's a difference between knowledge and wisdom, doing and being, elsewhere and present. When the mind is in-charge, you'll probably be elsewhere doing what you think you should do.
Or you can choose to relax and be. That sounds too simple, doesn't it?!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director, Life Success Seminars Inc.
It's time to celebrate unless, of course, you're a turkey!
Thanksgiving is the time of year that we stop and take a look at all the blessings we have and appreciate the people we love. For me, it's a little bigger than that. As a matter of fact, I'm usually a little bigger the next day!
And talking about celebrating... Are you celebrating the extra time you have in your car? With the holiday season upon us, it's pretty easy to figure out how centered--or uncentered--you are! Everyone is in a rush, traffic is heavy, and peace and goodwill often are just concepts.
So why not prepare by putting a few of your favorite CDs in your car to listen to while you're sitting in traffic? Or you could mount a small camera on your dashboard to record everything you say and do and post it on your Facebook page.
Why not relax and have fun with it? The holiday craziness will all be over in a few weeks!
It's time to celebrate unless, of course, you're a turkey!
Thanksgiving is the time of year that we stop and take a look at all the blessings we have and appreciate the people we love. For me, it's a little bigger than that. As a matter of fact, I'm usually a little bigger the next day!
And talking about celebrating... Are you celebrating the extra time you have in your car? With the holiday season upon us, it's pretty easy to figure out how centered--or uncentered--you are! Everyone is in a rush, traffic is heavy, and peace and goodwill often are just concepts.
So why not prepare by putting a few of your favorite CDs in your car to listen to while you're sitting in traffic? Or you could mount a small camera on your dashboard to record everything you say and do and post it on your Facebook page.
Why not relax and have fun with it? The holiday craziness will all be over in a few weeks!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
What Are You Hunting?
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars
My wife, Nancy, and I have an English Setter named Belle. If you ever see Belle, there's a good chance she'll be running around our yard with her tail wagging.
Belle looks like the happiest dog in the world, but I'm not sure she really is that happy. She is from a long line of champion bird dogs; hunting birds is in her DNA. The reality is that Belle is obsessed with hunting birds, 24 hours a day.
I meet a lot of people who tell me that they're happy. But just like Belle, they seem to be obsessed with hunting something that causes stress. What have you been hunting? Approval, money, power? Are you even sure of what you really want in your life?
My wife, Nancy, and I have an English Setter named Belle. If you ever see Belle, there's a good chance she'll be running around our yard with her tail wagging.
Belle looks like the happiest dog in the world, but I'm not sure she really is that happy. She is from a long line of champion bird dogs; hunting birds is in her DNA. The reality is that Belle is obsessed with hunting birds, 24 hours a day.
I meet a lot of people who tell me that they're happy. But just like Belle, they seem to be obsessed with hunting something that causes stress. What have you been hunting? Approval, money, power? Are you even sure of what you really want in your life?
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
What Do You Do to Relax?
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
Why is it so difficult for us to relax? We are a society of "rush around" and "stay busy." We put our children on the fast track as soon as possible: sports, preschool, you name it. Right away, we're off to the races, preparing our children for the future.
When I was growing up, everyone was off on Sunday. It was a day to rest and relax. Somewhere along the way, we became confused and we now believe that progress and relaxation can't be partners. We replaced Sunday with activity and money.
What do you do to relax and take care of yourself? What can you do differently this week to expand your relaxation time?
Why is it so difficult for us to relax? We are a society of "rush around" and "stay busy." We put our children on the fast track as soon as possible: sports, preschool, you name it. Right away, we're off to the races, preparing our children for the future.
When I was growing up, everyone was off on Sunday. It was a day to rest and relax. Somewhere along the way, we became confused and we now believe that progress and relaxation can't be partners. We replaced Sunday with activity and money.
What do you do to relax and take care of yourself? What can you do differently this week to expand your relaxation time?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Stress or Rest: Your Choice
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
Have you ever noticed that the word "stress" has the answer scrambled in its letters? Take out two s's, rearrange the letters and you'll see the word "rest."
It's amazing what a little rest and relaxation can do for a bout of stress. When I'm stressed, I love to take a drive and listen to my favorite music. In no time, I feel better. I also like to sit in the hot tub and read a good book.
What are some ways that you reduce your stress and relax? Do you have a daily relaxation plan? If you answered "no," why not?
Have you ever noticed that the word "stress" has the answer scrambled in its letters? Take out two s's, rearrange the letters and you'll see the word "rest."
It's amazing what a little rest and relaxation can do for a bout of stress. When I'm stressed, I love to take a drive and listen to my favorite music. In no time, I feel better. I also like to sit in the hot tub and read a good book.
What are some ways that you reduce your stress and relax? Do you have a daily relaxation plan? If you answered "no," why not?
Monday, October 25, 2010
People Follow People
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
When it comes to leadership, it's important to remember that people follow people. Leaders have the ability to influence followers, and followers usually follow leaders who make them feel special in some way.
Keep in mind that many factors influence people. And many types of people are influenced very differently. Good leaders are aware of who they're surrounded by and what their needs are. A good leader helps the people around them develop their skills while feeling that they are part of something greater.
Leadership has been written about in millions of books and talked about throughout history. But at the end of the day, leadership is about people: People following people!
When it comes to leadership, it's important to remember that people follow people. Leaders have the ability to influence followers, and followers usually follow leaders who make them feel special in some way.
Keep in mind that many factors influence people. And many types of people are influenced very differently. Good leaders are aware of who they're surrounded by and what their needs are. A good leader helps the people around them develop their skills while feeling that they are part of something greater.
Leadership has been written about in millions of books and talked about throughout history. But at the end of the day, leadership is about people: People following people!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Being a Resource
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
One of the many roles of a leader is to be a resource to others. But I think that leaders often confuse the difference between being a resource and telling others what to do. Leaders frequently learn from mistakes they've made and want to give advice on how to avoid these pitfalls.
Raising children seems to be where this advice trap shows up the most. Most parents want to teach their teenager how to act like a 40-year-old. I hate to tell you this, but if you're giving advice to your kids--rather than being a resource--you're doing the same thing at work and with your friends.
You'll know when you're on your way to great leadership when you're helping your teenager (or your friend or your co-worker) with what's important to them--not with what's important to you.
They say it costs $250,000 to raise a child, so if you have four kids, that's a million-dollar leadership program. I sure hope that you're learning your part!
One of the many roles of a leader is to be a resource to others. But I think that leaders often confuse the difference between being a resource and telling others what to do. Leaders frequently learn from mistakes they've made and want to give advice on how to avoid these pitfalls.
Raising children seems to be where this advice trap shows up the most. Most parents want to teach their teenager how to act like a 40-year-old. I hate to tell you this, but if you're giving advice to your kids--rather than being a resource--you're doing the same thing at work and with your friends.
You'll know when you're on your way to great leadership when you're helping your teenager (or your friend or your co-worker) with what's important to them--not with what's important to you.
They say it costs $250,000 to raise a child, so if you have four kids, that's a million-dollar leadership program. I sure hope that you're learning your part!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Leader Ship
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director
Imagine for a moment that leadership was about developing, not following. Imagine the role of a leader was to develop as many other people as possible to become leaders themselves.
If you're leading people, they will follow you. Then what you'll be doing is signing them up for a cruise! Everyone will board your ship, and you will be the captain. You'll also end up being the activity director. They will love you as long as you entertain them with new ports. You're responsible for them.
If you decide that you want to develop people, then you will need a "leader ship." Your job will be different on this ship. You will be signing on crew members--not passengers. Each crew member will develop their skills as they contribute to the journey. You will be responsible to them, not for them.
No passengers... Just true leadership!
Imagine for a moment that leadership was about developing, not following. Imagine the role of a leader was to develop as many other people as possible to become leaders themselves.
If you're leading people, they will follow you. Then what you'll be doing is signing them up for a cruise! Everyone will board your ship, and you will be the captain. You'll also end up being the activity director. They will love you as long as you entertain them with new ports. You're responsible for them.
If you decide that you want to develop people, then you will need a "leader ship." Your job will be different on this ship. You will be signing on crew members--not passengers. Each crew member will develop their skills as they contribute to the journey. You will be responsible to them, not for them.
No passengers... Just true leadership!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Who's Leading?
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
I don't know about you, but I have a lot of questions about leadership. And the more I learn about leadership, the more questions I have! I am surrounded by some unbelievable leaders, and they all seem to have one thing in common.
Every leader I meet is looking for some other leader to teach them something new. The really smart leaders are surrounded by a good circle of influence or circle of leaders.
Nothing will wear out a leader more than trying to stay in the lead everywhere, all the time. In order to become better leaders, great leaders learn to follow. They have a terrific circle of influence.
So who's leading? Everyone is in some way--and that includes the wrong way! Make good leadership your influence and you will live an amazing legacy!
I don't know about you, but I have a lot of questions about leadership. And the more I learn about leadership, the more questions I have! I am surrounded by some unbelievable leaders, and they all seem to have one thing in common.
Every leader I meet is looking for some other leader to teach them something new. The really smart leaders are surrounded by a good circle of influence or circle of leaders.
Nothing will wear out a leader more than trying to stay in the lead everywhere, all the time. In order to become better leaders, great leaders learn to follow. They have a terrific circle of influence.
So who's leading? Everyone is in some way--and that includes the wrong way! Make good leadership your influence and you will live an amazing legacy!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Forgive
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars, Inc.
What is the best way to live a great life? Most people are willing to help others while hoping to get their own needs met.
One thought on the best course of action is to always give first. In business, you will hear about giving added value to your customers. When it comes to wealth, you hear about tithing. If you want energy, you must exercise--give energy to get energy.
So it makes sense that the word "for-give" is a recommendation that you must give first and know what you want in return. "For-get" never seems to work! "Get over it" never seems to work, either!
What is the real outcome you want when you forgive?
What is the best way to live a great life? Most people are willing to help others while hoping to get their own needs met.
One thought on the best course of action is to always give first. In business, you will hear about giving added value to your customers. When it comes to wealth, you hear about tithing. If you want energy, you must exercise--give energy to get energy.
So it makes sense that the word "for-give" is a recommendation that you must give first and know what you want in return. "For-get" never seems to work! "Get over it" never seems to work, either!
What is the real outcome you want when you forgive?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Heart or Ego?
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
When someone hurts us in some way like divorce or violating our trust, we often refer to the event as a heart matter: "They broke my heart."
If that's true, when someone has heart-replacement surgery, do their hurts go away? Or, better yet, do they pick up the hurts of the donor?
I'm not saying that I'm a heart expert, but in my experience, the ego is what seems to hold onto the resentment. The heart pays the price for the ego more than for the actual event. People often say that they have the "right" to be angry--that's about ego.
Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, a gift that keeps giving. Your ego may not appreciate it, but your heart will.
When someone hurts us in some way like divorce or violating our trust, we often refer to the event as a heart matter: "They broke my heart."
If that's true, when someone has heart-replacement surgery, do their hurts go away? Or, better yet, do they pick up the hurts of the donor?
I'm not saying that I'm a heart expert, but in my experience, the ego is what seems to hold onto the resentment. The heart pays the price for the ego more than for the actual event. People often say that they have the "right" to be angry--that's about ego.
Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, a gift that keeps giving. Your ego may not appreciate it, but your heart will.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Who Do You Admire?
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
Who are the people you admire? Do you have friends or family members whom you look up to? Maybe you admire someone from history or a person who has made a difference in the world.
What is the reason that you admire this special someone? We frequently respect qualities in others that we wish we had or that we could better express. We often admire people who have the courage to do what we fear.
Have you ever stopped and wondered who you really are and who admires you for your qualities? Why not start today to be the best version of you?!
Who are the people you admire? Do you have friends or family members whom you look up to? Maybe you admire someone from history or a person who has made a difference in the world.
What is the reason that you admire this special someone? We frequently respect qualities in others that we wish we had or that we could better express. We often admire people who have the courage to do what we fear.
Have you ever stopped and wondered who you really are and who admires you for your qualities? Why not start today to be the best version of you?!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Teamwork
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
Working on a team takes a lot of relationship skills. To be on a team, you must trust those you work with while doing your part to accomplish the mission.
Communication is essential to team success, and honest communication is the only way the team will succeed. Teamwork is about helping other members look good and supporting their growth.
How you act as a member of a team will tell you how you are in all of your relationships. Have you ever taken the time to examine how you work as a team member and what that says about you and your relationships?
Working on a team takes a lot of relationship skills. To be on a team, you must trust those you work with while doing your part to accomplish the mission.
Communication is essential to team success, and honest communication is the only way the team will succeed. Teamwork is about helping other members look good and supporting their growth.
How you act as a member of a team will tell you how you are in all of your relationships. Have you ever taken the time to examine how you work as a team member and what that says about you and your relationships?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Anger Management
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
In Life Success's Basic seminar, participants often tell me that they want to learn how to manage their anger. At this point, I usually ask, "So you want to be angry?"
Of course, people say that they don't want to be angry--they just want to be less angry. It sounds like a play on words, but the goals are very different.
If you want to manage anger, then your bottom-line belief is that you aren't capable of letting go of your anger. Anger is a feeling everyone experiences, but when people speak of "anger management," I think they are living angry.
Each of us has a choice to experience and stay angry, or we can experience anger followed by forgiveness.
Hint: Be ready, because the steps of forgiveness often contain a lot of anger!
In Life Success's Basic seminar, participants often tell me that they want to learn how to manage their anger. At this point, I usually ask, "So you want to be angry?"
Of course, people say that they don't want to be angry--they just want to be less angry. It sounds like a play on words, but the goals are very different.
If you want to manage anger, then your bottom-line belief is that you aren't capable of letting go of your anger. Anger is a feeling everyone experiences, but when people speak of "anger management," I think they are living angry.
Each of us has a choice to experience and stay angry, or we can experience anger followed by forgiveness.
Hint: Be ready, because the steps of forgiveness often contain a lot of anger!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Trust Me
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars, Inc.
How many times have you heard, "You can trust me"? Maybe it's my inner skeptic, but that statement raises a red flag for me. I often think, "Yes, I can, but I don't trust you."
Trust can't be dictated--it has to been earned. It doesn't matter if the role you're playing is one of parent, boss, friend or community leader, you can't demand that people trust you.
If you want to earn the trust of others, honesty and respect are the keys to building a trusting relationship. And it's important to remember that even if you do all the right things, you can't guarantee that others will trust you.
How many times have you heard, "You can trust me"? Maybe it's my inner skeptic, but that statement raises a red flag for me. I often think, "Yes, I can, but I don't trust you."
Trust can't be dictated--it has to been earned. It doesn't matter if the role you're playing is one of parent, boss, friend or community leader, you can't demand that people trust you.
If you want to earn the trust of others, honesty and respect are the keys to building a trusting relationship. And it's important to remember that even if you do all the right things, you can't guarantee that others will trust you.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sprinkles on Top
By Tony Miltenberger, director of leadership and outreach for Life Success Seminars
I recently participated in “Doughnuts with Dad,” an event at my 4-year-old son’s school. At this yearly event, fathers spend time with their children in the classroom—and eat doughnuts.
My son and I were both excited about the event, but for different reasons. I was excited about the bonding time and the change in my morning routine. He was excited about the sprinkles. Sprinkled doughnuts were what he wanted most. In his eyes, that was the special treat—the sprinkles.
I left “Doughnuts with Dad” thinking about the joy my son received from the sprinkles. He had pure happiness in his eyes.
It’s funny to me because I know that we can get sprinkled doughnuts any time we want, just by visiting the doughnut shop. His excitement was a good reminder for me that it’s important to enjoy the sprinkles of life.
In Life Success’s Basic seminar, we talk about the five steps of growth. The fifth step is Celebration. (You might’ve noticed that Mike, our executive director, talked about this step in last week’s blog.) Think about this fifth step as sprinkles.
This past weekend, Life Success celebrated 25 years of changing lives. Throughout the weekend, hundreds of our grads came to celebrate with us. That was the true joy of the weekend.
So today I want to say “Thanks!” Thanks to everyone who supports us and who continues to be a champion for this great organization. Thanks for being the sprinkles in our lives!
I recently participated in “Doughnuts with Dad,” an event at my 4-year-old son’s school. At this yearly event, fathers spend time with their children in the classroom—and eat doughnuts.
My son and I were both excited about the event, but for different reasons. I was excited about the bonding time and the change in my morning routine. He was excited about the sprinkles. Sprinkled doughnuts were what he wanted most. In his eyes, that was the special treat—the sprinkles.
I left “Doughnuts with Dad” thinking about the joy my son received from the sprinkles. He had pure happiness in his eyes.
It’s funny to me because I know that we can get sprinkled doughnuts any time we want, just by visiting the doughnut shop. His excitement was a good reminder for me that it’s important to enjoy the sprinkles of life.
In Life Success’s Basic seminar, we talk about the five steps of growth. The fifth step is Celebration. (You might’ve noticed that Mike, our executive director, talked about this step in last week’s blog.) Think about this fifth step as sprinkles.
This past weekend, Life Success celebrated 25 years of changing lives. Throughout the weekend, hundreds of our grads came to celebrate with us. That was the true joy of the weekend.
So today I want to say “Thanks!” Thanks to everyone who supports us and who continues to be a champion for this great organization. Thanks for being the sprinkles in our lives!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Celebrating Results!
By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.
At Life Success, we explore the five steps to growth:
1. Confusion
2. Exploration
3. Incubation
4. Illumination
5. Celebration
And it's that fifth step that we're focusing on now: CELEBRATION!!! Why? Because Life Success Seminars is celebrating our 25th anniversary this week!
Thousands of lives have changed as a result of our great organization. This is how we describe what goes on here at Life Success: Life-changing programs that deliver results.
Results speak the truth about what your activities have produced. Working hard is a noble gesture, but this doesn't guarantee a great organization or a great life.
Going the distance to deliver our mission to our participants has made Life Success a great organization. That's what has produced results. That's what has made us successful.
What has made you successful? What do you do to make your life great, day in and day out? And how do you celebrate your results?
At Life Success, we explore the five steps to growth:
1. Confusion
2. Exploration
3. Incubation
4. Illumination
5. Celebration
And it's that fifth step that we're focusing on now: CELEBRATION!!! Why? Because Life Success Seminars is celebrating our 25th anniversary this week!
Thousands of lives have changed as a result of our great organization. This is how we describe what goes on here at Life Success: Life-changing programs that deliver results.
Results speak the truth about what your activities have produced. Working hard is a noble gesture, but this doesn't guarantee a great organization or a great life.
Going the distance to deliver our mission to our participants has made Life Success a great organization. That's what has produced results. That's what has made us successful.
What has made you successful? What do you do to make your life great, day in and day out? And how do you celebrate your results?
Monday, August 2, 2010
Too Young ... Too Old
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars Inc.
As we grow up, adults often don't trust our decisions because we are too young. When we get out of school and start our careers, it takes awhile before we can be trusted because we are young and new.
On the other hand, if you've been around awhile, you can't be trusted because you resist change and are stuck in the past. You act like you know what you're doing and think you know what you're talking about!
My conclusion is that we only have a few years in the middle when we can be trusted. The problem with this premise is that I didn't trust myself during those years! But remember, I could be wrong. After all, I'm too old and stuck in the past to be trusted!
As we grow up, adults often don't trust our decisions because we are too young. When we get out of school and start our careers, it takes awhile before we can be trusted because we are young and new.
On the other hand, if you've been around awhile, you can't be trusted because you resist change and are stuck in the past. You act like you know what you're doing and think you know what you're talking about!
My conclusion is that we only have a few years in the middle when we can be trusted. The problem with this premise is that I didn't trust myself during those years! But remember, I could be wrong. After all, I'm too old and stuck in the past to be trusted!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Pass It On
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars Inc.
The very best way to learn something is to teach it to someone. When you commit to another, you become a champion.
One of the greatest rewards of being a champion is the sense of commitment. When we give of ourselves, we grow and so do the people we are working with. In Life Success's Basic seminar, we teach about the concept of responsibility: "I am responsible for myself and to others."
Being responsible is being committed not only to our growth but to the important people in our life. Who are you committed to? How can you better champion them?
The very best way to learn something is to teach it to someone. When you commit to another, you become a champion.
One of the greatest rewards of being a champion is the sense of commitment. When we give of ourselves, we grow and so do the people we are working with. In Life Success's Basic seminar, we teach about the concept of responsibility: "I am responsible for myself and to others."
Being responsible is being committed not only to our growth but to the important people in our life. Who are you committed to? How can you better champion them?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Instant Replay
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars Inc.
With all of the cameras used in sports broadcasts, every play can be reviewed from several different angles. In football, the replay can be so quick that if the coaches don't trust the call, they can throw a red flag and challenge the call. In many cases, the original decision is overturned and a new ruling dictates a different set of actions.
In today's world, with all the technology breakthroughs we're experiencing, we may see a time when all of our decisions will be up for review--and possibly overturned. If we don't trust what the boss says, we throw a red flag and ask for an instant replay!
What do you think? Let's hope our children don't get red flags until they are 18!
With all of the cameras used in sports broadcasts, every play can be reviewed from several different angles. In football, the replay can be so quick that if the coaches don't trust the call, they can throw a red flag and challenge the call. In many cases, the original decision is overturned and a new ruling dictates a different set of actions.
In today's world, with all the technology breakthroughs we're experiencing, we may see a time when all of our decisions will be up for review--and possibly overturned. If we don't trust what the boss says, we throw a red flag and ask for an instant replay!
What do you think? Let's hope our children don't get red flags until they are 18!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Plan Your Commitments
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars Inc.
The top 10% of people, those who are the most successful, have written plans. Do you have a written plan for the most important areas of your life? When 2010 ends, will you wish that you had taken action instead of just talking about what you want?
If you want to be successful, your success rate will improve if your plan is written and includes the following:
1. Know what you want.
2. Believe you deserve it.
3. Communicate what you want.
4. Take action in the direction of your goal.
When will you be in the top 10%? And why not get started now?
The top 10% of people, those who are the most successful, have written plans. Do you have a written plan for the most important areas of your life? When 2010 ends, will you wish that you had taken action instead of just talking about what you want?
If you want to be successful, your success rate will improve if your plan is written and includes the following:
1. Know what you want.
2. Believe you deserve it.
3. Communicate what you want.
4. Take action in the direction of your goal.
When will you be in the top 10%? And why not get started now?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Time to Celebrate
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars Inc.
At the end of each of Life Success's Basic and IPI seminars, we celebrate. In fact, we call this time "Celebration." Celebration honors the hard work and achievements of the seminar participants. The participants share their successes with the friends and family who they invite to Celebration.
We are so busy with our lives that we seldom take time to celebrate our achievements. If you don't honor your accomplishments, you'll probably think that you aren't making progress. When you feel like you aren't making progress, it's easy to feel disappointed. Disappointment then becomes a replacement for celebration.
What have you accomplished that needs to be celebrated?
At the end of each of Life Success's Basic and IPI seminars, we celebrate. In fact, we call this time "Celebration." Celebration honors the hard work and achievements of the seminar participants. The participants share their successes with the friends and family who they invite to Celebration.
We are so busy with our lives that we seldom take time to celebrate our achievements. If you don't honor your accomplishments, you'll probably think that you aren't making progress. When you feel like you aren't making progress, it's easy to feel disappointed. Disappointment then becomes a replacement for celebration.
What have you accomplished that needs to be celebrated?
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Already Committed
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars Inc.
During Life Success's monthly Basic seminar, we discuss commitment and how important commitment is to the results we have in our lives. People often say, "I really need to get committed."
What most people fail to realize is they are already committed. They're committed to a set of actions that drive their current results. All of us are successful because we are committed.
If you want a different success--if you want a different result--you must commit to something different.
What are you committed to in the most important areas of your life?
During Life Success's monthly Basic seminar, we discuss commitment and how important commitment is to the results we have in our lives. People often say, "I really need to get committed."
What most people fail to realize is they are already committed. They're committed to a set of actions that drive their current results. All of us are successful because we are committed.
If you want a different success--if you want a different result--you must commit to something different.
What are you committed to in the most important areas of your life?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Putting a Little Heart Into It
By Tony Miltenberger, director of leadership and outreach for Life Success Seminars
Do you have a movie that no matter when it’s on TV, you have to watch it? You know, one of those films that’s quicksand for the brain: The more I struggle, the more I want to watch. I stop whatever I’m doing and get lost in the moment.
I’m ashamed to admit it, but the film “The Replacements” is one of those movies for me. Keanu Reeves stars in the film about replacement football players. The acting isn’t that good, and the movie is full of glaring mistakes. But I love it!
One of my favorite scenes is when the coach (Gene Hackman) is leaving the field and is asked what his team needs to get back in the game. He replies, “Heart. Miles and miles of heart.”
Even with the movie’s shortfalls, I believe that no truer statement has ever been said about life. Each morning, I get to wake up and decide how I want to get back into the game.
Heart is the one tool that can move mountains, inspire change--and help replacement football players claim victory! The interesting part about this weapon is that we all have the capacity to wield its power for the greater good.
Every human being comes equipped with a heart. (Although I know some of you are in denial!) The trick is to use that power to change our world.
I leave this week’s blog asking two questions: What are you putting your heart into? And, more importantly, what are you leaving your heart out of?
Do you have a movie that no matter when it’s on TV, you have to watch it? You know, one of those films that’s quicksand for the brain: The more I struggle, the more I want to watch. I stop whatever I’m doing and get lost in the moment.
I’m ashamed to admit it, but the film “The Replacements” is one of those movies for me. Keanu Reeves stars in the film about replacement football players. The acting isn’t that good, and the movie is full of glaring mistakes. But I love it!
One of my favorite scenes is when the coach (Gene Hackman) is leaving the field and is asked what his team needs to get back in the game. He replies, “Heart. Miles and miles of heart.”
Even with the movie’s shortfalls, I believe that no truer statement has ever been said about life. Each morning, I get to wake up and decide how I want to get back into the game.
Heart is the one tool that can move mountains, inspire change--and help replacement football players claim victory! The interesting part about this weapon is that we all have the capacity to wield its power for the greater good.
Every human being comes equipped with a heart. (Although I know some of you are in denial!) The trick is to use that power to change our world.
I leave this week’s blog asking two questions: What are you putting your heart into? And, more importantly, what are you leaving your heart out of?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Grateful Dead
by Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars
If you remember the band Grateful Dead, you are old! That being said, if you remember, it means that you're still alive. But are you Gratefully Alive?
"There's no sense taking life too seriously," is something we like to say at Life Success. "You're not going to get out of it alive, anyway." So how do we find a way to move through life and have fun?
Life is fun when we like what we're doing. And when we're doing what we like, we tend to be grateful for all we have.
All of us are going to die eventually; that's just the way it is. So if you spend the rest of your life doing what you love and being grateful, one day you'll get to join the Grateful Dead.
Why not take 10 minutes each day and write down everything you still have? Be grateful.
And consider this: Maybe you lost a few things to make more room for what's coming!
If you remember the band Grateful Dead, you are old! That being said, if you remember, it means that you're still alive. But are you Gratefully Alive?
"There's no sense taking life too seriously," is something we like to say at Life Success. "You're not going to get out of it alive, anyway." So how do we find a way to move through life and have fun?
Life is fun when we like what we're doing. And when we're doing what we like, we tend to be grateful for all we have.
All of us are going to die eventually; that's just the way it is. So if you spend the rest of your life doing what you love and being grateful, one day you'll get to join the Grateful Dead.
Why not take 10 minutes each day and write down everything you still have? Be grateful.
And consider this: Maybe you lost a few things to make more room for what's coming!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Leadership: Are You Prepared?
Leadership isn't about making the "right" decisions, says Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars. Leadership is about making decisions and moving forward. For more insights on leadership, watch Mike's keynote address on this topic at the 2010 Small Business Excellence Awards, sponsored by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A New Norm
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars
Life is funny. Just as we think we know how the game works, the rules change.
For example, if you don't save for the future, you leave your future to chance. But the new rule is that if you saved with the wrong investor, you're now in the same boat with the nonsavers!
It's understandable that so many people are upset with today's circumstances. So how do you adjust your gratitude when the norm changes? When we focus on our losses, it's tough to be grateful.
Why not take 10 minutes each day and write down everything you still have? Be grateful.
And consider this: Maybe you lost a few things to make more room for what's coming!
Life is funny. Just as we think we know how the game works, the rules change.
For example, if you don't save for the future, you leave your future to chance. But the new rule is that if you saved with the wrong investor, you're now in the same boat with the nonsavers!
It's understandable that so many people are upset with today's circumstances. So how do you adjust your gratitude when the norm changes? When we focus on our losses, it's tough to be grateful.
Why not take 10 minutes each day and write down everything you still have? Be grateful.
And consider this: Maybe you lost a few things to make more room for what's coming!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
A Progress Plan
by Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars, Inc.
If you want to start a business, the first thing you need to do is write a business plan.
When it comes to other important areas of your life, wouldn't it also make sense to have a written plan? If you have a plan, you can track your progress.
Do you have a written plan for the most important areas of your life? Do you have a progress plan to track your successes? If you want to make progress, you have to take action. Write it down!
If you want to start a business, the first thing you need to do is write a business plan.
When it comes to other important areas of your life, wouldn't it also make sense to have a written plan? If you have a plan, you can track your progress.
Do you have a written plan for the most important areas of your life? Do you have a progress plan to track your successes? If you want to make progress, you have to take action. Write it down!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
There’s Always Someone Watching
By Tony Miltenberger, Director of Leadership and Outreach for Life Success Seminars
Whenever I’m traveling, I people-watch. The airport is the best place to watch people in a unique atmosphere, often when they’re under pressure. I recently spent a week traveling and saw two scenarios that illustrated people at their worst and at their best.
The Worst
I was waiting for an early morning flight--6:15am early--and everyone had arrived at the gate one hour ahead of flight time. People were slowly moving around, coffee in-hand, waiting for the customer-service agent to announce that we could begin boarding.
I noticed that the agent couldn’t make the announcement because a tall, slim businessman stood directly in front of her. He was extremely upset, simultaneously yelling at his travel agent on his cell phone and at the customer-service representative. This man clearly had skills in the area of expressing his feelings!
The customer-service agent calmly told the man that the flight had no room for standby passengers. He continued to yell and demanded to speak to her manager. She told him, “My manager is on the other side of the airport.” The man went into a bigger rage about not being able to see the supervisor, and the agent calmly replied, “She won’t get here before the flight leaves.”
Meanwhile, the only thing on my mind is that this man is upsetting the only person who can get him on the flight! What was he thinking?
The Best
I love it when people have fun at work! During my trip, I was on a flight where the head flight attendant had a clear passion for his work. He was funny and engaging and still managed to do his job. My favorite part was his quick wit. When the plane hit serious turbulence, he remarked over the loudspeaker, “Whoever is shaking the plane, please stop.”
At the end of the flight, he actually received applause from all the passengers who were influenced by his passion and his attitude. What a great way to leave his mark on the world, by helping people have fun! I was inspired by his approach.
At the end of the week, all my travels were done and I reflected on the whole experience. Here’s what I came away with: People who love to laugh have fun and enjoy the everyday experiences of life.
Do yourself a favor: Take one day and commit to sharing the joy. See how you can change your little corner of the world. You might be amazed what a smile can do!
Whenever I’m traveling, I people-watch. The airport is the best place to watch people in a unique atmosphere, often when they’re under pressure. I recently spent a week traveling and saw two scenarios that illustrated people at their worst and at their best.
The Worst
I was waiting for an early morning flight--6:15am early--and everyone had arrived at the gate one hour ahead of flight time. People were slowly moving around, coffee in-hand, waiting for the customer-service agent to announce that we could begin boarding.
I noticed that the agent couldn’t make the announcement because a tall, slim businessman stood directly in front of her. He was extremely upset, simultaneously yelling at his travel agent on his cell phone and at the customer-service representative. This man clearly had skills in the area of expressing his feelings!
The customer-service agent calmly told the man that the flight had no room for standby passengers. He continued to yell and demanded to speak to her manager. She told him, “My manager is on the other side of the airport.” The man went into a bigger rage about not being able to see the supervisor, and the agent calmly replied, “She won’t get here before the flight leaves.”
Meanwhile, the only thing on my mind is that this man is upsetting the only person who can get him on the flight! What was he thinking?
The Best
I love it when people have fun at work! During my trip, I was on a flight where the head flight attendant had a clear passion for his work. He was funny and engaging and still managed to do his job. My favorite part was his quick wit. When the plane hit serious turbulence, he remarked over the loudspeaker, “Whoever is shaking the plane, please stop.”
At the end of the flight, he actually received applause from all the passengers who were influenced by his passion and his attitude. What a great way to leave his mark on the world, by helping people have fun! I was inspired by his approach.
At the end of the week, all my travels were done and I reflected on the whole experience. Here’s what I came away with: People who love to laugh have fun and enjoy the everyday experiences of life.
Do yourself a favor: Take one day and commit to sharing the joy. See how you can change your little corner of the world. You might be amazed what a smile can do!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Progress
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars, Inc.
Progress can be a tricky little devil because it can be deceptive. People often give up because they can't see an immediate result and they decide that they aren't making progress. I also see people give up because they think that things aren't moving fast enough.
Your life is the result of the accumulation of a lot of little decisions. If you put all those little decisions together, you either have some great results or some not-so-great results. Either way, you've made progress.
If you consistently take action in the direction of what you want, you will make progress. Just make sure you really know what you want so your progress isn't in vain!
Progress can be a tricky little devil because it can be deceptive. People often give up because they can't see an immediate result and they decide that they aren't making progress. I also see people give up because they think that things aren't moving fast enough.
Your life is the result of the accumulation of a lot of little decisions. If you put all those little decisions together, you either have some great results or some not-so-great results. Either way, you've made progress.
If you consistently take action in the direction of what you want, you will make progress. Just make sure you really know what you want so your progress isn't in vain!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
I'm Sorry
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars, Inc.
Have you ever been in a disagreement or argument where the other person’s feelings were hurt? My guess is the answer to that question is, “Yes.”
Have you ever apologized to the other person, even if you felt you were right about what you said? My guess is the answer to that question is usually, “No.” When we think we’re right, we often believe that there isn’t any need for an apology.
But when we feel we’ve been wronged, we often move immediately to thinking we are right. So whether we are right or have been wronged, there is little room to give--either to forgive or to give an apology.
What’s that saying? “I’d rather be right than happy.” How does that work in your life?
Have you ever been in a disagreement or argument where the other person’s feelings were hurt? My guess is the answer to that question is, “Yes.”
Have you ever apologized to the other person, even if you felt you were right about what you said? My guess is the answer to that question is usually, “No.” When we think we’re right, we often believe that there isn’t any need for an apology.
But when we feel we’ve been wronged, we often move immediately to thinking we are right. So whether we are right or have been wronged, there is little room to give--either to forgive or to give an apology.
What’s that saying? “I’d rather be right than happy.” How does that work in your life?
Asking for Input
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars, Inc.
Input is important if you're going to make progress in business or relationships. When we invite input, we get a variety of perspectives and many more options to choose from.
Input is about communication. And the better we communicate, the more our results improve.
When is the last time you asked for input in an important area of your life?
Input is important if you're going to make progress in business or relationships. When we invite input, we get a variety of perspectives and many more options to choose from.
Input is about communication. And the better we communicate, the more our results improve.
When is the last time you asked for input in an important area of your life?
Monday, April 26, 2010
Ownership vs. Possession
By Tony Miltenberger, Director of Leadership and Outreach for Life Success Seminars
The difference between “ownership” and “possession” is the difference between having great thoughts and being great.
All human beings have ownership over their lives, but only a few possess the skills to be great. Possession is far more important than ownership.
I may own a piano, but Mozart had possession over the piano. The piano didn't make Mozart great--Mozart made the piano great.
Possession gives us the ability to feel what we own. We all have many things that we own (homes, cars, jobs, etc.), but how many things in our life are worth possessing? What are you doing to take possession of the day? Or are you just going through the motions?
Dictionary.com gives 11 different definitions for “possession.” The 11th definition is "the feeling or idea itself." Possession is what Life Success Seminars is all about--teaching the tools to be great. Check us out: www.lifesuccessseminars.com
The difference between “ownership” and “possession” is the difference between having great thoughts and being great.
All human beings have ownership over their lives, but only a few possess the skills to be great. Possession is far more important than ownership.
I may own a piano, but Mozart had possession over the piano. The piano didn't make Mozart great--Mozart made the piano great.
Possession gives us the ability to feel what we own. We all have many things that we own (homes, cars, jobs, etc.), but how many things in our life are worth possessing? What are you doing to take possession of the day? Or are you just going through the motions?
Dictionary.com gives 11 different definitions for “possession.” The 11th definition is "the feeling or idea itself." Possession is what Life Success Seminars is all about--teaching the tools to be great. Check us out: www.lifesuccessseminars.com
Monday, April 19, 2010
It Worked So Well...
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars, Inc.
How many times have you found a way to stop doing what works? In other words, "It worked so well, I quit doing it."
For example, we all know the value of a good vacation and yet we think we don't have enough time. How important is it to our relationships to go on date night and yet we don't have time?
It seems the very things that are good for us are the things we don't have time for in life! Sleep, exercise, fun, relaxing... What is it in your life that works so well you don't have time for it anymore?
And it's usually the simple things. So what could you change today?
How many times have you found a way to stop doing what works? In other words, "It worked so well, I quit doing it."
For example, we all know the value of a good vacation and yet we think we don't have enough time. How important is it to our relationships to go on date night and yet we don't have time?
It seems the very things that are good for us are the things we don't have time for in life! Sleep, exercise, fun, relaxing... What is it in your life that works so well you don't have time for it anymore?
And it's usually the simple things. So what could you change today?
Friday, April 16, 2010
Time to Practice
By Mike Monahan, executive director and CEO of Life Success Seminars, Inc.
Trust is one of the factors that determines your quality of life. The more you trust, the better your relationships are. The more you trust, the better your life works.
In our monthly Basic seminar, we start with the concept of trust and continue to build on that concept for the entire seminar. For the Basic experience to work, participants have to trust the process and the people in the seminar. Before you can trust others, you must be willing to trust yourself.
The Basic seminar is a practice field for life. The seminar is designed so people can practice courage in trusting their decisions. The more you practice trust, the more you will trust. When was the last time you've been on the practice field?
Trust is one of the factors that determines your quality of life. The more you trust, the better your relationships are. The more you trust, the better your life works.
In our monthly Basic seminar, we start with the concept of trust and continue to build on that concept for the entire seminar. For the Basic experience to work, participants have to trust the process and the people in the seminar. Before you can trust others, you must be willing to trust yourself.
The Basic seminar is a practice field for life. The seminar is designed so people can practice courage in trusting their decisions. The more you practice trust, the more you will trust. When was the last time you've been on the practice field?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Missing Out
By Tony Miltenberger, Director of Leadership and Outreach for Life Success Seminars
If you haven’t guessed, I work in the field of personal growth.
The whole purpose of what we do at Life Success is to empower people to find what they love most in the world--and help them to go after it. We help people reach their dreams and strengthen and renew relationships that have become distant.
What we do in our monthly Basic seminar is magical. Every month, the seminar starts out the same: 40-60 strangers who are thinking to themselves, “What did I just get myself into?” Every month, the seminar ends the same: 40-60 people have transformed!
I could try to explain what happens in the Basic seminar, but I wouldn’t do it justice. To be honest, I don’t really know why the process works, but it does and it has been for 25 years. Besides, experiencing it is way better than reading about it!
I first participated in the Basic seminar in October 2007, and I often think about my experience and how it changed me. Since then, I’ve volunteered to help in Basic many times. Each seminar I’ve been part of is different; each one has a unique flavor or special way the group unites.
One thing remains the same--when I’m not part of the seminar each month, I miss it. When I’m away from what I want in my life, I give up a little part of myself. Don’t get me wrong: I don’t think it’s practical to be at our seminars every month. But staying tied to the essence of the seminar is the key to my dreams for both me and my family.
This month, I will be away from our Basic seminar and, like every time I’m away, I’ll be missing out. The good news is that next month we will have another, and then the month after that another… So I will have the opportunity to stay tied in as much as I want.
The question I leave you with is simple: What are you missing out on?
If you haven’t guessed, I work in the field of personal growth.
The whole purpose of what we do at Life Success is to empower people to find what they love most in the world--and help them to go after it. We help people reach their dreams and strengthen and renew relationships that have become distant.
What we do in our monthly Basic seminar is magical. Every month, the seminar starts out the same: 40-60 strangers who are thinking to themselves, “What did I just get myself into?” Every month, the seminar ends the same: 40-60 people have transformed!
I could try to explain what happens in the Basic seminar, but I wouldn’t do it justice. To be honest, I don’t really know why the process works, but it does and it has been for 25 years. Besides, experiencing it is way better than reading about it!
I first participated in the Basic seminar in October 2007, and I often think about my experience and how it changed me. Since then, I’ve volunteered to help in Basic many times. Each seminar I’ve been part of is different; each one has a unique flavor or special way the group unites.
One thing remains the same--when I’m not part of the seminar each month, I miss it. When I’m away from what I want in my life, I give up a little part of myself. Don’t get me wrong: I don’t think it’s practical to be at our seminars every month. But staying tied to the essence of the seminar is the key to my dreams for both me and my family.
This month, I will be away from our Basic seminar and, like every time I’m away, I’ll be missing out. The good news is that next month we will have another, and then the month after that another… So I will have the opportunity to stay tied in as much as I want.
The question I leave you with is simple: What are you missing out on?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Does That Come with Benefits?
By Mike Monahan, Executive Director and CEO of Life Success Seminars
When we think of our dreams, we often think about all the benefits we will gain once we have accomplished our goal: "When I am rich and successful, I can take more vacations and buy the things that I want." "When I find that special someone, I will be in love and have fun all the time."
People often fall short on their dreams because they didn't factor in the "I-didn't-sign-up-for-this" part.
We all would like to have the benefits of success without the hard work that goes with a dream. Even the lottery winners don't have it made!
As you write down your dreams, make sure you have a column for what you will have to sacrifice to have what you want. Then be sure to celebrate each step you take toward your dream!
When we think of our dreams, we often think about all the benefits we will gain once we have accomplished our goal: "When I am rich and successful, I can take more vacations and buy the things that I want." "When I find that special someone, I will be in love and have fun all the time."
People often fall short on their dreams because they didn't factor in the "I-didn't-sign-up-for-this" part.
We all would like to have the benefits of success without the hard work that goes with a dream. Even the lottery winners don't have it made!
As you write down your dreams, make sure you have a column for what you will have to sacrifice to have what you want. Then be sure to celebrate each step you take toward your dream!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
What We Can Learn from March Madness
By Tony Miltenberger, Director of Leadership and Outreach for Life Success Seminars
Every year, millions of men and women succumb to the draw of “The Tournament” or “The Brackets.” Every year, there are thousands of office pools, trips to Vegas and trash-talking about what seed your team is ranked.
In fact, this time of year has become such an event that the opening of March Madness creates a spike in elective surgeries for men so they can sit at home and watch basketball.
So what’s the draw? What’s all the hype about? I believe it’s about the Cinderella story, the underdog. It’s the idea that one team made up of potential unknowns has the same shot as anyone else. It’s the idea that during the course of one game, anything can happen--and usually will.
The Cinderella story is epic, and everyone loves the idea. Unfortunately, people don’t believe in the Cinderella story. 4.8 million brackets were filled out on ESPN.com and, after last weekend, no one had a perfect bracket.
Cinderella is fun, but she isn’t very practical.
I tend to think about this in my own life. How many times have I not believed in myself and instead took the practical route? What dreams have I given up on because I wasn’t supposed to be there?
What I realized from this past weekend’s games is that every Cinderella story started out the same way, by the team who never thought they were the underdog. Each team believed in what they could accomplish, even if society disagreed.
If we just take the time to believe in ourselves, then why wouldn’t our dreams be possible? This year I’ve decided that I deserve the proverbial glass slipper--practical or not.
Every year, millions of men and women succumb to the draw of “The Tournament” or “The Brackets.” Every year, there are thousands of office pools, trips to Vegas and trash-talking about what seed your team is ranked.
In fact, this time of year has become such an event that the opening of March Madness creates a spike in elective surgeries for men so they can sit at home and watch basketball.
So what’s the draw? What’s all the hype about? I believe it’s about the Cinderella story, the underdog. It’s the idea that one team made up of potential unknowns has the same shot as anyone else. It’s the idea that during the course of one game, anything can happen--and usually will.
The Cinderella story is epic, and everyone loves the idea. Unfortunately, people don’t believe in the Cinderella story. 4.8 million brackets were filled out on ESPN.com and, after last weekend, no one had a perfect bracket.
Cinderella is fun, but she isn’t very practical.
I tend to think about this in my own life. How many times have I not believed in myself and instead took the practical route? What dreams have I given up on because I wasn’t supposed to be there?
What I realized from this past weekend’s games is that every Cinderella story started out the same way, by the team who never thought they were the underdog. Each team believed in what they could accomplish, even if society disagreed.
If we just take the time to believe in ourselves, then why wouldn’t our dreams be possible? This year I’ve decided that I deserve the proverbial glass slipper--practical or not.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Luck or Opportunity?
By Tony Miltenberger, Director of Leadership and Outreach for Life Success Seminars
Every year around St. Patrick’s Day, we hear stories about luck--luck of the Irish, treasure at the end of the rainbow, little green men who can change your destiny.
I have to be honest--I don’t believe in luck.
As a disclaimer, I’m not Irish. And aside from my 4-year-old son (whom my wife loves to dress up), I’ve never seen a little man dressed in all-green.
What I have seen is a successful person. Success comes from hard work and finding the one thing you want in life more than anything else. When you find that one thing, hold on to it and don’t let go.
Dictionary.com defines luck as “good fortune; advantage or success, considered as the result of chance.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to leave my success to chance. I’d rather go get it myself!
Life is full of unfair opportunities; successful people know that and constantly take advantage of it.
I hope you had a Happy St. Patrick’s Day--and take the opportunity to find your own pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
Every year around St. Patrick’s Day, we hear stories about luck--luck of the Irish, treasure at the end of the rainbow, little green men who can change your destiny.
I have to be honest--I don’t believe in luck.
As a disclaimer, I’m not Irish. And aside from my 4-year-old son (whom my wife loves to dress up), I’ve never seen a little man dressed in all-green.
What I have seen is a successful person. Success comes from hard work and finding the one thing you want in life more than anything else. When you find that one thing, hold on to it and don’t let go.
Dictionary.com defines luck as “good fortune; advantage or success, considered as the result of chance.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to leave my success to chance. I’d rather go get it myself!
Life is full of unfair opportunities; successful people know that and constantly take advantage of it.
I hope you had a Happy St. Patrick’s Day--and take the opportunity to find your own pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
One Voice
By Mike Monahan, Executive Director and CEO of Life Success Seminars
It only takes one voice to change a life--your life--and the one voice is your own. We often can lose our voice for various reasons. The reasons frequently don't matter, but what really matters is that we find our voice again.
Finding your voice can be tricky. That being said, once you find it, things get even trickier.
Finding your voice usually comes out in the form of blame and anger. Truly finding your voice is like finding your power.
In your relationships, would you rather have power or resolution? The path to resolution is very different than the path to power.
It only takes one voice to change a life--your life--and the one voice is your own. We often can lose our voice for various reasons. The reasons frequently don't matter, but what really matters is that we find our voice again.
Finding your voice can be tricky. That being said, once you find it, things get even trickier.
Finding your voice usually comes out in the form of blame and anger. Truly finding your voice is like finding your power.
In your relationships, would you rather have power or resolution? The path to resolution is very different than the path to power.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Who's the Expert?
By Mike Monahan, Executive Director and CEO of Life Success Seminars
If you watch the news, I'm sure you've seen the so-called experts who predict the future. In fact, there are experts for every problem that we face, from the economy to world hunger to global warming.
We often want to call in the experts when making important decisions. The question each of us needs to answer is: "When am I the expert?"
Do you trust your ability to make good decisions so you can be the expert in your own life? Practice trusting your decisions and you may be the expert on the morning news one day!
If you watch the news, I'm sure you've seen the so-called experts who predict the future. In fact, there are experts for every problem that we face, from the economy to world hunger to global warming.
We often want to call in the experts when making important decisions. The question each of us needs to answer is: "When am I the expert?"
Do you trust your ability to make good decisions so you can be the expert in your own life? Practice trusting your decisions and you may be the expert on the morning news one day!
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