Character Revealed
It is often stated that true heroes in life, the people who perform spectacular feats in one perilous moment, are just normal people. That one perilous moment just allows the rest of the world to see their true character. Many times, they downplay their moments in the spotlight and prefer to remain anonymous.
How do you find and define character without a perilous moment? Is it having integrity? Is it found when you see someone totally committed to an impossible dream and they achieve it? Is it found when someone has a selfless act of courage that puts their life on the line for another?
I want to share a simple story of a man who exemplifies having character. Richard Munsen was born in Story City, IA 82 years ago. He is Norwegian by bloodline and went off to war in WWII, became a Captain of a B-17, and was shot down flying a mission over the Balkans in Croatia. With the help of the Partisan resistance, he and his crew evaded the Germans for 45 days and finally made it safely back to allied territory. He transitioned from his military service back to Story City, IA and co-owned and operated a Chevrolet dealership for the rest of his work career. I know of his life’s story because he is the grandfather of my son.
On a trip to visit Dick this month, as soon as I walked in the door he grabbed me by the arm and stated, “Come here, I have to show you something.” On a folding table in his living room was a puzzle that I had given her the previous Christmas. It was a WWII puzzle of the Normandy invasion.
As we sat down together to work on the puzzle that evening, I noticed several things. First, Dick has been having a sore knee lately and after a while, I could see that sitting at the table was beginning to be uncomfortable. Second, he his vision is challenged, in one eye he sees double and in the other he sees things raised about twice as high as the other. Fitting together pieces of a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle was certainly a worthy challenge with his eyesight challenges. Third, after 8 months of working on the puzzle he was proud as he could be with the progress made to date. The puzzle was only about 1/3 completed. He told me that some nights he can’t sleep and comes out to work in “a piece or two.” He consistently works on it just about everyday.
In that moment, I thought, “Wow, this is character. Many people would call his efforts an example of commitment, perseverance, dedication, or pursuit of achievement; but to me, it just signified personal “character.” Despite all of the physical challenges he was enduring, he still sits down everyday and works towards a worthy goal. He was keeping his mind active, alert, and practicing patience on the path to success.
How often do we miss the “character” that others show in their daily actions? How often do we overlook what makes people special? I have a tremendous amount of respect for Dick because he did such “heroic” things like becoming a pilot in WWII, evading the Germans for 45 days in the mountains of Yugoslavia, leading his men to safety, and taking on the entrepreneurial responsibilities of owning a successful Chevrolet dealership. What I respect the most is that at 82, he still shows the same character everyday that he has during his life as he works to fit one more piece of life’s puzzle together.
Find the hero in the people that you come in contact with today. They are exhibiting their character in many ways, if you just look for it. Appreciate their life experiences, how they have grown over the years, and keep a look out for the small things they do that reveal their true “character.” Everything you need in life to be inspired, to love, to experience gratitude, are right in front of you if you look for it. And remember to look at refining your own “character” so that you can continue to inspire others, as well.
If you wish to read more about Dick Munsen and his WWII experiences, please check out his website at: www.munsen.com
If you need some support in living a life with more “Character,” Call Now for a coaching session that will change your life.
(303) 681-3555
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8/29/08
8/21/08
Breaking the Rules!
Breaking the Rules
In today’s hectic world there is no shortage of emotional intensity. There is plenty of stress, frustration, depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Fear seems to have begun to take hold caused in party by the recent fluctuations in the housing and stock markets. If you have any doubts these disempowering emotional states are present, just ask any customer service representative, listen to the news, or just drive home in rush hour traffic in the left hand lane.
Most people who come to coaching are looking for the greater empowering emotional intensity that is sometimes hard to find in our everyday life: peace, success, achievement, happiness, and love. Many find their lives have become flat, lonely, without purpose.
Having a purpose in life is an interesting ideology that many people spend their entire life pursuing. But often by living life everyday, we build our habits which develop our limitations and beliefs about what we can and can not do, without consciously thinking about it. Many of you reading this now may be saying to yourself, “I don’t have time for meditating on my purpose in life; with three kids, a full time job, a spouse that works, and a household to keep in order, who has time for purpose?”
Well, I propose we break out of that cycle. We’re going to do this in two parts: The first part is as follows - this week I would love for you to repeatedly ask yourself this question. Here is it:
“When you were younger, what was so fun, exciting, and adventurous that you were willing to break Mom and Dad’s rules, even at the risk of being punished?” When you were a kid, what did you get in trouble for wanting to become? What did you get in trouble for doing? What did you dream about and never tell anyone? What would you have done that was worth the spanking, grounding, or loss of car privileges you would have received?
OK, so that was more than one question… What came into your mind as you were asking yourself those questions?
One of the problems with living life as an adult is that many times we have become the parent of ourselves. Oh, NO. When was the last time you were willing to go out and do something so unexpected and crazy that even if you got in trouble with your “parental” self the experience would be worth it? What do you want to sneak out of your bedroom window at night to do that would be worth the risk of getting caught when you got home?
Now here’s the second part - pick one of them and go do it now. Add some joy, enthusiasm, adventure, fun, and playfulness to your life. It will make the routines of life, kids, career, and finances easier to manage when you wake up Monday morning. You will smile, feeling great inside, knowing that it was totally worth it. Live life to its fullest, dream big dreams, break your own rules for yourself and do what is worth getting in “trouble” for!
Keep in mind, however, this statement has a very important caveat: Only break the rules doing something that is truly good for you, those closest to you, your community and the world as a whole. Clearly I am not advocating the type of activities that would cause irreparable harm to your finances, your relationships or your standing in the community – and definitely nothing that lands you in jail! But lead life joyously and a little outside your self-defined lines – allow yourself to play music full blast in the shower as you sing along at the top of your lungs, eat that occasional ice cream cone licking your fingers as it melts, take the kids out in the middle of the rain storm to stomp in puddles… Whatever brings that child-like happiness and joy back into your life!
Really, it’s ok…. I give you permission! It’s time you did too!
We are two thirds of the way through this year. If you need help finding something to do in order to “break the rules that your parental self” has developed, CALL NOW! You need some support!
(303) 681-3555
If you wish to Unsubscribe, just type in the reply text box, “unsubscribe.”
In today’s hectic world there is no shortage of emotional intensity. There is plenty of stress, frustration, depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Fear seems to have begun to take hold caused in party by the recent fluctuations in the housing and stock markets. If you have any doubts these disempowering emotional states are present, just ask any customer service representative, listen to the news, or just drive home in rush hour traffic in the left hand lane.
Most people who come to coaching are looking for the greater empowering emotional intensity that is sometimes hard to find in our everyday life: peace, success, achievement, happiness, and love. Many find their lives have become flat, lonely, without purpose.
Having a purpose in life is an interesting ideology that many people spend their entire life pursuing. But often by living life everyday, we build our habits which develop our limitations and beliefs about what we can and can not do, without consciously thinking about it. Many of you reading this now may be saying to yourself, “I don’t have time for meditating on my purpose in life; with three kids, a full time job, a spouse that works, and a household to keep in order, who has time for purpose?”
Well, I propose we break out of that cycle. We’re going to do this in two parts: The first part is as follows - this week I would love for you to repeatedly ask yourself this question. Here is it:
“When you were younger, what was so fun, exciting, and adventurous that you were willing to break Mom and Dad’s rules, even at the risk of being punished?” When you were a kid, what did you get in trouble for wanting to become? What did you get in trouble for doing? What did you dream about and never tell anyone? What would you have done that was worth the spanking, grounding, or loss of car privileges you would have received?
OK, so that was more than one question… What came into your mind as you were asking yourself those questions?
One of the problems with living life as an adult is that many times we have become the parent of ourselves. Oh, NO. When was the last time you were willing to go out and do something so unexpected and crazy that even if you got in trouble with your “parental” self the experience would be worth it? What do you want to sneak out of your bedroom window at night to do that would be worth the risk of getting caught when you got home?
Now here’s the second part - pick one of them and go do it now. Add some joy, enthusiasm, adventure, fun, and playfulness to your life. It will make the routines of life, kids, career, and finances easier to manage when you wake up Monday morning. You will smile, feeling great inside, knowing that it was totally worth it. Live life to its fullest, dream big dreams, break your own rules for yourself and do what is worth getting in “trouble” for!
Keep in mind, however, this statement has a very important caveat: Only break the rules doing something that is truly good for you, those closest to you, your community and the world as a whole. Clearly I am not advocating the type of activities that would cause irreparable harm to your finances, your relationships or your standing in the community – and definitely nothing that lands you in jail! But lead life joyously and a little outside your self-defined lines – allow yourself to play music full blast in the shower as you sing along at the top of your lungs, eat that occasional ice cream cone licking your fingers as it melts, take the kids out in the middle of the rain storm to stomp in puddles… Whatever brings that child-like happiness and joy back into your life!
Really, it’s ok…. I give you permission! It’s time you did too!
We are two thirds of the way through this year. If you need help finding something to do in order to “break the rules that your parental self” has developed, CALL NOW! You need some support!
(303) 681-3555
If you wish to Unsubscribe, just type in the reply text box, “unsubscribe.”
8/14/08
Bumper Sticker Bonanza
Bumper Sticker Bonanza
I had a very interesting ride to Colorado Springs last week. I was on a mission to return my vacuum cleaner for repair when there it was, the bumper sticker that changed my life. As I read it over and over, I sat absolutely stunned. It is not often that I am speechless, but in that moment, my tongue was tied in a triple knot that was never coming undone. Children, cover your eyes. The bumper sticker said, “Will f*@k for Gas” and has a woman’s silhouette bending over. WOW! I know the news about the economy has not been favorable lately, but there it was in plain sight. I was shocked, dismayed, and wondered about the psychology of the person who would put that message on their car.
Irony seems to follow me around, maybe since my last name is Murphy, and as I sat there in shock another car pulled up to the left of the lady in front of me and had a bumper sticker that stated, “Namaste: The divine in me blesses and honors the divine in you.” Somebody somewhere was sending me a message. I didn’t have too much time to contemplate as the light turned green and we all went our separate ways.
Isn’t that how life is? It seems like we are always being served two different messages: the glass is half full or the glass is half empty. But more importantly, who do we become as we assimilate all of the messages we are bombarded with? What are the defining character traits of the person with the gas bumper sticker versus the person with the Namaste sticker?
James Allen wrote a great book called, “As a Man Thinketh.” It’s basic premise is easy and simple. As you think, so you are. Who are you and what are you feeding your brain? Do you spend your day immersed in self help, hopeful messages, positive thinking, and the glass half full or do you belittle yourself and others with negative thoughts, watch the evening news, soap operas, and that ever popular show, Cops?
My point is this, “Stand guard at the doorway of your mind. What you let in is what you become.” Try this as a self guided technique, right before you go to bed pull out a journal and write down 8-10 things you are truly grateful for that day. Then write down a commitment for yourself to wake up a certain time the next morning having gotten all of the sleep that you need to be rested and refreshed. Then commit to 3-5 specific things you are going to accomplish the next day that really have some meaning for you. See what happens at the end of the week. Watch what you feed your mind, feed it good, happy, positive thoughts and experiences and you will enrich your life.
The Divine in me blesses and honors the Divine in you, Namaste.
To get more peace in your life, raise your peer group and get a stop the “Why” questions: CALL NOW! During the month of August, all new coaching clients will receive 10% off of each coaching session or the Sure Hire Behavioral Assessment thru August 31, 2008. We also have a great referral system, so tell your friends and business colleagues who need to get that “edge” to call now!
Check out my websites and blogs:
www.evolutionforsuccess.com
www.surehirenow.com
I had a very interesting ride to Colorado Springs last week. I was on a mission to return my vacuum cleaner for repair when there it was, the bumper sticker that changed my life. As I read it over and over, I sat absolutely stunned. It is not often that I am speechless, but in that moment, my tongue was tied in a triple knot that was never coming undone. Children, cover your eyes. The bumper sticker said, “Will f*@k for Gas” and has a woman’s silhouette bending over. WOW! I know the news about the economy has not been favorable lately, but there it was in plain sight. I was shocked, dismayed, and wondered about the psychology of the person who would put that message on their car.
Irony seems to follow me around, maybe since my last name is Murphy, and as I sat there in shock another car pulled up to the left of the lady in front of me and had a bumper sticker that stated, “Namaste: The divine in me blesses and honors the divine in you.” Somebody somewhere was sending me a message. I didn’t have too much time to contemplate as the light turned green and we all went our separate ways.
Isn’t that how life is? It seems like we are always being served two different messages: the glass is half full or the glass is half empty. But more importantly, who do we become as we assimilate all of the messages we are bombarded with? What are the defining character traits of the person with the gas bumper sticker versus the person with the Namaste sticker?
James Allen wrote a great book called, “As a Man Thinketh.” It’s basic premise is easy and simple. As you think, so you are. Who are you and what are you feeding your brain? Do you spend your day immersed in self help, hopeful messages, positive thinking, and the glass half full or do you belittle yourself and others with negative thoughts, watch the evening news, soap operas, and that ever popular show, Cops?
My point is this, “Stand guard at the doorway of your mind. What you let in is what you become.” Try this as a self guided technique, right before you go to bed pull out a journal and write down 8-10 things you are truly grateful for that day. Then write down a commitment for yourself to wake up a certain time the next morning having gotten all of the sleep that you need to be rested and refreshed. Then commit to 3-5 specific things you are going to accomplish the next day that really have some meaning for you. See what happens at the end of the week. Watch what you feed your mind, feed it good, happy, positive thoughts and experiences and you will enrich your life.
The Divine in me blesses and honors the Divine in you, Namaste.
To get more peace in your life, raise your peer group and get a stop the “Why” questions: CALL NOW! During the month of August, all new coaching clients will receive 10% off of each coaching session or the Sure Hire Behavioral Assessment thru August 31, 2008. We also have a great referral system, so tell your friends and business colleagues who need to get that “edge” to call now!
Check out my websites and blogs:
www.evolutionforsuccess.com
www.surehirenow.com
8/9/08
Double the Coins on Days Not Ending in “Y”
Double the Coins on Days Not Ending in “Y”
It is always interesting to go back to small town Iowa after having lived in San Diego, Denver, and Phoenix for so many years. I recently found myself back in Iowa visiting relatives and found these thoughts waiting for me.
As I was out running on a Sunday morning, I passed the local car wash which was sporting the sign, “New Change Machine, Double the Coins on Days Not Ending in “Y”. I reread the sign then mentally reviewed the 7 days of the week in my mind; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Wouldn’t you know, all of them end in “Y” - no extra coins for me! I mentally pictured an old farmer, rocking on his front porch, laughing and saying “Made you look!”
As I smiled to myself, I couldn’t help but think…”They got me – who doesn’t want the opportunity to get more for nothing?” As I continued to run, I examined my initial reaction to the sign - We all want something for nothing; the promise of a bigger return for less effort. We want huge results for minimal input into an endeavor.
I love word play and metaphors, and the more I thought about it, the less “Double the Coins on Days Not Ending in “Y” worked for me. So, I found a way to learn something from that sign – I changed it to “Double the Coins on Days Not Ending in WHY“. Why? I am glad that you asked. (I told you I loved word-play!)
The brain is hard-wired to find an answer (consciously or unconsciously) for every question we ask it. Many times in life when things don’t go our way we mentally ask the question “Why…?” This can be a pitfall in our thinking - Why questions do not serve us. “Why…” questions lead us into developing explanations, justifications and formation of belief patterns that are usually not empowering. Most of the time “Why...” questions lead us to thoughts that do not help us achieve or take action. Here are some examples of these negative questions….
• Why can’t I do this?
• Why couldn’t I remember that?
• Why does this always happen to me?
• Why do people always do this?
• Why can’t they just…? Why not?
So, I propose you can get “Double Your Coins Back on the Days Not Ending in “Why” by replacing those “Why...” questions with “How...” questions. “How…” questions lead to possibility. They trigger the mind to pull up past references to support where you are now and where you want to be in the future. Some examples of these positive questions are:
• How can I continue to feel prosperous today?
• How can I see the bright side of this problem?
• How can I feel better about myself and what I want to do today?
• How can these problems be resolved today in my favor?
• How is everyone I meet today going to support me in moving towards my goals?
• How can I find the answer to the problem?
“Why…” questions never serve us because they lead to the development of limiting beliefs and poor thought patterns, whereas “How…” questions allow us to take our personal power back and find solutions. Ask better questions of your brain and your brain will give you better answers. Have fun this week asking more “How…” questions to unleash your genius and uncover your potential!
If you are looking at the world through “why” colored glasses and need a change, CALL NOW! During the month of August, all new coaching clients will receive 10% off of each coaching session or the Sure Hire Behavioral Assessment thru August 31, 2008. We also have a great referral system, so tell your friends and business colleagues who need to get that “edge” to call now!
Check out my websites and blogs:
www.evolutionforsuccess.com
www.surehirenow.com
If you wish to unsubscribe, pleas “Reply” with “unsubscribe” in the subject line. Thank you.
It is always interesting to go back to small town Iowa after having lived in San Diego, Denver, and Phoenix for so many years. I recently found myself back in Iowa visiting relatives and found these thoughts waiting for me.
As I was out running on a Sunday morning, I passed the local car wash which was sporting the sign, “New Change Machine, Double the Coins on Days Not Ending in “Y”. I reread the sign then mentally reviewed the 7 days of the week in my mind; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Wouldn’t you know, all of them end in “Y” - no extra coins for me! I mentally pictured an old farmer, rocking on his front porch, laughing and saying “Made you look!”
As I smiled to myself, I couldn’t help but think…”They got me – who doesn’t want the opportunity to get more for nothing?” As I continued to run, I examined my initial reaction to the sign - We all want something for nothing; the promise of a bigger return for less effort. We want huge results for minimal input into an endeavor.
I love word play and metaphors, and the more I thought about it, the less “Double the Coins on Days Not Ending in “Y” worked for me. So, I found a way to learn something from that sign – I changed it to “Double the Coins on Days Not Ending in WHY“. Why? I am glad that you asked. (I told you I loved word-play!)
The brain is hard-wired to find an answer (consciously or unconsciously) for every question we ask it. Many times in life when things don’t go our way we mentally ask the question “Why…?” This can be a pitfall in our thinking - Why questions do not serve us. “Why…” questions lead us into developing explanations, justifications and formation of belief patterns that are usually not empowering. Most of the time “Why...” questions lead us to thoughts that do not help us achieve or take action. Here are some examples of these negative questions….
• Why can’t I do this?
• Why couldn’t I remember that?
• Why does this always happen to me?
• Why do people always do this?
• Why can’t they just…? Why not?
So, I propose you can get “Double Your Coins Back on the Days Not Ending in “Why” by replacing those “Why...” questions with “How...” questions. “How…” questions lead to possibility. They trigger the mind to pull up past references to support where you are now and where you want to be in the future. Some examples of these positive questions are:
• How can I continue to feel prosperous today?
• How can I see the bright side of this problem?
• How can I feel better about myself and what I want to do today?
• How can these problems be resolved today in my favor?
• How is everyone I meet today going to support me in moving towards my goals?
• How can I find the answer to the problem?
“Why…” questions never serve us because they lead to the development of limiting beliefs and poor thought patterns, whereas “How…” questions allow us to take our personal power back and find solutions. Ask better questions of your brain and your brain will give you better answers. Have fun this week asking more “How…” questions to unleash your genius and uncover your potential!
If you are looking at the world through “why” colored glasses and need a change, CALL NOW! During the month of August, all new coaching clients will receive 10% off of each coaching session or the Sure Hire Behavioral Assessment thru August 31, 2008. We also have a great referral system, so tell your friends and business colleagues who need to get that “edge” to call now!
Check out my websites and blogs:
www.evolutionforsuccess.com
www.surehirenow.com
If you wish to unsubscribe, pleas “Reply” with “unsubscribe” in the subject line. Thank you.
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