Tag Archives: #leadership

#inspiration

Verify

As you are aware, there’s a lot of news thrust upon us 24/7. How do we discern what is true from the lies?

When I cite something like a statistic, I have checked its validity from three independent sources. The only pieces I read are scientific, not opinion based. I have an opinion but that doesn’t make it true. I have this unique ability to get things wrong sometimes!

The MSM has turned themselves into talking heads who spout the stories they want you to believe. Oftentimes they omit parts of questions and answers, or they edit them in ways to promote their outright lies. Purposely misleading people is wrong. No wonder podcasts are exploding while nightly “news” is barely hanging on. People want unfiltered news.

No one has the time to check out everything. Select what’s important to you. Do your research with an open mind. Consider things from all angles.

The truth is out there. You just gotta look for it…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

Hatred

Why do people hate others? Everything from the neo-Nazis to the KKK exists so they can isolate and marginalize others, keeping them living in fear. Although these groups are small, they can inflict great harm to people.

Anti-Semitism is rampant on college campuses and in mainstream society. Two weeks ago I attended a “Breakfast For Israel” meeting to learn about the battles Israel is facing. The Israelis are in a fight for their lives, their very existence. There was security everywhere to keep the attendees safe. This really saddened me.

Hatred is the default mechanism of a weak and empty society. Blame is oftentimes a companion of hate. People believe they have been victimized so they blame the people who aren’t like them.

People fear what they don’t understand. I encourage you to get to know people, learn about them and their culture. You will see that we are all pretty much the same inside…

Standard
#inspiration

The Beauty of America

I have followers in over 160 countries spread throughout the world. I’m grateful for all of you. My home is in Texas. If you have never visited Texas I hope you have an opportunity to. We’re friendly people!

Part of the beauty of the United States is the kindness we show to others, including our enemies. If there was a disaster in Russia, for example, we would be the first to respond. We have a history of helping. If you recall, the United States helped build a sarcophagus over the Chernobyl nuclear reactor after its core was breached.

It’s election season in the United States, and that can bring out some ugliness from some people. The beauty for most of us is, we can vote differently and still remain friends. I believe the heart of mankind is good.

The election will pass and our country will survive. We are better together…

Standard
#inspiration

Redirect

For years I have been writing and speaking about controlling our thoughts. It’s challenging, I know, but it can be done.

Here is a solid way to begin the habit of controlling your thinking. I call it redirection. Whenever a potentially destructive thought or impulse enters your mind, instead of acting on it simply do the opposite. You don’t feel like exercising? Visualize yourself looking fit and do it anyway. You want to eat something that isn’t good for your body and overall health? Remember your fit physique visual. Over time, your mind will manifest your new way of thinking.

I get that our minds can seem like they are completely out of control. They really aren’t. You have control of your attitude which will direct your thoughts. Thoughts become actions.

Try it with just one bad habit you want to change. Stick with it and you’ll see the desired results…

Standard
#inspiration

Trendy

When a new fad comes along, you can’t escape it. Traditionalists like me place an internal bet about how long it will last. It’s the safest bet I have ever made because I can’t lose. Or win, for that matter!

There are some things that never go out of style. Manners, kindness, consideration of others and compassion are just a few examples. The goodness of mankind is on display daily. You have to take the time to notice because there’s a lot of noise vying for your attention.

Let’s keep goodness trending. Fads will forever come and go. Goodness moves mountains…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

Neighborly

Do you know your neighbors, the people who live next door to you? Over the course of my life, I have had wonderful neighbors and I have had some real jerks (nicest word I could think of), too.

Jesus instructed us to “love our neighbors as we love ourselves.” How do we love or even like people who are real assholes (better description)? Let’s examine.

How we love anyone begins with how we feel about ourselves. Having a healthy self image is a good place to start. Self worth manifests when we take care of ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Being overly critical of everything we do can make us judgmental of others.

Take the time to work on yourself. This isn’t a “one and done,” but it’s an ongoing process. The work is hard, really hard, but it is worth it.

And remember the Golden Rule: treat others the way you would like to be treated. This includes the assholes…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

Credit

Whether at work or at home, we contribute to the wellbeing of others. When we are working with a team, if our ideas help the team achieve its goals we want our supervisor to know. When other kids parents compliment our children, we let them know how hard we work in raising our children. We want credit.

But what would happen if we just did our work without caring who gets the credit? Maybe we are afraid we will be overlooked for advancement, or we fear someone else takes credit for our work. These concerns, while legitimate, aren’t really important in the grand scheme of things. We are not looking for recognition from our colleagues, but from an audience of one.

God sees everything. He is around us and in us all the time. He’s keeping his own score. He is just and will make things right.

Do your best, and don’t worry about getting credit. God knows…

Standard
#inspiration

Never Seen

People revere celebrities and I’m not sure why. Actors are excellent at their craft, and musicians create music that will go down in history. But they aren’t saving lives. The really great ones aren’t being affected by the economy and skyrocketing cost of living. They are not relatable.

The people I look up to the most will never be famous. You wouldn’t notice them on the street, nor would you pay attention to them if you were on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and they were right next to you.

I’m talking about the ones who work like hell to take care of their families. Some are holding down two, even three jobs to make ends meet. The people who clean our hotel rooms, sweep the streets and deliver food and other goods to our stores. Teachers are heroes, too. We trust them with the ones who are most precious to us, our children.

Take time to thank God for the countless unseen people. Without them, none of this works…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

All or Some

If you are anything like me, you approach life with optimism, vigor and confidence. You believe anything is possible. But what about when we fall short or we meet frustration after frustration? What happens then?

Those are the dark times, the periods where we keep going even if we aren’t getting anywhere. Just as good times don’t last forever, neither does the darkness. Think back to the times in life where things looked bleak, pointless even. You got through those times and you will thrive again. Believe it.

Life is not “all or nothing.” Believe in yourself and remember, some is better than none…

Standard
#inspiration

Truth and Consequences

Have you noticed that there are people who want to mislead you out there? Perhaps they are trying to sell you something you don’t need, or a commercial inspires your children to ask you to buy some sugary cereal.

Take the time to think before you buy. Is your child better off eating sugar-filled cereal or fruit and protein in the morning? After all, cereal is quick and easy. Cutting up fruit and preparing bacon takes time, and who’s got the time? Take the time. You are investing in your child’s future health.

Politicians are the worst. “Elect me and I promise” they say. We expect politicians to stretch the truth, so you have to watch their actions closely. What has their history been?

Stay true to what you know is right. Commit to taking the time to investigate. Think things through.

It might be a good idea to slow down a little. Life takes time…

Standard