“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
- Howard Thurman
I have been extremely blessed in my life to have several amazing teachers, instructors, and mentors along my path.
These people have guided me in all areas of my life. Whether it was martial arts, sports, business, or parenting, each one of these incredible individuals, regardless of their area of influence, has left an indelible impact on my life and the lives of those that I serve.
In reflection, I have come to realize, that all of these important...
“Step with care and great tact, remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act.”
- Dr. Seuss
Several years ago, I observed one of the most creative ways of making an impactful point by a professional speaker that I have ever witnessed.
I was attending a National Speakers Association meeting in Denver and the keynote speaker was a man with a unique background. He had started as a busker or street performer on the streets of San Francisco. After years of entertaining audiences in the “City by the Bay”, he had now transformed into an outstanding professional speaker.
Combining his powerful...
“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Last year, I attended a concert with my son, Jason to see one of his favorite musical artists, David Gray.
While not being a particularly big follower of Gray before the event, I left the concert as a huge fan. Part of that came certainly because of the quality of his...
“If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”
- Fred Rogers, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood
Impact. Whether we know it or not, each one of us has the ability to impact others in profound ways.
This is usually recognized for those who positively affect the masses through speaking to large audiences, television appearances or internet posts that go viral.
But most of the time it is done in ordinary ways, by ordinary people. It comes in our...
“Solvitur Ambulando ………………..It is solved by walking.”
- Saint Augustine
June 1, 2020, marks my sixth anniversary of completing one of the most remarkable experiences of my life, when I walked the Camino de Santiago.
Popularized in the United States by the movie, The Way, starring Martin Sheen, the Camino, or the Way of St. James is a 500-mile trek across northern Spain which begins in western France, ascends up into the Pyrenees mountains and then descends into Spain for the duration of the journey.
For most who embark upon this journey, it is life changing. It certainly was for me. ...
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears”
– Nelson Mandela
I recently watched, for the third or fourth time, the movie Invictus, starring Morgan Freeman and his amazing portrayal of Nelson Mandela.
The movie chronicles Mandela’s journey after he had been released from a 27-year prison sentence and would then emerge to become president of South Africa, beginning the process of healing...
“Don’t chase after success, chase after capability. If you are capable of anything, then success will be chasing you.”
- Meme
I love the distinction from my good friend, Kelly Anne Zielinski, CEO of Self Leadership Global, often shares, “It is much more effective to hold someone capable, than to hold them accountable.”
In studying attributes of success in the world of leadership, the concept of accountability is often identified for its importance and effectiveness. Taking personal accountability for the...
“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”
- Scott Fitzgerald
I began my martial arts training when I was a young boy of ten. As many youngsters, I had heroes that I idolized.
Unlike many of my friends who admired heroes from more traditional sports like football, basketball and baseball, my heroes came from the world of martial arts. Names like World Kickboxing Champions, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace (who would later become my instructor), Joe Lewis and Jeff Smith (both of who I would also later get the opportunity to train with) were who I held in the highest of esteem.
And of course, there was Chuck...
“Commit yourself to life-long learning. The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it.”
- Brian Tracy
While our current state of home-confinement has curtailed many of the activities we are used to engaging in, what it has afforded many of us is the opportunity to slow down.
This decrease in the pace of our regular routines can provide us time to take a pause and evaluate where we have been, where we are going and where we might learn and grow, both personally and professionally, to be our best selves.
In saying this, I am reminded of a conference...
“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”
– Jean Shinoda Bolen
During many of these blog posts, I have discussed the importance of being of service to living a an impactful and fulfilling life. Specifically, when one combines what they love doing, with what they are great at and with that, provide a high degree of service to others, a recipe for a truly Championship Life can be realized.
However, while doing acts of service is an integral part of experiencing happiness and fulfillment in our lives, who is the one person we tend to take care of...
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