I shared back in post 11, “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall”, my love for a good quote. An inspiring quote can be a needed shot of insight, that gets us thinking, re-thinking, and even moves us to action. “NOTE the QUOTE” will now be a regular part of the blog. When I discover a quote that hits the mark, I will share it with you.

Here’s today’s find written by Catherine Clifford.

“There are times when BELIEVING IN YOURSELF feels like an ACT OF REBELLION. Oh, but what a BEAUTIFUL, POWERFUL, COURAGEOUS act of rebellion.”

It’s a new day…live it!

Catherine Clifford is a senior writer for Entrepreneur Magazine. You can follow her on Twitter @CatClifford Mar 21 and on the web at www.entrepreneur.com/author/catherine-clifford

I recently watched a Socrates In The City YouTube video of author Eric Metaxas speaking about his new book, “If You Can Keep it”. If you are unfamiliar with him, he is a NY Times bestselling author, communicator and thinker. He is also a very funny guy. I have read him and heard him speak at Rutgers University a few months ago.

The book’s title is a quote from Benjamin Franklin. The Founders had been working for 100 days crafting the Constitution. As Franklin left Independence Hall for the day, a Mrs. Powell of Philadelphia confronted him and asked “Dr. Franklin, have you given us a monarchy or a republic?” His reply, “A republic madam, if you can keep it.”

It’s significant he said “if YOU can keep it.” You, as in me and you. Can we all say responsibility? How are we doing with our Republic? How are “we the people” doing with the precious freedom given to us?

Just askin…

I bought my GPS about ten years ago. Back when I made my purchase there were no free lifetime maps available. The cost to update those maps is about the price of a new GPS.
OK so fast forward to this past February. I had signed up to take a course in Raleigh NC. I decided to drive to Florida to visit a cousin I haven’t seen in too many years. My plan was to spend a few days with him and his family, then drive north to Raleigh, take my class and drive back to NJ. I printed the directions from Map Quest and took my ten year old GPS without the updated maps.

Once free of a traffic jam in Delaware which held me up for a few hours, my drive was uneventful as I headed south on RT 95. Everything was great until the next day when I got off Rt. 95 in Florida. Within 15 minutes the GPS was telling me to make a turn where there was no turn. I looked down at the tiny screen and I was no longer driving on a road. Then it hit me…no updated maps. There were new highways and roads that did not exist when I bought the GPS… brilliant. I pulled out my printed directions and completed my journey.

What good is an outdated GPS or road map? If we are trying to get somewhere we need reliable up to date information. We don’t need outdated directions that no longer apply. This my friend can be a metaphor for our lives.

In the ten years since purchasing my GPS there have been many changes in my life. There has been personal growth, a new set of hips, new skills, a new CD and on and on. The maps I would have used to define my life then are longer valid. And I should not use this outdated information to make today’s life decisions, that would be foolish. Yet some people do, because they get stuck; stuck in their thinking, their old ways, their old responses, their old views.

So here is my challenge, get an honest view of where you are. We all need a valid starting point. Get a reliable take on who you are, not who you were ten years ago. Stop using outdated mapping. If you need help, ask a trusted friend, or coach. Now with this valid information you are ready to go.

“Anyone who has ever asked for directions knows you need two crucial pieces of information to get good results: a starting point and a destination.” Mike Quigley

Note to self: Buy a new GPS before you take another road trip.

A number of years ago while making a sales call, the administrator I was seeing invited me for a cup of coffee. During our brief time together he said something that stuck like glue. He said “Joe, you can always make more money, but you can never make more time”. It’s true, time is our most valued commodity. As hard as we try we just can’t squeeze an extra hour, day, month, or year into a lifetime. Our time is a most valuable asset, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. When I look back on my life, I see so much wasted time. I see too many detours where I allowed myself to be side tracked on really unimportant things. So how can one avoid such squandering ? I want to offer three points that are by no means exhaustive.

First, clarify your values. Begin by making a list of the what you value. Simply look at your life and list the values that rise naturally out of its context. This is foundational, and values should not be negotiable. So if being with family is something you value, and that new job offer with that great salary requires travel 85% of the time, that’s not a good fit.

Second, clarify your goals. What do you want, where do you want to go? This almost sounds stupid, but it’s not. Please be aware broad strokes won’t work here, you need to be specific. You can’t get to where you want to be if you don’t know where you’re going. I was taken by this quote from Ray Edwards, “I used to be afraid of failing at something that really matters. Now I’m more afraid of succeeding at something that doesn’t.”

Third, plan and take action. A vision without action remains just a vision. Inaction can become an excuse, likely driven by fear but reasoned under the guise of planning. Look at this quote from Andy Stanley, “When a plan or strategy fails, people are tempted to assume it was the wrong vision. Plans and strategies can always be changed and improved. But vision doesn’t change. Visions are simply refined with time.” But in order for that to be discovered one must act.

So these three points are my offering. I hope they will help maximize your time to achieve your dream. I will leave you with some very healthy advice from Earl Nightingale.
“Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.”

It’s crazy how we may not attempt something new in our lives, something out of our comfort zone because we are afraid to fail. Yet, the paradox is if we never take the risk into the unknown, we lose anyway.

History is replete with success stories with many, many failures behind them. Two of them we would all be familiar with are Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Edison. Both failed time and time again in their professional pursuits, but what made both men great was their determination not to give up and believe in their giftedness. Edison’s famous saying, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work” gives insight to that belief. A quote from CS Lewis gives further insight, “Failures, repeated failures, are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward toward success.”

It’s easy to sit back and play the critic of those who have tried and failed, but greatness is found in the act of trying. Teacher John Ortberg wrote a book “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat” that speaks to the heart of this thought. The title reference is to the Apostle Peter who was the only one willing to take the risk and step out of the boat. When he did his risk paid off big time until he began to doubt. The others in the boat thought it crazy, they had no faith, they wouldn’t take the chance.

Seventeen weeks ago I posted my first blog. In it I sited Richard N. Bolles from “What Color Is Your Parachute?”. Let me refresh your memory (yes we’re remembering) “We want to feel we’re put here on Earth for some special purpose, to do unique work that only we can accomplish.” I believe that with all of my heart. We are all uniquely gifted, God has created us that way. You can accomplish things I could never accomplish because of your gifts and vice versa. How exciting is that!

Many don’t pursue their calling, their dreams, because of fear….they think it’s too risky and other people around them think it’s crazy. But the desire, the passion continues to burn in their hearts. If this is your story, maybe it’s time to get out of the boat. Maybe it’s time to risk. Maybe it’s time to take that step of faith. And please don’t be afraid of failing. It appears that goes with the territory. So put Edison’s or Lewis’s quote in a place you can see as a reminder to persevere and do it.

Honest Abe was right, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln

It’s a new day…live it!

I was fortunate to attend a “Coaching With Excellence” training weekend one year ago with entrepreneur, author, life coach Dan Miller. Dan and his precious wife Joanne are just two of the best! I discovered Dan about ten years ago via a radio commercial for his then new book “48 Days to the Work You Love”. I bought the book, followed the principles and landed a great job. As a life coach it is a book I have recommend often and it has been recently updated.

Another of Dan’s writings is “No More Mondays”. The post-it on the covers reads, “Fire yourself-and other revolutionary ways to discover your true calling at work” I know we have readers who are successful entrepreneurs, others who trying to grow their businesses, and there may be those who are simply looking for a new job. Wherever you are in the spectrum, I hope this short video gives you a take away or two, perhaps the encouragement to take that next step.

The video is from a TV program called “Living the Life” which is no longer produced. It originally aired during the release of “No More Mondays”. It’s under 8 minutes and I hope you find it worthwhile.

FYI-The book has been updated with a new name “No More Dreaded Mondays”.

Today in the United States of America we celebrate Memorial Day. This federal holiday is for remembering the people who died while serving in the armed forces. We do live in the greatest country in the world, and many have given their lives for the freedoms we too often take for granted. On this day we are called to remember the countless men and women who paid the ultimate price so that we may live. Remembering is a good thing and we should do it often. It brings a needed perspective, thankfulness, and balance to our lives.

There is power in remembering. That being said, there needs to be care taken in what we spend our time remembering. There are things that are profitable to remember, and others that are destructive and a waste of precious time. It’s interesting the Bible is full of passages that tell us to remember. Exodus 20:8 NIV “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Deut 24:18 “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.” Nehemiah 9:17 NIV “They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them.” Isaiah 46:9 NIV “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” (italics mine)

The first passage is telling us to keep a Sabbath, a day put aside to rest, worship and recharge. It’s not a day to take the kids to play sports, or run around like crazy people. It is a day to keep holy, slow down and chill. The second passage is reminding a people of what they once were, but no longer are, because God has redeemed them. In other words they are not the same, they are in a better place. The third speaks of the consequence of when we don’t remember and the resulting destruction that can occur. Is this punishment? No, just the byproduct of a choice. The forth verse from Isaiah, I believe, speaks the ultimate truth. Remembering that truth keeps me in check. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Please see the connection of remembering and the bringing of life. The intent of each verse is simply to bring life. Not a cheesy life, but an abundant, healthy, and good life. These qualities are the fruit of remembering and doing. Some people remember the failures, the hurt, the pain, the sorrows… If they are not propelling you forward, if they are impeding your growth, happiness, effectiveness, your ability to love… you are being robbed of hope, joy and ultimately the fullness of life.

About 15 years ago I went through such a time. I saw no abundance, no joy, the wonder was gone. It was not a pleasant experience. One day… being sick and tired of being sick and tired, I chose to remember the truth, put feet to my faith and I began to change. As I came out of my funk, I wrote a prayer. I’ve called it many things over the years, but have simply settled on “Remember”. I want to share the last line with you, “I must remember the warmth of my heavenly Father’s hand on my life, and hold on to the promise that is mine!” There is power in remembering.

So today, this week, this year, take the time and remember. Remember the people and the values that bring life. Get in the habit of it and be thankful. There is such a high price that has been paid by those who made possible the possibilities and blessings we now enjoy. Let the riches of those memories teach and propel us to do something radically loving and kind for someone, perhaps someone we don’t even know.

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
Benjamin Franklin

One of the annoying ways many of the airlines are raising revenue these days is to charge extra for baggage. You know the deal; some charge for every bag, some allow the first one free. Just don’t violate their policy or you are going to pay MORE for it! I don’t know about you but I don’t like paying extra for my baggage. The kicker is… this can serve as a metaphor for our lives. The baggage I am referring to comes in the form of unforgiveness and bitterness. There is a price to be paid for its weight. It does not discriminate in where it shows up; family life, professional life, it knows no boundaries and as a bonus it can also ravage our personal well being.

I read this quote by teacher Joyce Meyer that I believe speaks volumes, “I know from personal experience how damaging it can be to live with bitterness and unforgiveness. I like to say it’s like taking poison and hoping your enemy will die. And it really is that harmful to us to live this way.” Can you identify with that quote? I want to park here and share some thoughts from my own journey.

Bitterness and unforgiveness is a poison that works its way through every fiber of a persons being. Sometimes we are surprised by where and when it shows up. It begins with hurt and unforgiveness. Unresolved, the hurt grows into bitterness, which leads to anger. The classic definition of depression we learned in psychology 101 is; depression is anger turned inward. This poison is always present at some level waiting for an opportune moment to rear its ugly head.

Have you ever been in a business meeting or a personal situation where someone, (and perhaps that someone is you), explodes in anger during a testy discussion. You are taken aback because what was said was not deserving of such a crazed response. Surprise…there it is, all of the toxic past comes rushing back.
The bottom line, this baggage is way too expensive to carry. It must dealt with for the load to be lightened.

It should be no surprise that the Bible has much to say on the topic. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.” Eph 4:31nlt Why does the Bible address this? Simply, unforgiveness is destructive, it will not only sabotage our quality of life, but prevents us from living a life of wholeness and authenticity.

Moving to wholeness takes work. Be encouraged, do the work, it has guaranteed ROI (return on investment) that will affect every area your life.

Begin to live life and stop paying extra.

Having goals and dreams are important. I would not want to minimize their importance. But our goals and dreams can change, that’s only natural. When I was 18 years old I wanted to be a rock star….yes I even dreamt about it. Did I really understand all that it entailed? Did I grasp or even care for that matter about the real costs associated with it ? No, I only saw what an 18 year old sees (can I use the word superficial). Well 18 was long ago and my rock star dreams were never realized. But what happens when the dreams of an 18 year, or a person of any age are realized?

I was hanging out with Justin Bieber last week, The Bieb as I call him, and he showed me an Instagram he sent (yeah right). Here’s what it said, “If you happen to see me out somewhere know that I am not going to take a picture I’m done taking pictures…I feel like a zoo animal and I wanna be able to keep my sanity. I realize that people will be disappointed but I don’t owe anybody a picture. And people who say “but I bought ur album” know that you got my album and you got what you paid for AN ALBUM! It doesn’t say in the fine print whenever you see me you also get a picture.”

OK, so I wonder how many millions of dollars you have to make off your fans, you know, the ones that made you rich and famous, before you reach this point? Maybe the Bieb didn’t read the fine print when he signed up for stardom. Granted in public life, your life becomes PUBLIC…probably too public. But in this media frenzy culture isn’t that a part of the deal? If the Bieb wants privacy maybe he should think about changing careers and becoming an accountant or a botanist…the problem is, he wants it both ways. Yes, the dilemma of stardom. The dilemma of his wish come true.

So please before you, the reader, wish what you wish for, be sure what you’re wishing for, is what you ARE really, really wishing for, because it entails so much more than before, so are you sure that this, whatever this is, is really what you adore? I do implore…whew! Once you have your eyes on the prize, go for it with everything you’ve got!

I don’t know…maybe I should share some of these thoughts with the Bieb…or perhaps I should just
leave it to Bieber?

We live in a noisy world and we are way too busy. Our senses are bombarded nonstop… It appears we’ve been trained to shun silence. Distraction rules the day; streaming video, music, smart phone, there has to be something going on. In a recent article in Success magazine the author wrote of her withdrawal when challenged to turn off her smart phone, tablet, and computer for a week. She went for it, and came out on the other side with a new perspective on herself and even in the way she valued other people. All this from shutting down the constant stimulation.

A quote that gave me a good laugh is “Quiet is the new loud”. With all the activity grabbing for our attention, is it any wonder so many people are stressed? God knew what He was doing when He spoke through the psalmist, “Be still and know that I am God.” A common reply “Be still, what’s that?”

The late Henri Nouwen wrote “A life without a lonely place, that is, without a quiet center, becomes destructive.” Nouwen was a renown writer, professor and sought after speaker who turned it all off to work with mentally challenged people. He knew firsthand of which he spoke.

I have recorded music in the studio where you have a musical idea and you head in that direction. Suddenly, however the production becomes too busy, and you begin to choke the life out of the song. A term used for the fix is “we need to let it breathe”. In other words, simplify it, give it space, rethink some things and in doing so the production finds freshness. “Joe, is the song a metaphor for life?” Yup!

I am not suggesting that you live in a monastery, but I am challenging you to “turn it off” for some time, whatever the “it” is. Take a breath, rethink some things, who knows what you will discover. If we are going to be connected to others, we first need to be know ourselves.