Most of us do not take time to reflect the reality of our situation.
Most of us perceive what we are doing is good enough.
The reality is; this is probably not true.
To be great begins with accepting the truth of the current standards we hold and the current place we are.
We slowly disqualify ourselves from greatness by distorting this reality, thinking we are farther along than we truly are.
We slowly disqualify ourselves from greatness saying, "I'll do it tomorrow."
We slowly disqualify ourselves from greatness by thinking that everything doesn't count.
We slowly disqualify ourselves from greatness by making decisions which taint our integrity and our character.
We slowly disqualify ourselves when we think something is owed to us.
The steady and small drip of self-disqualification becomes a flood of mediocrity, and eventually drowns our chances of greatness.
What is currently slowly disqualifying you from greatness? What standards and habits are stealing your ability to be great?
This week is your week to change. Identify what is drowning your chances of greatness and start today.
Today Work harder.
Today Stay humble, Stay Hungry.
Do it Today, Do it Now.
Today Remember, "Everything Counts."
Today Commit to Do What is Right, What is Good.
Today Expect Nothing, and Be Enthusiastically Grateful for What You have.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
PRINCIPLENESS TO GENIUS
"Making the simple complicated is common place; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity."
Jazz Legend Charles Mingus One of my favorite sayings is "Simplicity is Genius." We tend to label geniuses as people with high IQ's. But a person with high intelligence is simply someone who acts consistently towards achieving theirs goals. It is the act of moving towards what you are trying to accomplish in your life. This is true intelligence, this is genius. And this type of genius requires a simple life. From a coaching and athletic perspective, John Wooden was one of the simplest minded coaches there was. He was not heralded as a mystical thinker like Phil Jackson, though he was he was almost more of a philosopher than a coach. It is said of coach Wooden in the book, Wooden on Leadership, that "he was efficient in his teaching and kept if simple-broke it down into parts, taught each part, then built the whole back up. Always he used the law of learning: explanation, demonstration, imitation, and repetition. Lots of repetition. You can't believe the repetition."
I believe coaches, athletes, and people in general lack simplicity in their life because they lack confidence in any solid belief of belief system. This lack of confidence creates inconsistency in the parts of their lives where they are lacking these beliefs. This is what I call "Principlelessness."
PRINCIPLELESSNESS DEFINED
Since Principlelessness is not a real word (as I've learned as I receive the red squiggly underline on my Microsoft word program) I guess I must claim and define it. Principlelessness is the lack of established principles and beliefs that simplify the thoughts and actions of our lives.
ALPHABET LIFE You will recognize people who live without principles as inconsistent. On the contrary, consistent actions will tell you and everyone else exactly what you stand for and what your principles are. No matter what you say, your actions always reveal your principles.
So how do established principles simplify your life? Established principles make your life black and white. When a decision comes up, you either choose "A" or "B," there is no "C." Most people live trying to use every letter in the alphabet instead of choosing "A" or "B." This causes confusion and internal battles and also effects the closest people you associate with. On the other hand, there is nothing more comforting than knowing someone who lives on principle. You know what you are going to get with these people. Some things you may not agree with, but you have to respect that fact that they stand their ground.
SIMPLICITY AND ACTION The goal is simplicity and action. The goal is to first figure out what you stand for. Second, is applying these principles to your everyday decisions. This establishes your priorities and choices which make your daily actions most effective and significant. The third is continuously and consistently repeating these actions on a daily basis.
TAKE A STAND When you live your life based on principles it is an indication that you believe in something. And this belief can be influenced on other people. People are drawn to others who stand for something. Your philosophy or what you believe in may not be exactly what the next person believes in, but this makes you unique.
Here are 7 suggestions on moving from principlelessness to genius:
1. Establish Virtues: The most important thing that you can do is establish virtues or a moral code. These establish your character. No matter how talented you are, no matter how much skill you possess, greatness is achieved through who you are at the core. Your virtues are already identified, just look at how you spend your time. This will give you a good indication of what is most important to you. Your virtues are what help you live a black and white, consistent life. Your choices will always be based upon, who you serve, and what you truly believe in.
2. Get Real: In order to simplify your life you must have a realistic view of yourself. Like people who go on American Idol and think they can sing, if we are spending our time and energy on things we suck at, you will live a frustrated in-effective life. If you do not have a talent that is completely obvious, seek and find that in which you are great. It usually always lies in something you've always been great at or just love to do.
3. Seek Truth: The bible says, "The truth will set you free." This is one of the greatest statements I have ever heard, because it not only applies spiritually, but applies to everything else. The truth sets you free because it takes away everything you don't need to worry about. Lack of truth in your life leads your life in the wrong directions, causing worry, anxiety, stress, and all the other negative emotions that come along with being in this territory. Seek truth in everything you do. The more you know, the simpler it becomes.
4. Become an Expert: Once you establish what you love. Strive to become an expert. Becoming an expert takes time. I don't belive you are an expert at anything you have not put daily effort and study into for at least 10 years. Only with this type of understanding and wisdom in a subject will you be an expert. Experts, by the way, make things that look difficult or even impossible to most, look simple.
5. 80/20 rule: To be effective in your life you must cut the fat. The pareto principle says that 20% of your actions produce 80% of your results. The key is identifying that 20% and repeating that over and over.
6. Repetition-Repetition-Repetition: Once you have established what actions are most effective for you, do it over and over and over. As stated above, Wooden's teams would break down a skill into different parts and then work on those different parts over and over again.
7. Be Ready to Take Heat: When you believe in something, people will always criticize you. All of what you believe in rarely lines up with what everyone else does. The more you believe in something, the more you will be criticized. The key is keep learning, keep growing, and keep getting results from what you do. If you do what's right and continue to get great results from your principle actions, what can people really say? Critics fill the world with their talk; principle people change the world with their actions.
Avoid Principlelessness. Be a genius. Be simple
Jazz Legend Charles Mingus One of my favorite sayings is "Simplicity is Genius." We tend to label geniuses as people with high IQ's. But a person with high intelligence is simply someone who acts consistently towards achieving theirs goals. It is the act of moving towards what you are trying to accomplish in your life. This is true intelligence, this is genius. And this type of genius requires a simple life. From a coaching and athletic perspective, John Wooden was one of the simplest minded coaches there was. He was not heralded as a mystical thinker like Phil Jackson, though he was he was almost more of a philosopher than a coach. It is said of coach Wooden in the book, Wooden on Leadership, that "he was efficient in his teaching and kept if simple-broke it down into parts, taught each part, then built the whole back up. Always he used the law of learning: explanation, demonstration, imitation, and repetition. Lots of repetition. You can't believe the repetition."
I believe coaches, athletes, and people in general lack simplicity in their life because they lack confidence in any solid belief of belief system. This lack of confidence creates inconsistency in the parts of their lives where they are lacking these beliefs. This is what I call "Principlelessness."
PRINCIPLELESSNESS DEFINED
Since Principlelessness is not a real word (as I've learned as I receive the red squiggly underline on my Microsoft word program) I guess I must claim and define it. Principlelessness is the lack of established principles and beliefs that simplify the thoughts and actions of our lives.
ALPHABET LIFE You will recognize people who live without principles as inconsistent. On the contrary, consistent actions will tell you and everyone else exactly what you stand for and what your principles are. No matter what you say, your actions always reveal your principles.
So how do established principles simplify your life? Established principles make your life black and white. When a decision comes up, you either choose "A" or "B," there is no "C." Most people live trying to use every letter in the alphabet instead of choosing "A" or "B." This causes confusion and internal battles and also effects the closest people you associate with. On the other hand, there is nothing more comforting than knowing someone who lives on principle. You know what you are going to get with these people. Some things you may not agree with, but you have to respect that fact that they stand their ground.
SIMPLICITY AND ACTION The goal is simplicity and action. The goal is to first figure out what you stand for. Second, is applying these principles to your everyday decisions. This establishes your priorities and choices which make your daily actions most effective and significant. The third is continuously and consistently repeating these actions on a daily basis.
TAKE A STAND When you live your life based on principles it is an indication that you believe in something. And this belief can be influenced on other people. People are drawn to others who stand for something. Your philosophy or what you believe in may not be exactly what the next person believes in, but this makes you unique.
Here are 7 suggestions on moving from principlelessness to genius:
1. Establish Virtues: The most important thing that you can do is establish virtues or a moral code. These establish your character. No matter how talented you are, no matter how much skill you possess, greatness is achieved through who you are at the core. Your virtues are already identified, just look at how you spend your time. This will give you a good indication of what is most important to you. Your virtues are what help you live a black and white, consistent life. Your choices will always be based upon, who you serve, and what you truly believe in.
2. Get Real: In order to simplify your life you must have a realistic view of yourself. Like people who go on American Idol and think they can sing, if we are spending our time and energy on things we suck at, you will live a frustrated in-effective life. If you do not have a talent that is completely obvious, seek and find that in which you are great. It usually always lies in something you've always been great at or just love to do.
3. Seek Truth: The bible says, "The truth will set you free." This is one of the greatest statements I have ever heard, because it not only applies spiritually, but applies to everything else. The truth sets you free because it takes away everything you don't need to worry about. Lack of truth in your life leads your life in the wrong directions, causing worry, anxiety, stress, and all the other negative emotions that come along with being in this territory. Seek truth in everything you do. The more you know, the simpler it becomes.
4. Become an Expert: Once you establish what you love. Strive to become an expert. Becoming an expert takes time. I don't belive you are an expert at anything you have not put daily effort and study into for at least 10 years. Only with this type of understanding and wisdom in a subject will you be an expert. Experts, by the way, make things that look difficult or even impossible to most, look simple.
5. 80/20 rule: To be effective in your life you must cut the fat. The pareto principle says that 20% of your actions produce 80% of your results. The key is identifying that 20% and repeating that over and over.
6. Repetition-Repetition-Repetition: Once you have established what actions are most effective for you, do it over and over and over. As stated above, Wooden's teams would break down a skill into different parts and then work on those different parts over and over again.
7. Be Ready to Take Heat: When you believe in something, people will always criticize you. All of what you believe in rarely lines up with what everyone else does. The more you believe in something, the more you will be criticized. The key is keep learning, keep growing, and keep getting results from what you do. If you do what's right and continue to get great results from your principle actions, what can people really say? Critics fill the world with their talk; principle people change the world with their actions.
Avoid Principlelessness. Be a genius. Be simple
Friday, April 10, 2009
TRY HARDER
How many times have you not given 100% effort into something so you could later blame your failure on lack of effort? This thought process features many areas of life, but has a tremendously negative effect on reaching your potential. This thought process places effort in things that you know you can win or succeed in. But in the long run, it staggers your growth and limits your potential.
BIG TALENT-LITTLE MIND
People often wonder why talented athletes never make it to the professional level. Talent is only good for giving you greater opportunities. Where you go from there is all about mind-set. This goes across the board. Ever heard someone say, "If only he could live up to his potential, he would be a start." A friend of mine calls this type of athlete, a "Million dollar body with a 10 cent mind." What is one of the most common things I hear come out of these people's mouths?
"I could do it if.."
or "I would do it if..
"WATCH YOUR "IF's"
The word "if" is a precursor to a result or an excuse. If statements are result/action based or result/excuse based. People who have a hard time reaching their potential live on result/excuse "if" statements. People who reach their potential live and apply result/action "if" statements.
Example of a result/excuse if statement: "I would practice harder if my coach would play me more.
"Example of a result/action if statement: "My coach would play me more if I practiced harder."
The difference in the "if" statements is a matter of personal responsibility. In the first statement, you are blaming your circumstances for the outcome. You are submitting complete control to your circumstances. In the second statement you are taking personal responsibility. You are saying, regardless of the circumstance, I can control the situation as best as I can. In any situation there are only two things you can control: How hard you work and your attitude.
Watch you 'if's."
THE DE-CAPACITATOR
This goes back to the initial statement of why you try to disrupt our efforts to save face. The greatest de-capacitator of success if fear. You fear your performance not being good enough, or not being accepted by others. You think your lack of effort will protect you from judgment or criticism of others. After all, if you don't give it your all, you can always say "If I really wanted to try.." right? You believe people will blame your failure on your effort, not on your talent. This mind-set fools you into mediocrity.
BREAK THROUGH
This mind set causes you to not push yourself farther because if you fail you will be seen as less than you really are. I can assure you most people think this way. If you can find a person who is always pushing their potential and not care what other people think, they are special. And more than likely they are successful, and more than likely they have a lot of people who criticize them for this.
One of my favorite sayings is there are no good stories about people sitting on the bench. People who have become legendary continuously stepped out of their comfort zone and challenged the status quo. The success you experience in your life will be a direct result of A) how far you continuously stepped out of your comfort zone and B) The effort you continuously put into fighting through your comfort zones.
To move forward, break through comfort, and seek that which challenges you.
TRY HARDER TODAY
Make a choice to try harder today. Try harder in areas where you know you are challenged. Try harder in areas you know you just may fail. Try harder in places you may get criticized and judged. Try harder because it's the only way to get farther. Here are 5 ways to start trying harder and moving farther.
1. LOSE THE DEADBEATS: I often tell my young athletes, "Be the right example and you won't have to worry about having friends who bring you down." The truth of the matter is, the higher you want to go, the better people you need to surround yourself with. If you currently have friends or other people in your life who bring you down, stop spending so much time with them. You don't have to cut them out of your life, just choose wisely the amount of time you spend with them. Here is a fact: You cannot go much farther than the people you the constantly surround yourself with. Why? Because the people you spend the most time with determine much of what you think and much of what you think about yourself. Put great people around you if you want to be great.
2. PICK SOMETHING TO GO ALL OUT IN: Think of something that you haven't been giving your all in because you are afraid of failing. Take this thing whether it is practice or a project and go at it like no one is judging you. No matter if you fail or succeed, you will either learn from the experience and become better in the failure and/or celebrate in the success.
3. CHANGE YOUR "IF" STATEMENTS: If you find yourself saying, "if" and it is followed by an excuse, immediately change it to a positive statement: Example: If you say, "I would practice harder if I was playing more." Change the statement to, "If I practice harder, I will play more." Try reversing you "if's" and see just how much farther it will take you. Instead of excuse based "if" statements, turn them into action based "if" statements. This places responsibility on your shoulders not your circumstances.
4. START THINKING GREAT: No matter your talent, true greatness is only achievable through your thinking. Why? Because everything begins with a thought. Thoughts lead to feelings, feelings lead to actions. It does not work in any other way. You must think great before you manifest that into reality, act great, and produce great things in your life.
5. DO SOMETHING THAT SCARES THE HECK OUT OF YOU: To reach your potential you must get out of your comfort zone. Think of something that you have been putting off because it scares the heck out of you. Go at it with ruthless abandonment. You will more than likely find the fears that you associated with it as only something you conjured up in your mind to talk you out of doing it. As you begin to take on more and more of these actions, you will develop more and more confidence. This confidence will help you tackle even greater obstacles.
Too many people sit around and wait to have something great happen to them. Be one of those who actually make something great happen to them. Try harder.
BIG TALENT-LITTLE MIND
People often wonder why talented athletes never make it to the professional level. Talent is only good for giving you greater opportunities. Where you go from there is all about mind-set. This goes across the board. Ever heard someone say, "If only he could live up to his potential, he would be a start." A friend of mine calls this type of athlete, a "Million dollar body with a 10 cent mind." What is one of the most common things I hear come out of these people's mouths?
"I could do it if.."
or "I would do it if..
"WATCH YOUR "IF's"
The word "if" is a precursor to a result or an excuse. If statements are result/action based or result/excuse based. People who have a hard time reaching their potential live on result/excuse "if" statements. People who reach their potential live and apply result/action "if" statements.
Example of a result/excuse if statement: "I would practice harder if my coach would play me more.
"Example of a result/action if statement: "My coach would play me more if I practiced harder."
The difference in the "if" statements is a matter of personal responsibility. In the first statement, you are blaming your circumstances for the outcome. You are submitting complete control to your circumstances. In the second statement you are taking personal responsibility. You are saying, regardless of the circumstance, I can control the situation as best as I can. In any situation there are only two things you can control: How hard you work and your attitude.
Watch you 'if's."
THE DE-CAPACITATOR
This goes back to the initial statement of why you try to disrupt our efforts to save face. The greatest de-capacitator of success if fear. You fear your performance not being good enough, or not being accepted by others. You think your lack of effort will protect you from judgment or criticism of others. After all, if you don't give it your all, you can always say "If I really wanted to try.." right? You believe people will blame your failure on your effort, not on your talent. This mind-set fools you into mediocrity.
BREAK THROUGH
This mind set causes you to not push yourself farther because if you fail you will be seen as less than you really are. I can assure you most people think this way. If you can find a person who is always pushing their potential and not care what other people think, they are special. And more than likely they are successful, and more than likely they have a lot of people who criticize them for this.
One of my favorite sayings is there are no good stories about people sitting on the bench. People who have become legendary continuously stepped out of their comfort zone and challenged the status quo. The success you experience in your life will be a direct result of A) how far you continuously stepped out of your comfort zone and B) The effort you continuously put into fighting through your comfort zones.
To move forward, break through comfort, and seek that which challenges you.
TRY HARDER TODAY
Make a choice to try harder today. Try harder in areas where you know you are challenged. Try harder in areas you know you just may fail. Try harder in places you may get criticized and judged. Try harder because it's the only way to get farther. Here are 5 ways to start trying harder and moving farther.
1. LOSE THE DEADBEATS: I often tell my young athletes, "Be the right example and you won't have to worry about having friends who bring you down." The truth of the matter is, the higher you want to go, the better people you need to surround yourself with. If you currently have friends or other people in your life who bring you down, stop spending so much time with them. You don't have to cut them out of your life, just choose wisely the amount of time you spend with them. Here is a fact: You cannot go much farther than the people you the constantly surround yourself with. Why? Because the people you spend the most time with determine much of what you think and much of what you think about yourself. Put great people around you if you want to be great.
2. PICK SOMETHING TO GO ALL OUT IN: Think of something that you haven't been giving your all in because you are afraid of failing. Take this thing whether it is practice or a project and go at it like no one is judging you. No matter if you fail or succeed, you will either learn from the experience and become better in the failure and/or celebrate in the success.
3. CHANGE YOUR "IF" STATEMENTS: If you find yourself saying, "if" and it is followed by an excuse, immediately change it to a positive statement: Example: If you say, "I would practice harder if I was playing more." Change the statement to, "If I practice harder, I will play more." Try reversing you "if's" and see just how much farther it will take you. Instead of excuse based "if" statements, turn them into action based "if" statements. This places responsibility on your shoulders not your circumstances.
4. START THINKING GREAT: No matter your talent, true greatness is only achievable through your thinking. Why? Because everything begins with a thought. Thoughts lead to feelings, feelings lead to actions. It does not work in any other way. You must think great before you manifest that into reality, act great, and produce great things in your life.
5. DO SOMETHING THAT SCARES THE HECK OUT OF YOU: To reach your potential you must get out of your comfort zone. Think of something that you have been putting off because it scares the heck out of you. Go at it with ruthless abandonment. You will more than likely find the fears that you associated with it as only something you conjured up in your mind to talk you out of doing it. As you begin to take on more and more of these actions, you will develop more and more confidence. This confidence will help you tackle even greater obstacles.
Too many people sit around and wait to have something great happen to them. Be one of those who actually make something great happen to them. Try harder.
YOU DETERMINE YOU
"Any coward can fight a battle when he's sure of winning." George Elliot
Blue-Chip
I recently read a story of a talented young baseball player. This player was supposed to be the next great thing. At the age of 19 years old he made his way to Triple-A, which is the step right below the Major Leagues. To reach Triple-A at this young of an age, you have to be really good. At this point the young man began to struggle at the plate, becoming quite discouraged in the process.
The Breakdown
Finally the young ball player had enough. He walked into his manager's office and simply told him he did not want to play anymore. The game of baseball, which had brought him so much joy before, was not fun anymore. He was fed up with the fans booing him and constantly writing negative things about him in the newspaper. He didn't want to deal with the expectations and wanted to leave.
A Good Call
The manager looked at the young man and could tell his frustration. He told him this was probably the first time in his young 19 year old life that he was failing, and failing publicly. He explained to him that the downside of playing baseball is that you play it in front of people, that failing meant failing publicly. The manager said the only way to make it through the criticism of others is to develop a thick skin, and that a thick skin comes with the territory.
Then he looked the young man in the eye and said, "I know how good you are, and I know you can make it. But it doesn't matter what I know, it matters what you know, you got to believe in yourself."
A Good Choice
Though still frustrated, the young ball player trusted his manager and decided to give it another shot. He walked out of his managers office and started to play again. Gradually he began to get better and better. By the end of the season he was playing so well in Triple-A that at the age of 20 years old he was called up to the Major Leagues. His career in the Major Leagues ended up pretty good as he amassed 660 home runs, 2383 base hits, was named to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 and the All-Century team in 1999.
The "Say Hey Kid," Willie Mays, made a good choice.
Building Thick Skin
There is only one person who can determine your worth--YOU. Your life, especially if you are talented, are a risk taker, or just willing to do what other's will not, is going to be full of people criticizing and telling you that you are not good enough. However, none of those things people say or write about you are true unless you want them to be. Your ability to funnel out critics, have faith in your ability to reach your goal or dream, and belief in yourself will create endless possibilities with the talents that God has blessed you with. To attain a thick skin, read below the six points of how you get it.
1. Thick Skin is Happy in its Own Skin: Author Leo Buscaglia wrote, "The easiest thing to be in the world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be. People who are happy in their own skin are more confident in what they think of themselves than what others think. People who are not happy in their own skin have more confidence in what others think of them rather than what they think of themselves.
2. Thick Skin Has a Purpose: Writer and Minister Erwin Rafael McManus states, "A life most powerfully lived is the one that finds passionate urgency fueled by a sense of destiny." Knowing what you are made to do, knowing what you want to accomplish, gives thick skin that breaks through any type of adversity.
3. Thick Skin Doesn't Need to Be Certain: Faith in yourself and faith in your goal is all you need. As stated above, "Any coward can fight a battle when he's sure of winning." A thick skin needs faith not certainty.
4. Thick Skin Needs a Supportive Cast: No matter how thick your skin is, you still need encouraging people in your life. If it was not for Willie Mays minor league manager, the game of baseball would have missed out on a significant icon in baseball history. Surround yourself with people who tell you the truth, but encourage you to push through your goals, help you get out of slumps, and can make you think a little lighter about certain situations.
5. Thick Skin Still Accepts Responsibility: Having a thick skin does not keep you from accepting someone's criticism when it is accurate. I love the statement, "You shall know the truth, and the truth will make you mad." You should accept criticism responsibility from people who 1) possess great wisdom and strong character, 2) criticize with the intention of making you a better person or performer, 3) criticize in love, which is criticizing without being judgmental and with kindness, 4) has invested in you previously and who knows you better than you maybe know yourself.
6. Thick Skin Is Essential if You are Doing Great Things: Aristotle said, "Criticism is something you can avoid easily-be saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing." People who don't do anything. People who choose to live a life of mediocrity, people who are scared to live up to their God given talent, and for the most part, people who sit their butts on the sidelines and criticize everyone else do not need thick skin. But for those who are being criticized, be happy! Because you are probably doing something that everyone else only wishes they had enough courage and strength to do. Or as I like to say it, if you're not getting criticized, you're not doing anything.
Only You Determine You
Blue-Chip
I recently read a story of a talented young baseball player. This player was supposed to be the next great thing. At the age of 19 years old he made his way to Triple-A, which is the step right below the Major Leagues. To reach Triple-A at this young of an age, you have to be really good. At this point the young man began to struggle at the plate, becoming quite discouraged in the process.
The Breakdown
Finally the young ball player had enough. He walked into his manager's office and simply told him he did not want to play anymore. The game of baseball, which had brought him so much joy before, was not fun anymore. He was fed up with the fans booing him and constantly writing negative things about him in the newspaper. He didn't want to deal with the expectations and wanted to leave.
A Good Call
The manager looked at the young man and could tell his frustration. He told him this was probably the first time in his young 19 year old life that he was failing, and failing publicly. He explained to him that the downside of playing baseball is that you play it in front of people, that failing meant failing publicly. The manager said the only way to make it through the criticism of others is to develop a thick skin, and that a thick skin comes with the territory.
Then he looked the young man in the eye and said, "I know how good you are, and I know you can make it. But it doesn't matter what I know, it matters what you know, you got to believe in yourself."
A Good Choice
Though still frustrated, the young ball player trusted his manager and decided to give it another shot. He walked out of his managers office and started to play again. Gradually he began to get better and better. By the end of the season he was playing so well in Triple-A that at the age of 20 years old he was called up to the Major Leagues. His career in the Major Leagues ended up pretty good as he amassed 660 home runs, 2383 base hits, was named to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 and the All-Century team in 1999.
The "Say Hey Kid," Willie Mays, made a good choice.
Building Thick Skin
There is only one person who can determine your worth--YOU. Your life, especially if you are talented, are a risk taker, or just willing to do what other's will not, is going to be full of people criticizing and telling you that you are not good enough. However, none of those things people say or write about you are true unless you want them to be. Your ability to funnel out critics, have faith in your ability to reach your goal or dream, and belief in yourself will create endless possibilities with the talents that God has blessed you with. To attain a thick skin, read below the six points of how you get it.
1. Thick Skin is Happy in its Own Skin: Author Leo Buscaglia wrote, "The easiest thing to be in the world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be. People who are happy in their own skin are more confident in what they think of themselves than what others think. People who are not happy in their own skin have more confidence in what others think of them rather than what they think of themselves.
2. Thick Skin Has a Purpose: Writer and Minister Erwin Rafael McManus states, "A life most powerfully lived is the one that finds passionate urgency fueled by a sense of destiny." Knowing what you are made to do, knowing what you want to accomplish, gives thick skin that breaks through any type of adversity.
3. Thick Skin Doesn't Need to Be Certain: Faith in yourself and faith in your goal is all you need. As stated above, "Any coward can fight a battle when he's sure of winning." A thick skin needs faith not certainty.
4. Thick Skin Needs a Supportive Cast: No matter how thick your skin is, you still need encouraging people in your life. If it was not for Willie Mays minor league manager, the game of baseball would have missed out on a significant icon in baseball history. Surround yourself with people who tell you the truth, but encourage you to push through your goals, help you get out of slumps, and can make you think a little lighter about certain situations.
5. Thick Skin Still Accepts Responsibility: Having a thick skin does not keep you from accepting someone's criticism when it is accurate. I love the statement, "You shall know the truth, and the truth will make you mad." You should accept criticism responsibility from people who 1) possess great wisdom and strong character, 2) criticize with the intention of making you a better person or performer, 3) criticize in love, which is criticizing without being judgmental and with kindness, 4) has invested in you previously and who knows you better than you maybe know yourself.
6. Thick Skin Is Essential if You are Doing Great Things: Aristotle said, "Criticism is something you can avoid easily-be saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing." People who don't do anything. People who choose to live a life of mediocrity, people who are scared to live up to their God given talent, and for the most part, people who sit their butts on the sidelines and criticize everyone else do not need thick skin. But for those who are being criticized, be happy! Because you are probably doing something that everyone else only wishes they had enough courage and strength to do. Or as I like to say it, if you're not getting criticized, you're not doing anything.
Only You Determine You
Thursday, November 20, 2008
YOUR YOUTH IS POWER
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of 1st Timothy as a leadership manual for his young protege. In chapter 1 Timothy 4:12-16, Paul writes:
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with laying on hands of the leadership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing you will save yourself and those who hear you."
Great example of righteousness by a young person is so powerful. Why? Because young people are supposed to be mistake ridden, they are supposed to be immature, they are supposed to say things that are dumb, they are supposed to move in and out of life changing and life threatening choices on a daily basis, they are supposed to sow their wild oats right?
I used to believe that. But along my way I've met young people who do not fall into this trap of thinking you have to, "get it all out." Jesus was 33 when he started his ministry. When he was 18 to 22 years old I doubt he went on a 4 year partying and drinking binge. We are what we surround ourselves with. We become these things because we have nothing inside that tells us that this is just not what I do.
A great example is Tim Tebow, current QB of the Florida Gators. He is not only the best player in college football, but he is a great example of a young person living a righteous life. He has his skeptics, but I've done my research. I know kids who know Tebow well, who go to practice with him everyday, who hang out on campus with him. They say everything you hear about him is 100% true, he is a authentic in his walk. What a breath of fresh air this guy is. I guarantee, just because this young many walks his talk, he will change lives drastically around him. He shows us that you can be young and not dumb. That you do not have to do what young people think they have to do. He shows us that if you believe you were individually created in Gods image, an being of greatness and infinite power, that you too should not settle for any other path than greatness in your life.
Listen to the words of Paul my young friends. Keep your mouth closed and your walk upright. The more you walk the less you have to talk. People would rather see your message than hear it.
1. Let no one despise your youth (v.12)--Do not let anyone tell you you are too young to make a difference
2. Be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity (v.12)--Walk your walk, keep you words short and uplifting, conduct yourself as an example to the believers. Practice love, faith, and purity.
3. Do not neglect the gift that is in you (v.14)--You were created by a supreme God in his image. You were created for greatness. Do not neglect this gift you've been given. To unleash your gift you must believe in it. You must be live righteously, humbly, and with a desire to change the world around you.
4. Meditate on these things daily (v.15)--Pray for your example, Pray to help resist temptation, drink from the Bible, study the great lives who have been examples in their own lives.
5. Give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all (v. 15)--There is no grey area in an authentic life. You understand that a delving into a little of this will always lead to a lot of it. You must commit to your example. The more you commit, the greater conviction you will have. Your yes will be yes and your no will be no. Only in this will your progress be evident to all.
6. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you (v. 16)--Perseverance is the key to greatness in anything. You will be mocked, you will be slandered, you will be called a fake, a fraud, a holy roller. Persevere, my friend. They say the reason that Jesus loved people so much is because he didn't need people. Not that he didn't care, but he did not care about their opinions of Him. He could lead because he was so confident in His life's mission, that He was a off-spring of the Holiest being, the creator of the universe. Your mission, your purpose, and knowing that you have greatness in your DNA should help you continue to walk through the gauntlet of persecution. This perseverance changes lives and changes the world.
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with laying on hands of the leadership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing you will save yourself and those who hear you."
Great example of righteousness by a young person is so powerful. Why? Because young people are supposed to be mistake ridden, they are supposed to be immature, they are supposed to say things that are dumb, they are supposed to move in and out of life changing and life threatening choices on a daily basis, they are supposed to sow their wild oats right?
I used to believe that. But along my way I've met young people who do not fall into this trap of thinking you have to, "get it all out." Jesus was 33 when he started his ministry. When he was 18 to 22 years old I doubt he went on a 4 year partying and drinking binge. We are what we surround ourselves with. We become these things because we have nothing inside that tells us that this is just not what I do.
A great example is Tim Tebow, current QB of the Florida Gators. He is not only the best player in college football, but he is a great example of a young person living a righteous life. He has his skeptics, but I've done my research. I know kids who know Tebow well, who go to practice with him everyday, who hang out on campus with him. They say everything you hear about him is 100% true, he is a authentic in his walk. What a breath of fresh air this guy is. I guarantee, just because this young many walks his talk, he will change lives drastically around him. He shows us that you can be young and not dumb. That you do not have to do what young people think they have to do. He shows us that if you believe you were individually created in Gods image, an being of greatness and infinite power, that you too should not settle for any other path than greatness in your life.
Listen to the words of Paul my young friends. Keep your mouth closed and your walk upright. The more you walk the less you have to talk. People would rather see your message than hear it.
1. Let no one despise your youth (v.12)--Do not let anyone tell you you are too young to make a difference
2. Be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity (v.12)--Walk your walk, keep you words short and uplifting, conduct yourself as an example to the believers. Practice love, faith, and purity.
3. Do not neglect the gift that is in you (v.14)--You were created by a supreme God in his image. You were created for greatness. Do not neglect this gift you've been given. To unleash your gift you must believe in it. You must be live righteously, humbly, and with a desire to change the world around you.
4. Meditate on these things daily (v.15)--Pray for your example, Pray to help resist temptation, drink from the Bible, study the great lives who have been examples in their own lives.
5. Give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all (v. 15)--There is no grey area in an authentic life. You understand that a delving into a little of this will always lead to a lot of it. You must commit to your example. The more you commit, the greater conviction you will have. Your yes will be yes and your no will be no. Only in this will your progress be evident to all.
6. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you (v. 16)--Perseverance is the key to greatness in anything. You will be mocked, you will be slandered, you will be called a fake, a fraud, a holy roller. Persevere, my friend. They say the reason that Jesus loved people so much is because he didn't need people. Not that he didn't care, but he did not care about their opinions of Him. He could lead because he was so confident in His life's mission, that He was a off-spring of the Holiest being, the creator of the universe. Your mission, your purpose, and knowing that you have greatness in your DNA should help you continue to walk through the gauntlet of persecution. This perseverance changes lives and changes the world.
Friday, August 22, 2008
NOBLE ONES
The first time I looked up "noble" I found the definitions to be, "possessing outstanding qualities, or high birth or exalted rank, possessing very high or excellent qualities or properties, grand or impressive in appearance." When you look at these definitions it's easy to see the word noble as talking of performance, aesthetic looks, position in society, or even what family you are born into.
What do you picture when you see a noble person? Before today, I saw a king, or queen, someone with a large crown on their head. When I saw nobility this way I see power, I saw a standard that most people will never be able to achieve in their life. However, in my study today I found something enlightening that completely changed the way I looked at nobility. I found nobility is not a label given to kings, queens, high performers, or people with good looks. Nobility is a quality that can be possessed by each one of us.
In Colossians 4:2, Paul writes to a group of Christians in Colosse, "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving." Paul orders the group to pray and when they pray be thankful, to pour out their gratitude to God. Paul writes "be vigilant in thanksgiving." The Greek definition of vigilant is, "to be sleepless." Paul was telling his people to be sleepless in their gratitude, day and night, night and day be expressing thanks and being grateful for everything God has done and provided for them.
What does this have to do with nobility? Nobility has nothing to do with position, birth right, or looks (Thank God!). Nobility has everything to do with selfless sacrifice. The most noble give up everything, including their life for the good of others. Instead of a picture of a king or queen, my picture of nobility changed to a Mother Theresa, a soldier who lost his life in war, and Jesus Christ.
Nobility is giving everything you have for the good of others. It's finding what God has blessed you with, not to hoard it, but to share it to bless others. Circumstances have nothing to do with living a life of nobility. Nobility is a choice which starts with a willingness to be sleepless in gratitude. Author Erwin McManus writes, "the singular characteristic that will determine how far we travel in our quest for nobility is gratitude."
Choose to be noble. Do not hoard your gifts, do not use them to build riches and wealth for you only. There is nothing wrong with riches and wealth and if your gift gives you this ability, then do it. However, be always living in gratitude, always be looking to give, always be looking to bless the lives of others. This is true nobility. The greatest people are not those who have everything, but those who give everything.
What do you picture when you see a noble person? Before today, I saw a king, or queen, someone with a large crown on their head. When I saw nobility this way I see power, I saw a standard that most people will never be able to achieve in their life. However, in my study today I found something enlightening that completely changed the way I looked at nobility. I found nobility is not a label given to kings, queens, high performers, or people with good looks. Nobility is a quality that can be possessed by each one of us.
In Colossians 4:2, Paul writes to a group of Christians in Colosse, "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving." Paul orders the group to pray and when they pray be thankful, to pour out their gratitude to God. Paul writes "be vigilant in thanksgiving." The Greek definition of vigilant is, "to be sleepless." Paul was telling his people to be sleepless in their gratitude, day and night, night and day be expressing thanks and being grateful for everything God has done and provided for them.
What does this have to do with nobility? Nobility has nothing to do with position, birth right, or looks (Thank God!). Nobility has everything to do with selfless sacrifice. The most noble give up everything, including their life for the good of others. Instead of a picture of a king or queen, my picture of nobility changed to a Mother Theresa, a soldier who lost his life in war, and Jesus Christ.
Nobility is giving everything you have for the good of others. It's finding what God has blessed you with, not to hoard it, but to share it to bless others. Circumstances have nothing to do with living a life of nobility. Nobility is a choice which starts with a willingness to be sleepless in gratitude. Author Erwin McManus writes, "the singular characteristic that will determine how far we travel in our quest for nobility is gratitude."
Choose to be noble. Do not hoard your gifts, do not use them to build riches and wealth for you only. There is nothing wrong with riches and wealth and if your gift gives you this ability, then do it. However, be always living in gratitude, always be looking to give, always be looking to bless the lives of others. This is true nobility. The greatest people are not those who have everything, but those who give everything.
Monday, July 7, 2008
RIGHT THINKING
Philippians 4:8 is one of the only verses that we need to know that really encompasses what our minds should be set upon. Paul, who at the time of writing this letter to the Philippian church, is locked in prison. He is writing to encourage the Church to, "Rejoice in the Lord always." In verse 8 Paul writes,
"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."
I looked up the definitions of these words that we should be thinking on:
1. True--Being that which is the case rather than what is assumed.
2. Noble--Possessing, characterized by, or arising from superiority of mind or character of of ideals or morals.
3. Just--Acting or being in conformity with what is morally good or upright.
4. Pure--Free from moral fault or corruption
5. Lovely--Eliciting love by moral or ideal worth
6. Good Report--A persons high standing among others
7. Virtue--Conformity to a standard of right
8. Praiseworthy--Something worthy of praise
What we spend our time thinking on turns us into who we are. Our actions, right or wrong, always begin in the mind. Thoughts lead to feelings, feelings lead to actions; it's called the process of manifestation. If we choose to let our minds wander on what the world throws at us we will have no choice but to meditate on things that are corrupting to our souls.
So use this list of words as your checklist when you are going to watch, read, focus, or let anything get into your mind. Make sure that whatever it is is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, has any virtue, and is praiseworthy. In this your mind will change, your heart will change, your actions will change, and surely your life will change.
Philippians 4:8 is one of the only verses that we need to know that really encompasses what our minds should be set upon. Paul, who at the time of writing this letter to the Philippian church, is locked in prison. He is writing to encourage the Church to, "Rejoice in the Lord always." In verse 8 Paul writes,
"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."
I looked up the definitions of these words that we should be thinking on:
1. True--Being that which is the case rather than what is assumed.
2. Noble--Possessing, characterized by, or arising from superiority of mind or character of of ideals or morals.
3. Just--Acting or being in conformity with what is morally good or upright.
4. Pure--Free from moral fault or corruption
5. Lovely--Eliciting love by moral or ideal worth
6. Good Report--A persons high standing among others
7. Virtue--Conformity to a standard of right
8. Praiseworthy--Something worthy of praise
What we spend our time thinking on turns us into who we are. Our actions, right or wrong, always begin in the mind. Thoughts lead to feelings, feelings lead to actions; it's called the process of manifestation. If we choose to let our minds wander on what the world throws at us we will have no choice but to meditate on things that are corrupting to our souls.
So use this list of words as your checklist when you are going to watch, read, focus, or let anything get into your mind. Make sure that whatever it is is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, has any virtue, and is praiseworthy. In this your mind will change, your heart will change, your actions will change, and surely your life will change.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
