2008 brings new opportunities to change your approach to life. What makes you Vital and What is your Impact on the world that you exist? I believe we all have a vital impact we bring to different areas in our life (work, our kids, our spouses, our communities, our organizations, our businesses, our charities). Its easy to be a passive participant but it takes more to become an active participant. The first step is to decide how vital you want to be.
Here's a concept - Lets Take the Word V.I.T.A.L - Break it down. It starts with Vision to visualize your results. Then Intention comes - the time when the decision is made to move forward. Transformation comes next when you create your plan of actions. Taking Action then Learning from your results. That's it - the Simple V.I.T.A.L - life cycle. This simple process can be applied to every aspect of your life - whether it be a decision on what to do for dinner all the way to taking a active role in your community or even how you want to be as a dad or a spouse.
So in this new year - I'd like to offer you to join the VITAL IMPACT Learning model. You can learn more by attending a free teleclass on www.teleclass.com.
Have a Terrific January and have the most Impact you can have.
Later this week I'll discuss Your I.M.P.A.C.T Power Base.
Take Care
Mike
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Friday, December 14, 2007
Peace and Momentum
These days have been interesting - Somehow the momentum continues to build because I don't focus on it. There is less stress because I don't think about it. And I'm more content that I have been for a while - and yes because I'm not worried about it. My wife often says my brains have no brakes - but maybe putting it in park sometimes helps. It is helping now. Everything is smoother - I'm getting more done.
Did you ever wonder why when you try so hard and don't get the results you want - then suddenly you enter this peaceful resolved state and then whammo - it happens. And you wonder how it all happened. I think thats a common fact of living - when we focus too hard - we drive ourselves nuts - not to mention the people around us. I'm not saying to not have goals and targets - but there's a fine line between wanting something, obsessing over that something, and tapping into the balanced energy of desire and the way you operate. what the heck -thats my quick 5 minute entry today. I'll try to add to this a bit 3 times per week. Would someone make some comments here :) Feels awful lonely reading your own blog. What am I a diary for you to read - step in to my den and lets have a chat. All the best - Mike
Did you ever wonder why when you try so hard and don't get the results you want - then suddenly you enter this peaceful resolved state and then whammo - it happens. And you wonder how it all happened. I think thats a common fact of living - when we focus too hard - we drive ourselves nuts - not to mention the people around us. I'm not saying to not have goals and targets - but there's a fine line between wanting something, obsessing over that something, and tapping into the balanced energy of desire and the way you operate. what the heck -thats my quick 5 minute entry today. I'll try to add to this a bit 3 times per week. Would someone make some comments here :) Feels awful lonely reading your own blog. What am I a diary for you to read - step in to my den and lets have a chat. All the best - Mike
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Change how you view Change
Lots of changes happen all around us and to us. How do we deal with the many changes that happen and how do we deal with transition. Do you ever wish things could stop changing and things can stay the same. Call me Captain Obvious - But it will never end. Change comes upon us suddenly or slowly - we can plan it or it can take control of us - we can create it but we can't stop it. So what is it about change that causes anxiety in people?
At this time of the year - do you notice whats happening around you everyday? People are planning. Companies are Planning. New Resolutions are being thought about. A new year represents a new start - a new beginning. And with that comes many choices - Choices that will change us or change our path.
What path are you looking at now? Is it a clear path? Is it a muddy path? Is it lit up? Or is it Dark? Are you making difficult decisions? Are you making a decision at all? Lots of ways to look at it.
The way I like to think about change is this. Its going to happen. I want to be in control where I can to give me some sense of security and certainty. But too much certainty is boring for me. So there is this element of not having a plan for everything - This adds the variety or uncertainty that makes life exciting. So its about balance. Make clear choices on whats most important to you and take into consideration how it impacts the people you care about. And Let those less important areas in your life come to you and be fluid Let it come to you. Let it happen and react in the moment. That is the juice of life.
The unknown - the surprise - the EDGE.
We all need to experience the edge often - it helps us grow. Don't live in fear. Don't hide. Life is too short - we are only here for a while. The Edge gives us life. It helps us live life. It helps us appreciate and expand our impact.
All the best - and I hope December brings great joy to you.
Like an old friend of mine said to me....
"We're not here for a long time ... We're here for a Good Time!!!"
All the best
Mike
At this time of the year - do you notice whats happening around you everyday? People are planning. Companies are Planning. New Resolutions are being thought about. A new year represents a new start - a new beginning. And with that comes many choices - Choices that will change us or change our path.
What path are you looking at now? Is it a clear path? Is it a muddy path? Is it lit up? Or is it Dark? Are you making difficult decisions? Are you making a decision at all? Lots of ways to look at it.
The way I like to think about change is this. Its going to happen. I want to be in control where I can to give me some sense of security and certainty. But too much certainty is boring for me. So there is this element of not having a plan for everything - This adds the variety or uncertainty that makes life exciting. So its about balance. Make clear choices on whats most important to you and take into consideration how it impacts the people you care about. And Let those less important areas in your life come to you and be fluid Let it come to you. Let it happen and react in the moment. That is the juice of life.
The unknown - the surprise - the EDGE.
We all need to experience the edge often - it helps us grow. Don't live in fear. Don't hide. Life is too short - we are only here for a while. The Edge gives us life. It helps us live life. It helps us appreciate and expand our impact.
All the best - and I hope December brings great joy to you.
Like an old friend of mine said to me....
"We're not here for a long time ... We're here for a Good Time!!!"
All the best
Mike
Monday, November 26, 2007
The 2007 Runway - Its approaching
Here we are - three dynamics are churning at the same time. 1) Holidays - depending on how you view them - No matter your view - its here and we get affected in some way or another. Is it about family, giving, receiving - Its different for everyone. 2) Organizing - Its a time where the instinct to prepare for another coming year sets us in motion - the flurry to clean things up, get our affairs in order, reorganize our offices, our lives, our relationships - What is it for you? And 3) Setting the stage for a new take-off for 2008. What are your plans? What are you bored with now? What do you want in your life? What do you want less of? What do you want more of?
Well now is the time to come up with your structure, your framework, your model of the revised you. It happens by knowing who you are - what your beliefs are - what your values are. Its not that difficult. But you can't come up with a plan unless it aligns with what you are authentically about. Its time to raise your head from the noise - take ownership of yourself - and design your destiny. And not just the destiny for 2008 but for 2008 and beyond. So where do we start?
Here's what I suggest.
1) Ask yourself 2 questions to start and Write down the answers until your done.
What do I want? & Why do I want it? - so simple yet we don't take the time to think this through.
2) Define your categories of importance - Lump them into your most important categories for your Personal & Professional life.
3) Rank them - Compare Category a to b and see which one wins. Do that drop down comparison until you have every category in the order of what you want most.
4) Then dive into that #1 Category in your Personal and Professional Life. What are your top priorities - What is your target?
Sometimes we can have many goals & targets - Its easy to do. The we can feel like we're spinning ourselves into a frenzy - bouncing from one target to the next - They all may feel important - but if their all important - what gets done?
My suggestion is accomplish your most important stuff first - Think of what that is. Then take your energy and focus and use the Straight Line Theory. The Straight Line theory means that the shortest distance between 2 points is a straight line. A is where you are - B is the goal. Then map our your plans to go to "B". Where we deviate is the road along the way - An exit here - an exit there - a distraction here - another interest there. Focus - Get it done. Follow a path. And Make Progress towards the most important areas in your life.
So thats it for now - start thinking of whats most important to you.
Well now is the time to come up with your structure, your framework, your model of the revised you. It happens by knowing who you are - what your beliefs are - what your values are. Its not that difficult. But you can't come up with a plan unless it aligns with what you are authentically about. Its time to raise your head from the noise - take ownership of yourself - and design your destiny. And not just the destiny for 2008 but for 2008 and beyond. So where do we start?
Here's what I suggest.
1) Ask yourself 2 questions to start and Write down the answers until your done.
What do I want? & Why do I want it? - so simple yet we don't take the time to think this through.
2) Define your categories of importance - Lump them into your most important categories for your Personal & Professional life.
3) Rank them - Compare Category a to b and see which one wins. Do that drop down comparison until you have every category in the order of what you want most.
4) Then dive into that #1 Category in your Personal and Professional Life. What are your top priorities - What is your target?
Sometimes we can have many goals & targets - Its easy to do. The we can feel like we're spinning ourselves into a frenzy - bouncing from one target to the next - They all may feel important - but if their all important - what gets done?
My suggestion is accomplish your most important stuff first - Think of what that is. Then take your energy and focus and use the Straight Line Theory. The Straight Line theory means that the shortest distance between 2 points is a straight line. A is where you are - B is the goal. Then map our your plans to go to "B". Where we deviate is the road along the way - An exit here - an exit there - a distraction here - another interest there. Focus - Get it done. Follow a path. And Make Progress towards the most important areas in your life.
So thats it for now - start thinking of whats most important to you.
Monday, November 12, 2007
CBS Millenials - on 60 Minutes
Check it out - What do you think? The Millenials Are Coming... A new generation wave is coming.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/08/60minutes/main3475200.shtml?source=mostpop_story
Here's my opinion
I think there are a variety of dynamics at play here which will make it a lively topic for a long time. As you know - the attitudes towards the Gen Y profile comes from many lenses and causes - contribution from corporate america, from parents, media, society, economic, and from the influence of the peer groups from all generations - most importantly from each own. And in each perspective we sit - it truly depends on what the Gen Y individual learned in their own cycle of influence.
Since these dynamics have an effect on everyone, we are at the dawn of a dramatic and historic moment of transition - something that has a long term impact on competitiveness, innovation, and leadership in America. Add in the Cultural dynamics in the US - you have a intersection of a shift Generational momentum and cultural momentum - its a multi-dimensional issue. Question here is what direction is the momentum?
I am a boomer dad and I have 4 Gen Y Children - all born between 1980 and 2000. I think I can judge what has been done right and what has been done wrong. Through their friends and environment - I notice people that have a work ethic and those that don't. I see those that feel entitled and those that have gratitude. I see many without visible depth in relationship skills, communication skills, and maybe a lack of autheticity. I guess I could say this for all generations and maybe its a judgement. But it comes down to your experience, your influences, and what challenges you are facing along the way.
Maybe this is an example of the true Drama Triangle in development. We have the Victims, the Persecutors, and the Rescuers. In any role - parent child, or the other (environment,corporate, society in general) - we can sit in each of these seats. Whether we do or are willing to - is a whole other question. Can all generations start by appreciating the differences? - those that can will lead this through the chasm.
So its not a matter of blame - we were ALL products of our previous generation, socio-economic conditions, the environment, the media, and our peers. We cannot blame - We cannot take the blame - We must step into cooperation, understanding, and be a leader based society to push forward towards understanding, respect, appreciation of all terrain views of the world, be ready to change and adjust our overall acceptance model. How do you eat an elephant?
Bottom-line - its easy to point to the next generation and say its not as good as ours - its easy to point and make judgements and its easy to vote based on your own view of your own world - the bottom line is we live in a narrow view society and the first step is appreciation that the differences are valuable and something we need to adjust. Its up to every generation to set us up for the future. I think every one has a Vital Imprint to leave.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/08/60minutes/main3475200.shtml?source=mostpop_story
Here's my opinion
I think there are a variety of dynamics at play here which will make it a lively topic for a long time. As you know - the attitudes towards the Gen Y profile comes from many lenses and causes - contribution from corporate america, from parents, media, society, economic, and from the influence of the peer groups from all generations - most importantly from each own. And in each perspective we sit - it truly depends on what the Gen Y individual learned in their own cycle of influence.
Since these dynamics have an effect on everyone, we are at the dawn of a dramatic and historic moment of transition - something that has a long term impact on competitiveness, innovation, and leadership in America. Add in the Cultural dynamics in the US - you have a intersection of a shift Generational momentum and cultural momentum - its a multi-dimensional issue. Question here is what direction is the momentum?
I am a boomer dad and I have 4 Gen Y Children - all born between 1980 and 2000. I think I can judge what has been done right and what has been done wrong. Through their friends and environment - I notice people that have a work ethic and those that don't. I see those that feel entitled and those that have gratitude. I see many without visible depth in relationship skills, communication skills, and maybe a lack of autheticity. I guess I could say this for all generations and maybe its a judgement. But it comes down to your experience, your influences, and what challenges you are facing along the way.
Maybe this is an example of the true Drama Triangle in development. We have the Victims, the Persecutors, and the Rescuers. In any role - parent child, or the other (environment,corporate, society in general) - we can sit in each of these seats. Whether we do or are willing to - is a whole other question. Can all generations start by appreciating the differences? - those that can will lead this through the chasm.
So its not a matter of blame - we were ALL products of our previous generation, socio-economic conditions, the environment, the media, and our peers. We cannot blame - We cannot take the blame - We must step into cooperation, understanding, and be a leader based society to push forward towards understanding, respect, appreciation of all terrain views of the world, be ready to change and adjust our overall acceptance model. How do you eat an elephant?
Bottom-line - its easy to point to the next generation and say its not as good as ours - its easy to point and make judgements and its easy to vote based on your own view of your own world - the bottom line is we live in a narrow view society and the first step is appreciation that the differences are valuable and something we need to adjust. Its up to every generation to set us up for the future. I think every one has a Vital Imprint to leave.
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