Dan Thurmon » Newsletter

Find Space throughout the Season

dan — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:55:03 +0000

And more fully experience and enjoy your holidays.

This time of year promises to be a “break” for us – an opportunity to relax, connect with loved ones, recharge our batteries, or deepen our faith. However, the reality can be far from our imagined or intended version of events.

For many of us, the preparations and plans (decorating, shopping, making travel arrangements, and such) become added burdens to our lives. We must suddenly handle all of our usual tasks and responsibilities AND take care of holiday “to do’s,” as well.

The downside of this is that we may lose the feeling of specialness, or the meaning and purpose behind our celebrations.

My hope and plea is that you are able to find and enjoy, in the midst of the madness, the moments that truly matter.

Space Between the Throws

The study and practice of high level juggling has taught me volumes about managing a “full pattern” of objectives. As I teach these principles, one of the points that consistently resonates with audiences is this one:
No matter how much you are handling, there still remains some space between your throws and catches.

It is in the spaces between our actions and tasks that we can experience peace, joy, and purpose. Yet, too often, the tendency is to ignore or race past the spaces in order to get to the next thing, obligation, or task. We hope that, at some point, we will have our tasks accomplished, so that we can then experience peace. Yet that moment doesn’t come or, if it does arrive, disappears like morning mist, in the heat of the moment or winds of change.

“Space” is a gift that is difficult to wrap. But it is absolutely free of charge, and yours to both experience and give away, if you can remember a few simple guidelines.

Into Action

Look for the Spaces – Spaces are everywhere, if you just notice them: a pause in your conversation to fully connect with someone special, a moment to take a deep breath and experience the moment, or a purposeful minute of solitude to give yourself a break. Once you start noticing and validating the “spaces” in your life, they will expand and multiply.
Be Present – Your full and uncompromised presence is the greatest present you can give yourself or your loved ones. “Show up” with your full self.
Simplify – The concept “less is more” never really caught on with marketers and retailers. Listen to the noise of what the world tells you, and you will never have enough. However, once you realize that you already have enough, the little things will take on new and wonderful significance.
Pace Yourself – Slow down your experience, physically and mentally. Set your own pace, instead of responding to arbitrary demands.
Remember the Purpose – When tempted to run frantically in another direction, reconnect to the meaning behind your intentions. If the purpose isn’t there, then release yourself from those burdens. Where there is purpose, embrace it wholeheartedly, and hang on!

Some friendly, purposeful reminders:

Renew your relationships with friends and family.
Deepen your faith, and give thanks for what you have.
Celebrate the end of your year, and look forward with excitement to 2012.
Rest. I mean, really rest. Renew your body, mind and soul. You deserve it!

From our family to yours, wishing you joyful celebrations, with room to spare!

Dan

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Soundtrack for Success

dan — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 01:35:06 +0000

Off Balance On Purpose Theme by Dan Thurmon

Click the Arrow (or link) to Play or the Down Arrow to Download

Everybody deserves a motivational musical mantra:

a personal soundtrack that will pick you up when you are feeling down, or pump you up before your workday or big moment!

That’s why I produced this song. Not only will it provide you a motivational, musical BOOST, but it will also keep you connected to a mindset and plan of action to remain Purposeful, even in the midst of Off Balance Moments.

Enjoy it with my compliments! Load it on your iPod or smartphone, burn a CD for your car, or add it to your “favorites,” and feel free to share your comments below (including ideas for the upcoming music video).

With encouragement always,

Dan

OBOP Theme Song Lyrics

If you’re feeling overwhelmed,
Confused and out of touch.
If you’re stressed ’cause life’s a mess
And it’s too much.

You are longing for some peace, control and resolution.
May I propose a slightly unconventional solution?
You’ve been told that finding balance is the key to satisfaction,
But I suggest instead that you adopt a plan of action.

A new philosophy for you and me!

Off Balance, On Purpose
Get clear on your intentions and your dreams.
Off Balance, On Purpose
Success and happiness are closer than it seems.

Amplify your life by plugging into deeper meaning.
You’ll be prone to positivity once you are forward leaning.
It’s time to take control and make a choice
Stand up, express yourself, and share your voice!

Off Balance, On Purpose
Stretch your mind and your ability.
Off Balance, On Purpose
Initiate the changes that you see.

You’ve been told that finding balance is the key to satisfaction,
But I suggest instead that you adopt a plan of action
Embrace uncertainty. A new philosophy for you and me.

Off Balance, On Purpose
Get clear on your intentions and your dreams, yeah.
Off Balance, On Purpose
Success and happiness are closer than it seems.
Off Balance, On Purpose
Stretch your mind and your ability.
Off Balance, On Purpose.
Success and happiness are closer than it seems.

1000 Catches

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Posting Positive

dan — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:55:57 +0000

Always be your best!

It’s advice we have often heard and advice I’ve even offered during my motivational programs. The problem is, it isn’t possible. We can’t always be at our best, most positive and productive “setting,” every moment and in every encounter. Sure, that is the goal – to offer your greatest contributions. But on occasion, during stressful moments, in a weak mental state (especially while fatigued), any one of us has the potential to “lose it” and issue a less than helpful response.

However, I do think that there is one area in life where we can make one decision that will make a significant, positive, and ongoing change for the better. I’m talking about the arena of online postings.

Increasingly, we are in the habit (or forming the habit) of tweeting our thoughts, sharing our “status,” and casting our comments on other people’s lives, words, photos, and ideas. All of this activity takes place in a personal, yet very public space. And the ripple effects of our efforts easily multiply and continue beyond our view. So, as we do this, may I suggest a simple rule to guide you? Post positive.

Post Positive

The words, images, and videos, you share convey your perspective on life. Words can be charged with meanings, attitudes, and emotions. Before you click the “send,” “share,” or “post” buttons, I’m suggesting that you screen your screen, and make sure you are broadcasting positive comments, rather than critical, destructive, or negative ones.

Even in the area of humor, we can easily get ourselves into some trouble. I’ve certainly done it – in emails, texts, and online comments, humor is not always interpreted the way it is intended. When trying to be funny, we can easily miss the mark, especially when attempting to use sarcasm.

I’m not suggesting that you have to be bubbly, happy, and smiley in every instance. Be yourself. But be the best version of yourself. Why? Well, for one thing you are forming a reputation in a very public and enduring forum. Even if you think you are sending a private email to someone, your written words can be easily forwarded or posted. Follow the simple rule that if you wouldn’t want to have your mom read it (or client, spouse, son, or daughter), then don’t put it in writing and send it into cyberspace.

Into Action

Here are some guidelines you may wish to keep in mind, in order to consistently Post Positive:

Celebrate greatness – applaud (or “like”) people, ideas, or instances that reflect your ideas of excellence. Amplify the positive.
Encourage others – Instead of commiserating with others about how bad things are, attempt to uplift and offer guidance, or at least encouragement.
Disagree respectfully – In heated debates, you may feel the need to share your opinion. Do so with class and respect, even if others are losing their cool.
Choose clever over sarcastic – Sarcasm is one of the lowest forms of humor. Plus, it’s negative, and easily misread. Instead of going for the easy laugh, be a little more thoughtful with your humor.
If you don’t have anything nice to say …. You know. We’ve all learned the lesson. Let’s put it to use. Don’t let the negativity of others drag you down. Rise above, and move on.

You have an important voice. Use it wisely. Craft your comments and your persona in a positive way. Extend these ideas into your “live” encounters, as well, and you will not only develop a winning, positive reputation, but also to enjoy a healthier (and more productive) reality. Positive people feel better and tend to get more of what they want. Just another reason to “plus” your perspective.

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Making Adjustments

dan — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 18:05:20 +0000

Balancing Your Life – Part 3

Dan Thurmon teaches life balance lessons while walking a 10 foot tall slack rope

Please watch the Video Presentation of this message by clicking the play button below. To watch full screen in High Definition, click the arrows in the bottom right corner, and choose 720 or 1080p. Transcript of the video follows.

http://youtu.be/6E2sHVr49E0

Did you miss Part One in this Video Series? If so, Click Here!

To see Part Two in this Video Series, Click this Link!

Video Transcript:

The third key about balance I want to teach you today is this: Realize that you can’t make it all the way across the rope in one step. It will take many steps. It will take time. And – here’s the key – it will take many adjustments along the way. You must make adjustments about how you approach your challenge, about what you are thinking, and what you are doing.

Make Adjustments to:

Strategies
Ideas
Actions

The key is that you make those adjustments confidently and consciously.

Overcompensating

Many times in life we find ourselves off course, and the tendency is to over-correct – to make a huge adjustment in the opposite direction – which may just send you off balance in a new direction, and then you’ll have to react to that situation too! It’s about making small adjustments, controlled corrections along the way, which you can do.

[Dan stands up and begins to walk the slack rope]

You can do it, if you have the proper focus and the presence of mind – a state of mind where you are managing your anxiety and stress – then you can recognize those adjustments before they become critical.

And notice, as I’m doing this, that I’m constantly making small adjustments with my free leg, with my arms and hands, and I’m taking a very deliberate approach to handling those adjustments as they are required.

These principles and keys will enable you to chart your course and, ultimately, arrive at your destination. [Dan reaches the other end of the rope.]

So remember, by managing your focus, your state of mind, and your adjustments along the way, you will be capable of handling life’s daunting challenges [Dan juggles three flaming torches atop the rope] with great success.

Stay Off Balance … On Purpose.

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Managing Anxiety

dan — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:16:49 +0000

Balancing Your Life – Part 2

http://youtu.be/ngSdfTvW3TM

Did you miss Part One in this Video Series? If so, Cl ick Here!

Hi, Dan Thurmon here, back with your second in our video series about Balancing Your Life. And, today, I want to talk with you about how to manage your anxiety, stress and tension when you find yourself to be … a little high strung.

When you are walking on a slack rope, ten feet off the ground, it can be very stressful, because the rope is constantly shifting, and the consequences for failure are steep … literally! And the same is true when you face difficult challenges in life! The problem is, when you become anxious or stressed, you are least capable and least confident, and those are the moments when you need to be the MOST capable and confident.

To perform at your best when it matters the most, you must Manage Your Anxiety. Here are three ways to do that, even in the midst of a daunting challenge:

First, control your breathing. It sounds simple, but when the rope starts shaking, manifesting your nervousness, the remedy is to take conscious, full breaths, and blow that tension out of your body. If you can control your breathing, you begin to move away from panic or fear and into a more resourceful state of mind.

The second key is to find your footing. On a slack rope, you are balancing with one foot in the air, and there is nothing to hold on to! It can also feel that way when you are dealing with uncertainty, or a difficult challenge in your life. But the key to managing anxiety is to find your footing – realize that you still have at least one point of solid contact, and make sure you are doing what it takes to maintain that foundation. So, focus on what you can control, not the areas where you are powerless.

The third key is to set your own pace. When you are anxious, it is usually time to slow down, not race ahead! Don’t succumb to arbitrary or unrealistic time frames. Better to get it right the first time, than to get it wrong quickly and repeatedly.

Use these three techniques to become a better balancer, and manage your stress and anxiety so you can enjoy the journey and rise to your highest performance!

Balancing Your Life

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Balancing Your Life

dan — Tue, 31 May 2011 20:30:57 +0000

Part 1 – Elevate your Focus to Navigate Uncertainty

http://youtu.be/0RaTUDjhhqo

This is the first part in a series of three video segments teaching the principles of effective balance from atop a ten foot high “slack rope.”

Begin Transcript

Do you want to know the secret to balancing your life? Hi, I’m Dan Thurmon, author of the book Off Balance On Purpose, and today I’m up here in the trees hanging out with the birds, and we are going to talk about the secrets for effect balance in life and, in particular, on this slack rope. [Dan stands atop the slack rope, ten feet in the air.]

I believe that this represents the kind of challenges many of us face in our lives. So we are going to use this as an illustration for what we can do to become better balancers. You see, that’s the thing. You’ll never attain the “perfect balance,” a state of perfect where everything in your life has “evened out.” That’s because we are always in transition. We are always learning and growing and changing … and that’s a good thing.

But the question is, how do you envision your path and then take the steps necessary in order to move forward? And the first step is very simple: Don’t look down! If you stare down at the rope, which many people do when they are trying this for the first time, you will immediately head toward the ground.

And in life we often look down at our challenges – down at our negative situations – down at the immediacy of what is happening and what we think is important, instead of looking up and outward to grasp the whole situation and understand what is really necessary. Only with that longer range viewpoint can we begin to take the necessary steps to move forward.

[Dan pushes off from the tree and begins walking atop the ever-moving slack rope.]

Notice even while I am walking I am looking forward, not down to where my foot is in contact with the rope. I feel for it to get a sense of security and alignment, but then I move forward with my vision fixed ahead of me. That is the only way to effectively move forward. If you look down [Dan looks down at this feet and the rope, and loses control and composure.] Woah! [He "falls" to the ground, landing on his feet.] Immediately, you are going to fall off of the rope, and you will be in big trouble.

So, the first lesson is to manage your focus, to:

Raise your vision above your challenges.
Set a higher course for your life, in terms of your goals and objectives, and to
Keep your focus fixed down the path.

To be continued…

Dan

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Rewrite Your Code

dan — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:07:16 +0000

And Harness the Computing Power of Your Brain

IF you are frightened about the uncertainty in your future:

IF you find yourself repeatedly facing difficult situations:

IF you are wasting valuable time and brain power on seemingly simple or unimportant tasks:

THEN, it may be time to rewrite your code.

“Code” is a computer term for the instructions, rules, and commands in the language of programming. Computers do only what programmers tell them to, and these instructions (lines of code), depending on their effectiveness, can enable excellence or create recurring problems. And the exact same is true for you.

The human brain is the most magnificent, elegant, and powerful of all computers known to mankind. And the instructions, rules, ideas, and pursuits we program, consciously and unconsciously, determine our eventual “output,” in terms of life experience.

While modern computers are incredibly fast and can calculate and multi-task far better than we can, our brains remain superior. Your brain, you see, is ever changing, learning, interpreting your environment, and capable of the amazing act of imagination.

Also, your neural “operating system” is continuously being upgraded, based upon your circumstances, experience, education, and desires. When you harness your “thought machine” toward a particular purpose, you can become unstoppable.

But in order to do that, you need to learn to rewrite the code, that is, the software that drives your noggin. You must “program” yourself for success. Assume your rightful role of chief programmer. You will be influenced by other people and circumstances. You may be conditioned by past experiences. But you can overwrite your code with new commands, if you will seize control and do so, deliberately.

IF/THEN Commands

In 1982, when I was 14 years old, my dad brought home from work a modern day miracle: the IBM PC. This machine covered his entire desk, and was slow as mud, but it introduced me to the dawning age of Information Technology via a monochrome green version of “Space Invaders” and the BASIC programming language (an acronym which stands for Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code).

One of the most useful of all computer instructions, I discovered, was the “IF/THEN Command.” It is self explanatory, meaning that you tell the machine IF you encounter this input, set of circumstances, or problem, THEN this is what I want you to do next – or, here is how you handle it. It’s like writing a rule that will apply to future situations and challenges.

Now, here’s the cool part. Because we are creative – capable of imagination – we can write IF/THEN rules for our lives. Essentially, you make a conscious decision and tell your brain:

IF I face this type of situation (again, or for the first time), THEN here is how I will handle it.

This simple line of code, or self-executed command, is amazingly useful when applied to:

Time-saving habits
Rudimentary tasks
Performance standards
Recurring decisions
Scenario planning for the future

This is also how we shape our personal judgement. At some point we decide how we will process a certain type of situation or influence. We write a rule for the way we will handle it. These rules accumulate, and will remain in place, shaping our lives, until we consciously remove or rewrite them.

Into Action

Turn Uncertainty into Opportunity. As you plan for your future (career path, financial situation, relationship status, parenting situation, or whatever it may be) imagine not one, but multiple options, or scenarios. Develop alternate plans of action, depending upon how circumstances unfold.
Handle a Recurring Task. Consider a situation you have encountered more than once, and construct a plan for how you will handle it, should it happen again. This will empower you to anticipate, recognize, and handle future challenges with more effectiveness and less hardship.
Resolve a Dilemma. If you have been bombarded by challenge after challenge, each one distracting you from your desired path, then you may need to deal with a larger decision or question. This could be a process, a moral judgement, or an ambiguous direction. Recognize the issue, than develop an IF/THEN rule to handle it now and in the future.

If you don’t like the output you are getting in life, you may need to reexamine how you processed the thoughts and actions that led you to that experience. Chances are, it is not a “one time only” event. You will be confronted with the same or similar circumstances in the future. The great news is you can, right now, upgrade your mental software and set in place a new and better way to deal with it.

Be bold. Rewrite your code.

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1000 Catches

dan — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:34:45 +0000

The Power of Daily Discipline

Please watch the Video Presentation of this message by clicking the play button below. To watch full screen, click the arrows in the bottom right corner.

Transcript of the video follows.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iF1xScS1FU

To become truly excellent at something – anything at all – requires effort and commitment.

It all comes down to two essential factors: desire and discipline.For me, as a performer and speaker, I use the skill of juggling to discuss and illustrate how we can manage our focus under pressure, staying proactive while handling a multitude of objectives in life. How do I deliver my best on-stage performances, often in front of thousands of people? I work at it, every single day.

One of the things I do on a daily basis is one thousand catches. That’s right. I count them, and I continue until I complete the challenge, without dropping. Every day. Sometimes it is late at night in a hotel room, after a long day of travel. But, still, it gets done.

And this is just the bare minimum. Many days I practice much longer. So do the math! That’s easily ten thousand catches per week. More than a half million per year. That kind of repetition and time develops both confidence and capability. So I take the stage with the knowledge that I’m prepared. I’ve earned the right to be there.

How about you? What are your one thousand catches? What skills and habits are essential to your success, and what daily disciplines are in place and non-negotiable to ensure you are making progress?

Great achievements in life and business do not happen accidentally. Excellence is a habit you must cultivate every day.

How do you ensure you are at your best when it matters the most? Well, you have to pay the price. Put in the time. Become the master of your skills.

Will you be prepared for the opportunities and tests in your future – both the ones you expect and the ones that will catch you completely by surprise and increase the likelihood of a positive result IF you will adopt specific daily disciplines.

One thousand catches doesn’t take all that long – about four minutes, if I don’t drop. But, of course, that’s not all I do. I have other physical disciplines in place, involving stretching and exercise. Then there are disciplines and practices relating to my work, family, and hobbies. It’s challenging to do it all every day, and not always possible. The key is to determine which of your disciplines are in place and non-negotiable. Then, have a plan in place to keep track and hold yourself accountable. You can’t do it all every day and have a “perfectly balanced” life. But you can be Off Balance On Purpose, biased toward what matters most!

So what are your one thousand catches? Your non-negotiables – the things you will do every day, no matter what?

As you consider that question, keep in mind the five spheres of your life pattern, as discussed in my book, Off Balance On Purpose. And remember, the key is to identify important things you can do that don’t take all that long, but have enormous impact over the course of time.

Your Work Sphere – What are you reading, writing, and doing to improve your skills? Identify the essential tasks that will contribute the most to your long term success, then do them every day!

Your Relationships Sphere – What do you say to and do for the ones you love? Tell ‘em you love ‘em. Communicate. Share a couple minutes of focused conversation.

Your Health – What are you doing to exercise and eat well? Do you adequately rest and relax? Each of these elements contribute to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Your Spiritual Growth – Prayer, meditation, spiritual readings and practices all fall into this essential category.

Your Personal Interests – What hobbies, interests, or areas of study are you pursuing? Maybe this is more of a weekly discipline than a daily commitment. That’s up to you. But if it’s important, you need to figure out a way to make it happen. Not once, but often.

As my friend, Dr. Nido Qubein, says, “There are two types of pain: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. Pick one.”

Pay the price. Cultivate the habit of discipline, and I promise you will soon feel a sense of pride and satisfaction from your efforts. Neglect you essential skills, relationships, and practices, however, and you will pay a different price in the future. And it may be unaffordable.

It is truly up to you.

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Managing Uncertainty

dan — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 21:33:41 +0000

The critical task every individual and every organization faces is to prepare for the unknown. We cannot be certain today of tomorrow’s requirements or demands. Circumstances yet to be revealed will deliver enormous impact to our lives. The question is: are you preparing for those moments today?

With forward thinking and a deliberate plan of action, I believe that we can embrace uncertainty, welcoming indefinite conditions as exciting opportunities to grow our personal and professional capabilities. For this to happen, we must be able to change our approach (and often our ingrained patterns of behavior) and do so with both speed and conviction.

Seldom are we able to eliminate all obstacles or ensure success with absolute confidence. In nearly every endeavor, the appropriate objectives are to manage our obstacles and create the greatest likelihood for success.

Uncertainty Unmasked

What does “uncertainty” look like today? What, specifically, are individuals and corporate leaders struggling to discern through fogged telescopes pointed toward the future? Here are some of the more common contributors to sleepless nights and paralyzed planning efforts.

The economy – Is it recovering? What will become the “new normal?”
Regulations by governmental agencies – Seemingly arbitrary decisions can create enormous intended and unintended consequences.
Innovation and technology – What systems do we invest in and adopt? And just how quickly could they become irrelevant?
Competition – What known and unknown competitors do we face? How do we win business?
Hiring, staffing and training for the future – What talent will we need to hire and develop? How will we find, attract, and retain the right teammates?

On a personal level, we additionally face the uncertainty of:

Health issues, for ourselves and our loved ones
Financial security
Our children, their futures, and the world they will inherit
Home values and the cost of ownership
Future (or present) employment

Any one of these issues may elicit trepidation. Together, they are nearly impossible to comprehend. Our response to uncertainty may cause us to panic or withdraw, paralyzing forward progress. Because we cannot know, we decide to do nothing, fearing that any attempt to control our circumstances would be wasted, misguided, and uninformed.

I believe we can be proactive, positive, and productive, even when facing the unknown. In fact, we MUST become increasingly capable of managing the uncertainties we face if we are to live a healthy, enjoyable life, serve others, or operate a successful business. Doing nothing or “becoming paralyzed” by the unknown are not viable options. We must be willing and able to ACT.

Into Action

Own your reality. Learn. Understand as much as you can about current conditions and the process affecting future changes.
Get clear on your purpose. Be specific and certain of your purpose, principles, and values. When outside circumstances change, principles and values remain the same. In fact, they will often reveal the proper course of action.
Plan for contingencies. One answer is no longer enough. We need multiple options, depending on outside circumstances and possible developments.
Improve your abilities. It is always the right time to improve yourself. Become stronger, smarter, and more capable. Make “continuous improvement” part of your life and your corporate culture.
Stay flexible. Be willing and able to change, stretch, and move in new directions. Understand the value of mobility, streamlined systems, and the ability to make adjustments to your plans.

Prepare as though the opportunity of your life is imminent, and your life will be abundant with opportunities!

Keep leaning forward,

Dan

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Don’t Give In… Give

dan — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:37:43 +0000

Perhaps you have noticed, as I have, more of the people you know and care about are struggling during these tough and uncertain times. Or, maybe, that “struggler” is you.

Without question, individuals and organizations (charitable ones, especially) are finding themselves facing unfamiliar questions, challenges, and levels of hardship. Even those who are working seem to be working harder to remain profitable and successful.

How should we respond to such a situation? Some may say we need to cut back – reduce our expenditures to the bare minimums and protect our time, space, and emotions from other influences. In other words, we should give in to our circumstances.

I believe that now, more than ever, it is important to keep leaning forward, orienting yourself “Off Balance … On Purpose” to embolden your efforts and help the people you love.

Leaning forward with Purpose

When you inject a sense of purpose into any situation, uncertainty is not diminished. It does, however, begin to transform from a negative, energy-draining emotional state into something positive: excitement, possibility, and opportunity.

How is this “shift” accomplished? It begins with you and involves two important factors: your orientation and your application.

Orientation – How do you position yourself, relative to the difficulty? Are you on your heels, or are you leaning forward? In other words, are you simply a curious spectator to life’s events, waiting to witness the outcome? Or are you in the game, eager to participate and influence the final result?

Application – How do you use what you have for the greatest benefit? How do you leverage your money, time, talent, passion, influence, and energy to provide the most meaningful, measurable boost to your family, your friends and for our world?

When in doubt, give. Give from where you are abundant, and give from where you may be lacking. By helping others, you help yourself in two ways. First, you will experience an immediate reward for doing something wonderful for someone else. Secondly, you will engage forces greater than you (it’s a God thing) to multiply your gift for your intended recipient and, ultimately, for you, as well. It is impossible to give more than you receive.

Into Action

1. If you are in a position where you can give financially, please do! Your dollars matter now more than ever! I’m not asking you to give to my causes. Pick your own. These may include your church or favorite charity, or it may mean helping a dear friend or family member who is in desperate straits. Whatever you decide, your financial support will have an immediate and powerful impact.

2. Give of your time and energy. Get involved in the causes you care about. There is no better way to extract yourself from a personal “funk” than to get engaged in meaningful activity for others. You don’t have to commit to a huge undertaking. Perhaps start by lending a hand for a Saturday afternoon. You may also find that you’ll meet interesting, like-minded people as you invest your time for a worthy endeavor.

3. Give encouragement. Speak words of hope and optimism (to yourself and to others), even if they may at first ring hollow to your own ears. To give encouragement costs you nothing! Yet, the worth of your words may be priceless. Remember, we must orient ourselves to take a positive stance toward our circumstances. That is Step One! And sometimes, we “fake it till we make it.” In other words, you begin to embody what you wish to experience, auditioning for a desirable “role.” Then, eventually, you take ownership of the part as a full-time player.

4. Give your best efforts. Don’t diminish your expectations about what is possible. Instead, elevate your commitment and see this challenging time as an opportunity to hone your skills and talents. Focus with precision and make every action and conversation important and purposeful.

Thank you for the incredible opportunity to be one of your encouragers in life! It is an awesome “gift” I do not accept without immense gratitude and accountability. Please leave a comment in the section below to share your thoughts and contributions.

Keep leaning forward!

Dan

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