Archives for December 2013

My 3 Words for 2014

December 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment

My 3 Words for 2014I recently went to a creative space in Milwaukee called Translator. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, they host what they call a Lab (the rest of the time Translator is a digital marketing agency). If you’re in the area you should stop by. People get together and share ideas, get advice, and help others with their problems. It’s a great place for business and creative types to meet and collaborate in a positive environment that fosters creativity. I don’t go nearly often enough.

 A recent session was held on goal setting. Many ideas were presented, but one intriguing one offered by Katie Felten, who moderated, was about Chris Brogan’s three words for the year idea. Basically you pick three words you want to be the overriding theme for the next year and live them daily. It was amazing and inspiring to hear the stories of how that’s worked for Katie and Mark Fairbanks over at Translator. There was an exercise where we wrote down three words that we wanted our next year to be about and we went around the room and discussed them.
My three words for 2014 are:
Declutter – I have way too much stuff in my house and in my life. It’s stuff that doesn’t matter. Why do I need so many shirts when I don’t wear half of them? Why are there so many empty boxes lying around? What am I going to do with them? By having so much stuff around, it doesn’t leave room for new stuff to come in.  Decluttering will be not only a physical but a mental purification. I won’t reach minimalism, but I can sure try.
Focus – I want to focus on the things I really want; the things I want to do, the things I want to spend my time on, and who I want to spend my time with. Life is very distracting; especially with TV, the internet, magazines and other media. I can easily waste away a few hours everyday without even trying. I want to eliminate those distractions. When I used to play darts I would get extremely focused on my dart throwing. I would imagine a laser going from the tip of the dart to the dart board. It had to go exactly where my focus was, there was no way around it. And when I could focus so closely as to the exact hole I wanted that dart to go to, I could get pretty darn close. I want to have this kind of focus on whatever I spend my time on or whoever I spend my time with in 2014. I think decluttering will also help a lot with this goal.
Ship – I borrowed this term from Seth Godin. It means that your ideas don’t mean anything unless you ship them, unless they make their way out into the world. As one person said at Lab, “if it doesn’t ship, it doesn’t exist.” That’s true. No one will know about my work unless I share it, and put it out into the universe. It has a chance for a life outside of my mind or the hard drive on my computer if I expose it to the rest of the world. Sure, there’s a chance that nothing happens or the work gets criticized, but there’s also a chance for it to impact people. And at least it sets you up for some unknown possibilities.
I’m excited to see what 2014 shapes up to be because of these three words. You can do this too. Write down the first three words that come to mind (there’s probably a reason they’re right at the top of your head). Put them in a place where you can see them, so you have a reminder of what the words are.
What are your three words for 2014? Why did you choose them? How do you think they’ll impact you in 2014?
Filed Under: Inspiration, Motivation Tagged With: ,

What Christmas Means to Me

December 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment

What Christmas Means to MeWhen I was in middle school right after the Christmas break, my 7th grade English teacher, Ms. Mavrogenis, had us write a paper about how we spent our Christmas. I immediately went to work like the rest of my class and started jotting down what I got my sister, mom, and dad for Christmas, and how we always went out a little extra for mom because December 25th was also her birthday. Growing up we heard stories of how people would give mom a combined Christmas/Birthday gift and we always made sure there were separate presents for her birthday so she could enjoy both, even though they were on the same day.

A day or two later, as Ms. Mavrogenis handed back our papers, she told us that out of all of her students, I was the only one who wrote about what they gave for Christmas, not what they received. In a way, it was a little uncomfortable to be singled out of her 100 plus students, but at the same time I felt good.
Maybe because Christmas is also my mom’s birthday, I look at it a little differently. Christmas to me means that we think of others, we give, and we show compassion for each other. It’s too easy to get wrapped up in the commercial hype about making sure we buy the “right” present; there are enough TV commercials reminding us of that! I try to ignore the commercialism of Christmas and embrace what’s in my heart.
My wish for you is to enjoy your time with your friends and family this Christmas, but to also share your gift with the world, whatever that is. The world needs you. So, whether you give a stranger a smile, a friend a hug, or a cause your time or talents, do it. It will make you feel good and you’ll be making the world a better place for all of us.
How will you be celebrating the holidays this year? 
Merry Christmas! 
I also want to say, “Happy Birthday, Mom!”
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My Favorite Books of 2013

December 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

My favorite books of 2013I’m an avid reader and am constantly looking for good authors to inspire me, motivate me, and fire up my mind. This year I discovered some truly amazing ones that did that and so much more. These books are filled with awesome information and most definitely had an impact on my life. I encourage you to check them out and if you are looking for a gift, you won’t go wrong with any of these.

Here are my favorite books of 2013:
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown. A book about being brave, stepping into the arena, and giving it your best shot. This book will help you move past your fears, the critics (both internal and external), and slay the dragon of perfectionism. Brené has said, “Perfectionism is a 10-ton shield that stops us from being seen.” Daring Greatly will make you appreciate your talent and your life more. You are enough, just as you are, so start living like it. It had a huge impact on me. If you read anything on this list, start with this one.
The Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. So good, I read it twice this year! The Impact Equation is a wonderfully written book about making an impact in the world by being as helpful as possible, keeping things simple and being brave by thinking like an owner, not an employee. This book resonated with me so much that it gave me the kick in the butt I needed to start my blog (which is a chapter on building your platform). I continued looking for other ways to share it, and suggested to our CMO that everyone on our team should read it. I was thrilled when he decided to buy a copy for everyone. That weekend I emailed Chris Brogan to let him know how much the book meant to me and about our team reading it together. He not only responded to my email but he ended up coming to Milwaukee to meet with our team! I even got to spend some extra time with him one-on-one. Do yourself a favor and read The Impact Equation, oh, and sign up for Chris Brogan’s weekly newsletter. You never know what could happen!
How to Be Interesting (In 10 Simple Steps) by Jessica Hagy. I saw Jessica was going to be at a book signing and I liked the title of the book, so I went. I’m so glad I did. I left the book singing saying, “I’m starting my blog.” That’s how inspiring Jessica was. How to Be Interesting (In 10 Simple Steps) is an insightful and funny look at life lessons we could all learn from. Follow the steps presented in this wonderful book and just watch where life takes you.
Give and Take by Adam Grant. I read a New York Times article about Adam and was so blown away by this man that I was going to buy the book that weekend, but didn’t get a chance to. The book arrived the next week, sent to me by a friend who also enjoyed it. Adam Grant has studied how givers get ahead in life and in business, more than takers. At the age of 30 he became the youngest tenured professor at the famous Wharton School of Business, and also it’s highest ranking professor. This book made me pause and reflect on things so many times. I highlighted the heck out of the pages of Give and Take, that’s how much it spoke to me. Reading it also helped me come up with a ton of creative ideas.
The Art of Explanation by Lee LeFever. If you want to know how to break things down to its simplest form, The Art of Explanation will help tremendously. Whether you need to explain a product to your customers, explain your ideas to team members, or tell something to your family, this guide will help you. Lee offers great examples of what’s worked for him and his clients in explaining even the most complex ideas so that anyone can understand them. And if you aren’t understood, you won’t get anywhere in life, so therefore this is a must read.
Likeonomics by Rohit Bhargava. A book that will make you smile throughout and gives insight on how to do business in a better way. Likeonomics made me stop and say “yes, yes, yes” many times. Each chapter is filled with wonder advice and real-life examples of how to treat your customers; not as numbers, not as dollar signs, but as real people. It’s refreshing to read something that I feel to be true.
The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin. It’s hard not to be impressed with anything Seth Godin writes. He’s so succinct and so right-on and The Icarus Deception is classic Seth Godin. There’s something about this book that makes you want to go out and rule the world. He makes you feel like anything is possible, if you care enough to put forth the effort. He challenges you to believe that you can, so you might as well go ahead and do it.
The Passion Conversation by Robbins Phillips, Greg Cordell, Geno Church, and John Moore. The folks who wrote this are from a group called Brains on Fire, which focuses on helping companies with word of mouth marketing. I saw Robbin, one of the authors, speak at a BMA Milwaukee event and was drawn in. The Passion Conversation takes customer engagement to a whole new level. It goes in depth with four real-life examples of organizations (both for-profit and non-profit) that have used their strategies successfully. This book is an eye-opener that also sparked a lot of ideas.
What books impacted you in 2013? What are you looking forward to reading in the new year?
Happy reading in 2014!
Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: ,

The Lesson I Learned from Nelson Mandela

December 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Lessons from Nelson MandelaWith Nelson Mandela’s passing, at the age of 95, the world lost a great inspiration. You can see how many lives he touched by the outpouring of testimonials and loving tributes. I feel a call to share how he touched mine as well.

I never met Nelson Mandela or saw him speak in person, but I’ve been inspired each time I watched him on TV. He spoke so eloquently about life and living on this planet together in harmony; peacefully. What truly amazes me is his will and determination. It overwhelms me to think he spent 27 years in prison, almost one third of his life on this earth, yet he was not a bitter man. He took full advantage of each day he was given.
While in prison, Mandela and his fellow political prisoners planned for a future South Africa that did away with Apartheid and embraced equality. His time on Robben Island, the prison where he spent 18 of his years in exile, much of it spent in hard labor, would become like a university. Prisoners were eventually allowed books and were able to take classes. Mandela spent time on improving himself; educating himself. He was preparing to eventually lead a nation.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison physically, but he did not succumb to mental imprisonment. He was too strong-willed to let that happen. I can’t help but think of the mental prisons we create for ourselves. We often live in the past. We never get beyond a wrong done to us or a wrong we did to someone else. We get stuck. What we need is the strength to move into a new vision. The kind of strength Mandela possessed.
We can look at Mandela’s inspiring example of how to lead a life that embraces peace and tolerance; not only for others, but for ourselves as well. We can lead the life we were meant to live; if we are determined enough we can create it.
Thank you, Nelson Mandela, for this beautiful lesson.
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5 Ways I Show Gratitude

December 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment

5 Ways I Show GratitudeEarlier this year, my wife and I went to a benefit sale at a local church. As things were winding down, one of the volunteers said she had to leave which prompted the pastor to raise his voice and lay a guilt trip on her. Even after she said she had to study for an exam on Monday, he told her that volunteers were supposed to be there for the entire time, and that included clean up.

There were plenty of people to help out, from what I could see. I thought what ever happened to “we’re glad you could give us the time you were able to. Good luck on your exam.” As she walked out the front door of the church he got in one last parting snide remark. I’m sure that showed her. How’s that for gratitude? That pastor wasn’t demonstrating at all what I’m sure he preached to his congregation on Sundays.

This incident made me think, “do I appreciate people in my life enough?” Here are 5 ways I show gratitude:
1) Be thankful for what life gives you. 
We are not guaranteed anything. I’m better off than a lot of people in this world. My struggles aren’t the same as someone who can’t find clean water to drink, or who has to worry about finding a place to sleep for the night. I’ve been downsized from a job but it didn’t destroy me; it ended up being a blessing because it opened me to other possibilities. I’m thankful for the life I’m living, right now, at this moment. Not the one in some future scenario.
2) Be thankful when people show up. 
No one has to be there for you; this includes your family. If someone wants to be with you, cheer for you, comfort you, or listen to you, accept it as a gift. They have their own life and issues to worry about and they set those aside when they’re with you. I’m lucky to have the people in my life that I do.
3) Appreciate any and all help.
People who go even further, those people that stick their neck out for you, help you, advocate for you, or mentor you are your biggest supporters. Don’t take their time and effort for granted. Never make them feel like they didn’t give enough. I want to be around people like that all the time, but realize that what ever they give me, that’s enough. They don’t need to give anymore than they do.
4) No one owes you anything.
I was taught when I was younger to think of others, to not be selfish, to share. I’m sure a lot of you were brought up that way too. But sometimes people don’t want to share. They don’t have to. I can’t get upset about the things people don’t give me that weren’t mine to begin with. If someone wants to share, that’s great. If they don’t, that’s acceptable. Don’t put your moral upbringing on someone else’s shoulders.
5) Know when it’s time to move on. 
I think often about why certain people appeared in my life at certain times. They appeared when I needed them most and then quietly went on their way. I’d like to think they went on to help other people. We gave each other what the other needed and when there was no longer a need we moved on. And that’s okay. The relationship was what it needed to be at that moment.
I have an amazing group of friends and family who have been there for me. Thank you! I’m grateful that you entered my life.
Who are the people in your life that you’re grateful for?
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