Enrich Your Life

It’s Time To Stop Blaming Yourself

2012-01-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

“When you know better, you do better.” ~ Maya Angelou

As humans, we do not always take the best course of action. This means we are likely to make mistakes that hurt others -- including our loved ones.

Years later, unable to forgive ourselves, we live in a state of perpetual blame and guilt. It's time to stop blaming yourself for negative decisions and actions you've made in the past.

Whether you didn't spend enough time with your children, didn't love your parents enough... forgive yourself, learn from it, and move on.

If you've genuinely asked for the forgiveness of others (and you'd be wise to do so); yet they continue to hold your actions against you, you are no longer responsible for facilitating their forgiveness.

This does not mean you resent those individuals who are not willing to forgive you. They may not be ready to do so and perhaps they never will.

Unawareness (or unconsciousness) of how your actions might affect others can cause you to think and act in ways that do not promote positive outcomes. (For more on consciousness, I HIGHLY recommend the book A New Earth.)

For example, you might have been unaware that spending more time at the office, instead of with your children, caused them to feel neglected and abandoned.

To paraphrase the wise Maya Angelou, now that you know better, you DO BETTER.

To Achieve Your Goals Follow This Golden Rule

2011-12-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

As a new year approaches, many people will set out to achieve new goals and dreams.

While some will make excuses, procrastinate, or wait for the "right time" before moving forward, others will bring their goals to reality by choosing to take purposeful action!

Although strategies such as planning, visualization, and putting your goals in writing are important to achieving success; ultimately, taking purposeful action gets you there.

In his book, Goals, Gary Ryan Blair hit the nail on the head when he identifies purposeful action as one of the 10 Rules for Achieving Success. Below is an excerpt:

Take Purposeful Action
The odds that you'll succeed without taking action are about the same as winning the lottery without buying a ticket!

For those times when you feel trapped, stressed, or in a prison of your own making, take purposeful action. It's your Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free card.

You can't just stick out your thumb and hitchhike your way to success, you've got to roll up your sleeves and do the work that needs to be done.

The cure for the ills of procrastination is a heavy prescription of action, until the day arrives when your dreams and their achievement are one in the same.

Be seduced by the attractiveness of your goal.

A good plan will almost always get you in the door, but it is action that seals the deal. So you want a guarantee? Well here it is:

Without purposeful action, the only guarantee is FAILURE AND MEDIOCRITY!

Dreams become reality through one simple mode of transportation: purposeful action.

For more information on Goals: The 10 Rules for Achieving Success, click here.

What action will you take today toward achieving your goal or dream?

Want To Be Happier? Stop Looking Outside Yourself

2011-11-17T06:50:00.000-08:00

"Expecting something outside of you to get better in order for you to make your life work...is something for you to take a hard look at." ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer

Have you ever told yourself you would be happier if you won the lottery, had a better job, lost weight, or found a new love? If so, you're not alone.

People often believe something outside of themselves will make them happier. For some, more money would indeed solve daily challenges such as the ability to pay bills. For others, a change in their weight or work life might boost their mood.

The truth is, external elements bring only temporary happiness. Once you have enough money to pay your bills, have lost weight, or have fallen in love, your happiness subsides and you begin looking for the next external element to make you happy.

When Hollywood director Tom Shadyac began making millions through hit films such as Ace Ventura and Bruce Almighty, he noticed that as he acquired huge mansions and fancy cars, he wasn't any happier. After facing his own death, Tom gained clarity and purpose and gave up most of his material possessions. He documents his journey in the movie, I Am.

Happiness begins within you. Love and appreciate yourself, choose positive thoughts, be grateful for what you have, and make the most of your situation. The things you take for granted everyday...clean water, electricity, clothes...are blessings for someone else.

When you choose to live in this way, you attract more positivity and happiness into your life.

In the words of Buddha, "There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way."

To Set Yourself Up For Success Ask This Important Question

2011-10-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

As you set out to achieve your goals and dreams, you may be asking what you need to do in order to bring them to fruition.

Another important question to ask is, "Who do I need to become to get from where I am to where I want to be?" Who you are is not a matter of what you do for a living. Rather, it is a matter of who you are on the inside.

Here are a few questions to consider (and why to consider them) as you assess who to become:

Am I grateful for what I already have?
Why: Be grateful for what you already have before expecting more.
This also means being grateful for your challenges because they serve a purpose in your life. "If you start focusing on what you have and what you're grateful for, you will begin to see more." ~ Oprah Winfrey

Do I operate from my ego or from humility?
Why: The ego is the source of many of our problems.
As Eckhart Tolle states in his blockbuster book, A New Earth, "Many people don't realize until they are on their deathbed and everything external falls away that no thing ever had anything to do with who they are."

Do I genuinely care about others?
Why: Life is largely about caring for your fellowman.
When you care about others you enrich their lives and ultimately your own. Watch this short, powerful video of a CNN Hero who does exactly that.

Do I choose positive thoughts over negative ones?
Why: Whatever you give your focus and energy to, that is what you attract into your life.
You may not always be able to control what happens to you in life. However, you can choose your attitude.

As you assess who to become to get to where you want to be, consider qualities that will strengthen your character, attract opportunities into your life, and positively set you up to manage the successes (and setbacks) that come your way.

Celebrate Your Successes - You've Earned Them!

2011-09-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

When people hear the word "success," they often think of lofty achievements such as wealth, fame, and the accumulation of material possessions.

We tend to get so caught up in this definition of success that we overlook other achievements in our lives.

When you reflect on your life, you will see you've achieved many successes -- successes you EARNED!

Think back on those moments when you were hired for a new job, raised a family, started a business, performed acts of kindness, chose a healthier lifestyle, or learned a new skill.

In his book, The Success Principles, Jack Canfield cites a management study which reveals that 46% of employees left their company because they felt unappreciated and 88% said they were not acknowledged for their work.

People have an inherent need to be acknowledged and appreciated. Start by acknowledging yourself for your successes.

Create a list of successes you've achieved over your lifetime. The list can be as long or as short as you'd like. This exercise allows you to see success in a different way and helps amplify your self-worth.

Once you've acknowledged your successes, CELEBRATE them; you've earned it!

Are You Making This Routine Mistake With Your Health?

2011-08-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

"The greatest wealth is health." ~ Virgil

Failure and mistakes are an important part of growth and success as Denzel Washington noted in his recent commencement speech at the University of Pennsylvania. Watch Video >

Mistakes will best serve you when you learn from them. So what routine mistake do millions of people make every day and how can they learn from it? They fail to take a break throughout their work day and may even work up to 11 hours a day on a regular basis.

A 12-year study of more than 7,000 healthy adults in the United Kingdom shows that people who put in at least 11 hours a day up their risk of a heart attack or dying from heart disease by 67 percent. Read More >

As someone who often spent long hours working in an office, I have learned there is no virtue in allowing the health of my mind and body to take second place.

Now, I take short breaks throughout the day, usually from 5 to 30 minutes. I take a walk, grab a snack, or briefly watch TV.

When you take a break you:

Feel refreshed and energized
Think more clearly
Reduce health risks
Generate new thoughts and ideas that may lead to problem solving

You will never find the time, you must make the time to give your mind and body the break they deserve. Make (and keep) an appointment with yourself each day to take a break or ask a friend or co-worker to hold you accountable to taking breaks.

As Denzel Washington quipped in his commencement address, "You will never see a U-Haul behind a hearse." In other words you can't take it with you, so make time for you.

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:

Main Website
End Leadership Hunger
Real Leadership Series
Facebook
Twitter
Blogger

A Real Leader Saves Children from a Trash Dump

2011-07-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Not only is Elena Durón Miranda a CNN Hero, she is a leader of character. Durón Miranda learned that many children in Bariloche, a popular city for skiers and tourists in southern Argentina, drop out of school and spend their lives working at a trash dump.

She then launched an organization to provide them with free education and extracurricular programs so they have an alternative to working.

Fathers as Leaders and Teachers

2011-06-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

From the moment children are born, their families bear the responsibility of teaching them the skills, values, and beliefs, which help shape their characters.

One of the primary teachers and strongest influences on a child is his/her father.

Being able to influence a child with positive values and beliefs is a precious gift to a father.

Recognizing this gift and using it effectively means a father is aware he is a leader with the power and responsibility to shape other leaders.

Fathers (and mothers) as leaders in the home is embodied in these words from bestselling author, Stephen Covey:

For parents to instill a sense of vision and possibility into a family, to exercise the discipline and sacrifice to pull that vision off, and to endure through the difficult times with a deep sense of passion, drive, and commitment, all in a conscience-driven way, I suggest is the ultimate and best test of leadership. (From the book, The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness.)

The world will forever benefit from leaders of character, and fathers can help develop such leaders by exemplifying positive leadership behaviors.

A Father's Love is Sometimes Unspoken: An Unforgettable Discovery of Truth

2011-06-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Like some dads, my father did not express his emotions often.

Thirty years after his passing, I continued to believe he may not have loved me very much. That is, until one day when I had an unforgettable experience.

Three years ago, while attending a personal development course, the trainer instructed the group to get into pairs and complete an exercise on appreciating and understanding our parents.

As it turned out, the man I had partnered with was an educated, intelligent young man from the Caribbean—just like my dad. The instructor turned down the lights, and I closed my eyes and began speaking with my partner as if he were my father.

The words that came out of my mouth went something like, “You were always so strict with us and I feel you never really loved me.”

With my eyes still closed, I heard this loving and peaceful reply assuring me I was loved. “You see,” said the voice, “I was raised to be a strong man. That was my way. I wanted you to be strong. I wanted the best for you.”

I heard what seemed to be my father’s voice, continuing to speak with me and putting to rest the doubts I had carried for so long.

Within minutes, tears were streaming down my face because not only did I understand; I also felt that in some way my father was at peace for finally sharing these thoughts with me.

On this Father’s Day, enjoy this inspiring video, in which the true story of Dick Hoyt and his son Rick unfold. As you watch, know that although your father may not express his love for you by running marathons, he loves you in his own way.

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
Main Website
End Leadership Hunger
Real Leadership Series
Facebook
Twitter
Blogger

What You Can Learn From the Romantic Period – Part 3: Be Outrageous

2011-06-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

“Great things are only possible with outrageous requests.” ~ Thea Alexander

Get ready to be outrageous! In What You Can Learn From the Romantic Period, 3 characteristics from the Romantic Period are revealed as well as how you can apply each characteristic to achieve positive change and fulfillment in your life.

Here is a quick recap of Parts 1 and 2:
The Romantic Period was an artistic and philosophical movement (around the late 1700s to mid-1900s) when artists moved away from the strict laws of balance and restraint of previous periods.
Part 1 explored Self-Expression
Part 2 examined Emotion versus Intellect

Part 3: Be Outrageous
Here, we explore a third characteristic of the Romantic Period: a love of the fantastic and exotic. Romantic artists might display this by using fantasy, dreams, exotic lands and cultures, or exotic, idealized historical periods.

You can apply the fantastic and exotic to your life by being outrageous in your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.

Dream Big
Some of the greatest achievements in history started with what many considered outrageous dreams and ideas: the Wright brothers and their first powered and piloted plane, Walt Disney and his Mickey Mouse concept, Ted Turner and his 24-hour news station, CNN.

Dare to be an outrageous dreamer. Think BIG. When you do, you open up yourself to unimaginable possibilities.

Think Different
Romantics with a love of the fantastic and exotic probed more deeply into their creative imagination. Get outrageous by probing into your creative imagination! Challenge routine thought patterns by seeing things differently and asking creative questions.

Einstein, who was famous for questioning the ways things worked, said “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand.” See how far your creative imagination will take you.

Change Your Attitude
Another way to be outrageous is in your attitude. When you are faced with a challenging situation, practice having a different attitude; this shifts your energy, allows you to see things in a new way, and leads to positive outcomes.

People who lost their jobs as a result of the economy (including me), saw it as an opportunity to start a new business, develop a new skill, or get an education.

Think of it this way: When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
Watch 3-Minute Video

Being outrageous may mean getting out of your comfort zone. As you may have heard me say, when you are out of your comfort zone you are learning and growing.

In what ways are you outrageous?

Real Leadership: Oprah Winfrey

2011-05-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

Oprah's Farewell Spectacular

As the final Oprah Winfrey Show airs this week, we are reminded of her dynamic legacy and her exemplary leadership.

An Empowering Leader
In the twenty-five years since her show debuted, Oprah has inspired millions to live their best life. The Oprah Show was more than a show. It was a finely tuned instrument that purposefully transformed lives. It was a powerful source of hope, empowerment, and limitless possibilities.

A Beacon of Humanity
The hallmark of Oprah’s leadership is her remarkable and inherent compassion for others.

She has given a voice to the voiceless and healed the lives of many. She has motivated people to rise up despite adversity, taught them to aspire to something far greater than they imagine, and gifted them with the ability to believe in themselves.

By spreading messages of love, peace, and tolerance, Oprah has caused people around the world to have new and different perspectives. Her show has brought laughter to our lives, hope to our hearts, and spirituality to our souls.

Humility and Generosity
Oprah has given generously to enrich the lives of countless families and individuals. Through her philanthropy, thousands of young men and women have received an education. As she makes the leap to the Oprah Winfrey Network, she remains humble and giving, and her focus remains on helping and inspiring people.

An Enduring Legacy
Leaders like Oprah prove that when you care about others…when you seek to lift people up…not only do you earn their respect and admiration, you create a path to GREATNESS.

As we say farewell to the Oprah Winfrey Show, we are not saying goodbye to Oprah herself. She will continue to permeate humanity with her altruistic spirit, forever impressing upon us her legacy and her brilliance.

What You Can Learn From the Romantic Period (Part 2)

2011-05-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

"When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion." ~Dale Carnegie

The fascinating period in history known as the Romantic Period is the basis for this three-part blog which examines three “Romantic” principles you can apply to your life to achieve positive change and fulfillment.

Last week, part one gave an overview of the Romantic Period and covered the first principle, Express Yourself. You may catch it here.

And now for principle two…

2. Remember the Importance of Emotions
Romantics such as Beethoven and Schubert placed emphasis on emotion rather than intellect. They explored their minds and FEELINGS and they used art and literature to express their emotions.

While intellect plays an important part in our lives, emotion is also important to us and our relationships. Yet, sometimes we choose to hide our emotions because in many instances, it is what we have been conditioned to do.

When I was 12 years old, my father passed away unexpectedly. Perhaps through being conditioned by society, I thought I was being strong by not CRYING at his funeral.

We are afraid to cry and we view people who cry as weak. We are afraid to hug others because it is too “touchy-feely,” and we sometimes refrain from using the word “love.”

I once worked in an organization where the culture allowed us to express our emotions. We greeted each other with hugs instead of handshakes, the CEO told us he loved us, and it was not unusual for people to express themselves through TEARS. We were encouraged to live our lives with passion and enthusiasm!

This type of work environment allowed us to create strong bonds and made us feel like part of a family. It did not prevent us from maintaining a professional work environment or professional relationships.

Choosing to express your emotion can be as simple as telling your child you love him/her, expressing your genuine appreciation to a co-worker, letting a parent know how grateful you are for his/her love and support, or expressing your passion and enthusiasm for something.

You may also choose to perform a kind deed for someone; sometimes action speaks louder than words.

Expressing your emotion does not mean you have to hug every person on the street; although, this approach may help make the world a better place and has worked well for others. Watch video

In what ways will you choose to express your emotion?

What You Can Learn From the Romantic Period (Part 1)

2011-05-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

"There will always be thousands of princes, but there is only one Beethoven." ~ Ludwig van Beethoven

Imagine a time when society breaks free from traditional beliefs, places emphasis on emotion rather than intellect, and embarks on an exploration of the “L” word…love.

Such was the case during the Romantic Period (or Romantic Era) in history.

The Romantic Period has little to do with romantic love. This period in history was a time of great CHANGE and emancipation.

What is the Romantic Period?
The Romantic Period was an artistic and philosophical movement (around the late 1700s to mid-1900s) when artists moved away from the strict laws of balance and restraint of previous periods.

Many Romantics of the early 1800s reacted against what they felt was the excessive focus on the rational part of the human psyche by enlightenment thinkers, the rigid rules of Neoclassical art, and political elitism.

Artists, such as Beethoven, emerged and began to express artistic freedom, experimentation, and creativity in their work.
Learn more about the Romantic Period

So how can you apply some of the principles of the Romantic Period to achieve positive change and fulfillment in your life? This three-part blog will examine a few ways.

3 Romantic Principles To Apply To Your Life
The Romantic Movement embraced six principal characteristics. Here we will examine three of the six principles and how you can apply them to your life.
Also see: Challenge Rules If They Don’t Make Sense

1. As the 1970s song goes, “Express Yourself”
During the Romantic Period, the expression of individual feelings through artistic work ruled the day. Painters, writers, and musicians—many of whom are famously known by a single name (Beethoven, Schubert, Goethe)—rebelled against traditional beliefs, styles, or institutions. Their personal feelings and expressions were reflected in their work.

When applying this principle to your life, think in terms of expressing your individuality.

Oftentimes you may conform to rigid rules and standards that do not allow you to express who you really are.

Your true self may be suppressed because you are influenced by the media, meaningless values placed upon you by society, peer pressure, and other factors.

BREAK FREE from traditional beliefs and seek viable avenues for self-expression. Commit to taking on a new project at work that allows you to contribute your style and individuality, join a group where your talents and ideas are welcome, write a blog, speak your truth, or act on your own innovative idea.

What are some ways in which you express your individuality?

Next Week: “Romantic Period” (Part 2) focuses on Emotion versus Intellect. See you then!

What Obstacles Can Do For You

2011-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

"I would say to anybody who feels they’re bogged down by their obstacles, just really think of who you are without those, and imagine yourself doing what you love to do ‘cause that’ll drive you to do things you never thought you were capable of." ~ Zach Anner

The winner of Your OWN Show on Oprah Winfrey’s new network is Zach Anner. Anner, who has cerebral palsy, is an inspiration to anyone who sees obstacles as a barrier to success.

When he advises, "think of who you are without [obstacles]," it's his way of saying obstacles strengthen you and help you become who you are.

Anner will host a travel show on OWN with a concept he describes as “taking life as it comes and whatever you run into you learn to roll with it.”

"Anner says he hopes to be an inspiration to others and says he’s not there yet," reports CNN Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

I believe he’s already there. What do you think?

Also see: Your Mind and Body are Faithful Servants

So You Want to Put One Foot in Front of the Other?

2011-04-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

"Things that seem hard are not always that hard. Put one foot in front of the other, and you’ll get to the end." ~ Author Unknown

After years of being physically active, my fitness routine was slowly becoming non-existent. Consequently, I committed to walking every morning for 30-45 minutes during the month of April until physical activity was again a habit.

The Challenge of Putting One Foot in Front of the Other
One morning I stepped outside and began questioning my decision to go walking. The sky was distinctly ominous and wind gusts were so strong I struggled to put one foot in front of the other. Nonetheless, I pushed forward determined to honor my commitment.

Better Days May be Around the Corner
Within minutes I rounded a corner and the wind tapered off thereby making my walk more manageable. Tumbleweeds blew through the streets, flowers were flattened by the wind, and there wasn’t another hiker or jogger around.

Although I considered walking for twenty minutes instead of forty-five, I pressed on despite powerful gusts which occasionally pushed me along and blasted my face with cool air.

Also see: Persistence: The Stuff of Legends and Heroes

It IS Possible to Complete the Journey
Twenty minutes later, I formed the analogy between my determination to keep walking and those who push forward to achieve a goal or dream.

The real “ah-ha!” came when I realized I nearly canceled my walk until I turned the corner and saw the possibility of keeping my commitment.

Similarly, when you embark on a goal or dream, following through may seem difficult at first. However, when you stay focused and committed, the winds will change in your favor.

Along the way, the winds may shift and temporarily upset your balance. Yet, by continually putting one foot in front of the other, you will complete the journey.

That morning, I put one foot in front of the other and completed a forty-five minute journey.
___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
Main Website
End Leadership Hunger
Real Leadership Series
Facebook
Twitter
Blogger

3 Ways We Sabotage Ourselves

2011-04-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

“Self-sabotage is when we say we want something and then go about making sure it doesn't happen.” ~ Alyce P. Cornyn-Selby

There usually isn’t a straight path to achieving a goal or dream. There may be unexpected U-turns or bumps in the road. What about when we are the ones who unknowingly create such barriers? We make excuses, see obstacles, or give in to fear. That is what’s known as self-sabotage. There are many ways we sabotage ourselves. Here are three ways in which we do:

Copying Someone Else
When I was younger I loved to sing! (I still do.) I practiced hitting the same high notes as Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, but couldn’t quite get there. As I grew older I realized that being a singer was not my life’s purpose. As my life and career evolved, I learned that by not being yourself you unwittingly mask your own gifts and uniqueness. Knowing this, had I decided to become a singer I would have sung in my own style. I would not be Whitney Houston. I would not be Mariah Carey. I would be Christine Ferguson. As you set out to be whatever it is you decide to be, remember there is only one you. Be your unique and brilliant self!

Also see: Own Your Greatness

Believing You Are Not as Smart as Others
After opening my résumé writing service in the mid-1990s, I felt there were writers in the industry who were more talented. I learned from others as I grew my business, joined a professional association, and became a Certified Résumé Writer. One day a friend asked: why not publish your own résumé writing book? I replied that I had not reached that level in my career. Certainly there were more experienced writers, but by BELIEVING I wasn’t smart enough, I robbed myself of the confidence to write a book based on my level of expertise. Sometimes what is needed is more confidence, not more “smarts.” Whatever you feel you may be lacking, you can always turn to others for help. Most writers, for example, never publish a book by themselves.

Buying into Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk is one of the most common ways in which we sabotage ourselves. Some of the things we tell ourselves are simply atrocious: I’m unworthy of love or success. I’m a failure. I do not deserve to live. Thoughts are real. When you feed yourself these negative thoughts, your subconscious mind believes them and these thoughts manifest themselves in your behaviors. In the book, The Power of the Platform: Speakers on Life, I address the issue of negative self-talk. One way is to practice replacing negative thought with positive ones. Eventually, you will become better at turning down the negative self-talk. You can also begin to shift your thoughts by focusing on your gifts and the positive aspects of your life.

For more tips and success strategies, click here to download the free article 8 Ways to Think Like a Winner.

How have you sabotaged yourself and how did you resolve it?
___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
Main Website
End Leadership Hunger
Real Leadership Series
Facebook
Twitter
Blogger

Persistence: The Stuff of Legends and Heroes

2011-03-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” -Calvin Coolidge

At the start of their careers, Michael Jordan, Lucille Ball, and Walt Disney were told they did not have what it takes to succeed. Despite being discouraged, they persisted and became legends in their own right.

Persistence, not luck, contributed to their success. A lack of persistence is among the top reasons many do not achieve their dreams. They have no belief in themselves, no insatiable appetite for achieving their dream, and they constantly make excuses for not taking action. Therefore, they do not persist.

When you have been discouraged, as Jordan, Ball and Disney once were, it may be easy to buy into others’ negative opinions and give up. One way to overcome those feelings of defeat is to have a passionate belief in yourself. Allowing others’ opinion to define you can be paralyzing. Instead, allow your belief in yourself to drive out the negative opinion of others. Then, press on!

Also see: Believe in Yourself: The Little Engine That Knows it Will

It is also important to be persistent when you make a mistake or feel you have failed in some way. Those can be some of the hardest times. Yet, they can be some of your best opportunities to learn and grow. How you respond to those moments can determine your next steps and your outcomes.

In the best-selling book Rich Dad Poor Dad, author Robert Kiyosaki explains it this way, “Failure inspires winners. The greatest secret of winners is that failure inspires winning; thus, they’re not afraid of losing.”

Share some of your techniques for being persistent.
___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
http://christinenferguson.com
http://endleadershiphunger.org
http://realleadershipseries.com
http://www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson
http://christineferguson.blogspot.com

Powerful Life Lessons from 5 of Ali’s Toughest Opponents

2011-03-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

"We all lose in life…we can lose or lives, our eyesight, our health. And you just have to learn to live with these conditions and keep going." -Muhammad Ali

Facing Ali

In the film Facing Ali, Muhammad Ali’s story is told from the perspective of his most notable opponents including Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, and George Foreman.

Ten heavyweight champions candidly share their Ali experiences as well as their personal tragedies and triumphs. Their riveting accounts demonstrate why they are champions both in and out of the ring. Here are five lessons I extracted from their intriguing stories.

George Foreman: Knowing Your Why
According to George Foreman, the global admiration Ali received from fans gave him a much bigger reason to be a fighter. Beyond being "The Greatest," Ali was admired for his courage and convictions. "He found something to fight for other than money and championship belts. And when that person finds something like that, you can’t hardly beat them," explains Foreman. When your why runs deeper than money, you become unstoppable.

Also see the video: What is Your Why

George Chuvalo: The Importance of Love
Through a series of painful experiences, George Chuvalo lost his wife and three sons. With the love and support of his friends and family, he overcame those difficult times. More than ever Chuvalo realized the importance of love. “I remember articulating to myself how love makes you feel. Love makes you feel strong. Love makes you feel tender. Love makes you feel secure. Love makes you feel appreciated. Love makes you feel important. We all have to feel like that,” says Chuvalo.

Ken Norton: Overcoming Poverty & Paralysis
Early in his boxing career Ken Norton was a poor, single father. “There were times that a gourmet meal for me and my son was a hot dog,” says Norton. He was literally hungry for success. Norton went on to defeat Ali in what was dubbed one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. In 1986, he was seriously injured in a car crash. He suffered multiple injuries and remained paralyzed for three years before learning to walk again. Norton proves that through hard work, will, and sheer determination you can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Larry Holmes: Appreciate Who You Are
"I wish I was smarter than I am. But if I could write and read and spell as good as everybody else that got a college education, I wouldn’t be who I am." Larry Holmes is now a businessman. He is grateful for the path he has traveled because without those experiences he would not be who he is today. Similarly, we must be grateful for our experiences—even if they do not seem ideal—because they shape and strengthen us, and take us where we want to go.

Also see: Gratitude During Difficult Times

Ron Lyle: Patience is a Virtue
A hard prison life and a near-death experience were a part of Ron Lyle’s existence. His experiences in the prison yard and in the ring gave him valuable, enduring perspectives. "Fighting isn’t about how big and strong you are. Fighting is about how patient you are," says Lyle. In life, winning takes patience. No matter how talented you are it takes patience to realize your goals and dreams. Without patience you may miss golden opportunities.

These battle-tested warriors are proof that every step of life’s journey is meaningful and that you can overcome your toughest challenges through your attitude, beliefs, strength of character, and the love of others.

Which Ali opponent has inspired you with their story?

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
http://christinenferguson.com
http://endleadershiphunger.org
http://realleadershipseries.com
http://www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson
http://christineferguson.blogspot.com

Turn Obstacles into Opportunities: How a Woman and Her Scissors Sparked Million$

2011-03-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

"When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser." -Mary Kay Ash

Twenty-seven-year-old Sara got dressed in her new pair of white pants then decided she did not like the way she looked in them. She wanted to correct the visible lines and the see-through issue she was having.

She shopped for a body shaper to correct the problem, but found nothing suitable. In fact, she was horrified by the shapewear selection on the market. "They were thick—it was like wearing workout clothes,” said Sara. Her $98 pants hung in her closet unworn until she cut the feet off a pair of pantyhose allowing her to wear her pants with a pair of strappy shoes. According to Sara, “I didn’t see lines but the hose rolled up at my feet—and that’s how Spanx was born."
Visit Spanx

Sara Blakely had turned an obstacle into a very profitable opportunity. Today, Spanx is not only a multi-million dollar company, it is a revolution. Their body shapers are worn by countless numbers of celebrities and were endorsed by Oprah Winfrey as one of her Favorite Things.
Watch Spanx Video

Change the Way You See the Situation
When faced with an obstacle, for some, the natural tendency may be to give up. The key, however, is to see your obstacle as an opportunity. Ask yourself, “How can I turn this obstacle into an opportunity?” “Is this an opportunity for me to learn and grow? Create a new product? Start a new career?” Sara could have returned her pants to the store or left them hanging in her closet indefinitely. Instead, she chose to see her obstacle (not being able to wear her pants) as an opportunity to bring a new product to market.

Persistence Pay$
Even after recognizing an opportunity, you may continue to encounter obstacles on your way to bringing that opportunity to reality. By being persistent and continuing to see opportunities, you will overcome those obstacles. When Sara approached mill owners about her footless pantyhose idea, most of them sent her away. They thought it “made no sense, and would never sell.” She persisted and proved them wrong. Spanx is now celebrating their tenth year in business.
Also read: Believe in Yourself: The Little Engine That Knows it Will

For each obstacle you overcome, you will become stronger, more resilient. You will become more adept at recognizing and seizing opportunities. No longer will obstacles be an excuse for not achieving your goal or dream; they will become opportunities that take you to new avenues of success.

Share your thoughts. How have you turned obstacles into opportunities?

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:

http://christinenferguson.com
http://endleadershiphunger.org
http://realleadershipseries.com
http://www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson
http://christineferguson.blogspot.com

Real Leadership: Maya Angelou

2011-02-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

"The honorary duty of a human being is to love.” –Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou

Dr. Angelou has proven to be a leader of character through her personal values, her profound body of work, the wisdom she imparts, and her humanitarian spirit.

Born in 1928, Dr. Angelou has earned prominence as a poet, educator, author, actress, producer, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. She has served on two presidential committees and is currently the Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.

Through her seemingly endless array of talents and contributions, Dr. Angelou has abundantly imparted messages of love, tolerance, faith, courage, boldness, gratitude, respect, humility, and appreciation for life.

Works
Among her many works are the internationally-acclaimed I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (an autobiographical account of her youth), the poem Still I Rise, and her screenplay Georgia, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
Read biography

Honors and Achievements
In 2011, Dr. Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “I try to be as kind and fair, and generous…and respectful, and courteous to every human being,” says Angelou.
Watch video

In 2008, she received the Lincoln Medal and in 2000 was awarded the Presidential Medal for the Arts. In 1975, she received the Ladies Home Journal Woman of the Year Award in communications.

She was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the National Commission on the Observance of International Woman's Year and by President Ford to the American Revolutionary Bicentennial Advisory Council. She is the recipient of numerous honorary degrees.

Dr. Angelou continues to build on her distinguished legacy and remains a powerful voice that lifts, educates, empowers, and inspires.

The Real Leadership Series is a monthly blog written by Christine Ferguson. Click here to visit the RLS site and read more blogs on real leaders, subscribe, or nominate a leader of character

Maya Angelou photo is the property of mayaangelou.com and Dwight Carter. No copyright infringement intended.

Believe in Yourself: The Little Engine That Knows it Will

2011-02-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

"Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe."
–Gail Devers, U.S. Olympic Champion

As children, through stories such as The Little Engine That Could, we are taught to believe in ourselves and our abilities. Yet, since opening my first business fifteen years ago, I continue to speak with people who question their own abilities. My first company was a résumé writing service and I spent time interviewing clients to learn about their backgrounds and achievements.

Some clients felt they had limited abilities and little to offer potential employers. One such client had a goal of becoming a speech therapist. Besides pursuing an education in this field, she felt she had no real experience or qualifications.

During our session, I discovered she had been caring for her speech-impaired son for the last six years. As a result, she had acquired a wealth of information through her interactions with professional therapists and others who were assisting with her son’s care. With the help of these professionals, she cared for her son ultimately creating noticeable improvements in his condition.

She was pleased to learn her experience qualified as information she could provide on her résumé. So we did exactly that, thereby giving her the confidence and belief in her abilities she needed to begin her job search.

Sometimes people are unaware of their potential and abilities, particularly the abilities of the mind. Because of this unawareness, their abilities are underutilized. One way to build confidence and belief in yourself is to compile a list of your physical abilities (e.g., I work well with my hands) and your mental abilities (e.g., I have determination).

In the same way a résumé provides you with an inventory of your achievements, skills, and experience, this list will demonstrate what you have to offer. Like my client who was surprised to discover she had six years’ experience, you may be amazed at the abilities have to offer.

While The Little Engine That Could provides a valuable lesson in its "I think I can" message, you can further improve your confidence and transform your beliefs into reality by changing your language from “I think I can” to "I will!"

For more success strategies and tips, click here to download a signed copy of "8 Ways to Think Like a Winner."

___________________________
Visit Christine at:

Christine Ferguson
End Leadership Hunger
Real Leadership Series
Facebook
Twitter
Enrich Your Life

Real Leadership: Martin Luther King, Jr.

2011-01-11T09:25:00.000-08:00

Martin Luther King Day is January 17, 2011

As one of history’s most recognizable and influential leaders, Martin Luther King, Jr. not only sought justice and equality for African Americans, he sought those same rights for those who received unfair treatment. He also dedicated himself to ending poverty.

In 1968, King’s I’ve Been to the Mountaintop speech (delivered the day before his assassination), urged citizens to withdraw their support from companies that exercised unfair hiring policies. This was part of his strategy to gain fair wages and proper working conditions for sanitation workers.

But long before his speech of April 3, 1968, King’s reputation as a leader of character was evident in his words, actions, and attitudes. In his fight for freedom and equality, King relied on nonviolent action and dissuaded his followers from using violent tactics.

King embodied indisputable courage working doggedly and tirelessly for the benefit of humanity. He led and influenced others through the conviction of his faith, the strength of his beliefs, the breadth of his knowledge, and the power of his words.

His dynamic I Have a Dream speech of 1963 is perhaps his most famous for its unique eloquence and passion, among other unforgettable elements. But in one of his finest speeches, The Drum Major Instinct, King explains with exquisite clarity, the essence of leadership:

If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That’s a new definition of greatness…[read entire speech…]

Among King’s attributes was his unpretentious ability to lead with humility and love, even under the gravest circumstances. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that,” said King.

In 1964 he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his longstanding activism against racial segregation and racial discrimination through nonviolent means.

Dr. King was indeed a remarkable leader. His legacy continues to inspire and his work and words will forever live in our hearts and minds.

What are some ways in which Dr. King inspires you?

_______________________________________________________

Taken from the Real Leadership Series, a monthly blog written by Christine Ferguson. Click here to visit the RLS site and read more blogs on real leaders.

Leadership and Life Lessons from Peyton Manning

2011-01-07T12:24:00.000-08:00

"It’s really not about whose fault it is. It’s about how you handle it.” –Peyton Manning

In this NFL interview Peyton Manning, quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and four-time NFL MVP, answers questions about his team’s recent win and their uncharacteristic three-game losing streak.

Manning’s leadership style and philosophies, evident in this interview, are undoubtedly among the assets which make him one of the greatest NFL players.

Here are key points he makes during the interview:

Taking Responsibility
Minute 1:50: Deion Sanders states, “I like that you are a stand up guy.” Why? At recent press conferences Manning took responsibility for his team’s losses. “It doesn’t do any good to blame anybody. It’s really not about whose fault it is. It’s about how you handle it and how you fix it,” replied Manning. “I believe in accountability.”

Focusing on What’s Right
Minute 2:50: After three consecutive losses, Manning says he was asked if he was in a slump. His reply, “I guess maybe I was, but I’ve been on an eight-and-a-half year hidden streak,” referring to his winning NFL record. When faced with challenges our tendency is to focus on what’s not working and on what went wrong instead of focusing on what’s working and what we are capable of.

Being in the Now
Minute 4:48: Manning is asked his thoughts on two previous games in which he threw a total of eight interceptions. His response indicates he is focused on the present moment and on moving forward.

Learning from Adversity
Manning concluded the interview by saying the three consecutive losses were a test of faith and working through adversity. “How you handle it is the key,” he said. This is the stuff of which champions are made. It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond to it.

Whether or not you are a football fan you will appreciate Manning’s perspectives. To watch the entire NFL interview, click here.

What are some of your principles and philosophies for working through challenges?

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine Ferguson

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
http://christinenferguson.com
http://endleadershiphunger.org
http://realleadershipseries.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson
Follow this blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com

What Will You Do For Your Fellowman in 2011?

2010-12-30T11:23:00.000-08:00

"Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity." -Horace Mann

Whether it’s losing weight, making more money or quitting smoking, each New Year many individuals resolve to enhance their lives in some way. But what about enhancing the lives of others?

A man named Chris faced this question after he flat-lined in the hospital. His experience began when his physician advised him to undergo coronary bypass surgery within 72 hours. Chris obeyed his doctor’s orders. The morning after his surgery, Chris' doctors scrambled to revive him when he suffered sudden cardiac arrest.

What happened next was a fascinating journey to the other side. Chris recalls his experience on the Biography series I Survived…Beyond and Back. This compelling program explores survivors' encounter with death and "the ways in which it has changed their outlook on life forever."

Not unlike other survivors, Chris’ encounter involved a life review process. In this process Chris is asked "What did you do for your fellowman?"

If faced with this question, how would you respond? Would you be proud of your response?

Narayanan Krishnan, an outstanding humanitarian honored as one of CNN's Heroes states, "What is the ultimate purpose of life? It’s to give. Start giving. Feel the joy of giving." Krishnan dedicates his life to feeding India’s homeless and believes his purpose is to help others.

Phrases such as: "the secret of living is giving," "givers gain," and "pay it forward," are constant reminders to help our fellowman. Riveting experiences such as those recounted on Beyond and Back and statements like the one made by Narayanan Krishnan are also reminders of the purpose of life.

This New Year and in the years ahead, as you plan how you will enhance your life, remember the purpose of life and decide how you will also enhance the life of your fellowman.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine Ferguson

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
http://christinenferguson.com/
http://endleadershiphunger.org
http://realleadershipseries.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson
Follow this blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com

Shaping Your Entrepreneurial Mind for Success

2010-12-15T00:54:00.000-08:00

"If one asks for success and prepares for failure, he will get the situation he has prepared for." -Florence Scovel Shinn

As an entrepreneur you may already be equipped with How-To books for business plans, marketing plans, and sales strategies. There is no question this type of information is essential to your business. However, your biggest asset and your most important resource is the stuff between your ears.

In the book The Power of the Platform: Speakers on Life, I recap how an Oprah Winfrey audience member asked business tycoon Russell Simmons how to become a successful entrepreneur. Simmons replied that the man already had everything he needed because he had a brain.

Knock Down the Wall-of-Naysayers
For entrepreneurs like Simmons, how they use their minds can mean the difference between remarkable success and never realizing a dream. They believe in their vision despite obstacles and those who say it can’t be done. While you will undoubtedly receive some very sound advice, there are those whose advice stem from fear or those who sit on the sidelines of life never knowing what it is like to take calculated risks.

Years ago when I was faced with major business and personal decisions, I listened to naysayers and then lay in bed at night gripped with fear that I may be making some terrible mistake. Ultimately, I proceeded with my decisions because that was the only way I would know what my outcomes would be. Sometimes the outcomes were successful, other times they were not. When you knock down the wall-of-naysayers you will discover for yourself what is on the other side.

Examine Your Why
As you set out to achieve your goals and dreams, one way to exercise your mind is to ask yourself why your dream is important to you and why would it matter to others. I often speak on examining your why. Knowing your why and keeping it in the forefront of your mind drives you and helps you stay focused—losing focus can quickly take you off track.

A strong why (one that leads to great long-term success) is not built on greed, hubris, or selfishness. As Jim Collins author of the best-seller Good to Great puts it, “Leaders of great enduring companies possess a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will, more like Lincoln than Patton; they’re intent on building, contributing and creating something that will endure rather than furthering their own interests in fame, fortune or power.” When you determine your why as something that is meaningful and unselfish, not only does this strengthen your mind, it also strengthens your character.

Who Do You Need To Become?
Another question to ask, one that also strengthens your character and shapes your mind for success is, “Who do I need to become in order to get from where I am to where I want to be?” Who you are is not a matter of whether you are a writer, marketer, or IT professional. Rather, it is a matter of who you are on the inside. No matter how good you are at what you do, if you allow negative thoughts and behaviors to permeate your mind, you will be ill-equipped to move beyond setbacks.

From the time they were children through the years of building their multi-million dollar wine business, Ernest and Julio Gallo faced great business difficulties and several personal tragedies. Yet, they continued to push forward never giving up on themselves or their business. Pushing past challenges requires strength and resilience. What’s more, overcoming each challenge strengthens you for the next.

Managing Success
Some entrepreneurs prepare to recover from potential challenges by surrounding themselves with books, coaches, and mentors. However, you must also ask yourself, “Who do I need to become in order to manage success?” Those who manage success well are not complacent about their achievements. They know it is normal to be proud of successes and to celebrate them. Yet, they also know the more time they spend basking in their triumphs, the more time their competitors spend bringing new products to market or devising tactics to steal away their customers. So, with diligence and integrity, they plan and execute strategies for remaining competitive and being innovative.

Those who manage success effectively do not allow themselves to become greedy and arrogant. Greed and arrogance are surefire ways to ruin your business and your reputation. There is no shortage of empirical evidence against companies who, at their own hands, toppled their empires in the nefarious pursuit of more. For a comprehensive guide to managing business growth and sustainability read How The Mighty Fall, another Jim Collins book. In the meantime, ask yourself who you need to become to get from where you are to where you want to be and write down your responses and action steps.

As you traverse the sometimes unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, be patience as results may take time. Continue to shape and sharpen your mind for success by learning from others and from your mistakes. And when your critics are quick to point out how you stumbled, remember the inspiring words of Theodore Roosevelt, "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood…so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

What are some tools you use to prepare for entrepreneurial success?

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine Ferguson

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
http://christinenferguson.com/
http://endleadershiphunger.org
http://realleadershipseries.wordpress.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson
Follow this blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com

What it Means When You Feel Your Life is Worthless

2010-12-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

"Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact." -William James

Imagine spending 76 days at sea…alone…in a small life raft. That’s exactly what happened to one man after he set out for some alone time at sea. His trip soon turned disastrous when his boat sank during a storm. He struggled to stay alive while battling sharks, starvation, and unbearable thirst.

During his ordeal, he frequently reflected on his life. He surmised he had made nothing of himself and being lost at sea was what he deserved. Instantly, I was reminded of all the times I had heard others say, "My life is worthless."

The truth is, of course, our lives are not worthless. Each of us has a purpose that we may not yet have realized. CNN Hero, Susan Burton sums it up this way, “We all have a gift and a purpose, and when we find that purpose we become heroic.”

Some measure their worth by other people’s standards thereby losing sight of their true purpose and worth. In her Stanford University commencement address, Oprah Winfrey recounted how early in her anchorwoman career she emulated Barbara Walters. The producers suggested Oprah change her name and her appearance. Things soon went downhill.

Thereafter, she lost her job and was offered her own talk show in order to fulfill her contract. According to Oprah, from the minute she began hosting her show she felt she was "home." No longer was she living by others' standards. More importantly, she had discovered her purpose.

If you have not yet discovered your purpose, focus on the things you are passionate about and attracted to, things that stir your excitement. These are usually clues to your purpose.

Ultimately, the man in the raft was rescued. His experience made him realize he still had goals and dreams to fulfill. When you begin having doubts about your worth, remember your life has meaning and those thoughts are reminders you have not yet discovered your purpose. Keep moving in a forward direction and you soon will.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine Ferguson

___________________________
Visit Christine at:
http://christinenferguson.com/
http://endleadershiphunger.org
http://realleadershipseries.wordpress.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson
Follow this blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com

Gratitude During Difficult Times

2010-11-24T16:01:00.000-08:00

"Gratitude is one of the most neglected emotions and one of the most underestimated of the virtues."
-Dr. Robert Emmons

At some point in life, we all face challenges. It may seem odd to be grateful during moments of adversity; however, gratitude is not reserved only for the good times.

According to Mike Robbins, author of Focus on the Good Stuff, "It seems counterintuitive to be grateful for challenges. However, most of us have had really difficult things happen to us, and looking back on some of the most painful challenges, many people (myself included) honestly say that they’re grateful to have had those difficult experiences."

So why be grateful during tough times? When you look back at those moments quite often you will see the positive results of those experiences. For example, they may have allowed you to grow as a person, strengthened your character, increased your knowledge, or led you to new, greater opportunities.

In the book The Power of the Platform: Speakers on Life, I briefly describe how I faced personal financial difficulties. In retrospect, I realized how that experience led me to new and rewarding opportunities including the opportunity to inspire others to live their best life.

Moreover, the philosophy I developed was this: I cannot expect to receive more (opportunities, abundance, rewards...) if I was not already grateful for what I had.

As you express your appreciation this Thanksgiving, take what may seem like a counterintuitive approach and give thanks for your life’s challenges. Reflect on how those moments have or will positively impact your life.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

___________________________
Visit website: www.christinenferguson.com
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Become a Fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

Diplomacy Always Trumps Rudeness

2010-11-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

"Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are." -Unknown

After wrapping up my call with a bank representative she concluded with, "Thank you for being so nice." Her comment suggested she had encountered her share of impolite customers. You, too, may have experienced rudeness from clients, customer service representatives, co-workers, or even bosses.

Those who choose to be rude do so for any number of reasons including ranting and raving about a problem believing someone will be forced to resolve their issue.

If I Yell Loud Enough Someone Will Fix My Problem
Sometimes this approach may work, but at what cost? You may defame yourself or cause a company or an individual to avoid communication with you. In 2007, Sprint-Nextel terminated several customer relationships because they believed these customers had become too high maintenance. The company felt it had done everything it could to resolve calls from customers who were constantly disputing their bills. This does not mean the carrier’s response was justified. Yet, it shows being a squeaky wheel can generate the opposite response. Additionally, one can be a squeaky wheel without being rude.

Taking the High Road
When you are rude, one of the messages you send is that you do not respect that individual. Always be respectful of others. Wouldn’t you expect the same for yourself? You cannot expect to receive that which you are not willing to give. If rudeness gets the best of you, then apologize for your behavior. Imagine what that will do to resolve conflicts and improve relationships.

What are You Hiding?
Being rude may also suggest you have something to hide. During an Enron conference call a financial analyst stated, “You're the only financial institution that can't produce a balance sheet or cash flow statement with their earnings.” CEO Jeffrey Skilling reacted with this infamous remark, "Well, uh ... Thank you very much. We appreciate it ... a**hole!" Skilling’s rude reaction stemmed from the fact he had something to hide—Enron’s nonexistent earnings.

Diplomacy Trumps Rudeness
When you are diplomatic instead of rude, others will respond more favorably to you. After arriving at the airport a friend discovered her return flight had been delayed. Rather than make demands and get upset, she chose to adopt an attitude of "It is what it is." Do you know what happened next? In her words, "The ticket agent took the initiative, booked me on another flight that I didn't request, walked over to me and handed me new plane tickets!"

That’s diplomacy in action! When you trade rudeness for diplomacy you will create more positive relationships, position yourself as someone of character, and earn the respect of others.

What are some situations in which you have chosen diplomacy over rudeness?

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

___________________________
Visit website: www.christinenferguson.com
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Become a Fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

Life is Not about Fearing Wrinkles

2010-11-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body.”

Every day we are bombarded with ads for products that promise to make us look younger. I get it. We all want to look younger and feel good about ourselves. Occasionally I, too, dab night cream around my eyes to stave off the emergence of wrinkles.

Imagine, then, how refreshing it is to hear someone say, "I look forward to growing old" or "I’m evaluating what really matters, like earning the privilege of wrinkles." The latter comment was made by a friend who recently had a medical scare—one of many as she continues to battle a blood disorder.

Sometimes the onslaught of perfect-body-images portrayed in the media tends to make us forget what really matters. Life is not about fearing wrinkles or the aging process. It is about the experiences that shape our lives, define our characters, and create our legacies.

Taking care of our bodies and staying healthy is important. Yet, our bodies are not who we are. They are the place where we become who we are. By fearing the aging process we lose sight of the importance of our journey through life and the many meaningful experiences along the way.

As someone once said, "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming – 'Wow! What a Ride!' "*

How are you making your life’s journey meaningful and memorable?

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

___________________________
Visit website: www.christinenferguson.com
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Become a Fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

*This quote has been attributed to several different sources.

Get off the Ledge of Despair, Please

2010-11-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

"Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice."
-Wayne Dyer

While walking in the neighborhood one Sunday afternoon, I overheard a backyard conversation taking place by phone. “Look at the bright side,” the man said to whoever was on the other end of the line. Clearly this man was doing his best to shed optimism on someone’s situation.

When you are faced with a tough situation it may be easy to slip into despair. It may be equally difficult to “look at the bright side.” For some, being in a state of despair is short-lived because they rely on their inner strength and/or the help of others to come through a difficult time.

For others, getting past despair is perceived as nearly impossible. They live their lives by false truths believing they are destined for a life of misery and hopelessness. They climb onto the ledge of despair and any attempt to talk them down is met with verbal assault and negativity.

If you or someone you know behaves this way, it is important to understand that the more you think there is no hope for you, the more negative thoughts and outcomes you will attract into your life. (Also see Be Careful What You DON’T Wish For). Success is due in great part to the way you think. Begin to see things in a different way and believe there is as much opportunity for you as there is for anyone else.

Instead of obstacles, see opportunities; see how something may work for you instead of how it will not work. Take the time to investigate solutions before shooting them down. This approach allows you to make informed decisions rather than decisions based on speculation.

When those who care about you share positive thoughts, words of encouragement, and suggestions for moving your life forward, thank them and get off the ledge of despair. In life you have choices: you can choose to believe yours is a life of misery and hopelessness or you can change the way you think and seize the opportunities life has to offer. Choose the latter, please.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

___________________________
Visit website: www.christinenferguson.com
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Become a Fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

Calling Real Leaders!

2010-10-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, last week The Real Leadership Series debuted. The Real Leadership Series is a monthly blog that highlights an individual who embodies leadership excellence and demonstrates strong character.

With today's shortage of character-based leaders there isn't a better time to raise awareness of the urgent need for real leaders.

Click here to read the first-ever RLS blog which features Alan Page, former NFL player turned Supreme Court Justice.

To nominate someone for the Real Leadership Series, email your nominations to service@EndLeadershipHunger.com. Explain what qualities (integrity, humility, respect, personal responsibility, etc.) your nominee embodies.

Christine

Your Mind and Body are Faithful Servants

2010-10-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

The image on my television screen was of a man who was waist deep in an ice-cold river. His bare upper body exposed to the elements while he carefully carried his clothes on his shoulder to keep them dry as he crossed the river.

I was watching a reenactment of a man who had survived a deadly avalanche and, with a shattered pelvis; he was now lost and alone in the wintry, inhospitable mountains of Transylvania. The television program was I Shouldn’t Be Alive.

If you’ve read the book The Power of the Platform: Speakers on Life, then you’ve heard me talk about this television program and the incredible stories of human survival it portrays. The man is Ken Jones a former soldier. After a few days of crawling and hobbling through the vast, snowy wilderness, Jones finds help and is rescued. Two-and-a-half years after the accident, he was finally able to walk again. “The body will do what it has to do to survive. It is just an incredibly reliant and efficient machine,” says Jones.

As the body is an incredibly reliant and efficient machine so, too, is the mind. Even when you don’t believe you can make it through a tough situation, somewhere deep inside of you, there is a warrior. It may not be until you are faced with an extremely challenging time or an ordeal that you realize the strength and power of your character and how exceptionally well your mind and body serve you.

Jones brilliantly and beautifully explains it this way:

“I realized what an honest faithful, servant your body is. I felt really proud of myself. I knew I had a strong heart and character and I could get through things. So few people get the opportunity to learn about themselves so intimately and I feel privileged to have faced such struggles to get where I am now.”

Stories of survival and the human spirit inspire you with their truth about your highest capabilities and about what is possible. They are proof your mind and body will humbly and faithfully serve you through all your experiences. Always remember your priceless gifts of mind and body and use them wisely.

How will you unwrap and use your gifts?

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine Ferguson

---------------------------------------
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Become a Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

Are You Like Blockbuster or Are You Like Netflix?

2010-09-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

Click here to watch the promo video for this blog

“Anyone can make millions; all you gotta do is think.” –Ted Turner

A recent CNBC article reported “Blockbuster failed to update its brick-and-mortar model to compete in the fast-paced digital age, and it's been trounced by Netflix.” As a result, Blockbuster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The question: Are you like Netflix or are you like Blockbuster? Are you changing with the times and thriving or are you watching things around you change and reacting to your environment? There is no question we live in changing times, and while some are waiting for the economy to recover so they can go back to life as they knew it, others are being adaptable, flexible, and creative.

Here are some ways you, too, can change with the times, so you’re not left wondering “what just happened?”

Get Into Prosperity Mode: While having lunch with a friend I explained the tremendous potential within each of us for greatness. Her response, “People are too busy focusing on surviving.” If you are among those who are focused on just surviving, then like Blockbuster that is exactly what you will find yourself doing. To put things into perspective, Blockbuster had a staggering $900 million debt load. Instead, close off all thoughts such as, “I’m just getting by” and begin shifting your mind into prosperity mode. Do not become a victim of your circumstances.

Be joyful for the things in your life (family, health, friends, food…) and accept that there are limitless opportunities for you in the world. A woman recently posted on Twitter, “I reject the recession. I am my own lottery ticket.” That’s prosperity thinking! You become what you think about, so think thoughts of prosperity.

Make Your Own Rules for Success: Who says you have to play by the rules? Get into a paradoxical spirit of rule breaking with the intent of yielding results for your future. Netflix’s culture, for example, is contrary to that of many corporations. Their forward-thinking strategy for hiring, retaining, and compensating talent is vastly contrary to that of most organizations. The company threw out the old ways of doing business, which helped prepare them for a new economy. What rules will you begin breaking to start creating results in your life?

Be Proactive, Reject Reactive: Ask yourself, what kinds of skills do I have that would be of value? What kinds of people do I know? What new connections will I make? What knowledge do I possess? Asking these types of questions, keeping an inventory of your talents and resources, and taking action on some of these items (e.g., learning a new skill or making new connections) will prepare you to better adapt to changes in your life and finances.

Release the Innovator Within: One of my favorite TV shows is The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. While the show is no longer on the air, it was a testament to the innovator within all of us. The show featured everyday people who became millionaires when they realized, as Deutsch said, “There has to be a better way!” These people invented simple products to organize their lives, care for their children, haul away junk, or eat healthier foods. Their inventions were born out of necessity.

One of Netflix’s values is innovation. Among other things, they "create new ideas that prove useful.” Look around and think of products you or others could use to simplify or enrich your lives. Or consider services that would be especially useful in today’s economy. Even the simplest ideas can lead to something great.

Become an Information Vacuum. Observe trends or gather knowledge and information by surrounding yourself with resources or people you can learn from. You may be able to glean information that you can transform into new opportunities. Media mogul turned philanthropist, Ted Turner, said his fortune grew from reading the papers and gathering information which he would then piece together to realize there was a need for a product or service. This constantly kept him ahead of the competition. “Anyone can make millions; all you gotta do is think,” says Turner. The saying, “knowledge is power if you use it” holds true. So, act on the useful information you gather.

These are just a few things you can do to change with the times. Add your thoughts and ideas below and let’s share our brilliance to support and empower each other.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

---------------------------------------
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Become a Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

You're Such a Goody-Two-Shoes

2010-09-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been called “goody-two-shoes”? I have. There were times I was told I was too honest because, for example, I corrected a cashier’s error or I refused to tell untruths on someone else’s behalf.

I used to be offended by the term goody-two-shoes because my mind conjured up images of a schoolmarm who had zero sense of fun or risk-taking. Who wanted to be perceived in that manner? Not me!

Over time as I immersed myself in books and courses on personal development and leadership, the term “integrity” began to take on great significance. I saw the devastating effects a lack of integrity had on businesses, the economy, and communities (think Bernie Madoff, the Great Recession, and Fortune 500 companies that have fallen from grace). Certainly other factors such as greed played a role in these situations; yet, a lack of integrity ranks high on the list.

In 2009, when Fortune magazine reported schools were adding courses on integrity to MBA programs, I knew these schools saw the same lack-of-integrity effects I did.

Nowadays, when someone describes me as goody-two-shoes I realize what they are really saying is, I am a woman of integrity. If the term goody-two-shoes does not appeal to you, the next time someone describes you as such consider it a high compliment and keep moving forward.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

___________________________
Visit website: www.christinenferguson.com
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Become a Fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

Humility Breeds Success

2010-08-19T00:28:00.000-07:00

Humility is an important characteristic of a leader. Leaders who possess this quality and who are also interested in benefiting others rather than advancing their own self interests, achieve greater success with their teams and business.

Therefore, I couldn't agree more when I read this recent quote from Jim Collins, author of classic business books such as Good to Great and Built to Last. I thought it was timely and relevant:

"Leaders of great enduring companies possess a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will, more like Lincoln than Patton; they're intent on building, contributing and creating something that will endure rather than furthering their own interests in fame, fortune or power."

In the course of leading your team, your company, or even your family, balance strength with humility to achieve greater success and lasting results.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

___________________________
Visit website: www.christinenferguson.com
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Become a Fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

Life is an Open Classroom

2010-07-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

Life is an open classroom, though there is no curriculum to tell you which lessons to expect each week or even each day. Lessons are often unexpected and challenges are like pop quizzes that test your character as much as it builds it.

Different seasons in your life represent semesters in which new lessons are learned. There is no pass or fail, only a grade of "complete." Once the lesson is complete you move on to the next. Sometimes you may experience a similar lesson. Not because you've failed a previous one; instead, it's an opportunity for you to achieve advanced learning.

So, what do you do with all that knowledge? Apply what you've learned to your own life as well as to the lives of others. When you teach others you help them to learn and grow. In turn, you learn and grow as well. I find that as I teach others, it reinforces my knowledge and I may even acquire new learning. For example, the more I teach someone about humility, the more I am reminded to be humble. Through my experience with that individual I may learn to be more patient. I may even discover that I am stronger than I realize.

You are always learning. You are always growing wiser in life's open classroom.

What lessons have you learned and how have you applied them to your life and the lives of others? Share your comments below.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

___________________________
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Become a Fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

Changing Your Behavior for Results

2010-07-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this short, impactful process designed to change your behavior so you get results in your business and/or personal life.

Immediately after completing this exercise, share your thoughts and reactions with your group. Then, post comments here about your experience and outcomes.

This process is taken from the Harvard Business Review article, "An Exercise in Changing Yourself." Click here to read the full HBR article.

___________________________
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Become a Fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

Are You Hurting Bad Enough?

2010-07-09T18:07:00.001-07:00

One morning a man was sitting on his porch with his dog who was lying there groaning. A passerby stopped and asked why the dog was groaning.

Man: He's lying on a nail
Passerby: Why doesn't he just get up?
Man: He ain't hurtin' bad enough

I heard this story several years ago and it's always worth sharing.

The moral is there are people who talk about what's wrong or what's missing in their lives; yet, they never really take action toward creating change. Instead, they "groan" about their situation. Why? Because they are not hurting badly enough to get up and go after what they want.

Oftentimes people say they aren't pursuing their dreams because, at the moment, they lack the drive; they're low on money; they're too busy; they want to shed a few pounds first; they're too young or too old... When I ask how long they've been putting their dreams on hold, it turns out it's been years!

To achieve a dream or to create change in your life, think about how badly you want it. Begin developing belief and reflect all that is possible within you by changing your thoughts; e.g., "I WILL do this." "This is possible." Imagine yourself already achieving your dream and start taking the action steps that will get you there.

Get off the nail, stop groaning, and start doing!

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

___________________________
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Become a Fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

Challenge Rules If They Don't Make Sense

2010-07-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

In 1963, psychologist Stanley Milgram conducted an experiment on obedience, now known as The Milgram Experiment.

In this experiment, participants were divided into groups of teachers and students. The "teachers" were asked to administer painful electric shocks to "students" who gave incorrect answers to questions. The shocks weren’t real, though the teachers did not know that. As the experiment progressed, the teachers grew concerned and asked if it was okay to continue. They were encouraged to do so and were assured they would not be held responsible for the outcomes.

The participants were given more and more painful shocks and they screamed in pain; some even banged on the wall and pretended to complain of a bad heart. In the end, 65% of the teachers obeyed orders to punish the students to the very end of the 450-volt scale! No one stopped before reaching 300 volts. If the shocks were real the participants would have died.

In 2006 I told the story of the Milgram Experiment in a speech about taking the road less traveled. I provided "7 Steps to the Road Less Traveled"; step number three was "Challenge Rules If They Don't Make Sense." This step holds true today.

Wherever there are rules that don't make sense, exercise the courage to challenge them. Your decision to do so may make a difference in your life or the lives of others.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

___________________________
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

Judge Me by Who I Am Today, Not by Who I Was Yesterday

2010-06-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Do you know someone who judges you by your past actions and behaviors despite the fact that you have grown emotionally, spiritually, or stronger in character?

As I read the chapter, "Kill a Mosquito with an Ax to Conquer Your Goals" by motivational speaker Les Brown, the following words resonated with me:

"I firmly believe you have to move outside of your normal relationships to really make something happen in your life. Why? Well…some people know too much about you and will not let you forget it. I still have some childhood friends who recall how bad I was in school or how many times I screwed up early in my career."

Les's words resonated with me because I am sometimes reminded of things I have said or done in the past. Things that do not reflect who I am today. It takes hard work, discipline and time--among other things--to learn, grow and change as a person. Work that someone else may not be willing to do. So, when someone reminds you of who you once were, tell them to judge you by who you are today, not by who you were yesterday.

-------------------
Les Brown's chapter is published in the new book The Power of the Platform: Speakers on Life (coming June 2010). My chapter "Your Dream Won't Find You" is also published in the same book.

Be Careful What You DON'T Wish For

2010-06-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a simple exercise: over the next 2-3 days make a mental or physical note of the number of times you say you DON'T want something. "I don't want to be late," "I don't want to gain extra pounds" etc. Over time you will notice that the thing you DON'T want is the thing you will most likely get. Why? Because when you focus on what you DON'T want, that is what you will attract into your life. Similarly, when you focus on what you DO want that is what you will attract.

At the 2008 summer Olympics, the USA women's team recalled their disappointment over dropping the baton during the 400-meter relay in 2004. What do you think they focused on for 2008? "DON'T drop the baton!" What do you think, happened during the race? They once again dropped the baton and were disqualified from the preliminaries.

When you focus on "I don't want..." you are focusing on your fears and you may even see the negative outcome in your mind. Instead, come from a place of empowerment, faith, and confidence. Empower yourself to see the end result you desire, truly believe you will achieve those results, and be confident about your outcomes. Change your language to reflect the outcomes you want. Instead of, "I don't want to be late," say, "I will be on time." Your attitudes and behaviors will begin to reflect the outcome you want.

Here is an example of an extraordinary man I met on Twitter...Mr. Paul V. Harris. As a result of an unfortunate accident, Paul was burned over most of his body and yet everyday he continues to inspire others. Watch Paul's short video about getting results through focus > click here

In those moments when I come from empowerment, faith, and confidence and my results were not as expected, I look for the lesson. Sometimes I realize I was being spared from something: heartache, a poor financial investment; or there was some higher opportunity waiting for me. I then apply those lessons to my life and share them with others, so they may learn and grow.

To transform your outcomes, shift your focus and your language from what you don't want to what you DO want. Come from a place of empowerment, faith, and confidence. And, in the words of Henry David Thoreau, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams."

---------------------------------------
Follow the Enrichment Blog: christineferguson.blogspot.com
Become a Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson

Make Action Plans, Not Excuses

2010-06-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever, I caught a glimpse of the reality TV show "So You Think You Can Dance." Although I am not a big reality TV show watcher, I admit I found the performance by Jarrell Robinson, a hearing impaired man, inspiring.

The judges were impressed and although they did not move Robinson to the next round they, too, found him inspiring.

In the upcoming book The Power of the Platform: Speakers on Life, I talk about how some people make excuses, not action plans. This man did the opposite. He did not make excuses. He did not say, "I cannot hear music, so I won't dance." No. Instead he made a plan and what's more he followed through.

As you think of the things you want to achieve, make action plans, not excuses; and reflect on the Van Gogh quote, "If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced."

Even when you've been ground into the dirt, you are still priceless

2010-06-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

I am not sure of the original author and although it's not new, I believe this story is worth sharing again:

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?” Hands started going up. He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the $20 dollar bill up. He then asked, “Who still wants it?” And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. “Now, who still wants it?” Still the hands went into the air.

My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless especially to those who love you.

Pursue Your Dreams

2010-05-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

Do you know someone who sits back and waits for "something good" to happen in his/her live instead of taking action in order to get results? In the upcoming book, THE POWER OF THE PLATFORM in which I am coauthor which renowned speakers such as Les Brown (Live Your Dreams), Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul), and Brian Tracy (Goals!), I write about this topic.

The chapter, titled "Your Dream Won't Find You," includes 5 action steps you can take to get closer to your dream. The book, which will be published this June, includes many other chapters you will find engaging and informative and promises to help enrich your life.

Stay tuned for more details as well as information on the launch of my new website.

Own Your Greatness

2009-10-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

~Marianne Williamson

Is there something you are good at? Do you aspire to be better at it than you already are and strive to be better at it than anyone else? Do you find that your drive to succeed is also mixed with self-doubt and negative self-talk? If so, then it’s time to change the way you think.

Believe in Yourself

If you expect to succeed you must believe in yourself. Football fans everywhere learned this lesson in February 2008, after what has now become a historic Super Bowl game: The New England Patriots versus the New York Giants Giants. That season, the Patriots defeated every opponent they played, achieving 16 straight wins to become the first NFL team to do so since the 1972 Miami Dolphins.

Many, if not most, believed Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning, a Super Bowl rookie, did not stand a chance against Super Bowl vet Tom Brady and his unstoppable Pats. In fact some had called for Manning’s ousting as they believed his performance was lackluster. Further, the Giants made it to the Super Bowl as a wildcard team.

On that infamous Sunday, it seemed the Patriots were closing in on yet another Super Bowl win. With one minute and fifteen seconds left in the game, the Giants trailed the Pats by 4 points. Manning narrowly avoided being sacked and completed a 32-yard pass to his wide receiver, David Tyree, who made an unbelievable leaping catch by pinning the ball on his helmet (see video). With the clock ticking and 35 seconds to spare, New York wide receiver Plaxico Burress caught the ball for a winning touchdown! The Giants were declared Super Bowl XLII champions and the game went down as one of the biggest Super Bowl upsets.

Manning had owned his greatness on the field. Later in an interview, Manning said about his team’s unbelievable win, “I never stopped believing in myself.”

Pairing Passion with Belief

As any great leader will tell you, believing in yourself also means being passionate about what you do. If your goal is to become a writer, then you must be passionate about writing. In the fact-based movie, The Soloist, Jamie Foxx brilliantly plays Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, Jr., a gifted, albeit mentally ill, musician man with a profound passion for music. Despite being mentally ill and homeless, Ayers’ passion for music never dies and his talent as a cellist stays with him. After a reporter discovers Ayers and decides to do a story on him, the reporter declares, “I have never loved anything the way he loves music!”

Whether you are an athlete, a writer, or a musician, know that owning your greatness means being passionate about what you do and believing in yourself. In the words of Epectitus, a Greek philosopher, “What concerns me is not the way things are, but rather the way people think things are. If you think you are capable, you’ll act that way. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. As you think, so you are.”

The Power of Your Mind

2009-06-14T17:21:00.000-07:00

One Sunday night I stumbled across an Albert Einstein documentary on the History Channel. Since it was late I decided to watch only the first few minutes of the documentary before going to bed. I realized I knew very little about Einstein except he was the genius behind the Theory of Relativity. And what exactly was his theory about, anyway?

I became riveted to the documentary and before I knew it, I had watched the entire piece. Besides learning about his Theory, I walked away with a newfound admiration for Einstein and his tenacity, the challenges he overcame, the disappointments he faced, the errors he discovered in his Theory, and the doubters he confronted. By the end, I was reminded of a very valuable lesson: we are all able to achieve so much by using the power of our minds.

As the narrator put it, "Alone in his studio, using only his mind and a pencil, Einstein made bizarre discoveries as intriguing to the public as the most talked about music and movies of the day." (History Channel, 2008).

There is so much we are all capable of doing when we put our minds to it. Yet we sabotage ourselves with thoughts such as "this won't work" or "I'm just a failure." Guess what? Einstein started out thinking he was a failure, too. Sometimes I find myself slipping into that belief system; the belief that I am not capable of achieving a specific goal. In those moments I remind myself of others like Einstein, who achieved goals by using the power of their minds. Think about it. Everything that touches our lives on a daily basis started as a thought in the mind of one person: The computers we use every day, the forks with which we eat, the pens we use, the socks we wear, or the cars we drive.

Imagine the obstacles and objections these inventors faced when they shared their ideas with others. In his book, Second Acts, author Stephen Pollan discusses how he coaches clients to overcome barriers as well as objections they receive from family and friends. Pollan says the most common barrier his clients cite is age because many believe they are either too old or to young to achieve a goal. (Pollan, 2003, p. 74). At age 42, Einstein became science’s first superstar, all the while his Theory of Relativity was being challenged, and we all know how that challenge ended! Other barriers Pollan’s clients cite are lack of money and lack of experience. In his book he provides plenty of real-life examples of others who moved past barriers to achieve goals.

Like Pollan’s clients, we sometimes seek the guidance of others to help us make decisions. Have you ever asked someone else’s opinion about how to handle a problem or what they think of your idea? The thought or perspective this person then shares with you is completely contrary to your own thinking. In the end, you dismiss their opinion and proceed with doing things the way you had intended. Some people may call you stubborn or maybe you have such belief in yourself and your ideas that you move into executing things the way you had planned or imagined.

The mind is a powerful instrument. Yet, not everyone really leverages their brain power. When Ben Carson, a young black neurologist, was interviewed for residency at the prestigious John Hopkins, he was asked why he wanted to be a neurosurgeon and why they get to accept him into their program. He began his response by talking about miracles and added that some doctors think only about the physical. He said he believes in miracles and that the brain "is a source of accomplishment."

For Albert Einstein his brain indeed proved to be a source of accomplishment. He was known to sit and ponder a problem for hours, months or even years. After fifteen years—which included setbacks and personal disappointments including a failed marriage—Einstein’s Theory was finally proven. And although he did not win the Nobel Prize for his Theory, his work and his genius live on.

"Here was a man because of the power of his intellect, the sheer power of his mind was able to rise above poverty, rise above war and strife to become one of the great figures in all of human history. And that was an inspiration because you don’t have to be born handsome, you don’t have to be born with muscles, you don’t have to be born that way. You can achieve it by the sheer power of intellect." -Michio Kaku

Sources:

Einstein (2008). History Channel.

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009).

Pollan, S. (2003). Second Acts: Creating the life you really want, building the career you truly desire.

Serving and Empowering Others

2009-05-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

In the April 2009 blog some of the competencies of a real leader were listed. Among those competencies was servant leadership: the ability to serve and empower others. Servant leadership is one of those traits that have come to hold significance for me because I know few people who possess this quality. One of the best lessons I have been given on the subject of servant leadership is by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On February 4, 1968, Dr. King delivered his famous Drum Major Instinct speech at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. The theme of this stirring and dynamic speech is the innate desire of humans to be important, to be put first; our quest for attention, recognition and importance; our need to be in front leading the parade like a drum major. As I listened to the audio version of Dr. King’s speech, he delivers it with his trademark eloquence and with an unbridled passion that make his words truly unforgettable:

If you want to be important-wonderful. If you want to be recognized-wonderful. If you want to be great-wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That’s a new definition of greatness.

And this morning, the thing that I like about it: by giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s theory of relativity to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant.

Throughout my years in the workplace I have observed “drum majors” who overtly or indirectly belittled others by making them feel less smart or less capable than the drum major themselves. These are people who are boastful or arrogant; want to win awards; want to be well known; are always jockeying for attention; or make comments about the “stupid” question someone else asked. I once worked with a group that exhibited some of these traits. I felt I was not up to par with their smarts and bravado. I thought about it enough that eventually I began to believe I wasn’t up to par. Do you know what that type of thinking did to me? It prevented me from discovering and owning my own strengths. That is what happens to someone who is not empowered by servant leaders.

The truth is that oftentimes those who lack servant leadership skills come from a place of fear or inadequacy. They feel inadequate if no one gives them attention, they fear they may stop being important, they fear people will see them as nothing special, or they fear no one will respect them. Actually, the opposite is true: when you begin to serve and empower others you will earn their respect, you will reap the rewards of improved relationships, and you will gain loyalty and support. Servant leadership encourages leaders to serve others while staying focused on achieving results in line with the organization’s values and integrity (Wikipedia, 2009).

If you are not being a servant leader you risk losing the benefits that this competency brings and you will become a Knucklehearted Leader. After viewing the Knucklehearted Leader slideshow decide how you will serve and empower those around you, then put those decisions into action, and you will be that servant.

What Are You Willing To Die For?

2009-04-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

While at home one night I began thinking about my hero Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. what he stood for, what he believed in, and what he was willing to die for. I then asked myself, “What am I willing to die for?” The answer came in an instant: I am willing to die to make this world a better place. I know there is no one way to accomplish this purpose just as there is no one source of knowledge. Still, the first thing that came to mind is the epiphany I had in 2008 to lead a march for real leaders in this world.

A few days after asking myself that thought-provoking question I discovered the Horace Mann quote, “Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.” That quote resonated with me and I knew my answer to the question, “What am I willing to die for?” was the right one. When I think of the current state of the economy and the misguided and unscrupulous actions that led to its meltdown, it is clear that this world is suffering from a profound lack of real leadership in government, businesses, communities, and families.

After mentioning my leadership initiative to a friend he commented, “We now have a new administration” referring to the Obama administration. I replied that it is not enough to rely on the government to create a better economy or a better country. Leadership is the responsibility of everyone. We must do our part to ensure a better future for ourselves and our children—children who are the future leaders of this world.

In reference to my leadership initiative, another friend said better leaders are not the problem. The problem, she said, is moral decay. She added that some of these people were good leaders; their morals simply began to decay. Her comments confirmed that more than ever we get to increase awareness of what real leadership means. Among a real leader’s competencies are: servant-leader mentality, integrity, empowerment of others, compassion, respect, and accountability. Mohandas Gandhi and Nelson Mandela are two such leaders who come to mind.

Stand up, and speak out wherever you see a lack of real leadership: dishonesty, absence of accountability, greed, injustice, poor judgment, lack of compassion, selfishness, and so on. And when someone brings these inadequacies to your attention: take action! In the recent Bernie Madoff scandal, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) received overwhelming information, time and time again, that Madoff’s operation was an exceptionally elaborate Ponzi scheme. Yet, the SEC did nothing to intervene until it was too late.

As you move into the second quarter of 2009 ask yourself, “What am I willing to die for?” Not sure? Email me to start supporting the initiative for real leaders and a better world!