What To Do When You Want To Be Recognized As A Genius

Recently, a successful businesswoman asked what I thought she could do to take her success to the next level. She explained that she had been working on a HUGE project and was hoping it would really put her on the map.

I Want To Be Called A 'Genius'

“I imagine receiving publicity for my work and hearing people say, ‘you’re a genius!’” she added.

As soon as she expressed her desire to be called a genius, I recognized an opportunity for her to achieve her next level of success.

I shared the following, “One key to achieving that level of success lies in the understanding (and the acknowledgement) we are vessels through which a Higher Power communicates.”

Whether or not we are aware of it, many of the brilliant thoughts and ideas we generate come to us through something greater than ourselves.

When we give credit to a Higher Power, rather than seek praise to satisfy our egos, we acknowledge we are instruments that have been guided to create magnificent work.

Check out this article that asks, When did people shift from having a genius to being a genius? 

Successful People Who Live By This Principle
A few weeks later, I listened as financial guru Suze Orman expressed the following thought:

“People sometimes say, ‘I want to be like Suze Orman. I want to be the next financial guru of this planet.’ What I’m thinking is, ‘Only if you give God credit for what you do.’ If you think you’re the doer you’ll never be me. You can be an empty vessel and be the vehicle for God’s words and work.”

Elizabeth Gilbert, who wrote the sensational book-turned-movie, Eat Pray Love, shared a similar message in this funny and delightful TED Talks.

Author Steven Pressfield (War of Art) also believes a Higher Power flows through him while he works. Pressfield says he looks at the words on the page knowing they did not come from him.

As you consider how to take yourself to the next level or whom to give credit for your creative brilliance, recognize you are a vessel for the work of a Higher Power. You will go much farther!

Is Facebook Creating Drama In Your Life?

Whether or not you are a Facebook user you may have heard your friends refer to Facebook as though it is a living thing that controls their lives and emotions.

“Facebook creates drama between people” is one such commented I’ve heard.

Another friend shared the link to an article titled “Facebook is a bummer.” The article cited a study in which (mostly young) people said Facebook made them feel bad about themselves.

When we believe that Facebook creates drama in our lives or makes us feel bad about ourselves, we go into effect; we allow ourselves to feel like a victim.

Facebook is a tool. It does not create drama. We do. We create drama by how we choose to interpret, respond, and react to what's shared on Facebook. The way we choose to respond to any situation is our choice. The situation itself is neutral.

Similarly, Facebook does not make us feel bad about ourselves. We do. By constantly comparing ourselves with other people and what’s going on in their lives, we create the ILLUSION their life is better than ours.

I sometimes hear from people who are suffering, not because of what's happening in their lives, but because they compare themselves with others. Rather than focus on their unique path, they focus on someone else’s.

When we take responsibility for our behaviors we release blame; we experience FREEDOM from feelings of victimization. When we take responsibility we become awake and when we are awake our eyes open to the peace and beauty of our inner world.

Get in touch with your inner world because your inner world reflects your outer world. Unleash your authentic brilliance.

How Well Are You Moving Forward in 2013?

If you hold the vision of a bright future for yourself, you've probably set a series of goals in 2013 designed to make your vision a reality.

As with any goal setting process, you've most likely measured your progress to determine how well you are moving forward.

If you find you are not progressing as quickly as you'd like, one behavior you may consider implementing is the act of letting go. While there are many techniques that allow you to move forward, letting go of emotional baggage is one that's often overlooked.

For example, you may be holding on to past hurts such as being betrayed by a spouse or not feeling loved by a parent or child. Living from this emotional space can slow your personal and emotional growth.

"As I walked out the door toward my freedom I knew that if I did not leave all the anger, hatred and bitterness behind, I would still be in prison." ~ Nelson Mandela

Letting go frees you to live in the moment, opens the door to new opportunities, and allows you to move forward.

The act of forgiveness does not mean condoning the wrongdoer's actions, it means freeing yourself from emotional baggage that weighs you down. After all, how well can you fly when you're tethered to baggage?

Begin by forgiving the person you believe hurt you in some way. This may be challenging at first; however, it becomes easier over time.

Several ways you can practice forgiveness and letting go is to journal your thoughts and feelings about the person. You may also hold a 'pretend conversation' with the person. Speak with the individual as if s/he were there. Then pretend s/he is responding to what you're expressing. It also helps to focus on positive aspects of the person rather than just his or her negative behaviors.

Remember, ill feelings consume energy that can otherwise be channeled to a more positive place.

For more on forgiveness and letting go, check out this article by the Chopra Center.

How To Become An American Idol… There’s Still Time

The hit reality TV series American Idol is currently wrapping auditions for Season 12 and thousands are showcasing their talent for a shot at stardom.

A solid piece of feedback judges offer some contestants is: bring an authentic voice or unique style to the competition.

Without a unique voice or presence, it becomes challenging for contestants to stand out and they may not be valued as marketable stars.

Being a Superstar
Similarly, being an American Idol or superstar in your own life - whether in your business, career or personal life - means bringing your authentic brilliance to the forefront.

Your authentic brilliance is what allows you to achieve new levels of success in your life.

Authentic Brilliance... What Is?
 "How is it possible to achieve new levels of success in my life?" you may ask. It's simple: your authentic brilliance is your divine right and privilege. When you live it, you are living who you are meant to be.

Your authentic brilliance is comprised of the unique gifts, talents, style, and abilities with which you come into this world. It is what differentiates from others allowing you to stand out and be the star you are meant to be.  

It's Written Upon Your Heart
Living your authentic brilliance is about expressing what's written upon your heart. Some Idol contestants receive feedback that they're unsure of WHO they are.

For example, they may flip-flop between genres (like choosing country songs and then rock songs) although rock and roll is what's really written on their hearts.

When Oprah Winfrey switched from a confrontational-style talk show to an empowering and uplifting format, she expressed what was written upon her heart and lived her authentic brilliance.

Choose to live your authentic brilliance without fearing judgment from others. Instead of copying a co-worker's presence or a business owner's brand, express your unique style or message.

There's always time to start living a life true to who you really are, so choose to start today.

Complaining Is Never The Answer; This Is

Recently, I have been mentoring a high-achieving young woman as she works toward becoming a top-performing athlete.

Her accomplishments have earned her sponsorships that make it possible for her to fully devote her time to training -- a golden opportunity many young women only dream of achieving.

Yet, a pattern began to emerge... a pattern of complaining.

She complained about her trainers, her training schedule, the commitment involved, and the way her parents interact with her throughout the process.

Her focus shifted from her talents and the opportunities she had received to what she didn't like about the experience. Similarly, many of us shift our focus from the gifts and opportunities in our lives. We soon take them for granted rather than expressing APPRECIATION.

As you reflect on achieving your goals, consider this: I have never heard anyone say, "I complained my way to success."

"The act of complaining, which some of us call 'venting' rarely makes us feel good; it just contributes to more complaining and more negativity," explains author Mike Robbins.

Instead of complaining, choose the path of GRATITUDE, and take these powerful words with you:

"There are two words that when spoken, have the most unfathomable power to completely change your life. Two words which, when they pass your lips will be the cause of bringing absolute joy and happiness to you. Two words that will wipe out negativity. Two words that will bring you abundance in all things. Two words which, when uttered and sincerely felt, will summon all the forces and vibrations in the Universe to move all things for you. The only thing standing between you, happiness, and the life of your dreams is two words... THANK YOU!" -from The Secret Daily Teachings by Rhonda Byrne

With gratitude,

Christine Ferguson

If You Want To Go Far, Follow This Success Principle

In a recent conversation with my brother-in-law, he commented on the financial success of a close friend, "I don't know how he accomplishes all those things by himself."

Accomplishing "all those things by himself" is an illusion. Although it may appear that those who achieve success do so alone, they rarely (if ever) do.

If someone tells you s/he single-handedly achieved successes, then perhaps they have not taken a hard look around and acknowledged everyone who contributed to their accomplishments. This may include acknowledging a mother's wisdom, an empowering book, or an expert's advice.

Involve Others In Your Journey
By believing that those who achieve success do so alone, you may be inclined to fly solo. Instead, involve others in your journey. When you do, you fly higher and go farther.

In the book, Goals, author Gary Ryan Blair explains, "No goal is achieved in a vacuum. We all need the guidance and support that comes only from involving others."

4 Meaningful Ways To Involve Others

1. Partner with a coach. Coaches are a superior resource for keeping you accountable, helping you clarify goals, and moving you into action.
2. Choose a mentor. Benefit from the wisdom and experience of someone who has 'been there and done that.' Meet with your mentor at scheduled times and learn from his or her successes and mistakes.
3. Attend seminars. Not only do these events offer the knowledge and experience of experts, they are opportunities to gain new contacts, meet like-minded individuals, and share ideas.
4. Ask a "non-expert." While the idea of involving others is to gain from their expertise, do not discount the knowledge others may have to offer. For example, a CEO may gain valuable insights from team members that allow him or her to reframe a problem and find solutions.

The life-changing benefit of involving others can also be found in the African proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others."

Are You Living Through the Rearview Mirror or the Windshield?

In 1987 Cher popularized the phrase, "Snap out of it!" through her Oscar-winning performance in Moonstruck. [Watch video clip]. Since then the phrase has been used to jolt others out of some deluded thought or belief.

This includes jolting people out of their B.S. (belief system) that their best life lies in the past and the future represents a cesspool of hopelessness. People who buy into this belief live in the rearview mirror of life rather than the windshield of hope, optimism, and opportunity.

"Opportunities fly by while we sit regretting the chances we have lost, and the happiness that comes to us we heed not, because of the happiness that is gone." ~ Jerome K. Jerome

Reasons You Live in the Past One reason some people live in the past is they believe once they reach a certain age their life effectively ends. Therefore they see no point in acting on goals such as returning to school or embarking on a second career. Another reason people live in the rearview mirror is that this is where they once achieved success. They feel stuck and believe the wheels of success will never again turn in their favor. The opposite is also true. That is, constant focus on past failures creates fear and an unwillingness to choose optimistic outlooks.

Snap Out of It! (or How to Start Living Through the Windshield) While we learn from past experiences and they help us become who we are, rearview-mirror behaviors can be paralyzing. Below are a few tips for a forward looking approach and opening yourself up to life's possibilities and opportunities:  

Set the Intention. Make a commitment (preferably in writing) to choose hopeful and optimistic outlooks for your life. Most successful people put their goals and intentions in writing. Write an intention such as, "Each day I choose positive and optimistic outlooks for my life."

Reframe Your Thoughts. Whenever you generate a thought like "my life is over," replace it with a positive belief such as "my best days are ahead of me." Repeating this process helps you form positive thoughts and shifts your beliefs.

Learn from Others. McDonald's founder Ray Kroc is noted for saying, "When I started the company, I was 52 years old. I had diabetes, lost my gall bladder and most of my thyroid gland. But I was convinced that the best was ahead of me." Kroc chose the windshield approach. Seek opportunities to learn from people like Kroc who have been in your shoes and who overcame their situation.

Take Action. Take one small step toward creating the life you really want (and deserve!). If your goal involves furthering your education, meet with an academic advisor to discuss returning to school. Taking action is liberating and helps removes perceived barriers to growth.

Choosing to move forward may seem scary and you may feel like retreating when you see roadblocks. Understand that one of the best gifts you can give yourself is to live in the optimism that is already yours. Claim it! You do not need permission, so start living through the windshield of hope and optimism today.

The Trouble With Asking “What Am I Doing Wrong?”

"We can always choose to perceive things differently. You can focus on what's wrong in your life, or you can focus on what's right." ~ Marianne Williamson.

As you seek opportunities and solutions for moving toward your goals, at times you may feel you're not getting the results you want. Soon you embark on a self-induced cycle of asking, "What am I doing wrong?"

Although it is important to evaluate where you and where you are going, as well as what's working and what's not working, constantly asking yourself "What am I doing wrong?" is not the best approach.

Many studies show that focusing on problems tends to create fatigue and resistance, whereas looking for opportunities to build on strengths inspires and motivates you.

Why You Get What You Focus On
There's an area of the brain known as the Reticular Activating System (RAS, pronounced "raz"). Its most important function is considered to be its control of consciousness; this includes its ability to filter out non-essential information and consciously focus attention on something.

For example, you buy a car and you soon notice other cars of the same make, model, and color. Or your TV is quietly playing in the background when suddenly you hear a certain word and automatically you begin listening to what's being said.

That is because your brain focuses on where you put your energy and it creates its reality around that. In other words, you get what you focus on.

So when you put all your energy on the negative, that is what your brain processes. When you focus your thoughts on what's not working in your life, you create more of that reality.

Instead, ask yourself what reality you want to create and spend time focusing on that. In essence, focus on what you want, rather than what you do not want.

This doesn't mean ignoring challenges or areas for improvement. It does mean that always focusing on what's wrong does not produce the results you want.

Shift Your Focus
Two simple ways to shift your focus from what's not working (and change your results) are:

1. Focus on your strengths and how they can help you overcome challenges and create the reality you want.
2. Celebrate small milestones as a reminder of your progress and what's working.

Never doubt the power within to create your reality and always remember you deserve peace, love, and success.

Why Changing Your Environment Can Change Your Life

"Be selective about your external influences. Your multi-dimensional brain is influenced by everything you see, hear, read, smell, touch, feel or say." ~ Brian Tracy

What's one of the best ways to change the results in your life? Change your environment!

Your environment includes people you associate with, books you read, places you visit, television shows you watch, and other elements that influence your thoughts, beliefs, values, and attitudes.

Surrounding yourself with positive people and other positive influences helps you develop a positive mindset and leads to positive outcomes.

The legendary Jim Rohn taught that over time you will have the combined attitude, health, and income of the FIVE people you hang around the most.

Whatever area of your life you want to see improvement in, explains Rohn, find those who represent the success you want and spend more time with them. Join organizations, clubs, businesses and health clubs where these people are and make friends.

Decide if there are people you will spend less time with and whether there are new people you will bring into your environment to support your goals and dreams.

Also consider how elements such as books you read, places you visit, and music you listen to influence your thoughts and attitude about yourself and others. How well do they support your attitude? Do they instill positive values? Do they empower you?

As you assess your environment and replace negative elements with positive ones, you change your results and your life.

How to Relieve Stress and Attract Positive Energy

"Nature tops the list of potent tranquilizers and stress reducers. The mere sound of moving water has been shown to lower blood pressure." ~ Patch Adams

Remember when you were a kid and playing outdoors was the highlight of your day? As the sound of your laughter drifted across the evening sky, you begged to stay outside a few minutes longer.

Over time, it is not unusual for increased responsibilities and stressors to replace those magical outdoor moments.

Nature's Healing Effect
As you seek ways to relieve the stresses in your life, know that a remedy lies in what you once -- and most likely still crave... the outdoors! According to scientists, humans have an innate need to be outdoors.

In his book Stress is a Choice, David Zerfoss explains, "Nature has a natural healing effect on us and serves as a natural stress reliever."

While this may come as no surprise, Zerfoss shares a scientific study where hospital patients who had windows in their rooms often healed faster. He also shares a study which reveals that the smell of freshly-cut grass decreased the blood pressure of drivers with road rage.

Rejuvenation and Positive Energy
To reap the benefits of being outdoors, spend time enjoying activities such as walking, gardening, and hiking. If necessary, schedule outdoor activities several times per week until they become a habit.

These activities also reinvigorate you and rejuvenate your mind thereby helping you generate new thoughts and ideas.

The positive energy you generate by participating in and enjoying your outdoor experiences allows you to attract positive energy.

As you may know, energy attracts like energy. Therefore, positive energy (such as joy) attracts positive energy and negative energy (such as dissatisfaction) attracts negative energy.

So go on, get outdoors! Invigorate your body and lift your spirit.

Spring Ahead! 2 Powerful Habits to Move Your Life Forward

"Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values... your values become your destiny." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Spring symbolizes a time of life, rebirth, and growth. As the clock springs ahead and the sun dances across the sky a little longer each day, we embrace the season's arrival and the energy it brings.

So how will you spring ahead in your own life? Here are two powerful habits to adopt:

Release Limiting Beliefs
Like a tree sheds its leaves in autumn and grows new ones in the spring, you possess the ability to release limiting beliefs and replace them with positive ones. Many of your limiting beliefs are learned; you were not born with them. Therefore, they can be changed.

To replace limiting beliefs with positive ones, practice this simple process: write down 2-3 limiting beliefs. Replace each one with a positive belief. For example, replace "I can't make good decisions" with "I make positive choices that help me live my best life."

Each time you begin stating an old belief, repeat the positive belief 10 times. Do this until the new belief becomes something you say automatically.

Travel Your Own Path
Sometimes you may compare and contrast your life with the successes others achieve. You may feel self-pity and wish for their lives and successes.

First, give gratitude for the blessings in your life. Then, recognize that you can achieve your heart's desires. However, the path you travel to get there is your own.

Once you accept this, it becomes easier to travel your own unique path. As you move forward on your journey, you may ask God/the Universe/Higher Power to help you manifest your desires and/or fulfill your purpose.

Whenever you become aware of your desire to travel someone else's path, remind yourself of your unique journey. Choose to believe there is enough for everyone; and that in your life, abundance can blossom from possibility into your reality.

The more you integrate these habits into your thoughts and actions, the more they help you move your life forward.

How To Approach Annoying People and Situations

“If you don’t get the lesson, it shows up wearing another pair of pants—or skirt—to give you some remedial work.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

“Why does my pesky co-worker keep asking me to teach her the same task over and over?” “How come my cousin never comes to my defense when I’m faced with conflict?” “Why is my friend such a scatterbrain? You won’t believe what she did!”

I’ve been asked these and other questions by people frustrated with everything from co-workers to relatives.

If you’ve been in a similar situation, here’s an approach that benefits you and the other person.

Seek First To Understand
You may not always know what someone has experienced or is experiencing in his or her life or why s/he acts in a certain way. Perhaps the co-worker who repeatedly requests your help is fearful of making mistakes and sees you as someone s/he can trust to help overcome the situation.

When you take the time to treat others with patience and understanding, rather than with judgments and criticisms, the same comes back to you and the other person remembers you for how you treated him or her.

It’s Not About Them, It’s About You
Your frustrating experiences are usually not about the other person. Quite often they are about how YOU choose to respond in those moments. Do you treat others with kindness and respect? Do you treat them like they matter? Or do you see them as idiots who deserve your ire?

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

All of humanity is faced with situations that test us and build our character. When you choose to respond with anger, impatience, or disrespectfulness, the lesson (patience, respect, understanding, humility...) continues to show up until it is learned.

This concept can be difficult for some to grasp. “You don’t understand,” they’ll say, “this person is taking up my time…making my life miserable…inconveniencing me…” So they continue to respond in the same manner while wondering why such frustrating situations persist.

Certainly you get to set boundaries so others treat you fairly and respectfully. Even so, you can choose to resolve situations respectfully.

The next time you are faced with an "annoying" person or frustrating situation, stop and think of the other person and choose how you will respond to him or her. Remember, s/he is your fellowman. And ask yourself what lesson you may be learning in that moment.

It’s Time To Stop Blaming Yourself

“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

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?

To Set Yourself Up For Success Ask This Important Question

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!

“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?

"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.

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

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.

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

“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.
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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

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.