Monday, September 20, 2010

Monday Morning Thoughts on Follow Through 09/20/10

As I look at the clock, I can pretty much confirm that another weekend is in the books. Monday has arrived and it’s time for me to embrace the new week to make it just as amazing as my weekend. As usual I tried my best to enjoy the weekend to the fullest and think that I may have accomplished that task. It’s no surprise to me that by the time Sunday arrived, I was reflecting on how my weekend got to be so amazing. I do know that this weekend was another scorcher as when I originally sat down to write it was about 109 degrees Sunday evening and the sun had already gone down. Looking at the weather forecast right now, it seems like the heat just won’t disappear as the high today is projected to be 107 degrees.(I guess I am at my best with the heat turned up)

I think I have an idea of the elements that need to be present to make my weekends so amazing. As I look everything, I know that I have to have food, football, friends, and family in some form or fashion for my weekend to be amazing. It seems like a routine for me, but these are the things that make me happy. I am sure we all know the elements that need to be present to enjoy ourselves.

While I mention all the fun stuff that makes my weekends amazing, I can’t leave out the other things that bring clarity and substance to my life. This particular weekend was all about the men at our church and Sunday was actually Men’s Day. I can honestly say that walking into church at 7:30 in the morning and seeing a packed house where the majority of the people present were men was a great feeling. You couple that with message that we heard talking about what a man is and what a man should do. Further confirmation that my thoughts are headed in the right direction as just the other day I found myself writing this down what it means to be a man.

As I listened intently, there were several things in the message that caught my attention. Seven percent of the male population is in prison and 92% of the men in prison are fathers. These statistics right here made me realize yet again how important it is to always stand up and be a man in all situations. The speaker also brought out a very important point to understand how men and women are different. Men are very different from women as they respond to things on sight. For example think about something as simple as putting an item together that you picked up from Home Depot/Ikea; a man will look at the box to try and put together and a woman will read the instructions.

In listening to the rest of the message I heard a few other things that stuck out to me. If we think about it, men are more responsive when they see things. In terms of change a man will hear that he needs/should change, but most of the time will only do so when he sees something that makes him want to change.

Just hearing this message, I began to wrap my mind around what it means to be a man and thinking about follow through. If I know what means to be a man, but I don’t follow through with the appropriate actions, what does mean in my life? What does it say about me? What does your follow through say about you? What is it that causes a lack of follow through?

As you prepare to make your week amazing, there are a couple of things you may want to do as you move forward. Look around you and I am sure you will see a lot of yourself in the people you have around you. Remember that you are not striving to be the best just for you, but you are striving to be the best for those around you as well.

“In golf as in life it is the follow through that makes the difference.”

“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.”

-Zig Ziglar

“I can give you a six-word formula for success: "Think things through - then follow through”

-Sir Walter Scott

“Those who are blessed with the most talent don't necessarily outperform everyone else. It's the people with follow-through who excel.”

-Mary Kay Ash

“In any situation, ask yourself: What strengths do I possess that can contribute towards accomplishing something in this situation? Then follow through.”

Friday Evening Thoughts on Motivation 09/17/10

Today was an amazing day for so many reasons. When I went to sleep last night I remember talking to my mother and when I woke up this morning I was talking to her again. It’s times like this that I really appreciate my days more and more because of who/what I have in my life. My family and friends keep me grounded and focused on the things that still remain important to me in spite of anything else that is going on.

I also had an opportunity to meet with the young men that we are currently in 8th grade at a local school in South Phoenix. I don’t how excited the others are, but I woke up excited and couldn’t wait to get to the school this afternoon. Anyone that knows me can see the passion that I have for this endeavor and the approach I take with being a part of the lives of these young men. I don’t know if I would be where I am or on the path that I am on if not for people having the same passion about being a part of my life.

No matter what it is in our life I think that we are all driven to do something. While that varies from person to person, its important to recognize that having that fire is a normal part of who we are.

Where do you find your motivation? Family? Friends? Have you ever lost your motivation? How did you get it back? Are you able to motivate others?
Make this the start of an amazing weekend. Take the time out to rest and enjoy every moment that is in front of you. On the cusp of amazing and its up to you to make it happen. Don't let anything deter you from moving further along toward your destiny.

“Keep your dreams alive. 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

“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it.”

-Jesse Jackson

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”

-Og Mandino

“It's not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.”

-Paul Bryant

“Obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goal.”

-E. Joseph Cossman

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”

-Charles Swindoll

Tuesday Morning Thoughts on Building 09/14/10

Another day in the land of the living and if you didn’t know it already, I am happy to be alive. So now that I am here and have the opportunity to continue to make a difference it’s my task to get it done. I am definitely up for it and I know that today will be better than yesterday.

Many thanks for the thoughts and prayers that were sent up for my godson who had surgery on his ankle yesterday. He messaged me his morning on Skype and we talked for a minute so he could let me know that he was recovering and resting well. In this day and age anytime you head to the doctor for any procedure you always want to send thoughts and prayers up that the individuals performing the procedure are at their best. I mention my godson this morning because I think our relationship is quite interesting and makes me think about my foundation.

Several years ago when I was living in Birmingham, I remember young Michael(the godson) visiting with his family for a couple of days and we had an interesting interaction driving to a restaurant for dinner. Michael said from the backseat, “Nick, I want you to be my godfather.” Everyone in the car got quiet and mom, dad, and I asked him to repeat what he said. He said again more emphatically, “I want Nick to be my godfather.” At time we were wondering how does a 5 year old know something like that and we asked him later why he said that. He stated that I like Nick and if I can choose my godfather then that’s him. Needless to say that from the time he was born he has always been an intelligent young man, but I never thought that he was watching me that closely.

Just sitting here thinking about that example with my godson and how our relationship started has opened my eyes a little more. Apparently something about the foundation of who I am intrigued this young person at a very impressionable age that he wanted to be around me. I still wonder what it was that he saw.

So ask these questions of myself and to you: What does your foundation say about you? What are you building? Is your foundation sturdy enough to build upon? Do you think people only see what you have built, or can they see the foundation beneath the surface?

Don’t ever underestimate who can see your foundation because it just may surprise you. Make today an amazing day and be the best you that you can be.


“The great successful men of the world have used their imaginations... they think ahead and create their mental picture, and the go to work materializing that picture in all its details, filling in here, adding a little there, altering this a bit and that a bit, but steadily building / steadily building.”

-Robert Collier

“Leadership is not magnetic personality/that can just as well be a glib tongue. It is not making friends and influencing people /that is flattery. Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.”

-Peter Drucker

“Whatever good things we build end up building us.”

-Jim Rohn

“Belief in oneself is one of the most important bricks in building any successful venture.”

-Lydia Child

“Faith is building on what you know is here so you can reach what you know is there”

-Cullen Hightower

Sunday Evening Thoughts on Foundation 09/12/10

The weekend is almost over and it seems like I am getting into the home stretch of what will define whether it was an amazing weekend or not. So far, I have no complaints as I have done just about everything I wanted to do this weekend. I have eaten good and also fellowshipped with friends and family in various ways. Doesn’t matter what the hour is, but I can appreciate my parents still living in Germany as I was able to talk with my mother for awhile since we are 9 hours apart. It’s always a good feeling to end that conversation with a simple “Talk to you later, Love You.”

If you didn’t know already, I love to watch sports as I see a lot of opportunities for life lessons and examples to share. I can’t tell you how much I love the weekend now that football season is finally getting rolling. I was happy to watch the Alabama Crimson Tide’s football team win on yesterday in spite of being without the Heisman Trophy winner and another All-American defensive lineman. I also just got finished watching my Arizona Cardinals win their first game of the season as they prepare to defend their NFC West division title. While I am excited about both of these victories it’s important to note that both the Cardinals and Crimson Tide were not at 100%.

I make reference to the teams not being at 100% because people didn’t think that they would win those games. As I listened to opinions of people, I started to think what is it that these teams have in common that aided in their victories. I thought about it for a second and even while not all full strength they had a solid foundation in place. So it’s no surprise that the term foundation started to float around my head for a minute.

I am going to go back and reference the conversation that took place with my mother as it will help me elaborate on some of my thoughts about foundation. Trying to end every conversation with my mother and saying ‘I Love You’ is something that was built over the years in our relationship. Like a house or building needs to a strong foundation to support it, we as individuals need to have a strong foundation as well. In our relationships, schooling, and jobs your foundation is critical part of these things as you have to have something to build on. As I think about foundations, I also remember being from Mississippi and always hearing about the problems with the foundations of houses because they were built on the Mississippi red clay. Often times the homes may appear to be structurally sound but every now and then someone needs to come in to jack up the home to do a little foundation work.

As I take a look at my life I think about my foundation how it was built through my upbringing, experiences, family, and friends. What is it that makes you who you are? How strong is your foundation? If your foundation is weak, do you know how to strengthen it? Are you open to receive feedback from others that your foundation may be weak?

If we have built anything at any point in our lives whether it’s a relationship or a career it’s important to have a strong foundation in order to hold up against any forces that we may encounter. It’s never too late to go back and shore up your foundation as it wouldn’t be smart to keep building on something that may not be as sturdy as it needs to be.

I trust that you will start out with the right attitude and mindset to usher in a new week, new opportunities, and new experiences. Remember amazing is all around you and you just have live your life. I will leave you with this, “Be wise or otherwise.”(that simple statement might make you think)

“Build this day on a foundation of pleasant thoughts. Never fret at any imperfections that you fear may impede your progress. Remind yourself, as often as necessary, that you are a creature of God and have the power to achieve any dream by lifting up your thoughts. You can fly when you decide that you can. Never consider yourself defeated again. Let the vision in your heart be in your life's blueprint. Smile!”
-Og Mandino

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”

-David Brinkley

“Character is like the foundation of a house - it is below the surface.”

“Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”

-Saint Augustine

“The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.”

-Zig Ziglar

“Character is the firm foundation stone upon which one must build to win respect. Just as no worthy building can be erected on a weak foundation, so no lasting reputation worthy of respect can be built on a weak character.”

-R. C. Samsel

Thursday Morning Thoughts on Purpose 09/9/10

As I look at the clock the time says that I shouldn’t be awake, but I figure there’s a reason for me to be up at this hour. I remember falling asleep somewhere between 9:30 and 10:30 and that’s only because I could look at my phone to see active text message conversations on my phone. I woke up somewhere around 1:30 and my mind was racing. When I experience from time to time, I already know that I have a little something on the brain and it’s just a matter of corralling my thoughts to see where I might be headed on my latest literary journey.

Anyone who knows me can pretty much attest to the fact that I never meet a stranger. My personality tends to be very inviting and have a very diverse group of friends. I have lived in the valley of the sun for almost six years and I have met a lot of people here. With that being said, there are quite a few people here that I have met that don’t even know my real name, but let me explain why. I was given a nickname by the people at the barbershop that I first went to when I moved here. Since December of 2004, I have been known as “Duration” and all the barbers as well as other customers call me that. The name has stuck and pretty much makes sense when you think about the person that I am. You can probably agree that there is an element of duration in most of the things I do.(I am like a good set of luggage I am not really going anywhere and most of my friends can attest to that)

As I think about people seeing me as the person known as “Duration” and not Nicholas I am reminded of there being a purpose for a lot of my relationships and interactions with others. At this early hour, by mere fate I was chatting with a former college classmate of mine DeMarco Morgan(News Anchor for WNBC 4 in New York) who ended up reading one of my blog posts and said it was exactly what he needed to read this morning. It seems like with every hour and day that passes by I am moving closer to fulfilling my purpose in life.

As I think more about my purpose I am reminded of the very first verse of Ecclesiastes 3; To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

I think that this is the perfect thing to read as we think about purpose in our lives from many different aspects.

Have you found your purpose in life? Do you see the signs that are leading to what you are being called to do? Do you know the reason that certain people have been placed in your life? Or the reason you have been placed in the lives of others? Are you ready to accept your purpose in life?

I am blessed to have everyone in my life that I have learned from and continue to learn from on a daily basis. I thank you for the relationship that we share in whatever capacity that may be. Welcome this day as another opportunity to make a difference as you are getting closer to the amazing things that are in store for you.


“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”

-Mitch Albom

“Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?”

-Benjamin Franklin

“I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.”

-Og Mandino

“It may be that your whole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others”

“Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.”

-Henry David Thoreau

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Tuesday Morning Thoughts on Approach 09/7/10

My, my, my it was definitely a scorcher this weekend in the valley. Seems like every time I started the car the temperature gauge said 105 and then 5 minutes later the temperature gauge rose at least 3-4 degrees higher. The holiday weekend is coming to a close and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed myself. There is no better substitute for food, family, and friends. I have eaten pretty well and fellowshipped quite a bit and I think I have a few takeaways from this weekend. In addition to all the fun I had with food and friends, I was excited to welcome football back as this was the first weekend of the college football season with the NFL season kicking off Thursday night. If you didn’t know already, we are moving into my favorite time of year.

Over the last four days, I have been blessed in my conversations and interactions with people that my mind is filled with quite a few thoughts. I really don’t know where to start, but I’ll just start rambling as usual hoping to end up in the right place in the end.

It never fails that as you go through things in life that you realize later on that it was just the experience that you needed to go through to prepare you for something better. Often times it’s hard to remember to be steadfast in moving in certain directions as we allow our trials and tribulations get the best of us. In my personal life right now, I am asking myself a lot of questions daily about my career and what I should be doing. All I can say is everything happens for a reason and the Lord always gives you what you need right when you need it. I say this because of the message that I received in church over the weekend and it was just confirmation that I need to refocus a little bit.

For a little while now I have to have serious conversations with myself just to make it into work daily. Some days I am more frustrated than others and my attitude is toward work isn’t where it should be. I know that I have lost perspective and focus, but my message on Sunday is putting me back on the right path. The message was about ‘The Right Perspective of Work.’ On the Labor Day holiday weekend I couldn’t have asked for a better message to help me on my journey.

Have you ever thought about how much time we actually spend working. During the span of our lives we spend 1/3 of our lives in bed, 1/3 on the job, and the rest of the time doing whatever else we feel the need to do in life. Don’t get me wrong as in this economy I am appreciative of my job, but I needed this reminder about my approach to work. I never viewed work as a form of worship until this past Sunday. We work the jobs that we work to allow others to witness of the power of the Lord. People are supposed to be able to see that God lives in us in all of our daily interactions, and often times that doesn’t happen in the workplace. I am not saying that you have to shout and praise all day long, but there is a an opportunity to worship in the workplace.

Here are a few things to think about in terms of worship and the workplace that I took away from the message. Do we go to work to obey our boss as a man/woman or do go to work to do right by God? We must remember that we are where we are so that the God in us can be seen at all times in spite of all that is going on. If we are lost in the wilderness and not praising God, that is really not his plan. We should be praising because he has the confidence in his to find our way out and lead others to the promised land.

Now is time to think about our lives and stop being so ‘Thermometric’ and be willing to set the temperature. It’s time out for gauging the temperature of our personal situations, as we know and have known for awhile where things are. This is just a little piece of what I ended up getting out of my overall Labor Day weekend, I am sure that I may revisit a few more thoughts over the course of the week.

After all this, I found myself thinking about the approach and began to ask a few questions. Overall what is your approach to life? What is it that makes you approach situations differently? Does your audience have any influence on your approach? Are you able to influence someone else’s approach to life? Work? Relationships?

As we start another week, I trust that you will get it started in the right fashion. A positive attitude and a smile goes along way. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and remember that you are on the cusp of something amazing. You just have to go and get it!
“Of course life is bizarre, the more bizarre it gets, the more interesting it is. The only way to approach it is to make yourself some popcorn and enjoy the show.”
 
“The truth of the matter is that there's nothing you can't accomplish if: (1) You clearly decide what it is that you're absolutely committed to achieving, (2) You're willing to take massive action, (3) You notice what's working or not, and (4) You continue to change your approach until you achieve what you want, using whatever life gives you along the way.”

-Anthony Robbins

“Remember the two benefits of failure. First, if you do fail, you learn what doesn't work; and second, the failure gives you the opportunity to try a new approach.”

-Roger Von Oech
 
“Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.”

-Denis Waitley

“The best angle from which to approach a problem is the Try-angle.”

“The obstacles you face are... mental barriers which can be broken by adopting a more positive approach.”

-Clarence Blasier

“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.”

-Tom Robbins

Friday, September 3, 2010

Thursday Morning Thoughts on Giving 09/2/10

Thursday morning before day and I am up doing some of my favorite things; listening to music, watching Sportscenter, and thinking. I really don’t remember what time I went to sleep on last evening, but I woke up out of sleep a couple of hours ago with some things on the brain. When this happens I know that there’s a reason for it that I don’t understand at the moment that it will be revealed sometime later. I say this because often times when I write my thoughts down and share with others, it never fails that I receive a phone call or email saying, “Thanks I really needed that.”

I am sure I say this a lot, but it seems like I am always doing some soul searching trying to find something within me. It’s amazing that someone yesterday told me that I was looking for something that I already had. I was confused a little, but as they explained it to me it started to make sense to me. They said based on all my unique experiences and opportunities that I have something to share with the world in many different capacities. I must say that this conversation got me to thinking a little bit and the concept of giving floated around my head for awhile.

Based on what I started realize after the conversation, that every thing we go through in life offers us the opportunity to be a witness to others. Whether it’s a good or bad we have all gained something from every experience that we have in life. With that being said, I had a few questions that were on the brain about giving.

Are you aware of what you have to give? How willing are you to give of yourself? What hinders you from giving in any capacity? Where do you think your giving can have the most impact? Family? Relationships? Church? Community? Work? How do you feel when you give of yourself? Is the giving spirit taught or are you born with it?

I am excited to answer these questions for myself, but I wanted to share some thoughts and questions that may get you thinking a little bit. I want to remind you that you are the cusp of some amazing things and you just have to continue walking in that direction. Have an amazing day and you are one step closer to the weekend.

“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more”

-Anthony Robbins

“You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself.”

-Harvey S. Firestone

“It's important to give it all you have while you have the chance.”

-Shania Twain

“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”

-Albert Einstein


“Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life's blood. But everyone has something to give.”

-Barbara Bush

“Give what you have to somebody, it may be better than you think.”

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Do not stand on a high pedestal and take 5 cents in your hand and say, "here, my poor man", but be grateful that the poor man is there, so by making a gift to him you are able to help yourself.It is not the reciever that is blessed, but it is the giver.Be thankful that you are allowed to exercise your power of benevolence and mercy in the world, and thus become pure and perfect.”

-Swami Vivekananda

Hump Day Thoughts on Equilibrium 08/25/10

I look over at the clock and see that sun hasn’t completely risen this morning, but I am sitting here wide awake with a few things on my mind. For the last 5 years the month of August has historically been rough month for me. As I see it. if I can prepare myself mentally for it and make it through then the rest of the year is a breeze. Not sure why but I have faced a lot of personal and professional challenges in this month. Maybe it has something with it being about 2 months removed from the halfway point of the year and I need to reflect to see how I am doing with the goals I set for the year.


Yesterday, my parents celebrated their 27th Wedding Anniversary and I thought it was pretty funny when I called my mother that she was like, “Oh yeah it is our anniversary today!” Whether she remembered it our not, I think my parents have done a good job over the last 27 years raising some good kids. (at least I think I can call myself a good kid) As I look at the relationship from my perspective it seems as though my parents were able to achieve some sort of equilibrium over the years. As I thought about that, the term equilibrium kind of sat on the brain for a minute

As equilibrium floated around my mind, I saw myself return to my study of economics and the supply and demand curve. I started to take a look at my life in terms of a supply and demand curve and more things started to make sense. I remember one of my professors teaching TANSTAAFL (There Ain’t No Such Thing as a Free Lunch) principle to the class. It really makes you remember that there is an opportunity cost to anything that we do in life. Looking at our lives in terms of my careers and relationships the supply and demand curve serves as the perfect illustration.

All of our character traits, physical, and mental abilities represent the supply, while society (friends, co-workers, family) and time represents the demand. There is only so much of us to go around, but we are always trying to find equilibrium. As we try to reach equilibrium we have to recognize that something is going to give at some point. We have to be comfortable with the choices that we make to obtain equilibrium and sometimes it does take sacrifice. Finding our equilibrium is a critical element as we move toward happiness.

How do you obtain equilibrium within yourself? Your family? Your relationships? Work? Career?

Have an amazing ‘Get over the Hump Day’ and remember to just walk through the door as amazing is waiting for you.


“The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us regain our equilibrium.”

-Norbet Platt

“Friendship works in equilibrium, always on your left shoulder when problems is on your right”

“Unless we form the habit of going to the Bible in bright moments as well as in trouble, we cannot fully respond to its consolations because we lack equilibrium between light and darkness.”

-Helen Keller

A system is in equilibrium when the forces constituting it are arranged in such a way as to compensate each other, like the two weights pulling at the arms of a pair of scales.

-Rudolf Arnheim