Monthly Archives: August 2012

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Overlooking The Perfect Moments

Everyday there are perfect moments happening.

They’re right in front of us but we let them pass us by.

Lake Michigan Sunset

Image by Rachel Kramer

What’s a perfect moment you ask? Andy Andrews talks about it in his free eBook The Perfect Moment.

It’s a moment in time that creates happiness and peace. Contentment and joy. It’s the little moments that form warm feelings.

You may think I’m crazy feeling this way. “There’s hardly anything perfect going on in my life” you may say. But I challenge you to look around.

Look at the small joys in your life:

  • A romantic walk with your wife
  • Your child’s beaming smile
  • Finding the closest parking spot
  • Watching the sunset over Lake Michigan

These may not seem like perfect moments when you first think about it. Take another look. I think you’ll see something different.  Read more...

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Stop Being Late

Have you ever been in this situation? There’s been a meeting schedule. Everyone is on-time except for the person who has scheduled the meeting? Or your friends have invited you out for dinner. Only they show up half an hour later with no explanation given.

How does that make you feel?

Tempus fugit

Image by Alan Cleaver

Frustrated. Upset. Abused. Uncared for.

Emotions like these course through my body when others are late. I’m sure they do for you as well. It’s only natural.

But what if you’re the person who always runs late? Do you know that people view you in a negative light?

They may think:

  • You don’t care about the people you made plans for
  • You’re egotistical
  • You can’t be trusted
  • You are unreliable

Being late lands crushing blows to your reputation. Friends will fade away. Business deals could be lost. Relationships are strained.  Read more...

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The Real Reason To Attend A Conference

In today’s world there’s an endless choice of conferences to attend. There’s at least one for anything that you can imagine.

Leadership training, WordPress workshops, Macrame crafting meetups.

Rich Avery, Kimanzi Constable, Alana Mokma, and I at San Chez during WordCamp Grand Rapids

From left to right: Alana Mokma, Kimanzi Constable, Joseph Lalonde, and Rich Avery

We’re bombarded with reasons why we should go to the Catalyst Conference or the Global Leadership Summit. Or any other conference that you should attend.

You create a list and figure out the pros and cons for each. Trying to figure out which one will benefit you the most.

  • Jim Collins will be there
  • They break world records
  • It’s nearby
  • The date doesn’t work out
  • Flights are too expensive

All are valid reasons to attend or not to attend. Regardless of which conferences you attend, you’ll get something out of it.

But that’s not the real reason you should attend a conference.  Read more...

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Why You Need A Guide

You’re constantly going through new experiences, struggles, and trials. Sometimes you’ll feel fear, frustration, anxiousness.

You may know where you want to go but you don’t know the path. Ever been there?

Whitewater Rafting

Image by David Berkowitz

I have. Multiple times.

Not knowing what the path holds. The dangers. The pain. The frustration.

We never know what’s coming on the new paths that we’re taking.

But others have gone before us. They’ve blazed a trail. They know the way!

If you’ve ever been whitewater rafting, you know this to be true.

You’re ushered onto a raft and set off into the rushing river. But you’re not alone.

The guide is on the back of the raft. He’s been on the river multiple times. He knows it like the back of his hand.  Read more...

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The Power of Connecting With Like Minded People

We live in such a diverse world. People come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It’s truly amazing.

Our interests are just as diverse. We’ve got people who are athletic, nerdy, funny, smart, etc… A world full of difference.

Puzzle Connection

Image by Scott Maxwell

Diversity is great. It opens you up to new experiences and ideas. Some you may never have thought of before.

I encourage you to seek diversity.

But I also encourage you to seek out like minded people.

WHY?

It might seem odd that I’m encouraging you to seek out like minded people. Why would you want to seek out people with similar interests?

It’s quite simple actually. You should seek out like minded people for their encouragement. And the encouragement that they can bring to you.

Finding others who are pursuing their passions and desires can bring a huge boost to your pursuit of the lifestyle you desire.  Read more...