Monthly Archives: September 2012

Posted on

Book Review: Wisdom Meets Passion by Dan Miller and Jared Angaza

Yesterday the world ran on formulas – on all things black and white with tried-and-true wisdom. Today things run on dreams and are covered in gray and fueled by passion. But as it turns out, formulas don’t work well without feeling, and dreams don’t come true without dedication. Enter Wisdom Meets Passion, offering proof that when generations – and their beliefs – come together, something incredible can happen.

Wisdom Meets Passion

That’s the synopsis of Dan Miller and Jared Angaza’s new book Wisdom Meets Passion. It’s their combined effort to show the world that you can’t live your life with only wisdom or passion. You must combine both of them and live a life full of wisdom and passion.

My Expectations:

I’ve been a huge fan of Dan’s. His book 48 Days To The Work You Love helped me launch this blog and move forward in new and unexpected ways. My eyes were open to new avenues of revenue and work.  Read more...

Posted on

Facing Change With Confidence

Today, I am writing as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. The theme for September is “Change.” If you are a Christian author or writer, be sure to check out Christianwriters.com to network with others.

The pace of life seems to be ever increasing. Along with the increased pace comes increased change.

Your looks change, your children change, your friendships change, your life changes…

All this change can be scary.

Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime Changes | Image by Fuyoh!

The good news is: It doesn’t have to be as scary as you make it.

Change isn’t always bad. It’s just different.

Sometimes it’s slow. Sometimes change comes quickly.

“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.”
— Taylor Swift

I’m sure you can think of bad changes and good changes that had occurred in your life.  Read more...

Posted on

Is Your Normal More Amazing Than You Think?

The hum-drum of your day job. The daily commute. The routines you have in place for your life.

They’re all normal to you. They seem natural to you. And they’re boring. At least in your eyes they are. I know these routine tasks can be to be.

But there’s something amazing in normal. Can you believe that?

Ferris Creek Mountain Bike Trail

Ferris Creek Mountain Bike Trail / Image By Trailsource.com

We want to fight against normal. The experts tell you that it holds you down. You need to break free of the normal.

I agree, in part. We need to break free of the normal habits that hold us back. But there’s parts of normal that are amazing.

TALENTS

You probably find a couple of talents that come to you naturally.

Playing a musical instrument. An amazing knack for mathematics. Fixing a computer problem. Singing beautiful songs.  Read more...

Posted on

How To Give Effective Praise

Who doesn’t like being praised for a job well done?

No one that I can think of. It gives you that boost of confidence. Puts a little pep in your step. Brings a smile to your face.

If it’s done properly.

Medal of Honor Recipient Giving Speech

Image From Creative Commons

What? Praise can be given ineffectively? Yes, yes it can. When it’s fake praise.

I’m sure you’ve encountered it. I have.

A manager tells you “Good job” but you know they don’t mean it. A friend gives an offbeat “Atta boy. Keep at it” when they don’t even know what you do.

This kind of praise can sting a bit. It feels hollow. It comes across as manipulative.

If you’re sincere, praise is effective.  If you’re insincere, it’s manipulative.
— Zig Ziglar

I know you don’t want to give that kind of manipulative praise. You want to give effective praise. Praise that warms the heart of others.  Read more...

Posted on

You Must Be Willing To Pay The Price

Have you ever come across a leader who acts and commands with no regards to the consequences? And when something does go wrong he doesn’t accept responsibility for the mishap?

He’s a leader who is unwilling to pay the price for being wrong.

Fire Burning

Image by Matthew Venn

This type of leader can be the most dangerous. He’ll go full throttle. Throwing caution to the wind. Allowing every idea to be played out.

But a real leader knows that there’s a price to be paid when he is wrong.

He may be reserved. Restrained. Or cautious.

And yet he knows action must be taken to succeed. Risks must be taken. Mistakes will be made.

He’s willing to take the calculated risks. Ones that have at least a chance to succeed.

Because he knows this, he knows his decisions must be examined.  Read more...