What Speaks to Me

As I sat with my son a few weeks ago and planted seeds as starters for our 2018 garden, several thoughts ran through my head... 1. New year, new season, new growth.  It is amazing to me that you can literally take a tiny seed and it will grow into something that you can enjoy for months!  This obviously doesn't just apply to plants.  It applies to ideas, thoughts, opportunities, you name it. 2.  You have to plan.  Start with the end in mind.  Plan out what you want your outcome to look like and get things in place to make sure you will achieve that end.   3.  You have to prepare.  The only way to have starter plants for a garden is to get the seeds planted early.  Perform the work upfront and in time to meet your goals! 4.  You have to cultivate.  Make sure the ground is ready for what you will be planting.  Remove debris, prepare the soil, keep weeds at bay and make sure you water!  In b...

This phrase has really stuck with me.  I came across it in a book recently, First, Fast, Fearless: How to Lead like a Navy SEAL by Brian "Iron Ed" Hiner.  It is the response Ken Blanchard, famous leader of leaders, used when describing to others why he always writes with coauthors.  By expanding your views, knowledge and ideas through those of others, you will always be able to learn. I have really found a passion for reading.  As a kid, I literally only read when it was required of me.  I always had preferred to do ANYTHING over reading.  The crux that changed it for me was that I married a reader.  My wife taught me that reading can be enjoyable.  I don't like every author I read but I still get something from every book I read.  Many of the titles I read come from recommendations, others  My latest conquests included: Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by General Stanley McChrystal - Great context ...

Take time to learn.  There is something new each and every day.  Through classes, books, or simple conversation there are always nuggets to grab. Pick them up. Carry them with you. Pass them along. 2018-Feb-05

Each year I set time to make goals for myself.  In fact, it has become an early January tradition for the entire family.  We reflect on the past year, review our goals, and talk about our high and low points from the year.  We also take the time to discuss some of our favorite memories made in the past 12 months.   Afterward, we shift  gears and set our sights on the year ahead.   We all have things we want to do, want to experience, or want to improve.  Take the time to write them down.  It doesn't matter if they are digital or using pen and paper but they need to be noted.   Not only should they be written but they should be SMART.     S - Specific   M - Measurable   A - Achieveable   R - Realistic   T - Timebound Set about to accomplish them.  Actively work on them. Check in....Take time weekly, monthly or quarterly to check in.  Review what you set-out to acco...

This week my oldest son received his Eagle Scout award, a tremendous accomplishment for him and a reward for all of his hard work. During the ceremony, as an Eagle Scout myself, I had the privilege of standing next to him to reaffirm the oath I took many years ago and still believe in today. In my work, in my family, in all my interactions with others " On my honor, I promise to do my best..." 2017 - Sept - 17

Smile! Thais past week was world smile day and it reminds me how important it is to share a smile every day. Something as simple as a smile can improve the day or a coworker, family member, or a random stranger. A smile always looks good on you! 2017-Oct-1