Wheel of Life Part 11 - Personal Growth

PERSONAL GROWTH - WHERE ARE YOU?

Personal Growth - Where are you?

Where are you when it comes to personal growth? How about the areas of your walk with God, your profession, personal relationships, physical fitness or eating according to a healthy lifestyle? To grow in any of these areas requires a "draw a line in the sand decision" & a greater understanding of who you are as a unique person.

In John Maxwell's book, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, he starts out with the 1st Law being the Law of Intentionality. In other words, growth just doesn't happen! John goes on to tell us of a time when he was a young leader and he sat down with his mentor. His mentor asked him what his growth plan was. John answered with all kinds of answers and when he was finished his mentor said, You really don't have a personal growth plan, do you? John answered, no I do not. It was at that moment that John became aware that in order to reach goals he had and become the person he wanted to become, he needed to be intentional about putting a personal growth plan in place for himself.

In the next chapter, John goes in to detail about The Law of Awareness. He states, "You must know yourself to grow yourself." He goes on to say, "To grow, you must know yourself: your strengths, weaknesses your interests and opportunities." Here are 10 questions John asks to help a person start the process of growth-

1. Do you like what you are doing?
2. What would you like to do?
3. Can you do what you would like to do?
4. Do you know why you want do what you would like to do?
5. Do you know what to do so you can do what you want to?
6. Do you know people who do what you'd like to do?
7. Should you do what you'd like to do with them?
8. Will you pay the price to do what you want to do?
9. When can you start doing what you'd like to do?
10. What will it be like when you get to do what you'd like to do?

Some of the questions above can seem very simple, but when a person sits down and takes the time to truly reflect on them and themselves, it can become a life-changing moment.

To dig much deeper into this study, and tap into hidden potential in your life, please Click Below to join a Life-Changing, Powerful Virtual Mastermind Group where we will be studying The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth at the beginning of the New Year - 2018. It will truly be life-changing!

Wheel of Life Part 10 - Contribution

It's a simple question to ask ourselves - what are we contributing to the world we live in to make it a better place?

There are many causes to get involved in and so many individuals and groups are doing amazing things all over the world to help make it a better place. There are organizations that dig wells, help women and children get out of the sex-slave epidemic, build houses for impoverished families in need and my favorite - bring the Gospel into the world.

Many times amazing things like the short list above are born out of a passion in someone due to a personal experience they have had themselves. I can speak for myself on this when I say that I lost my own father to suicide when I was 11. The devastation this caused, which I really didn't truly understand until I had my own family, is what spurned me on to take my own responsibilities as a father very serious. This tragic life event, years later has caused me to lead men's groups and provide mentorship. "Tragedy can turn into Triumph"

Now the question - What are you passionate about? What life events are you willing to use to contribute in a positive way to this world? There's a great saying, "God never wastes a hurt!" Many of us have so much more to contribute but just do not know where to begin. It begins with you! That is why I offer Mastermind Groups on various John Maxwell learning sytems. The next one starts in just a week and  half on The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. Click below to learn more!

Wheel of Life Part 9 - Recreation.Fun

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Let's begin with the definition of fun...

"Enjoyment, Amusement, or Lighthearted Pleasure" or "Amusing, Entertaining or Enjoyable"

What we find "fun" may be different but very necessary for our emotional health. This is something I know I struggle with personally due to my driven and task oriented nature. Simply MAKING TIME to have fun or for recreation can be a difficult thing to do in our busy and purpose-driven culture. But again, is very necessary for our emotional health.

When we engage in recreational activities that we find fun it allows us to break away from the high demands of life in general and allows our spirit to breathe. Recreational activities are usually accompanied by laughter, friends and relaxation which is a huge part of "living life to the fullest". These things are exactly what we need more often than we think!

What are the 2 biggest obstacles to Recreation and Fun? Time and Money. There's so much we can commit or time to to keep us busy, productive and even unproductive. Brian Tracy teaches on how to use a block schedule and literally designate what you will do every 15 minutes of your day. This is a great first step in blocking out time on a calendar simply for fun. The second obstacle - money. Another trap we often fall into is spending our money on things that really do not matter instead of great experiences or fun things that will build memories to last a lifetime. The issue with money usually isn't "we don't make or have enough" but how we spend it.

Personal Growth is a great way to bring greater balance to your life. In just a week and a hlf we will be embarking on a 7 week journey in a mastermind Group through The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. Click below to learn more!

Wheel of Life Part - 8 Love

"...You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride. You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes, with a single jewel of your necklace. Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride. Your love is better than wine, your perfume more fragrant than spices. Your lips are as sweet as nectar, my bride. Honey and milk are your tongue. Your clothes are scented like the cedars of Lebanon..."

- Song of Solomon out of The Bible

Need I say anymore... either way here it goes! Love and Romance especially in a marriage are crucial to keeping things healthy and happy. If you are planning on getting married soon, the best advice I can give when it comes to this is to schedule a date night or day once a week and keep it in place "until death do you part", and yes - even when little ones show up. Let me rephrase that, "Especially when the little ones show up!" Doing so keeps your focus on each other and studies have shown that children grow up more secure and confident when they know their parents love each other.

One more thing...

When you say or maybe you've already said, "For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part..." - MEAN IT! I have a good friend that was in a horrible car accident and suffered injuries for several years. In the midst of this suffering their spouse decided to leave. That's Crazy! But it happens all too often, and their is no greater example of commitment in love than to stick it out no matter what. When someone I know told me they were getting married we began talking about the actual commitment. I asked them to think of your future spouse with a terminal illness lying in bed and you have to visit them every day. I asked, "Are you willing to do this for this person if something like that takes place?" I do not mean to be negative here, just being real. Love is an emotional high and can be enjoyed all throughout marriage as we read above in the Proverb, but most importantly, love is an action. That action takes place no matter the circumstances or "feeling".

Many times there are things inside of us that prevent us from expressing and receiving love and all that God has for us to receive in general. A great way to dig deeper and work through some, if not all of the hindrances is through one on one coaching. Click Below for your free half hour coaching session.

Wheel of Life Part - 7 Family

Just a step below the good Lord Himself, family is the most important. A family unit is the strongest bond we can have here on earth. I am blessed to have so many great examples of this around my family and I.

Think about how many memories, whether good or not-so-good, are born out of and made from within the family unit. My Pastor says they've learned to buy less gifts during the holidays and spend the money on some sort of experience they have as a family with kids and grand kids. I think that is a great approach! When I look back, I do not remember what my grandmother gave me for Christmas when I was 10, but I certainly remember the trip we took as a family to Disneyworld where I was pushing her around in the wheelchair acting like a race car - that was such a blast!

How about the influence we have as parents and grandparents! We are entrusted to be a part of raising up the next generation - that is a pretty important responsibility! We have good friends that still get together often with their aunts, uncles, cousins grandparents, etc., and when we get to be a part of it, there is something so special about it. There just seems to be a deeper, unconditional love and greater support for each other than is typically seen elsewhere. It's never too late to start having regular family gatherings and re-establish a strong family unit again.

In a few weeks, a Mastermind Group on the 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth will begin. This is a great way to experience personal development and growth within a group of like-minded people. One of the key things learned in this group is the importance of living a selfless life which I believe is at the root of a healthy and strong family. Click below for more info on how to reserve your seat!

Wheel of Life Part 6 - Social/Friends

There are few things on this earth that are more reviving for the spirit than a great group of friends and regular POSITIVE social interactions. We often find ourselves sharing in life's good, bad and ugly, sharing & listening, crying and laughing. I have friends that I definitely consider family and know that when I get around them, I will laugh and greatly enjoy their company.

We learn from the Bible - "Bad company corrupts good morals/character." Speaking from both sides of that fence, their was a time in my life when I was that bad company and now, I choose to remove toxic relationships and be around those that are encouraging, truthful with me and share the same values.

God created us to have great friendships, to be socially interactive and enjoy community. It is up to us to choose the type of people we should be engaged with in close relationships and who we socialize with. That can be difficult when some of us are born into tough scenarios and may only be surrounded by a toxic environment and the saying goes, "We are a product of our environment." But... this can change and that change depends on us taking responsibility to make that change.

Learn how to break out of toxic environments simply by starting with yourself. When you begin the process of self development and a greater understanding of who you were created to be, you become more aware of people and environments that are actually toxic around you. I encourage you to contact me for a free 1/2 hour coaching session. you will not regret it and I look forward for the opportunity to help you become more aware of your full potential! Click below to contact me for your free 1/2 hour coaching session!

Wheel of Life Part 5 - Health & Fitness

Eating Right, and Exercise - 2 of the most important things we can do for not only ourselves but for others as well. That's right - for others as well!  I think it has been infused in most of us in some way shape or form that eating right and exercising regularly are beneficial for ourselves. So lets dig into the benefits a healthy lifestyle has on others around us,

• Motivational - When we set our minds to live a healthier lifestyle, and choose with every ounce of our being to not compromise, those around us take notice. it is inspirational and motivating for others to do the same. it just takes one dedicated person to begin a movement and that one person, if it isn't already could be you!
• Longevity - It is no secret when we choose a healthy lifestyle and are consistent in it over the long run, we, by God's grace, extend the probability of living a longer life. What does this mean? this means for others around us, we will be here on this earth to take part in others lives for a longer period of time. We are around to serve others, laugh with others, cry with others and just do life in general with others having more opportunity to add greater value before we pass on into eternity. My grandfather is in his late 80's and still going strong. He is able to take part in his his children's', grandchildren's' and great-grandchildren's' lives. How cool is that!
• Attitude - Eating healthy and exercising regularly has been proven to enhance a persons positive attitude. This is HUGE for the people around them! Have you ever been arounhd a person who is negative most of the time? Me too and it isn't very pleaseant to say the least. Those who live a healthier lifestyle seem to have more life in them and a positive outlook on life. Which one are you?
• Achievements - Being Healthier and Fit we are more apt ot achieve more because we will have better clarity of mind and more energy in general. Remember those dreams you had of yourself when you were younger or those you have now? A big part of achieving those dreams are how you treat your body and mind, the vehicles which are used to make those dreams a reality. It is just like a car - would we put bad fuel or fluids into our car and expect it to run at peak performance? I think not!

Personal Growth and Development only comes when we are INTENTIONAL about it! I strongly encourage you to consider joining my 7 week Mastermind Group on The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. Only 5 seats left and the deadline for signup is September 8th. Grow together with like-minded individuals looking to be all they can be! Click below for more info!

Wheel of Life Part - 4 Finances/Wealth

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Finances/Wealth

It's all about people. Yes...that's right, it's all about people!

When I learned to look at and understand the purpose of money, finances and wealth in a way that it is all just tools in the tool box to help others, my view on the whole purpose of life changed dramatically.

For instance, when I was younger I bought into the scheme of selfishness and "wanting" to be rich, have nice vehicles, the mansion on the hill, and so on and so forth. My view on money was to make a lot of it and spend it on myself and my pleasures. Now, don't get me wrong, this can be fun, but the fun won't last but for a little while.

I started out by saying it's all about people and when it comes to $ it is so true. Money, used in the right way, provides for and empowers generations to come as is said in Proverbs 13:22. When we think of money as a tool to be used to provide well for our families, to give generously to those in need, help others who are down and out and to "tithe" to expand the great work of God, it becomes a selfless expression of love which in turn makes the world a better place.

"It is more blessed to give than to recieve"

The challenge to all of us who read this is to examine our current view on finances and wealth and ask the question, "Do I give generously with what I have been entrusted with to help others and help make the world a better place?"

In order to grow to a place of living out this generosity on a daily basis, we need to dig into ourselves for personal development and growth. On September 24th, you will have the opportunity to join a 7 week long, Virtual Mastermind Group on the 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. It will be transformational and well worth the commitment. Click below to reserve your seat!

Wheel of Life Part - 3 Business/Career/Studies

Oh how many of us often get lost in this one! I love the saying, "If you are passionate about what you do in life for work/career, you will never work a day in your life." Have you found yourself in a job or career that is just mediocre, not really what you want to do but outside influences convinced you it was a good choice? Maybe it is just the lot that was given to you in life or the cards you've been dealt and you've just accepted that.

Well... I am hear as one to challenge those circumstances and thoughts and it begins with asking the question, "If nothing stood in the way, what would I REALLY choose to do for work/career?" Write down the first thing that comes to your mind - go ahead - I dare you! Think about the answer, meditate on it, if you are a praying person - pray about it. The next question to ask is, "Am I doing that and if not, why?"

There is a reason that "passion" exists within you. I believe it has to do with your God-Given purpose to live out in this world. Speaking from experience, when I have settled for mediocrity because it pays the bills or was the easy choice, I have found myself miserable and it didn't help the people around me either as that attitude was brought with me everywhere. Mark Cuban said, "It's better to be tired than broke." I would like to restate that saying, "Its better to be tired knowing you are working toward living out your true purpose."

Beginning Tuesday September 12th, there will be a 7 week Mastermind Group on the 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. This will be a group of like-minded people sharing their thoughts, experiences and life-lessons, all learning and growing together while working through the study on John Maxwell's book above. If you want to grow, becoming more aware of your purpose and learning how to be all you can be, sign up below, you will not regret it!

Wheel of Life Part 2 - Self Image

Self Image

This is so important! Let's dig right into the nuts an bolts on this one. When looking at the Wheel of Life and examining our scores on each area of our lives, it is important to take the time to dig deeper. There are several factors that determine our "Self Image".

• Our Upbringing - This one could not be more defining of the root of our perceived self image. The home or sometimes homes we grew up in, the parenting or sometimes the lack of, the circles of friends we ended up with or chose and the overall environment and what we were or weren't exposed to. The key here is if we are focusing on Personal Development, we have the opportunity to mold, shape and improve our self image.
• Culture - Where, how and when we grew up is a determining factor. Someone from the inner city of Chicago, to another in Silicon Valley to another in a small Midwestern town in the heartland of America - all will have very different lenses to look through, especially at themselves. Some cultures operate on "Honor and Shame" principles while others on a "Guilt and Justice". There are also many religious beliefs that tie in that shape a persons self-image.
• Eyes and Ears - I tell this to my son often, "What you allow to be seen with your eyes and enter into your ears, affects your very being and your belief system, including your belief system about yourself. One question to ask here, "If your eyes and ears are considered the gateways to your soul, what are you allowing in?"

There's so much more we could get into, but I do not want to write an entire chapter for a book! A common theme with me when it comes to improving one's self, including self image, is not so much for that individual (although they will benefit) rather it is more about living to your full God-Given potential to make a greater positive impact in this world with the time we have here on planet earth. By the way, when I am writing about "Self-Image" I am not focused on pride and ego. I am focused on confidence and purpose!

Click on the button below to reserve your seat for the upcoming Mastermind Group on The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. This is a life-changing opportunity!