According to USA.gov and many other websites, health and fitness make the top ten or top five list for most common New Year's resolutions. Why is it then that almost 75% of our Adult population is overweight or obese?
Is it because we are a worthless people that cannot take care of ourselves or is it because all we do is talk about getting in shape but we never really commit to the idea. For many years, there has been so much talk about rising health care costs yet we would rather complain about the associated results instead of taking a stand and getting in shape! Did you know that in 2008, obesity cost our country $147 billion and is expected to increase to $344 billion by 2018? (USA Today) The United States spends about $1.8 trillion a year in medical costs associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, and all three are linked to obesity. (USA Today)
We love talking about the bank bailout and the tax implications, but what about the "lazy people bailout"?
Fitness should not be a "New Year's resolution"! Fitness should be a priority! This is your health, your body, your well being, your image, your future! Fitness is something that every person in the world should make a priority, without hesitation!
"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it." ~Plato
We all know that "getting in shape" is not easy and takes actual "effort". It takes discipline and commitment and a desire to improve. It takes dedication and sacrifice and of course time! But what we fail to remember is that it also creates energy, builds confidence, improves health, increases lifespan and makes us feel great about ourselves.
Stop talking about it and make it a PRIORITY!
~Gone runnin'
EC
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
365 days of Christmas
This holiday season was the best Christmas I have ever experienced. It was great to spend quality time with my family and there was a unforgettable spirit present at all times! It was a time of giving, sharing, laughing and loving. But why is it that we only experience this at Christmas, only one time per year?
What would the world be like if we had Christmas all year around? What if everyone was in the giving spirit, spending quality time with friends and family, laughing and loving on each of the 365 days? Is it possible to continue this spirit into 2011 and maintain it throughout the year?
I have very high expectations for 2011, personally, spiritually, and for my career. Why not add this to my list of priorities? I am not talking about keeping my house or office decorated with Christmas trees and lights, or buying a ton of presents for others. What I am talking about is the attitude and spirit of Christmas. This is what makes Christmas so special!
I am going to make it a priority to bring the great qualities and experiences associated with Christmas to my everyday life. I challenge myself to give more to the people around me, to spend more time with my family and the people important in my life, to take more days off of work and lay around the house watching movies and eating good food, to express how much the people I work with mean to me, and of course to remember that Jesus gave his life for us!
Christmas is such an amazing season and to not extend it through the other 364 days of the year would be a mistake.
But wait, there is more.....I need your help! Think about the lights on a Christmas tree. Each light is not so big, not so bright and not so powerful. However when you look at a Christmas tree full of these little lights it creates a bright and magical spectacle that will light up any room. Individually we can only produce a small amount of light, but together we will glow!
Christmas is not over!
~Happy Holidays
EC
What would the world be like if we had Christmas all year around? What if everyone was in the giving spirit, spending quality time with friends and family, laughing and loving on each of the 365 days? Is it possible to continue this spirit into 2011 and maintain it throughout the year?
I have very high expectations for 2011, personally, spiritually, and for my career. Why not add this to my list of priorities? I am not talking about keeping my house or office decorated with Christmas trees and lights, or buying a ton of presents for others. What I am talking about is the attitude and spirit of Christmas. This is what makes Christmas so special!
I am going to make it a priority to bring the great qualities and experiences associated with Christmas to my everyday life. I challenge myself to give more to the people around me, to spend more time with my family and the people important in my life, to take more days off of work and lay around the house watching movies and eating good food, to express how much the people I work with mean to me, and of course to remember that Jesus gave his life for us!
Christmas is such an amazing season and to not extend it through the other 364 days of the year would be a mistake.
But wait, there is more.....I need your help! Think about the lights on a Christmas tree. Each light is not so big, not so bright and not so powerful. However when you look at a Christmas tree full of these little lights it creates a bright and magical spectacle that will light up any room. Individually we can only produce a small amount of light, but together we will glow!
Christmas is not over!
~Happy Holidays
EC
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Hold someone's hand!
This post is inspired by the Michael Jackson song, "Hold my Hand" featuring Akon.
It reminded me of all the millions of people out there struggling this holiday season. The holiday season, while it may be happy for alot of people, is also a very sad time for many. This is a time when people need each other! This is a time when the smallest and simplest things can make the biggest difference in someone's life.
To often, I personally take family and friends for granted. I have been blessed to have such a great family, much less a family at all. It never crosses my mind to spend a Christmas alone without my family. There a so many people out there that have nothing; no family, no friends, no warm bed to sleep in. So many are struggling, in need of a friend or companion to help them through this tough time. What can you and I do this holiday season to make a difference in someone's life?
I challenge everyone that reads this blog to do some thinking about what small things you can do to help someone in need. With such little effort or sacrifice we can make someone feel special. The world needs you and I and I believe that it is our duty, as human beings, to do anything we can to help others around us. Life is way too short and there is no reason that anyone should be upset, sad or depressed during such a wonderful holiday.
This holiday season, grab someone's hand. Hold it tight.....real tight, and let them know that they are cared for! You and I can and will make a difference.
Hold my Hand- Michael Jackson feat. Akon
And if its you reading this that's struggling....Hold my hand. I got you
Spreadin' a little love!
-EC
It reminded me of all the millions of people out there struggling this holiday season. The holiday season, while it may be happy for alot of people, is also a very sad time for many. This is a time when people need each other! This is a time when the smallest and simplest things can make the biggest difference in someone's life.
To often, I personally take family and friends for granted. I have been blessed to have such a great family, much less a family at all. It never crosses my mind to spend a Christmas alone without my family. There a so many people out there that have nothing; no family, no friends, no warm bed to sleep in. So many are struggling, in need of a friend or companion to help them through this tough time. What can you and I do this holiday season to make a difference in someone's life?
I challenge everyone that reads this blog to do some thinking about what small things you can do to help someone in need. With such little effort or sacrifice we can make someone feel special. The world needs you and I and I believe that it is our duty, as human beings, to do anything we can to help others around us. Life is way too short and there is no reason that anyone should be upset, sad or depressed during such a wonderful holiday.
This holiday season, grab someone's hand. Hold it tight.....real tight, and let them know that they are cared for! You and I can and will make a difference.
Hold my Hand- Michael Jackson feat. Akon
And if its you reading this that's struggling....Hold my hand. I got you
Spreadin' a little love!
-EC
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Don't hold anything back....tell em how you feel!
A great friend of mine and I had a great conversation last night that inspired this blog post. "Dont hold back..tell em how you feel!"
Life is too short, or for some maybe its too long, but the truth is that you never know when your last opportunity will be to tell someone you care about, just how you feel. Each day we are overwhelmed with emotions and feelings having to do with our relationships; relationships with friends, family and loved ones. These emotions, while they can be positive or negative, are emotions that, more times than not, need to be shared. Why keep these feelings hidden? Why not tell em how you feel?
I think people are sometimes afraid to speak their true feelings because of a reaction they may receive. Fear of rejection, conflict and embarassment are all difficult to overcome. If someone is important enough to be in your life, aren't they important enough to know what you think about them and how you feel? Your next opportunity could be your last. This doesnt mean someone has to die, although it can mean that, but it could simply be a miscommunication that leads to the disconnect; a desperate friend headed down the wrong path, a girl or boy that never knew you liked him or her, or a parent with whom you have some bad blood that was never reconciled.
You may get shot down, you may get in an argument or fight. However, you may say the exact thing that person was hoping or wishing you would say. You may start a lifelong friendship with someone that will be instrumental in your life and that needs you to return the favor. You may let someone know, for the first time, that you care, at the last possible opportunity. You may say the perfect thing at the perfect time and make someone's day, month, year or life!
I challenge all (including myself) to make an effort to get over your fears, be the bigger person, step up to the plate, and speak your mind and heart. Don't hold anything back and tell em how you feel!
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ~William Arthur Ward
-EC
Life is too short, or for some maybe its too long, but the truth is that you never know when your last opportunity will be to tell someone you care about, just how you feel. Each day we are overwhelmed with emotions and feelings having to do with our relationships; relationships with friends, family and loved ones. These emotions, while they can be positive or negative, are emotions that, more times than not, need to be shared. Why keep these feelings hidden? Why not tell em how you feel?
I think people are sometimes afraid to speak their true feelings because of a reaction they may receive. Fear of rejection, conflict and embarassment are all difficult to overcome. If someone is important enough to be in your life, aren't they important enough to know what you think about them and how you feel? Your next opportunity could be your last. This doesnt mean someone has to die, although it can mean that, but it could simply be a miscommunication that leads to the disconnect; a desperate friend headed down the wrong path, a girl or boy that never knew you liked him or her, or a parent with whom you have some bad blood that was never reconciled.
You may get shot down, you may get in an argument or fight. However, you may say the exact thing that person was hoping or wishing you would say. You may start a lifelong friendship with someone that will be instrumental in your life and that needs you to return the favor. You may let someone know, for the first time, that you care, at the last possible opportunity. You may say the perfect thing at the perfect time and make someone's day, month, year or life!
I challenge all (including myself) to make an effort to get over your fears, be the bigger person, step up to the plate, and speak your mind and heart. Don't hold anything back and tell em how you feel!
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ~William Arthur Ward
-EC
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Why would you NOT......
Why would you not try and be the best that you can be? Why would you not focus on being a better person, a better friend, a better co worker, a better leader? Why would you not try to help more people, to give a little more? Why would you not try and change someones life, or maybe your own, for the better? Why would you not be the best employee you can be, give everything you can offer to your company or your boss?
Why would you not try that new thing, go out on a limb? Why would you not tell him or her how you feel? Why would you not say thank you for that kind deed? Why would you not try and be in better shape, eat healthier, run farther, run faster........invite a friend to run?
Why would you not spend more time with your family? Why would you not stay the extra hour, push a little harder, dig a little deeper? Why would you not expect more from yourself, ask yourself the tough questions, or work to find solutions to your problems? Why would you not make that tough call, admit your wrong, or tell them how much they mean to you? Why would you not work every single day of your life to contribute to society and attempt to make this world a better place for someone else including yourself?
Why would you not read this post and think to yourself "Why would I not...."?
Bringin' it-
EC
Why would you not try that new thing, go out on a limb? Why would you not tell him or her how you feel? Why would you not say thank you for that kind deed? Why would you not try and be in better shape, eat healthier, run farther, run faster........invite a friend to run?
Why would you not spend more time with your family? Why would you not stay the extra hour, push a little harder, dig a little deeper? Why would you not expect more from yourself, ask yourself the tough questions, or work to find solutions to your problems? Why would you not make that tough call, admit your wrong, or tell them how much they mean to you? Why would you not work every single day of your life to contribute to society and attempt to make this world a better place for someone else including yourself?
Why would you not read this post and think to yourself "Why would I not...."?
Bringin' it-
EC
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Persist to achieve!
Dictionary.com defines persist as "to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, esp. in spite of opposition, remonstrance, etc."
We are always trying new things, new adventures, new journeys and new paths in our every day lives. We make these decisions because we yearn for new things or see the change as a necessary step in accomplishing our desired goals. However, very few things come easy and without adversity, without challenge and obstacles that we must overcome to reach the desired destination. When these challenges or speed bumps arise it's persistence that allows us to continue on the desired path.
“The most essential factor is persistence - the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come"
~James Whitcomb Whiley
When the decision is made to make these so called changes or to pursue a dream we often are unable to see into the future and predict the objections we will receive. However it is persistence that keeps us on track and moving in that right direction. Do not let the present circumstances deter you from your path but use persistence to endure through the tough times and stay on course.
Persistence, to me, means sticking with it. Rather than looking at challenges and obstacles as a reason to stray, see these as opportunities to persist and provide even more of a reason to continue. These obstacles should be seen as markers or reference points to let you know you are moving in the right direction. Hopefully the decisions you made and the places you want to go are ones that require change and require giving up certain things to obtain something better. If this is the case then obviously you will leave your comfort zone and stare the unknown in the eyes to move towards this "better place" for which you desire. That means that to get there, difficultly and challenge must be present, otherwise you would already be at this destination or wouldn't be interested in getting there.
Whether you are doubting your hard work or looking to improve your personal life, embrace persistence and use it as a tool to reach your desired outcomes. You made the decision to take the journey now persist and stay on course because if you fail to persist you will fail to achieve.
Ambition is the path to success, persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.
~William Eardley
Super Sunday!
-EC
We are always trying new things, new adventures, new journeys and new paths in our every day lives. We make these decisions because we yearn for new things or see the change as a necessary step in accomplishing our desired goals. However, very few things come easy and without adversity, without challenge and obstacles that we must overcome to reach the desired destination. When these challenges or speed bumps arise it's persistence that allows us to continue on the desired path.
“The most essential factor is persistence - the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come"
~James Whitcomb Whiley
When the decision is made to make these so called changes or to pursue a dream we often are unable to see into the future and predict the objections we will receive. However it is persistence that keeps us on track and moving in that right direction. Do not let the present circumstances deter you from your path but use persistence to endure through the tough times and stay on course.
Persistence, to me, means sticking with it. Rather than looking at challenges and obstacles as a reason to stray, see these as opportunities to persist and provide even more of a reason to continue. These obstacles should be seen as markers or reference points to let you know you are moving in the right direction. Hopefully the decisions you made and the places you want to go are ones that require change and require giving up certain things to obtain something better. If this is the case then obviously you will leave your comfort zone and stare the unknown in the eyes to move towards this "better place" for which you desire. That means that to get there, difficultly and challenge must be present, otherwise you would already be at this destination or wouldn't be interested in getting there.
Whether you are doubting your hard work or looking to improve your personal life, embrace persistence and use it as a tool to reach your desired outcomes. You made the decision to take the journey now persist and stay on course because if you fail to persist you will fail to achieve.
Ambition is the path to success, persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.
~William Eardley
Super Sunday!
-EC
Monday, November 15, 2010
Whats it worth to you?
What's it worth to you? As a real estate professional I am constantly analyzing real estate values and studying the market to help my clients make educated decisions about how much their property is worth? This question brought an interesting thought to mind; one that i believe everyone should think about. What's it worth to you?
Each day we are presented with opportunities. These opportunities come with certain choices, responsibilities and sacrifices that must be made in order to capitalize on these opportunities. These opportunities may be related to your family, your job, your work, your relationships, or anything for that matter. Some opportunities are pursued whole heartedly, others are never considered and still others fall somewhere in between. These opportunities may come as chances to open a new business, a decision to grow your relationship with the good Lord, whether or not to pursue a certain girl/boy, or choosing to live a healthier lifestyle. It seems so obvious when the right opportunities should be pursued yet we often choose another path because of the choices, responsibilities, and sacrifices involved.......because it's difficult! Do you want to make the right choices? I know I do! I made a decision to be the best that I can be and while I am no where near where I want to be or think I should be, I am definitely working very hard towards that goal.
The question is, "what's it worth to you?". Is it worth, listening to your friends talk smack as you order a salad at a restaurant? Is it worth sacrificing two hours of sleep to attend bible study? Is it worth giving up the stability of your current job and risk your savings account on an idea you believe in with all your heart? Is it worth working through tough times with someone you care about when you are sure it would be easier to let it go? Would you give up your party life for an opportunity to have a super successful career? What's it worth to you?
This is the question we should all think about when faced with opportunities. It's weird, when you think about it like this it makes it real hard to pass on an opportunity because of the challenge or sacrifice involved......unless of course it's not worth it!!
Speakin truth
-EC
Each day we are presented with opportunities. These opportunities come with certain choices, responsibilities and sacrifices that must be made in order to capitalize on these opportunities. These opportunities may be related to your family, your job, your work, your relationships, or anything for that matter. Some opportunities are pursued whole heartedly, others are never considered and still others fall somewhere in between. These opportunities may come as chances to open a new business, a decision to grow your relationship with the good Lord, whether or not to pursue a certain girl/boy, or choosing to live a healthier lifestyle. It seems so obvious when the right opportunities should be pursued yet we often choose another path because of the choices, responsibilities, and sacrifices involved.......because it's difficult! Do you want to make the right choices? I know I do! I made a decision to be the best that I can be and while I am no where near where I want to be or think I should be, I am definitely working very hard towards that goal.
The question is, "what's it worth to you?". Is it worth, listening to your friends talk smack as you order a salad at a restaurant? Is it worth sacrificing two hours of sleep to attend bible study? Is it worth giving up the stability of your current job and risk your savings account on an idea you believe in with all your heart? Is it worth working through tough times with someone you care about when you are sure it would be easier to let it go? Would you give up your party life for an opportunity to have a super successful career? What's it worth to you?
This is the question we should all think about when faced with opportunities. It's weird, when you think about it like this it makes it real hard to pass on an opportunity because of the challenge or sacrifice involved......unless of course it's not worth it!!
Speakin truth
-EC
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Don't forget the JOURNEY!
“Too often we are so preoccupied with the destination, we forget the journey.” ~Unknown
Over the last few weeks I have had the incredible opportunity to travel to Houston, Texas, Anaheim, California and New Orleans, Louisiana. The purpose of these trips was to promote a business I founded with some friends. While I was there I had an incredible realization and I thought I would share.
We have been working for about a year and half, on this project and it has been a long road with good times and bad. It has been a difficult process filled with many detours and speed bumps and it has been draining and frustrating to say the least. Of course we are trying to achieve success and with a lot on the line its hard to think about anything else.
Being so caught up with the end goal, I have lost site of what is most important. The truth is that I have been traveling to really cool places, working with a great team, meeting amazing people, and experiencing things I will remember for the rest of my life. I am so lucky to get to go to these places, places that most people will never even get to think about. I have been so focused on trying to make this a success that I forgot to appreciate the best part; that is the journey!
All to often, we get so caught up in the end result or the destination that we forget about the experiences that make the journey. This journey is the best part of it all. This journey is what makes the destination special, it's what makes it worthwhile. When I sit down and think about it, it's the challenge that keeps me interested and makes me desire the end result. But without that challenge there would be no glory. Of course, it seems nice to start a business and the next day it be a success. Would it really be that great? Or would I just forget about it and move on to the next project? Would I really appreciate that success or would it not even be success because it was not difficult to attain?
What I have failed to realize is that the experience has been so awesome. It has been a learning experience to remember forever. I have traveled around the US promoting a product that I am passionate about, that I believe in with everything I have. I have developed friendships with my partners that probably would have never come without this journey and these are friendships I will have for the rest of my life. I have spent late nights in a hotel room, practicing presentations, strategizing on our next move. I have had conversations and met successful people and will continue to develop these relationships over time. Some of these relationships will become valuable business relationships others will turn out to be lifelong relationships. I have been ever so fortunate for these experiences and have many more great ones ahead. Isn't this what life is all about? I will, from now on, enjoy the ride and appreciate the journey!
Keepin' it real!
-EC
Over the last few weeks I have had the incredible opportunity to travel to Houston, Texas, Anaheim, California and New Orleans, Louisiana. The purpose of these trips was to promote a business I founded with some friends. While I was there I had an incredible realization and I thought I would share.
We have been working for about a year and half, on this project and it has been a long road with good times and bad. It has been a difficult process filled with many detours and speed bumps and it has been draining and frustrating to say the least. Of course we are trying to achieve success and with a lot on the line its hard to think about anything else.
Being so caught up with the end goal, I have lost site of what is most important. The truth is that I have been traveling to really cool places, working with a great team, meeting amazing people, and experiencing things I will remember for the rest of my life. I am so lucky to get to go to these places, places that most people will never even get to think about. I have been so focused on trying to make this a success that I forgot to appreciate the best part; that is the journey!
All to often, we get so caught up in the end result or the destination that we forget about the experiences that make the journey. This journey is the best part of it all. This journey is what makes the destination special, it's what makes it worthwhile. When I sit down and think about it, it's the challenge that keeps me interested and makes me desire the end result. But without that challenge there would be no glory. Of course, it seems nice to start a business and the next day it be a success. Would it really be that great? Or would I just forget about it and move on to the next project? Would I really appreciate that success or would it not even be success because it was not difficult to attain?
What I have failed to realize is that the experience has been so awesome. It has been a learning experience to remember forever. I have traveled around the US promoting a product that I am passionate about, that I believe in with everything I have. I have developed friendships with my partners that probably would have never come without this journey and these are friendships I will have for the rest of my life. I have spent late nights in a hotel room, practicing presentations, strategizing on our next move. I have had conversations and met successful people and will continue to develop these relationships over time. Some of these relationships will become valuable business relationships others will turn out to be lifelong relationships. I have been ever so fortunate for these experiences and have many more great ones ahead. Isn't this what life is all about? I will, from now on, enjoy the ride and appreciate the journey!
Keepin' it real!
-EC
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
" Rome wasn't built in a day"
This post is inspired by the great Lebron James and his comments after last nights loss to the Celtics. " Rome wasn't built in a day" was his response to the public's expectations after he joined Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to play for the Miami Heat and lost in the season opener.
It seems so easy these days to get frustrated when things don't go exactly has planned. I set my own expectations very high and often times find myself disappointed with the outcome. Most of the times these outcomes aren't even "bad", just different than expected. I get down on myself and the situation which, of course, has a negative impact.
"Patience is passion tamed" ~Lymann Abbott. Being patient with your expectations is key to getting where you want to be. When your expectations are unrealistic you will not achieve because you will always be disappointed with each outcome along the way, causing disappointment, frustration and the possibility of giving up too soon. I have said it before and I will say it again, "no one said it was going to be easy!" Often times, when change happens, expectations are heightened for quick results and more times than not, those expectations are not satisfied because actual expectations were set higher than realistic results.
Be patient and remember that great things don't happen overnight. Instead, expect small incremental gains and successes and also small failures. And, actually, those failures, if treated as learning experiences, will end up being instrumental in your success . As long as your momentum is forward or upward you can rest assured your getting closer and closer to where you want to be. Remember, "Rome wasn't built in a day".
-Keep on keepin' on!
EC
It seems so easy these days to get frustrated when things don't go exactly has planned. I set my own expectations very high and often times find myself disappointed with the outcome. Most of the times these outcomes aren't even "bad", just different than expected. I get down on myself and the situation which, of course, has a negative impact.
"Patience is passion tamed" ~Lymann Abbott. Being patient with your expectations is key to getting where you want to be. When your expectations are unrealistic you will not achieve because you will always be disappointed with each outcome along the way, causing disappointment, frustration and the possibility of giving up too soon. I have said it before and I will say it again, "no one said it was going to be easy!" Often times, when change happens, expectations are heightened for quick results and more times than not, those expectations are not satisfied because actual expectations were set higher than realistic results.
Be patient and remember that great things don't happen overnight. Instead, expect small incremental gains and successes and also small failures. And, actually, those failures, if treated as learning experiences, will end up being instrumental in your success . As long as your momentum is forward or upward you can rest assured your getting closer and closer to where you want to be. Remember, "Rome wasn't built in a day".
-Keep on keepin' on!
EC
Thursday, October 21, 2010
When the going gets tough...I get going!
When the going gets tough....thats when I get going. And you should too! Who said it was going to be easy? Who said you wouldn't have to to overcome some adversity to get where you want to be? Who told you life would be simple and that everything would fall into place just how you expected it?
If it was that easy, wouldn't everyone be doing it? We all have some challenges in our life that we face. Whether it be relationships, your life, your job or your next move.....quit crying about it and make something happen. I am a firm believer in overcoming tough challenges. In fact, I think I am at my best when things are difficult. When I don't know what to expect or whats ahead I find a sliver of confidence that reminds me that getting where I want to be takes time, patience, and a ton of hard work! It takes challenge to remind me of who I am. I stand for busting my tail to reach my goals while enjoying the ride along the way!
Each day of your life will present new obstacles and the one that wins, is the one who not only gets through the tough times, but makes the best out of each situation and finds a way to make these experiences positive opportunities. Do you thrive when times are tough or do you get caught up in the moment and feel sorry for yourself? Isn't it better to keep moving forward and remember why you embarked on the journey you are on? I know that what I want for myself and my life is difficult to attain. I would not have it any other way because my goals and aspirations are set so that when I do accomplish them, I will be proud of myself for what I have become and the difference I have made in the lives of the people around me. I set my goals so that they are attainable ONLY by the best of the best. Working super hard to fulfill your dreams is how its supposed to be!
“Adversity introduces a man to himself.
Go get em tiger!
-EC
If it was that easy, wouldn't everyone be doing it? We all have some challenges in our life that we face. Whether it be relationships, your life, your job or your next move.....quit crying about it and make something happen. I am a firm believer in overcoming tough challenges. In fact, I think I am at my best when things are difficult. When I don't know what to expect or whats ahead I find a sliver of confidence that reminds me that getting where I want to be takes time, patience, and a ton of hard work! It takes challenge to remind me of who I am. I stand for busting my tail to reach my goals while enjoying the ride along the way!
Each day of your life will present new obstacles and the one that wins, is the one who not only gets through the tough times, but makes the best out of each situation and finds a way to make these experiences positive opportunities. Do you thrive when times are tough or do you get caught up in the moment and feel sorry for yourself? Isn't it better to keep moving forward and remember why you embarked on the journey you are on? I know that what I want for myself and my life is difficult to attain. I would not have it any other way because my goals and aspirations are set so that when I do accomplish them, I will be proud of myself for what I have become and the difference I have made in the lives of the people around me. I set my goals so that they are attainable ONLY by the best of the best. Working super hard to fulfill your dreams is how its supposed to be!
“Adversity introduces a man to himself.
Go get em tiger!
-EC
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
More on Passion
Yesterday's blog was all about finding your passion but after thinking more about it I feel I left a few things out that I would like to share.
First off, finding your passion does not mean you need to stop everything you are doing and go off on some wild sabbatical into the mountains to find your new life. It doesn't mean you need to quit your current job and join the millions of other Americans that are jobless right now. Your passion may be right in front of your face, staring you down, waiting for you to discover it. Your current job may be exactly what you have been looking for and may be something you can get passionate about. Maybe there is another position within your current company that is where your passion lies. Just because you haven't found your passion doesn't mean it may not be present. Simply changing your life will not ensure you find passion. Opening your eyes and allowing yourself to be passionate will help you find this passion.
Passion and purpose go hand in hand. When you discover your purpose, you will normally find it’s something you’re tremendously passionate about.
~Steve Pavlina
Also, it is so important to stay realistic with your passion. Of course we all would love to go and be a professional golfer, or become a famous actress or model but passion must be focused precisely on an accomplishable goal or vision. Now I am not hear to shatter the dreams of those of you who want to play professional sports or earn a spot on TV. If you have a natural talent, along with unmatched dedication, commitment, drive, determination and of course some good luck, then go for it! But for most of us, these "far out" dreams may be unrealistic and could be a waste of good passion. If you love golf so much that you want to become a professional, how about the idea of becoming a golf coach, or looking for a job within the PGA? Passion is not about making a lot of money and passion shouldn't be about holding a certain position within an organization just because you think it would be fun. Passion is about doing what you love and loving what you do!
When writing my blog yesterday I actually deleted a very important part of the message that I wanted to add back in. That is the understanding that some of us may have to take a job for financial reasons, or for some other circumstance(s) that force us into less than ideal scenarios. I get this 100% but if this is the case then shouldn't this current job or situation just be a "means" to the things you are passionate about. If you focus your mind on the place you want to get, then you should be passionate about the current situation as it now becomes a part of fulfilling your passion. Too many people get stuck in a bad situation without a plan to overcome it, to change it. If you hate working mindless jobs and want to own your own business, then get passionate about starting a business and find a way to use your current job to help fuel that passion. Here is an idea, get a mindless job at a company that is similar to the type of business you want to own. Instead of walking in the door of work with a bad attitude, go in with the mindset that I am going to be a sponge and soak up everything I can about this industry, business, product, work environment etc so that when my time comes I will have the knowledge and experience necessary to achieve success. (Of course you may get in trouble for this type of behavior but you get the point.)
"A strong passion for any object will ensure success, for the desire of the end will point out the means"
~ William Hazlitt
Waka Waka Wednesday!
-EC
First off, finding your passion does not mean you need to stop everything you are doing and go off on some wild sabbatical into the mountains to find your new life. It doesn't mean you need to quit your current job and join the millions of other Americans that are jobless right now. Your passion may be right in front of your face, staring you down, waiting for you to discover it. Your current job may be exactly what you have been looking for and may be something you can get passionate about. Maybe there is another position within your current company that is where your passion lies. Just because you haven't found your passion doesn't mean it may not be present. Simply changing your life will not ensure you find passion. Opening your eyes and allowing yourself to be passionate will help you find this passion.
Passion and purpose go hand in hand. When you discover your purpose, you will normally find it’s something you’re tremendously passionate about.
~Steve Pavlina
Also, it is so important to stay realistic with your passion. Of course we all would love to go and be a professional golfer, or become a famous actress or model but passion must be focused precisely on an accomplishable goal or vision. Now I am not hear to shatter the dreams of those of you who want to play professional sports or earn a spot on TV. If you have a natural talent, along with unmatched dedication, commitment, drive, determination and of course some good luck, then go for it! But for most of us, these "far out" dreams may be unrealistic and could be a waste of good passion. If you love golf so much that you want to become a professional, how about the idea of becoming a golf coach, or looking for a job within the PGA? Passion is not about making a lot of money and passion shouldn't be about holding a certain position within an organization just because you think it would be fun. Passion is about doing what you love and loving what you do!
When writing my blog yesterday I actually deleted a very important part of the message that I wanted to add back in. That is the understanding that some of us may have to take a job for financial reasons, or for some other circumstance(s) that force us into less than ideal scenarios. I get this 100% but if this is the case then shouldn't this current job or situation just be a "means" to the things you are passionate about. If you focus your mind on the place you want to get, then you should be passionate about the current situation as it now becomes a part of fulfilling your passion. Too many people get stuck in a bad situation without a plan to overcome it, to change it. If you hate working mindless jobs and want to own your own business, then get passionate about starting a business and find a way to use your current job to help fuel that passion. Here is an idea, get a mindless job at a company that is similar to the type of business you want to own. Instead of walking in the door of work with a bad attitude, go in with the mindset that I am going to be a sponge and soak up everything I can about this industry, business, product, work environment etc so that when my time comes I will have the knowledge and experience necessary to achieve success. (Of course you may get in trouble for this type of behavior but you get the point.)
"A strong passion for any object will ensure success, for the desire of the end will point out the means"
~ William Hazlitt
Waka Waka Wednesday!
-EC
Monday, October 18, 2010
Find your Passion
Wouldn't it be amazing if you could find "passion" in your work? Would you still call it work? Or would you call it life or fulfilling your purpose? I absolutely love my work, my business, the people I work with, the tailgates, selling, leasing and managing houses. I love growing something from nothing to something of value, to something that can not only provide for me, but can provide for others, something that contributes to society. I love to inspire others around me and help them become the best they can be. Are there days when I get stressed out beyond belief and wish I was working in some mindless job that paid me a guaranteed paycheck every two weeks, of course. But I am passionate about what I do which is why I do it.
Whats your passion? What makes you excited to get up in the morning? What in your life do you do and lose track of time because you are so focused on the task at hand? Anything in your life that you love to talk about? Thefreedictionary.com defines Passion as "Boundless enthusiasm". Is there anything in your life that you can honestly say you have "Boundless Enthusiasm" for?
It seems like all to many times I talk to and hear people that don't love what they do. That actually have a job, just to have one. They seem to be going through the motions of life without any purpose or direction. How can you possibly give your full efforts to something you are not passionate about? Do you think Michael Jordan was the best basketball player ever without passion for the game? Without passion for something, how can you work for anything because you really don't "love " something enough to work for it?
Here is a good example of this - I am passionate about being the best leader of my business I can be. Because I am so passionate about this, I am constantly looking for ways to improve in that area. I strongly believe that exercise is a key element to me being the best leader I can be. Why? Because I believe it creates energy, I believe it helps me clear my mind, it helps me come up with new ideas, it helps me relax and rid myself of stress and it forces me to stay disciplined in other areas of my life. Do I love to run? Well I don't hate it but I can think of 1000 other things that I would rather do with my time. However, because I am passionate about being the best leader I allow myself to be passionate about running because without one its going to be much harder to accomplish the other. This mentality has allowed me to actually enjoy and look forward to running.
"Nothing great in this world has ever been accomplished without passion."
~Hebbel
Passion, if used correctly, should be a driving force behind you and your life. Passion is something that others can sense in you. When someone exerts passion people sense it and its amazing how they respond. Finding your passion will change your world because the moment you find it and pursue it, everything becomes a part of that passion. You will no longer "have to wake up" but you will "get to wake up" and just maybe it will no longer be called work! Wait and see what you can accomplish with a little passion.
And one more thing: Passion is not something only for work or your job. Passion should be prevalent in all aspects of your life. If you spend any amount of relevant time doing something, why not be passionate about it! Passion can be exerted with your family, your friends, your hobbies, your faith, helping others, whatever it may be. This idea may actually make you stop and reconsider where you are spending your time and on what? If time is the limited resource, shouldn't we be spending all of ours on things we are passionate about?
“If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.”
~T. Alan Armstrong
Happy Tuesday!
-EC
Whats your passion? What makes you excited to get up in the morning? What in your life do you do and lose track of time because you are so focused on the task at hand? Anything in your life that you love to talk about? Thefreedictionary.com defines Passion as "Boundless enthusiasm". Is there anything in your life that you can honestly say you have "Boundless Enthusiasm" for?
It seems like all to many times I talk to and hear people that don't love what they do. That actually have a job, just to have one. They seem to be going through the motions of life without any purpose or direction. How can you possibly give your full efforts to something you are not passionate about? Do you think Michael Jordan was the best basketball player ever without passion for the game? Without passion for something, how can you work for anything because you really don't "love " something enough to work for it?
Here is a good example of this - I am passionate about being the best leader of my business I can be. Because I am so passionate about this, I am constantly looking for ways to improve in that area. I strongly believe that exercise is a key element to me being the best leader I can be. Why? Because I believe it creates energy, I believe it helps me clear my mind, it helps me come up with new ideas, it helps me relax and rid myself of stress and it forces me to stay disciplined in other areas of my life. Do I love to run? Well I don't hate it but I can think of 1000 other things that I would rather do with my time. However, because I am passionate about being the best leader I allow myself to be passionate about running because without one its going to be much harder to accomplish the other. This mentality has allowed me to actually enjoy and look forward to running.
"Nothing great in this world has ever been accomplished without passion."
~Hebbel
Passion, if used correctly, should be a driving force behind you and your life. Passion is something that others can sense in you. When someone exerts passion people sense it and its amazing how they respond. Finding your passion will change your world because the moment you find it and pursue it, everything becomes a part of that passion. You will no longer "have to wake up" but you will "get to wake up" and just maybe it will no longer be called work! Wait and see what you can accomplish with a little passion.
And one more thing: Passion is not something only for work or your job. Passion should be prevalent in all aspects of your life. If you spend any amount of relevant time doing something, why not be passionate about it! Passion can be exerted with your family, your friends, your hobbies, your faith, helping others, whatever it may be. This idea may actually make you stop and reconsider where you are spending your time and on what? If time is the limited resource, shouldn't we be spending all of ours on things we are passionate about?
“If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.”
~T. Alan Armstrong
Happy Tuesday!
-EC
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