A Difference Maker

We're taking an emergency trip to visit with one of the most influential Difference Makers that has ever impacted my life. He is a man of modest means with a generous spirit. He is man of unyielding principle, but gentle in every respect.

His life is a classic American story. His mother was an immigrant from Czechoslovakia at age 17. She raised eight children on a very meger income. Some of his siblings were raised in foster homes. He is the youngest of the eight; the baby of the family.

As a young man he learned the value of hard work. This training provided him the fortitude to complete his college education while still holding down a full-time teaching job at a vocational school. In addition, he operated a part-time home improvement business in the evenings and on Saturdays.

He was and is a faithful husband. His first wife passed away in 1994 after 43 years of marriage. The following year, he met a lady that has complemented his life for the past 9 years. During his first marriage, he not only met the needs of his job, part-time business and church responsibilities, but cared for his ailing wife for a period of over 10 years.

He is the epitome of character. His word is his bond. His life is an example of consistency and constancy. Faithfulness and selflessness characterize his service to his home, church and community.

All this to say I am going to spend some precious time with my dad. No business, job or earthly good comes close to the value this man has added to my life. He is a Difference Maker. His example set in motion the events that shaped my habits, my home and my values. I'm not sure how much more time I'll have to share with him, but this I know, I'll take every possible moment that the Good Lord provides.

I'll "talk" to you when I return next week. Maybe I'll pass through your state on the way. Hopefully those with whom my wife, daughter and I come in contact will sense something different as a result of our meeting. Remember,

Always make a difference!

Character is . . .

"Your character is the anchor that grounds you, the compass that guides you, and the magnet that draws others to you. Being aware of your character gives you confidence and increases the probability of achieving your desired results."
-- Sara Jane Radin, Peformance Advantage Systems

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The Way to Success - Focus

Let's review Aristotle's quote:

"The only way to achieve success is to have a definte, clear, practical ideal--an objective.  Second, have the necessary means to achieve your end--wisdom, money, materials and methods.  Third, adjust all your means to that end."

As I reflected on this quote, step number three seems to be the hinge upon which the door of success swings.  We can dream about success for our entire life, but until we actually concentrate our effort on attaining the objective, success is only a pipe dream at best and delusion at worst.  To achieve your objective you need to do is adjust ALL your means to its attainment.

Dr. Charles Stanley, in his book Sucess God's Way, said this, "The degree of a person's commitment toward the pursuit of a goal will always be evidenced by

• a deep urgency,
• passion,
• enthusiasm,
• motivation and
• excitement toward reaching that goal." 

How's that for a definition of focus!  Deep urgency.  Passion.  Enthusiasm.  Exictment.  Dr. Stanley used the word commitment, I have chosen the word "focus."

How urgent is the attainment of your ideal?  Is it a desire that burns deep within you and won't be satisfied until your goal is achieved?  Do you have a passion to achieve, or simply hope something good will happen because you want it to?  Do you seek effective forms of motivation that truly challenge you?  When you think of your objective, does it create an enthusiasm like nothing else? 

Focus isn't something to be "worked up."  It isn't brought about by images of what others have attained.  It can't be contrived or coerced.  It doesn't come from reading a book or listening to a tape.  

Focus is discipline, hard work, constancy in the face of adversity.  It's keeping your eyes fixed on the goal, not looking to the right or left.  Focus is when you have developed the ability to adjust all your means to the attainment of an objective or goal.  When this happens, you will not allow anything to keep you from hitting your target. 

Let me hasten to add that focus can be both positive and negative.  That's why our first two "assumptions" must be in place before our gaze is set:

• definte, clear and practical objective, and
• the necessary means (wisdom, money, materials and methods) in place.

Whatever your objective or ideal, use these principles the launch your success plan.  We are!  Stay tuned for the results.

Thanks for reading.

Always make a difference!

 

The Way to Success -- The Means

Aristotle said that our ideal, or objective, must be definite, clear and practical.  He then said one must "have the necessary means to achieve your end -- wisdom, money, materials and methods."

The Means 

Some would say that the ends of success justify the means.  One of my experiences in a "home-based" business used many questionable tactics to permit participants to attend meetings that were deemed necessary for anyone to reach specified levels of success.  While I was never particularly comfortable with the cliches, I felt myself allowing them because of my yearning for the success they depicted.   Fortunately, my common sense and inner convictions won out, and I committed to living by my core values and not those of an arrogant few.

To achieve your objective, you must have and use the necessary means.  Let's consider the four mentioned by Aristotle:

Wisdom

One definition of wisdom is "the power of judging rightly."  Wisdom is far more than mere knowledge.  You always hear, "Knowledge is power."  I'm not sure I agree.  Knowledge certainly assists the process of succeeding, but just having knowledge without the ability to rightly judge its applicability does not provide the power to succeed.  Wisdom weighs information obtained against the core values of life and doesn't allow for inappropriate compromise.  One with wisdom establishes personal priorities that are inviolable, and judges everything in terms of what is right or wrong; better or best.

Money

When beginning to operate a "brick and mortar" retail store, one of my business friends warned, "Make sure you are properly capitalized."  All of my enthusiasm and energy could not make up for the lack of money. 

Some would have us believe that we merely need to stop paying our creditors in order to be able to afford the needed "tools" to succeed.  May I suggest that  pursuing a dream that involves a monetary investment should not depend on defaulting on your debts.  They were voluntarily acquired, and you have the obligation to pay what you owe.  Likewise, any venture that results in excess indebtedness without adequate return on "investment" sounds more like a scam than an opportunity. 

Proper financial planning enhances the likelihood of success.  Are you properly capitalized to be able to pursue your dream, whatever it is?  Your success will, in large part, hinge on your ability to provide the monetary needs of your pursuit. 

Materials

I recently replaced a wall in our home that had been destroyed by termites.  When shopping for the materials that I would use to rebuild the wall, I sought the best product and/or value.  It is no less important when seeking success in a chosen venture.

To what advice are you listening?  Whose influence are you following?  What is your source of encouragement or enlightenment?  All of these provide the mental materials with which you will build your success. 

What you use to "build" your dream is as important as the dream itself.  Inferior advice or influence will produce an inferior result.  Many of the sources of success material today are designed to produce wealth for the promoter.  Go with your gut!  Trust your own judgment.  Be creative.  Be true to your core values.   

The difference between what is good and what is best is often a matter of degree.  Do a thorough check of your dream building materials.  Choose only the highest quality!

Methods

"It is in fact nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for what this delicate little plant needs more than anything, besides stimulation, is freedom.  It is a very grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be promoted by means of coercion and a sense of duty."  -- Albert Einstein

Read that quote again. 

The "modern methods" of training people to succeed are often coercive rather than creative.  While there is room for the tried and true, the "my way or the highway" methodology of many in the success business stifles the natural curiosity and searching that leads to true freedom. 

Your methods of achieving your objective must be harmonious with your sense of what's right and effective.   Choose only methods that lead toward your objective, permit creativity, and provide for genuine freedom. 

We've considered defining your ideal/objective and having the necessary means to pursue it.  Next time we'll look at The Way to Success -- Focus.  See you then.  Remember,

Always make a difference.

Take the Following Quiz

This "quiz" was sent to me via email by my wife.  Thought it was good enough to deserve a new post on our blog.  See how you do. 
 
You don't need a pen, pencil, or paper.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for Best Actor and Actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series Winners.

How did you do?

THE LESSON

NONE of us remembers the headliners of yesterday.  There are no second-rate achievers on the above quiz.  They are the best in their fields.  But, the applause dies.  Awards tarnish.  Achievements are forgotten.  Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. 

Now here's another quiz.

See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name a half dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Wasn't that a lot easier?  The lesson?  The people who make a difference in your life aren't the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.  They're the ones who care enough to spend personal time and effort for you.

Poignant, isn't it.  Hope it made you think about way that you can make a difference in the lives of others.

Always make a difference!

The Way to Success - The Objective

Much has been written about success.  Many programs promote themselves as the means to achieve success.  Isn't it interesting that success continues to evade the masses?  Is there a secret to this elusive dream?  Can success really be achieved apart from pure luck or "political" connections?

Aristotle presented a simple formula:

"The way to achieve success is to have a definite, clear, practical ideal--an objective.  Second, have the necessary means to achieve your end--wisdom, money, materials and methods.  Third, adjust all your means to that end."
 
The Objective

What is your objective?  Have you ever taken time to clearly define your desired outcome?  Notice the three qualities necessary to develop an achievable objective:

• Definite

To be achievable an objective must be specific; well defined.  Set measurable targets (e.g., sales volume, number of customers, etc.).   Provide dates for accomplishing your targets.  Secure a system for accountability (i.e., a mentor or teacher).   

• Clear

While a specific objective is a good start, clarity is critical to success.  How clear is your objective?  Can you communicate your desired end in simple, understandable terms?  Is your purpose or motive easily discernable?  Are people persuaded by the transparency of your intentions?

• Practical

How sensible or realistic is your objective?  Keep in mind that the facts DO count!  Achieving a high level of genuine success will only be accomplished when the your definite, clear ideals are also practically achieved.  Perhaps many fall short of success because their desired outcome was too complicated or complex.  Keep your objectives practical.

Watch for the next installment of The Way to Success -- The Means. 

Thanks for visiting today!

Always make a difference.

Do What You Need to Do!

"When you do the things you need to do when you need to do them, the time will come when you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them."        

                                                                                               --Zig Ziglar

A number of years ago a prominent investment firm asserted, "We make money the old fashioned way.  We earn it!"  Sadly, we have become a society of entitlements and initiative has become a lost art.  When we began our home-based business, we established three core values that would drive our success.  One of those core values, or pillars as we call them, is initiative.
 
Initiative speaks of (borrowing Zig Ziglar's quote) doing what you need to do when you need to do it.  It means:

• being proactive,  
• setting the pace,
• stepping up and being a leader, 
• taking calculated risks,
• blazing a trail, when necessary, for others to follow, and 
• being willing to do the work to achieve your goals.  

The mission statement of Hefty Health & Wellness reads, "Initiative guarantees that our actions will be proactive, and focused on setting the pace in our organization and industry.  Our customers and partners can expect us to live our motto, 'Health and Wellness with YOU in mind!'"  We are committed to taking the high road; to make a difference, if you will.  Our customers and partners are the focus of our efforts.  Our rewards will come as we concentrate on the needs of those we serve.  
 
To earn the privilege of doing what we want to do when we want to do it, we must show initiative, and do the things we need to do when we need to do them.  How about you?    

Do what you need to do!

Always make a difference!

Forgetting Yourself to Greatness

E. Stanely Jones once said, "Most people plot and plan themselves into mediocrity, while now and again somebody forgets himself into greatness."  Dr. Jones understood that the blessing of life is not to promote ourselves or our agenda, but to live to make a difference in the lives of others.
 
As I read through various forums, blogs and websites, I'm struck by the number of people and businesses that have lost sight of the fact the service is the key to success.  What you do for a living is irrelevant.  Learning to serve is forgetting yourself and thinking of others first. 
 
Yes, you may provide the best product that has ever been marketed.  Yes, you probably represent the best business model that has ever been devised.  Quite possibly, you have both of these and think you have the best thing since sliced bread.  But, to be genuinely successful you must put others before yourself.
 
Selling a product that is overpriced, regardless of quality, is not serving others.  It may "pad your pocket," but it removes the lining from the pockets of your customers.   
 
Failing to recognize that others may have some valuable ideas and profitable suggestions is not serving others.  I like what Ken Blanchard says in his book Gung Ho, "None of us is as smart as all of us."  There is safety in the multitude of counselors.
 
I challenge each of us to forget ourselves to greatness.  Put others first in every decision.  See if there isn't an immediate benefit.
 
Always make a difference!

Playing Over Your Head!

Dr. John Maxwell wrote an article in his free monthly e-newsletter Leadership Wired entitled "Playing Over Their Heads."  He says, "Your job as a leader isn't to bring out the best in your people.  Through words and example, your goal is to get them to play over their heads--to do things they normally couldn't do and achieve beyond their gifts and abilities."  He adds, "Passion is an essential ingredient to winning." 
  
Dr. Maxwell provides six principles to follow when seeking to help someone play above their head.  Don't miss the opportunity to personally apply these principles to make a difference in your own life.

1. The Value of Teamwork  -- Charles Stanley wrote in Success God's Way, "I'd rather try something I know I cannot accomplish without lots of help, and fail, than spend my life doing only those things I know I can succeed at using my own resources."  "One is too small a number to achieve greatness," says Dr. Maxwell.
2. Define Each Players Role -- Every person needs to understand what he or she must do to add the most value to the team.
3. Raising the Bar -- "Don't allow your people to grow comfortable maintaining the status quo, even if they are doing a good job.  Raise the bar!  Set a new standard for excellence."
4. Emphasize the Importance of a Good Attitude -- "As the saying goes, one bad apple spoils the whole bunch.  When that bad apple is a bad attitude, it can absolutely ruin the team."
5. Consistently Provide Hope and Encouragement -- "When you're winning, nothing hurts.  But when you have a bad month or quarter, when a key player leaves for greener pastures, or when your industry as a whole is struggling, you have to be the one who encourages your people to look for the light at the end of the tunnel."
6. Keep Your Focus on the Big Picture -- We often focus on the details of a particular task and forget about the ultimate goal or target.  "Frequently remind your team how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together."

Dr. Maxwell concludes, "if you communicate these foundational principles passionately and consistently, you can help people perform above their heads--achieving . . . more together than they could individually."

Always make a difference!

"This article is used by permission from Dr. John C. Maxwell's free monthly e-newsletter Leadership Wired available at www.MaximumImpact.com."

Losing to Win!

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the school's students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all that attended.  After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question.  "Everything God does is done with perfection.  Yet, my son Shay cannot learn things as other children do.  He cannot understand things as other children do.  Where is God's plan reflected in my son?"
 
The audience was stilled  by the query.  The father continued.  "I believe," the father answered, "that when God brings a child like Shay into the world, an opportunity to realize the Divine Plan presents itself, and it comes in the way people treat that child." 
 
Then, he told the following story:
 
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball.  Shay asked, "Do you think they will let me play?"  Shay's father knew that the boys would not want him on their team.  But the father understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him much-needed sense of belonging.
 
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play.  The boy looked around for guidance from his teammates.  Getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, "We are losing by six runs, and the game is in the eighth inning.  I guess he can be on our  team and we'll try to put him up to bat in the ninth inning." 
 
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.  At the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the outfield.  Although no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. 
 
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.  Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base.  Shay was scheduled to be the next at-bat.   Would the team actually let Shay bat at this juncture and give away their chance to win the game?  Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. 
 
Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.  However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact.  
 
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.  The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly toward Shay.  As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball to the pitcher.  The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could easily have thrown the ball to the first baseman.  Shay would have been out and that would have ended the game.  Instead, the pitcher took the ball and threw it on a high arc to right field, far beyond reach of the first baseman.
 
Everyone started yelling, "Shay, run to first, run to first."  Never in his life had Shay ever made it to first base He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.  Everyone yelled, "run to second, run to second!"
 
By the time Shay was rounding first base, the right fielder had the ball.  He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman for a tag.  But the rightfielder understood what the pitcher's intentions had been, so he threw the ball high and far over the third baseman's head.  Shay ran towards second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases towards home.  As Shay reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to him, turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "run to third!"
 
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams were screaming, "Shay! Run home!"  Shay ran home, stepped on homeplate and was cheered as the hero for hitting a "grand slam" and winning the game for his team.
 
"That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of the Divine Plan into this world."
  
In a world immersed in competition and  a "win at all costs" attitude,  a Difference Maker recognizes the opportunities placed before him or her to be a positive influence in someone's life.  Are you a part of the "Divine Plan?"  Are you willing to lose in order to be a true winner?

Think about it!
 
Always make a difference!   

What's Your Passion?

Reading Maria Shriver's book Ten Things I Wish I'd Known--Before I Went Out into the Real World. She reminds us that we need to identify what stirs the creative juices and persistently pursue what we love to do. Maybe that goes against the grain. Maybe your closest and dearest friends will mock you or question the wisdom of your choice. As long as your passion is legal, moral and ethical, as Maria says, "trust your gut."

Making a difference in this world is seldom, if ever, accomplished by, to coin a phrase, the "flow-goer." Moving against the tide of popular opinion or blazing a new trail is difficult, but most often extremely rewarding.

Theodore Roosevelt nailed it when he said, "Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."

What's your passion? What truly motivates you? What gives you greater pleasure and satisfaction than anything else you have ever done?

Go for it, my friend! Pursue your passion! Then, share your results with us! Let us celebrate your success!

Always make a difference!!

Welcome!

Life was never intended to be a self-absorbed experience. Created as social beings, we are intended to live and work to make a difference.

Join me daily for ways to make a difference in your life, your family, your income and your influence. Contribute positive ways you, too, are making a difference in your community.