Category: Friends - Coach to Expect Success

6 Reasons To Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

10/29/2018

Came across an interesting article that I gave to my students for one of their weekly blog assignments. This article titled "6 Reasons To Step Outside Your Comfort Zone" - by Carolyn Gregoire had some great points to it. Find the article HERE.

Now this subject about getting out of my comfort zone has been one that I've been hearing a lot of lately. It has been a major part of my conversations with some friends of mine along with hearing the message over and over again in different podcasts too.

When we step out of our comfort zone there can be tremendous risk involved which can lead to more worries & stress. But to me, there seems to be enough of these things in our world right now and I have tried to look upon it as opportunity rather than just sitting back and letting things happen to me and I don't do anything about it. To me, taking risk to grow and get better is a good trade off compared to the misery and worry about reacting to all the stuff going on in the world.

There are new doors that open up for us when we get out of our comfort zone along with meeting new people too. We learn new things about ourselves along with picking up some new skills at times too. A little anxiety or stress can help us achieve more in our lives. The article also brings up the fact (and I agree) that we can't be getting out of our comfort zone 24 / 7. There are times where it is totally ok for us to be in our comfort zone and relaxing and unplugging for sure. That's exactly what I did this weekend and I got to say, I liked it. ;-)s No

The World Lost A Good Guy - Thoughts From Dr. Wayne Dyer

9/8/2015

"Nobody can take your dreams away from you. You can imagine anything you want." -- Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

We lost a great man this past week with the passing of Dr. Wayne Dyer and when I saw this quote it got me thinking as to what many of his messages were all about, especially this one.

First of all I remember listening to a few Wayne Dyer audios along with a number of interviews that either he did or others interviewed him. One of the many things he would focus on was the above quote and the fact that it was very important to dream in the first place. He would promote the fact on how powerful our minds really are and that we just have to tap into some of that power in order to make substantial changes in our lives.

With the world being as crazy as it, is the thought as come to me on how vitally important it is for us to indeed dream about things that are close to our heart and those things that are part of our core being and then of course start to do things about putting those things into action. As I sit here on a Saturday morning along with my cup of coffee of course and get back into somewhat of a normal schedule with school starting in a few days, this thought really has me intrigued about many things.

Another quote I saw this morning before I started writing this was from Brian Tracy and it was about not playing for being safe and how dangerous that is, and that ties into for me, how it’s not doing any good for the world. By us dreaming, imagining and doing the action steps needed to make those things happen – then we are affecting not only ourselves but everyone around us that we know and even those that we don’t know. As I sit here contemplating that thought, I do get excited knowing that I have to, it’s more that I MUST get going on making my dreams and goals a reality. That thought alone has been with me for a large portion of my life so as they say, lesson repeated until lesson learned.

With school starting again, what better way for this teacher and coach to get back to “school” where I need to make some changes, continue to make some things happen for me and my family along with others that are around me too. In fact part of it for me is to connect more with those people around me that mean something to me. My good friend Don, yes… coach Don that I coach with, just texted me about going out for breakfast. He like me, is an early riser which is a good thing. He is one of my good friends that I need to do more with, help him more with his dreams and goals (which we do indeed talk about), and along with this comes him helping me too.

So as the calendar is now into September and there seems to be more of a “normal” schedule for most people with school starting and all, I wonder what are a few things that you can start working on that connects to your dreams and goals? The power of our minds that Dr. Dyer spent his life researching and sharing that information to help others, check some of his work out. Listen to him and read a few of his books and then look to do a few things that will help you with your dreams and goals. You will be benefiting not only yourself, but also you will make a difference for others too. What a great focus point to start off the school year with. Don’t you think?

Three Ways To Raise Your Happiness Instantly - Quote Of The Week!

2/8/2015

“Three Ways To Raise Your Happiness Instantly:
1. Look at pictures of your loved ones.
2. Start your day with positive statements.
3. Compliment 3 people.”

- Dr. Jonathan Fader

Great way to not only start out a week, but how about every day! Just try this – see how many people you can help change their day by doing this. I know it won’t help everyone you come into contact with, but it will for sure help you!

Since I’ve been home recovering from back surgery, there hasn’t been one day where I haven’t looked at pictures of my family and friends. We have them all over the house, on our fridge and yes, I’ve obviously looked at those pictures online too that are out there. For me, what a great focus on the important fact that I want to continue to try and do things to help them. It also hammers home the point for me not to let them down with my choices that I make in life. There is also plenty of inspiration from these pictures too. Always great to connect with pictures of our loved ones, lot’s of lessons there.

Starting my day with positive thoughts, ideas and statements is something I try to focus on every single day; that and my first cup of coffee. There are plenty of examples out there for us to focus on. Since I usually work on my Blackboard sites for my classes every morning, I see first thing my quote of the week! This helps me so much, you don’t think I do these quotes just for you?? These positive statements help get my day going in a direction that I want it to start out in. Since I know I will encounter plenty of negative during my day, this is an instant defense to that.

The complimenting of 3 people – that one I have always tried to do for a long time, but I never really thought of doing at least 3 people. That is something I will be doing more of for sure. It’s amazing to see the look on someone’s face when you say good morning to them, or good to see you this morning, or even that they look nice today. At times, this really works on someone who is mostly negative or even someone that you might not get along with too well; this can work wonders on. Try it sometime, you might like the results.

Take Some Time To Look Around In Our Lives... So Much To See... Quote Of The Week!

11/2/2014

"Look back and be grateful, look ahead and be hopeful, look around and be helpful." - Unknown

Taking some time more often than usual to look around in our lives, is something that can be very beneficial and valuable for us to do. Just taking a few moments now and then to pause the craziness in our lives and look around at all the things that will be helpful to us.

This quote jumped out at me and I'm a firm believer that as long as we are looking, things that we need to see do make an appearance - then it's up to us to recognize that and grab a hold of it and use it. This unknown quote is something that did just that for me.

As I look ahead to having my back surgery this week, I must say it’s amazing to have so many thankful thoughts and feelings flooding over me. Looking at others that I met at a pre-surgery class that I went to last week, that they will be having the same surgery as I am and to see the different circumstances that they are going through compared to me. Amazingly grateful and feeling very blessed.

I am definitely hopeful as I look ahead to after the surgery is complete. I will have a very long recover period where I will not be in school and I’ve told my principal that I will still have my hand on things from home for some of the time I will be out. This has also led me to know how truly grateful I am that I have a job that I’m very passionate about. It has struck me as to how much I will miss my students, working with them, helping them, getting to know them, seeing them understand things, see positive changes they are making, etc. My coworkers are my friends as they are the ones that I spend a huge amount of time with – I will be missing them too.

The looking around to be helpful is something that I have prided myself on my entire teaching career. Now I’m the one that will need some help. It brings me to tears as I am writing this as I have my wife and my family. My wife will be taking some time away from her job to help me as I get back home after my hospital stay. My son and daughter will be home from college for a few weeks, they will be around to help me and my wife out. My mom too will be helping out along with other family members, friends and neighbors that have told us they will do whatever we need. This also ties into the thankful and grateful part. I cannot understand at times how lucky and blessed I am. Both for having a job that I care deeply about working with my students, but also all the fabulous people in my life that are there for me when I need them and are there other times for us to do things together and help each other at the different stages in our lives.

These quotes of the week always make sense (at least to me) to start a week off on a Monday with. This quote especially should be one that you should take a moment or two and let it sink in a little. (all of these that I find I feel the same too – but this one is a little extra special) Then let me and others know what does it mean to you – how can you use this to make some changes this week and beyond that will pay some huge dividends sooner or later in your life.

So if you are reading this in the next couple of days – have me in your thoughts would you please – say a prayer if you are inclined to do that, for I will appreciate all of them.

Quote of the Week - November 11, 2013

11/12/2013

“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” -- William Penn

When I saw this quote, it came on the heels of watching a FANTASTIC movie with my wife on Sunday night. We saw "About Time" and then saw a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and then we made our way to dinner. The movie was one of the best ones I have ever watched as it had so many important messages that I guess I needed to see and hear at that time in my life. The messages are similar to others that I've had before, but I guess it stood out to me more at that time than ever before.

I tell my students over and over again that time is really our most important resource. Unlike most other resources, including money that can be re-used or we can get more of; time is not like that at all. Once it's gone, we can't get it back. As we walked out of the movie I remember thinking that I wanted to really notice what was going on around me. I looked a little bit more at things going on around us that night. At the people, the kids especially - their faces, what they were saying, the gentle smiles that were all around at this outdoor mall's Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

The dinner that Sunday night with my wife - one of the best we ever had at TGI Fridays no less. I had to fight back the tears that started as I watched the movie (and as I am typing this now) as I thought about how blessed I am and what I have in my life. Like the movie (without giving too much away) - we all have our issues, but the one thing that we have for such a brief period of time it seems is our families and friends, both young ones and the older ones.

First off... see this movie. Secondly, see how you spend your time throughout your days and nights. How we do that dictates a lot of what happens in our lives. The one resource we can't get back is the most valuable to us. We see that some times too late. The key is I think to realize that as we are in those moments so that we can enjoy it while we are in it. Then looking back we will hopefully have less regrets and worries on how we spent those years that seem to go by oh so fast. I sure wish I spent a lot of my past years differently than I did, but I've learned from them that's for sure. What about you? Spend some of your precious time thinking about how we spend it. Then start making some changes; in our thinking, what we say, how we react to others, how we spend our time on our own and with our loved ones. Such an in depth topic here, I know I need some help in some feedback discussions - so, what do you think? Let me and others know.

Quote of the Week - August 19, 2013

8/20/2013

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” Willie Nelson

One of the simplest thoughts with some of the biggest payoffs around. When I saw this quote the other day, not only did I stop and think about it, but then I also put it into play. There have a been a few sleepless nights lately due to me worrying about things that I really can't control and / or things that haven't even happened yet, and chances are they won't happen. When I started to focus on the good things I have in my life, most of the worries take a hike. I tell you this, getting a good night's sleep is not overrated.

I've read it a lot, had this statement told to me a lot - that we are what we think about. That sure is the truth. As I get ready to embark not only on a new school year, but another year as a husband, father, son, friend, teacher, etc.; I know how much better things will be if I have my focused attention on all the countless blessings that I have in my life and not the worries, stresses, low-points, negativity from others, etc. It does indeed take effort, but it's effort that has a huge payday!

This also helps me to see more positive things in others - especially since many of the others that I am talking about are part of my blessings in my life. My wife, my kids, my parents and in-laws, my co-workers, my students, my neighbors, my friends, etc. There is a very peaceful feeling or mind-set when I sit back and think about this. It's very powerful too as I really get a sense of confidence for myself when I think about this quote from good 'ol Willie. Willie Nelson sure could sing. He also knows about life too.

Any thoughts to share? to help others? Always looking to get feedback to gather more information on these thoughts and topics. Drop me a note too if you want to.

Quote of the Week - March 4, 2013

3/6/2013

“The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones.” – John Maynard Keynes

There is a lot of challenge from getting away from old ideas and old habits - for many like me it's a constant challenge to break out into having new ideas. The older we get, the more difficult it seems to be sometimes to developing new ideas. Difficult yes, impossible no.

Some of it depends I think on our dreams. We need to keep them alive and continually out in front of us. I try and get my students to understand that one. It's been said - "if you don't dream and think about it, it won't happen!" We will all end up somewhere in life. It might as well be someplace that we want to be. We need to break away from old ideas and have new ideas in our lives in order to help make that happen.

Another key in helping ourselves to have new ideas is to have good people around us encouraging us to go after our dreams and helping us think of new thoughts and ideas. We all know people that are helped by others to stay just where they are at. Association is a huge part of success as the people we hang around play a big part in us taking on new thoughts and ideas in our futures.

As always, I'm very interested in reading and responding to your thoughts. In fact, that helps me (and others) to develop new ideas and get away from old ones.

Quote of the Week for January 2, 2013

1/3/2013

"I used to say, "I sure hope things will change." Then I learned that the only way things are going to change for me is when I change."-- Jim Rohn

Found this quote right before the new year started. I thought it connected really well, maybe just for me, I don't know.

I find myself not that excited about New Year's Eve - from the standpoint of not wanting to go out
and party, going to some bar or a big expensive dinner party, staying up all night, etc. I have been one that really enjoys spending New Years Eve with my wife, my kids, other family members or friends; just playing a game, eating of course and just ending one year and starting another with people that I truly care about.

I do find myself getting excited or looking forward to the new year for a new start, a fresh beginning on things that I know I need to work on or accomplish. I am not sure why I am unable to accomplish things at other times of the year, when we all know it doesn't have to be a new year to get things done or to make changes. All it needs to be is to make the choice to change and then to start the action of making the change(s) that need to be done. The new year does help with the sense of urgency I have, since I know I will be another year older this year. There are new habits I need to form and replace bad habits that I have been doing for so long. There are successful people I need to get around and listen to what they say and watch what they do. So many things and all I have to do is just start doing them.

What about you? What's this quote mean to you? I'm always looking to learn from others... and that means you.

What Time is it?

6/16/2011

What Time is it?
By Coach John Daly
Reposted from: August 6, 2009

That’s a question that we either hear or think about so many times a day.
Other people ask us about it.
We are rushing around trying not to be late to class, a meeting, getting in our car, or to even get home for our favorite T.V. show.

But do we ever really think about that question other than to look at a clock?
Come on, think about it.

My friend, this question took on a different view for me the other night.
It’s ironic though because I have heard and thought about this view on time many times before. I’m sure
you have too.

You see I was at a funeral home for a friend of mine that died. I got there for the prayer service and I heard something that hit me right between the eyes.

My friend’s cousin was speaking to everyone as they opened the floor for anybody that wanted to share a few thoughts. It was at this time when she was trying to finish up that she said “I thought I had more time with him.
I thought I had more time to make plans with him, to talk about the family with him, to go and do things with him. Now I realize that I don’t.  How many of us say that about things and people in our lives?”

As she walked away fighting back the tears, I was doing the same thing and I looked around at the packed room that spilled out into the halls, others were fighting back the tears too. There were so many of her cousin’s former football players there.  Big guys, now in their 40’s and 50’s, all misty eyed with tears.

Like I said a punch to the nose! Tears welling in my eyes from that quick and powerful punch. OUCH!

I knew I have heard this before, many times. Why was it hurting so much now?

I know it’s because indeed, I have heard it many times before. But was I doing anything about it? Was I making
changes to implement that more into my life? I can say a little, here and there. I know now that it’s something that I have to really work at doing a better job with. Time is one of those things that seems to be going by faster as I get older.

We all talk about that, but what do we do about it?   Actually I hear more and more people talking about it now, regardless of their age.

So many songs talk about it.  Once it’s gone, you can’t get it back, it’s that type of message we hear
so often in songs. So why do we waste so much of it on things that don’t really mean to much?   Why does it usually take a sad event or tragedy to get us to focus on this?

I guess I’m tired of me going through these things, I think about it, make a few little changes for a few days.
Then I’m right back to my old habits and old ways on how I spend my time.

Another irony, about the same time last year we lost another good friend.   My friend that just died this past week was best of friends with the one who died a year ago.   Both of these guys were fantastic teachers and coaches.
The impact they made on people was incredible.  That is why the funeral home was packed the entire time for both of these great men.

This time has got to be different for me. It has to be different for you too. I’ve heard this statement from another friend, “We can’t afford to play small in life.”   Wasting time in our lives is playing very small.  It does nobody any good at all.

Ask yourself this right now – heck, even write these down somewhere: What are some time wasters in your life?
Are they getting in the way of important things?

A more crucial thought for you to think about quickly right now: are they getting in the way of your relationships with the important people in your life?

Get in touch with me – I’m sure you have stories too that could help me and others with this important topic. Leave me your thoughts here

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