Month: March 2013

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Inspired by The Last Stand Movie

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I am a self-professed movie addict. If there was a support group for my addiction, I would definitely be one of the first in line. Thankfully life with my teen and toddler do not allow me much time to support my addiction. On those rare days, I get a few hours to go to a theater I recognize my preference leads to anything with action and special effects. You won’t find me in horror movies or chic flicks.

Last month I was able to take in a movie and my crazy mind found me pulling out my cell phone to quickly jot down a few lessons that struck me as must share material. The movie I took in was The Last Stand which had Arnold Schwarzenegger defending his small town from an escaped drug cartel kingpin’s henchman. Loved, Loved, Loved the driving stunt work.

So without further delay, here are my top 3 must share lessons:
1. Take an oath and abide by it – Your word must mean something. Once you agree to an act or a job, you must see it through.  There is an old saying, your word is your bond.  You only get one chance to make a first impression and it only takes one time of breaking your oath to ruin your reputation.
2. Always have a contingency plan – The best laid plans sometimes go astray.  Thus it is in your best interest to have an alternate plan.  Think of it like this, your goals are just as important as your life.  Organizations have written emergency plans and so should you. It would make you fearful if you discovered there was a tornado reflected back in your rear view mirror when the weather service informed you one was on the way.  How would you feel if you saw the same reflection and no alert came through your favorite satellite radio station, the Weather Channel?  Confused? Helpless?  That is what you do to your life when you fail to plan.
3. Just because you are out manned and out gunned doesn’t mean you can’t win – There will always be people with degrees from better colleges who grew up in better neighborhoods and had every advantage available to children today.  However, that will only get them in the door it takes talent and perseverance to keep the opportunity.  Last week, I posted about five successful celebs without a college degree.  They are proof of the power of perseverance.

There were several other things I found quite interesting within this movie but I don’t wan’t to prevent someone from going out and seeing it for themselves.   It did prompt me to wonder, Do you get inspired by movies you see?  What was the movie and how were you inspired?

Til next time,

“Action expresses priorities” – Mohandas Gandhi

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Natural Knack: 5 Successful Celebs with No Formal Training

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As I mourn the pending loss of my Google Reader, I also display a huge Kool-Aid smile from reading an article displayed there.  This article was originally posted on Black Enterprise Magazine’s online site but the content applies to all ages, genders, races, cultural & political affiliations.

Take a few minutes to follow the link and be inspired by five successful celebs with No Formal Training.

Natural Knack: 5 Successful Celebs with No Formal Training.

Til next time,

“Action expresses priorities” – Mohandas Gandhi

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Mirror, Mirror

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“Mirror, Mirror on the wall,
Who’s the fairest of them all?”

This quote from the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty is probably one we remember from childhood.  At some point in your life, you could likely empathize with the queen’s desire to be the prettiest or most handsome of all.  Now you recognize the line for what it is, a part of a children’s story.  But what if we revised the quote to say:

“Mirror, Mirror on the wall, Whose the most capable of them all?

Or maybe;

“Mirror, Mirror on the wall, Whose going to give me a chance after all?”

No matter which phrase you may be drawn to, the answer to both questions is the person you see reflected back in the mirror who shares your fingerprints.  Look in the mirror and repeat after me, NO not in your head!  Repeat with your outside voice, “I will create opportunities for myself. My new life begins today.”

“A #2 pencil and a dream can take you anywhere.” -Joyce A. Myers
Do you have a pencil? Do you have a pen?
Do you have a dream?
Can you spare $2?

If you answered yes to all of the above, you have all you need to begin creating YOUR opportunities.   Pick up your pen or your pencil and a journal.  Don’t have one?  Make a stop to your local dollar store and you can purchase both for $2 plus tax.  Now that you have the journal & pen, follow these instructions:

  1. Create four columns down the center of your page.
  2. In the first column, write the heading Career Interests.
  3. Now in the third column, write the heading Barriers:  These are the things which are preventing you from working in this area.
  4. Label the final column Needs:  These are the things you need to learn, obtain, or resources necessary in order to remove the barriers identified.
  5. Take a few minutes breathe and review your answers to steps 2 – 4 to ensure you include specific details.  Vague answers lead to vague plans of action.  Specificity is vital to your assuming control over new opportunities.
  6. Create your plan of action.  Utilizing the identified needs, begin searching for resources which will assist you with moving each need into a strength area.

Remember, “The best way to predict the future is to create it” Peter F. Drucker.  If you don’t see the opportunities coming your way, create your own.  “Obstacles cannot crush me, every obstacle yields to stern resolve” Leonardo da Vinci.

Til next time,

“Action expresses priorities” – Mohandas Gandhi

Recommendation of the Month

Recommendation of the Month: Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey

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Happy March M.I.D.A Project Readers!  I am rolling out my recommendation of the month a little earlier to allow you the opportunity to take advantage of a great deal at Amazon.com.  In December of last year, I introduced my first podcast recommendation in the post entitled Podcast of the Month: Entreleadership.  This podcast was centered around principles taught by Dave Ramsey in his book Entreleadership.

Imagine my surprise when I learned his ebook was selling for $1.99 at Amazon.com.  It would appear this price would be a temporary offering as the book is filled with great advice for those who are running their own business and/or are leaders within an organization.  This means the book is for everyone who has authority over someone else:  parents, aunts, uncles, older & younger siblings.  EVERYONE.

There may be some who believe they may not have the money to indulge in a book that they don’t need.  Believe me, you NEED this book.  Personal growth is something we all must invest in and when a book exists like Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey, you really must make time to read it.  I bought the book a few hours ago and I haven’t been able to put it down.

I hope you decide to take a risk and read this book.  Stay tuned for my book review and at least download a sample chapter to determine if you want more.

Til next time,

“Action expresses priorities” – Mohandas Gandhi

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The Importance of Validation

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Sometimes in life you have those moments when it appears the one thing you needed will drop into your lap even though you weren’t aware it was missing.  This weekend the universe dropped an interesting YouTube clip into my inbox.  When the sender first brought this video to my attention, I ran with my first impulse which was to ask to view it.  A few minutes later when my email alerted me to its arrival I had forgotten the reason I requested it thus it sat unopened.

A few days later, I found myself gravitating to the video and today I found the time to view it in its entirety without interruptions.  I must admit I watched it and immediately had a reaction.  It made me want to make people smile by providing them with positive reinforcement.

The video demonstrates the effect, whether positive or negative,one person can have on every person they come in contact with.  The ripple effect of these interactions are also highlighted.  It is my hope that you will find time to view this video and make the decision to validate the people you encounter today.  The lessons demonstrated are invaluable and never expire.

Til next time,

““Action expresses priorities” – Mohandas Gandhi