We are now in the second month of the New Year. February 2nd is GroundHog Day, the annual holiday when if Phil the groundhog comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, we’ll have six more dreaded weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it means winter is nearly over and we'll enjoy an early Spring! Make it a day where you decide if your spring is here. And whatever you do, don’t get stuck in your own version of GroundHog Day like Bill Murray did in the movie of the same name. Make each day a new day, full of activities that bring excitement and joy to your life.
And if you’re looking for a break into spring, you can join a whole group of us who will be enjoying the No More Mondays cruise in a couple of weeks. While our reserved rooms are all gone, Jeff tells us there is still room on the ship – the Celebrity Century. Sounds like a great way to kick off the rest of a great year.
Yes, I know times are tough. I spoke at a conference recently and had the opportunity to talk to people who are wondering if there is any reason to be cheerful or optimistic.
As a Russian priest (1829 – 1908), Father John Sergiev first thought he wanted to be a monk in the remote areas of Siberia – but after a vision, he realized God wanted him to be a missionary right where he was – in the hustle and bustle of the big urban city of St. Petersburg. While most priests remained in the safe confines of their cathedrals, Father John would go out into the noisy, dirty, crime-ridden slums and back alleys of the city.
He would find someone down and out in the gutter, sleeping off the effects of the previous night’s drink and activities. Father John would cup his chin; look him in the eyes and say, “This is beneath your dignity. You were created to house the fullness of God.” Wherever he went, people found new hope and optimism because they discovered, or were reminded, of who they were. Seeing ourselves in the light of who God made us to be is both exciting and contagious.
So, are you expressing the fullness of God today? If you are full of despair and hopelessness because of the current economic situation, I doubt there is room for much else. If you are angry and resentful because your stocks crashed, your house dropped in value or you lost your job, I suspect that is what people will first hear about you.
Can you remember what you were created for? When I hear people complain about how bad their lives are I’m going to start saying, “This is beneath your dignity. You were created to house the fullness of God.”
*********************** This is your life, are you who you want to be? – Switchfoot
There is an osprey couple about 30 feet from the deck on the beach house we are enjoying this week in Nokomis, Florida. The male and female are busy building their nest. These magnificent birds with their six-foot wing span are amazing to watch as they appear to be free and at ease, even while completing this important task. As is so often the case, I think we can observe things in nature that should encourage us.
In No More Mondays I outline the 5 Predictors of Success that we see time and time again in very successful people. Those predictors are:
Passion
Determination
Talent
Self-Discipline
Faith
The ospreys appear to have all 5 Predictors of Success. And those characteristics seem to provide insulation from the challenges around them.
I also observe that people with all 5 Predictors of Success seem to have insulation from the challenges that derail others around them. Are you able to apply all 5 of these characteristics to what you do each day? If not, you have probably opened the door to predators like discouragement, despair, frustration or anger to creep into your life.
Take a fresh look at how you can tap into what you certainly possess in each of these areas. You don’t need more time or more degrees – just a fresh release of what is unique about you. Become an “osprey” for a day and I suspect you’ll find new strength to fly above the challenges of the recession, the unemployment and the pessimism of the crows and vultures around you.
*********************** You see things and say “Why?” But I dream things that never were and say “Why not?” -- George Bernard Shaw
Welcome to 48 Days radio where each week I look through the submitted questions and then blast through as many as possible right here to give you the unique tools for your own success.
You can now call and leave an audio question for Dan: (304) 729-4848 or send an email to askDan@48Days.com
In this week’s podcast I talked with my son Jared, who has been living in Kigali, Rwanda for the last four years. We discussed the changing generational views of:
Education
Money
Business
Success
Popular music, movies and social networks reveal the disdain for the established traditions and expectations. “Seize the day,” “leave a legacy,” and do something that matters are no longer trite clichés – rather, they are the driving forces of the generations X and Y. Yes, the 20-somethings lag behind previous generations in some of the traditional criteria for adulthood – finishing school, leaving home, getting married, having children, buying a first house and attaining financial independence. According to the American Sociological Association, only 31 percent of men and 46 percent of women in their 20s are “acting like adults.” But is acting like the Baby Boomers the accurate model of “adulthood” or are we simply seeing a new definition of growing up? The younger generations have seen loyalty rewarded with dismissal, retirement plans raided by greedy corporate executives and million-dollar homes drop precipitously in value.
But the new lifestyles and priorities do come with clear challenges. How does one focus on a project that is socially significant, humanitarian, green, noble, purposeful and Godly, yet in that find ways to be personally and economically responsible? It seems contradictory to condemn Mom and Dad’s lifestyle yet be dependent on their generosity at 30 years old. The search has now turned toward defining and maintaining a balance between the two.
*********************** If you have a question, just email me at askdan@48Days.com and you can ask about starting your own business, getting a better job, or finding your purpose in life. Or call (304) 729-4848 to leave an audio question.
And you can click the link below to listen to this week’s broadcast immediately – no downloading – no wait.
Coaching with Dan
Many of you ask if I still coach people individually. Yes, I do. Feel like you've taken too much time to get to the success you want? Is fear holding you back? These are common issues with the hundreds of people that contact us each month looking for a new start. Give us some brief information and I'll recommend one of my coaching packages or recommend one of the other coaches in our 48 Days network to launch you into the next successful season of your life: Coaching with Dan
*********************** Dan’s Wednesday Morning Eagles group
I frequently mention the power of my Wednesday morning guys group. And many of you have asked for our guidelines. It’s not very complicated, but here it is Eagles Club Purpose Statement. If you’re interested I would encourage you to start your own. Join with one close friend and both of you invite 4 or 5 others – and you’re ready to go.
*********************** 48 Days Affiliate Program
If you have a website or an email list that reaches a lot of people, you may be interested in being a 48 Days Affiliate. The banners we provide can be put on your website and everyone who clicks through to our site and makes a purchase, will be tagged with your name. At the end of the month, we’ll cut a check to you! Check out the details here: 48 Days Affiliate
*********************** Want to be a 48 Days Coach?
Lots of people ask about being included in the list of the 48 Days Coaches here. We have a list of coaches and also identify those who are endorsed 48 Days Coaches. If you’re a coach and would like to join others who are building their coaching businesses, check out the details here: 48 Days Coach
*********************** 48Days.net
At 48Days.net you’ll see over 4700 other excited people who have ideas – and plans to make 2010 their best year ever. If you want your life to be different in 2010, get involved with people who are on the same path. There is no cost – just lots of people who are committed to helping each other succeed.
************************ Are you using your best skills?
Don't put your time in an area that doesn't even "fit" you.
The most popular resource we have continues to be the 48 Days Career Profile. With your unique strengths, what kind of work should you be doing? You can find out here.
I love to read and am awed by how we can tap the greatest minds of all ages through reading. Do you know that if you read only 10 minutes a day, you will read about 1 book a month? Do you think you could transform your success if you read 12 books this year? Keep in mind, we are told the average college graduate in America reads less than 1 book per year. Set yourself on a different path.
"Miss a meal if you have to, but don't miss a book." -- Jim Rohn
"Read something positive every night and listen to something helpful every morning." -- Tom Hopkins
"What you hear, see and read will determine your destiny. You're the same person today that you'll be five years from now, except for the people you meet and the books you read."
"I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book." -- Groucho Marx
"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young." -- Henry Ford (1863 - 1947)
And my personal favorite: "A room without books is like a body without a soul." -- Cicero
Don't put your time in an area that doesn't even "fit" you.
