Chuck Goetschel

Living On-Pupose or following what Simon Says?

Chuck Goetschel — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:12:42 -0700

Simon Says Revolution

Chuck Goetschel — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:25:26 -0800

I am very excited to announce the official release of my new book, Simon Says, and the launch of the Simon Says Revolution!

The Book:
"Simon Says..." We played it as kids. It was just a silly game. However, it wasn't meant to be played for the rest of your life! Our world has a collective voice that acts just like Simon: dictating for most what they'll be thinking, feeling and doing for the rest of their lives.

Throughout this book, you will gain a new perspective on life. You will learn to stop playing Simon Says and start living your life. You will be lead through the discovery process of your Life Purpose which includes your purpose, your Personal Mission, and your Personal Assignment or calling. You will be taught the tools to empower you to pursue your purpose. And, you will be inspired to free yourself from the anchors of life, allowing you to achieve true fulfillment.

I believe this book will make a difference in your life by leading you to live creatively on-purpose rather than simply by accident. Enjoy!

The Revolution:
The Simon Says Revolution is movement of people who have all agreed that it is time to stop living life the way everyone else has defined for them and to start living the life that they were truly designed to live. The site will provide such things as: an online Life Purpose creator, stories of various members as they redefine their life, virtual tools and even a way to connect with others based on a common purpose. For more information or to JOIN THE REVOLUTION go to www.SimonSaysRevolution.com.

This book is dedicated to all those who refuse to let the world define them, the status quo measure them, and their own natural self-doubt limit them. May your life be a masterpiece as you live in alignment with your God-given Life Purpose.

TO ORDER A BOOK: Click HERE.

TO JOIN THE REVOLUTION: Click Here.

Are we having FUN yet?

Chuck Goetschel — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:11:05 -0800

When is the last time you had a really good laugh? I'm not talking about a little chuckle here or there but a real deep hearty laugh... A good laugh is great for your soul. Voltaire said, "The art of medicine consists of keeping the patient amused while nature heals the disease." This may not be your doctor's primary philosophy but it certainly can be your own.

Many people are falling into one of three traps:

You don't feel like laughing. It seems that now isn't a very laughable type of time for our nation. We are experiencing the worst economy in decades. People are losing their jobs and their homes. Families are being tested as stress levels are at an all time high. Feel like laughing? Probably not. Because of the stress in your life, you don't feel like laughing--that's natural. However, what's also natural is your lack of laughter causes you to maintain higher levels of stress-related hormones (specifically, ephinephrine, cortisol, dopac, and the growth hormone) and a potentially weakened immune system*. In fact, a recent study** has shown that even the anticipation of laughter can decrease these hormones. Those conditions naturally lead to living at a greater risk of disease and further elevating the lack of desire towards laughter. The cycle continues.

You don't feel like you should laugh. Given the seriousness of certain challenges in your life (financial struggles, family, health, etc.), you feel that enjoying a laugh would automatically imply that you are not taking your personal challenges seriously. Let it be clear that regardless of what anyone else may think, allowing yourself the gift of laughter during a personal storm is perfectly acceptable. It is ridiculous to suggest that unless you are trudging through life with a consistent somber attitude then you must not care about your challenges. The reality is maintaining a sense of humor during challenges is not only acceptable but it's helpful. As the saying goes, "He who laughs, lasts." Keeping a sense of humor going can keep you going.

You don't feel like you deserve to laugh. This is the worst condition of all. You are feeling unworthy of the enjoyment of laughter. You have made some mistakes and created some challenges in your life (and perhaps in the lives of others). Consequently, as self-punishment, you have put yourself on happiness restriction. Good for you...that will teach you! No more good feelings for you because you are a bad person. The reality is that is not a healthy philosophy for you or anyone connected with you. Taking responsibility to correct mistakes, seeking forgiveness and moving into the future with greater wisdom from your lessons is a much healthier response to your past errors than simply a happiness restriction. Would you want your children not to laugh anymore because they made past mistakes? Of course not. And, God feels the same way about his children (You).

Seek out things to put laughter into your daily routine. Here's a jump start today with a very funny clip of David Letterman.

*Article: Cut Stress by Anticipating Laughter
**Article: Humor and Health

Is Your HEART In It?

Chuck Goetschel — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:08:55 -0800

Tears roll down my face as I watch this video clip from the movie, "Facing the giants." It is one of my all time favorites. I love watching someone go beyond what they were ever able to do before. I love seeing someone pull the best out of someone else. I love witnessing the power of a passionate heart. I deeply want people to see this and understand it.

You can do so much more than you "think" you can. If you really understood your own potential, it would give you goose-bumps. Don't buy into the limited thinking that is all around you. Don't listen to the negative voice in your head. Don't wimp out. Don't give up. You have greatness within you that is aching to burst out! Tap into it. Let your heart lead your life. Pursue your true passion and purpose with everything you have! Please watch this clip through to the end before reading this post.

The question is how do you tap into that kind of passionate pursuit in life? Consider the following:...

Quiet Time

Chuck Goetschel — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:34:33 -0800

It's been said, "It's the space between the notes that makes the music." Without the quiet space, the beauty of the music couldn't be heard. And, it's the time of quiet reflection between life's activities that revels the truth. In order to gain clarity of purpose and direction in your life, you must slow down enough to receive it.

I know how difficult it can be for people (particularly men) to stop and ask directions when driving somewhere. As the joke goes, why are there...

Happy Thanks-Giving!

Chuck Goetschel — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:31:59 -0800

It's true, thanks and giving go together. They are like salt and pepper or sugar and spice. One without the other just does not provide a complete package. Besides, it sounds better--"Happy Thanksgiving!" rather than just, "Happy Thanks!" or "Happy Giving!" See what I mean.

Thanks without giving would also change the meaning. Imagine if the Pilgrims sat down and didn't give 'thanks' but rather just kept it to themselves or worse took 'thanks' from others (Then, it would have been Happy Thankstaking).

So this Thanksgiving be sure to

Anger!!!

Chuck Goetschel — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:31:59 -0700

Last week I was listening to a message given by Rick Warren on the topic of Anger. It was exceptionally good. It was pointed, informative and immediately applicable.

Now, I know that nobody reading this has an anger problem...but the people around you could certainly use some work, right? If everyone would just align with your thinking, then things would be just fine! I understand. However, that probably won't happen so an alternative to gaining personal peace is receiving some specific teaching on understanding and managing anger.

Wake Up, Life's Happening!

Chuck Goetschel — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:37:40 -0700

Last week I was flying up to Salt Lake City to speak at a TEAM convention of around 5,000 of the most fired-up people you have ever seen. I was asked to speak on "Inspiration".

Why are people not inspired today? So many are simply tired...burnt-out, over-worked, and living without a purpose. It takes a dream, a vision, and something that stirs your soul to truly inspire you!

While en route to SLC, I had a layover in Las Vegas and decided to take a random survey (thanks to Wendy) as to what stirs people's souls. It was amazing what happened. I didn't have a lot of time but was able to ask nine people the question: "What Stirs Your Soul?" I know, it was a random question from a complete stranger but I wanted to see what responses I would receive. It was amazing how quickly people opened up! Here are the nine responses in order that I received:

You're A Car!

Chuck Goetschel — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:01:56 -0700

I was reading the book, Parent Talk by Chick Moorman and decided I had to share one of his short chapters. If you haven't read the book, I highly recommend it. It is a book about how to talk to children but, quite frankly, the principles apply to us big kids too.

In the words of Chick Moorman...

Matt, age six, came into the house crying hysterically. Tears flowed down his cheeks, ...

The Secret of 50 Years of Marriage

Chuck Goetschel — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:26:16 -0700

"I meant to ask her to 'go-steady'," my dad recalled the story... "She said she was taking a guy to a group school event and I couldn't have that. So, I drove to her school, picked her up and was ready to ask her to go-steady. Yet, somehow my words got mixed up and instead of saying, 'Will you go steady with me?' I said, 'Will you... Marry Me?!' Then, before I had a chance to correct myself, she said, 'Yes!'" And so the engagement began. Shortly thereafter on August 30, 1958 my parents married. Today, they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary!

My sister Amy and I have always been so grateful for their wonderful marriage. And, for their anniversary, Amy, Greg, Wendy and I took them on a Caribbean cruise.

During the cruise, besides making many wonderful memories together, my parents answered my question, “What is the secret to a successful marriage?” For whatever reason, I had never directly asked them this before. Go figure. Their answer was simple, profound and they said it in unison!

Pursue or Not Pursue?

Chuck Goetschel — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:51:53 -0700

To pursue or not to pursue, that is the question. This is a great question I received from a previous post, “Goal Setting”

… How do you know, when you come up against a failure when you need to learn from it and continue at it in the same direction that you are going and when you need to totally change direction and accept that heading in that direction is not where you were meant to go?...

I also received a related question as to what is a worthy passion to pursue from a previous post, “...

Living On-Purpose Feed

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:22:32 -0700

Do What You Love!

Chuck Goetschel — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:45:42 -0700

On Wednesday afternoon, I had the opportunity to run with Dean Karnazes and Greg Hardesty. Greg, an Orange County Register reporter and fellow ultrarunner, was doing an interview with Dean and set it up as an interview on the run. It was a beautiful day for a beachside run and we had a great time cruising together talking about running, life, and Dean’s new book about lessons learned from running 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states. See OCRegister.com for the article.

I love Dean’s story because he made a dramatic shift in his life. For a long time he climbed the corporate ladder. However, dissatisfied with his life, he began to pursue his love of running...

Goal Setting

Chuck Goetschel — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:38:02 -0700

My college swim coach, Gregg Wilson, has gone down in the coaching history books with the NCAA record for most consecutive conference titles in any sport with 23 straight Big West conference championships from 1979-2001. One of his greatest strengths was his regular review of results and consequent modifications. He would often start off his team meetings with the same phrase, "Well, we had some good swims and some not so good swims..." It was regular and predictable. In fact, often we would all say it together as he would start. The success of this approach is that the review was expected and, therefore, there was ...

Your Belief System UPDATE!

Chuck Goetschel — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:27:45 -0700

We update our computers, our cell phones, our wardrobe, and even the way our body looks but have you ever thought about updating something on the inside? One of the very most important things that you can do is review and update your beliefs. It may not sound as fun as updating your shoe collection but the results certainly are more profound!

Our beliefs are a funny thing. Although we are not even sure why we hold most of the beliefs that we do and often don't know where they came from, we all have a natural instinct to protect ...

Defining Success

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:29:47 -0700

I have been enjoying the amazing performances by an elite runner Ryan Hall. He is the American record holder in the half-marathon (59 min 43 sec) and is currently heading to Beijing to represent America in the Olympic marathon. His running is beyond understanding yet I am most impressed with his definition of success. I believe his perspective can help so many people find fulfillment in their journeys as well.

Ryan has a strong Christian faith and realized that his Olympic dream had consumed him to the point that running became his God. The challenge with this is significant. When a goal has become so consuming that you lose yourself in it, then your sense of worth and contentment are completely dependent upon your activity. That is, your state of being is completely dependent upon your state of doing. When the results are good, you are good. When the results are bad, you are bad. This is beyond just being focused on a goal, rather it is when your identity has been defined by the goal...

The Inspired Star Spangled Banner

Chuck Goetschel — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:02:46 -0700

The next time you sing the Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem, may you sing with a deep connection to the song’s true meaning. Francis Scott Key was an attorney and a gifted amateur poet. During the war of 1812, after his efforts to negotiate American prisoner release, he watched the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the Royal Navy. The following morning, inspired upon seeing the American flag still flying, he scribbled the initial notes for a poem on the back of a letter. This poem, The Defense of Fort McHenry, later became America's national anthem. The following recording is an amazing description of the whole story and the heart and resolve of America. Listen to it in its entirety and forever deepen your appreciation of our anthem.

Click Here to Open: Inspiration of the Star Spangled Banner.
(Click on Download: StarSpangledBanner_as_you_have_never_heard_it.wma)

The above photo is the actual flag that flew that morning at Fort McHenry. It is preserved today at Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The photo below is of one of two surviving copies of the 1812 broadside printing of the Defense of Fort M^cHenry, the poem that later became America's national anthem. Note the forth verse includes our nation's motto: "In God is our trust."

Living On-Purpose

Chuck Goetschel — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:00:00 -0700

Discovering your purpose is exciting and obviously life transforming. Once you understand that you were uniquely designed to be just who you are, then it would make sense that you would have a specific purpose. Think about it, what object has ever been uniquely designed and produced without purpose in mind for it? The automobile was designed and produced to help people travel faster, farther and with more comfort. The telephone was designed and produced to increase our ability to communicate. Preparation-H, I've been informed, was designed and produced for puffy eyes. Just kidding...not totally. But, you get the point. Everything was designed and produced for a specific purpose and often, such as my last example, it may have related and surprisingly additional purposes to its original primary intent. The bottom line is that nothing was designed and produced without value and a purpose. Most importantly is that you grasp your value and purpose.

After several hundred people took the time (thank you by the way) to respond to my On-Purpose survey, it is obvious how important this topic really is. The following is a quick listing of some of the results. I plan to address each of the topics listed below in the near future with the goal of assisting each person to truly discover and live life on-purpose rather than merely by accident.

Over 85% of people surveyed concluded that they are somewhat to not at all living their life on-purpose. Similarly, and I don't believe coincidently, nearly 80% of people stated that they are somewhat to not at all living with complete inner peace.

The following are questions which received less than 4% response as "100% Me":

My life expresses my life purpose. 2.74%
Those around me clearly know me as my life purpose.  2.11%
My work fully utilizes my talents and gifts.  3.93%
I regularly make time for personal restoration.  3.60%
I feel I am fully living my life. 1.82%
I have complete inner peace.  2.72%

Each of us was indeed designed and created for a specific purpose and to fulfill a specific assignment or calling. Combined, it is often referred to as your Life Purpose. Consequently, your Life's Mission (should you choose to accept it) is to discover, pursue, and fulfill your Life Purpose. The success of your life, therefore, will be directly related to the success of your mission.

I look forward to living a life On-Purpose with you!

Coincidence or Divine Appointment?

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:38:48 -0700

Have you ever had a coincidence that was so amazing that you were sure God must have had something to do with it? Some people refer to such a “coincidence” as a divine appointment. How did the thought of doing something or going somewhere enter your mind? What nudge did you receive to act? What happened with others that made it all come together at just the right time? Was it really all a coincidence or was it bigger than that? Often, success comes simply from following an internal nudge to take action on a thought.

In the process of completing a book, I am looking for some assistance. If you have a story of something that you believe is more than a coincidence, would you please share it in the comments section. Please share only comments you freely give me your permission to potentially reprint. Thanks!

Great Uncle George

Chuck Goetschel — Sun, 25 May 2008 19:05:22 -0700

Memorial Day Weekend is a special time recognizing those who gave their all defending the freedoms of others. Their sacrifice is the ultimate service one can give--their very own life. The price of freedom is expensive and I humbly and gratefully thank these heroes as well as everyone associated with them--their fellow soldiers, their friends, and their family.

Today's post is specifically dedicated to my father's Uncle--my Great Uncle George.

He was a part of the Normandy D-Day invasion of WWII. In fact, he was in one of the early waves landing on the beachfront via a Higgins boat. He knew his odds of survival were slim. A good friend of his, also in an early wave, wrote his parents a letter just before the invasion expressing his love to them and his gratitude for their love. He requested that they honor him with a sense of pride, as he most likely would not be returning from this engagement. As a parent myself, I could only imagine the emotions I would feel reading such a letter from my son.

The morning came and my Great Uncle George found himself amongst a number of other brave soldiers packed in a Higgins boat. The boat landed and everyone attempted to get out without being shot. He made it. As he left the boat and fell into the water, he and everyone else attempted to get out without being shot or drowning from the weight of their gear. He made it out and onto the beach. Amidst the raining down of bullets, exploding mines and mortars, he ran up the beach. Amazingly, he made it across the beach to the hillside. However, it was here where he was hit by a mortar ripping off part of his leg and sending shrapnel throughout his body. He spun around and fell on his back. With continuing bullets flying everyplace, explosions and general chaos in all directions, my Great Uncle George lay on the upper beach with blood pouring from his body.

At that moment, he pulled out a picture of his family and held it on his chest with his bloody hands. He held it tightly till he passed out. We know this because when the medics came and got him the following morning, he still had it clutched to his chest. After all, wasn't it for his family that he was laying on that beach giving his life so others could freely live theirs?

Well, when the medics did pick him up, it is recorded that they yelled, "This one's not cold! He's still alive!" Somehow, through it all, he had not bled to death. And, long story short, operation after operation, he lived! He lived to the point that when I was a small boy he told me this story himself. He showed me his reconstructed leg that was now several inches shorter than the other. He showed me the remaining shrapnel that could still be seen just under his skin. He told me about lying on his back holding the picture of his family he was certain he'd never see again. He told me all about it. Then, he looked at me and told me how his good friend and many others never did make it off that beach. He told me how the only way to give their deaths significance is not to take our freedom for granted. "Do something great with your life!" He told me.

On-Purpose Survey

Chuck Goetschel — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:39:05 -0700

There is a saying that two of the most important days of your life include the day you were born and the day you discovered why. Below is a link to a survey that has 15 questions regarding living a life on-purpose. Please take a moment to take the survey.

The results will be used in an upcoming publication. Please answer the questions sincerely. Do not answer them based on what you think you should say or what you wish you could say. Rather, think about each question and answer as honestly as possible.

Soon, I will post an article including the results. Enjoy!

Medicated America

Chuck Goetschel — Sat, 03 May 2008 01:50:22 -0700

The article below would not be a complete read without also reviewing the comments people have posted. The perspectives and personal insights shared in the comments are extremely valuable. Thank you to those who contributed. Some people need medical help and other people do not. Everyone, however, needs love. Treat people with dignity as you are reminded, "There, but for the grace of God, go I."

I read an article stating that the USA could now be referred to as "Medicated America" because so many Americans (nearly 10%--two thirds being women) are taking antidepressant medication. In the poll I recently posted, “Which emotion do you experience most often?” the number one answer was: “Stress.” Yes, people are stressed out, tired, hopeless, full of worry, and, now more than ever, medicated. Depressing, isn’t it?! Oops…didn’t mean to say that. J Okay, let’s just say it isn’t uplifting!

So, what’s happening? First of all, antidepressant drugs are now plentiful and readily available. Nearly half of those who take antidepressants have never actually received a psychiatric diagnosis or any mental health care beyond just the prescription of the drug. Many people simply feel stressed and are looking for something to help them.

Believe me...I understand facing difficult times in life and wishing to numb some pain. However, whether taking medication is the right thing or not for you to do (I’ll leave that between you and your doctor), I would like to encourage you to also take something else. That something is a different perspective. Rather than seeing your challenges and pain as something bad, see them as something to help mold you into something better. There is a saying, “Don’t pray for an easier life. Pray to be a bigger man/women.” Sir Edmond Hillary, after summiting Mt. Everest said, “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” It may not be easy but it will be worth it.

At some point, you must choose to win in life even when life seems to have the upper hand. Ironically, however, the first step in this victory is to understand that your battle really isn’t against life but rather with yourself. You can’t change what happens to you but you can learn to change how you assign meaning and respond to it. “Extraordinary change always starts with the act of reframing,” teaches author/speaker Malcolm Gladwell. If you want to change your life, first change the way you see it. Don’t see yourself a victim of life. See yourself polished by life’s abrasiveness. Then, choose to take positive action.

Consider applying the following three principles in your life:

1. You control the meaning that you assign to the events of your life. Assign it wisely.

Every adversity that you face can add to your bitterness towards others and life in general or it can be the experience that makes you better. Your challenges can help you relate to people. They can help soften you so that you may feel more for other people. Your challenges may, in fact, cause you to reach out closer to your creator seeking comfort and guidance.

Consequently, although your past choices may well be the cause for your challenges, the present meaning you may assign to them can be positive. For example, the challenges have been necessary in order to help me connect with other people better. They have softened me and made me more sensitive. They have led me to a closer relationship with my creator. That is, there are many good, positive answers to the question of what is the meaning or purpose of all of this? Search for a positive meaning and be transformed.

2. Attack or be attacked. Choose to attack life rather than waiting for life to attack you.

One of my former coaches used to say, “Don’t wait for your competitor to do the attacking. That leaves you racing their race. You choose when to attack and make it your own race.” I have found that life is the same way. You won’t get far curled-up waiting for life’s next blow to you. Rather, get up, decide where you are going and get on it!

If you don’t like the decisions you have made in the past…attack wisdom!
If you don’t like the quality of people you associate with…attack the creation of new friends!
If you don’t like the state of your physical condition…attack good health!
If you don’t like your financial situation…attack creating a new income stream!
If you don’t like to worry…attack a higher level of faith!
If you don’t like your life…attack living on-purpose (ie, discover your purpose and calling and live it!)

3. Motion creates emotion. Choose to act the way you wish you felt…and you’ll feel it.

When I was a kid, I remember my sister had a poster hanging on her wall with a picture of a sleeping polar bear and a caption that read, “Act enthusiastic and you’ll be enthusiastic.” I thought the irony of poster was kind of funny yet never realized how truly powerful the caption really was. It didn’t say, “When you feel enthusiastic you will act enthusiastic.” It made a profound point that motion will create emotion. If you will act the way you wish you felt, you’ll feel it. When you feel happy, your brain naturally triggers your eyes to look up and your face to smile. However, if you start looking up and smiling, interestingly it will trigger your brain that you are starting to feel happy. Seems nuts? Give it a try.

Want to feel grateful?...start writing down what you are grateful for and really think on it.
Want to feel happy?...serve others to help them be happy.
Want to feel energized?...get into motion and go after something you value!

How about if you decide to take on life by taking on yourself? We can continually look for ways to further escape life and its apparent challenges, or we can fully embrace it. Carefully assign meaning to the events in your life. Choose to positively attack the areas in life you wish to improve rather than waiting for those areas of your life to attack you. Finally, choose to get into motion--letting your motion create your emotion rather than waiting for the emotion to arrive first. Remember Helen Keller’s words, “Life is a daring bold adventure or it is nothing at all.” Live bold and love life.

Wendy

Chuck Goetschel — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:33:11 -0700

Let me begin by sincerely thanking all the readers of this blog and acknowledging you for seeking to grow and improve your life. Currently, this blog has readers from around fifty countries including: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Greece, Ireland, India, Germany, Spain, Bahamas, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Philippians, Republic of Korea, Finland, Malaysia, Switzerland, Brazil, Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Mexico, Ecuador, Norway, South Africa, Indonesia, Turkey, Haiti, Singapore, Japan, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jamaica, Belgium, Italy, U.S. Virgin Islands, Latvia, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Ethiopia, Austria, Slovakia, Guatemala, Russian Federation, Portugal, Poland, Hungry, United Republic of Tanzania (The countries are listed in order of traffic each has generated to the site).

I am deeply committed to doing all that I can to fulfill my God-given purpose to lead, teach and inspire people. I certainly do not claim to an expert by any form of the imagination. In fact, I am a “work in progress” myself. However, I hope my experiences, studies, and thoughts can be of value to you.

Today, I would like to recognize a very special person, Wendy. I want the world to know who she is and why I think she is so special. I hope you will gain strength by her example.

Wendy is like all of us…doing the very best she can as she travels through this thing called life. She has struggles and victories…good days and, well … not so good days. And, although anyone can see her outward beauty, what’s going on inside is what I want to share with you.

First of all, Wendy is a survivor. Although very well put together on the outside, independent, and seemingly flawless, she is truly fragile and fearful internally. Anyone relate? She endured some very difficult challenges as a child, had a hard time with school (although exceptionally bright), and questioned herself thanks to the comparison game. After school, she never began the career she wanted to pursue, but rather took a different path in life which, ultimately, led her to wake up one day tired and concerned as a struggling single mother caring for a young son diagnosed with Autism.

Now the challenges, although specific to her, may not be unusual in your life either. Just as M Scott Peck said in the opening line of his book, The Road Less Traveled, “Life is difficult.” Yes, it is. In fact, in my latest poll, “Which of these emotions do you experience most often?” Stress was the predominant answer. Consequently, my amazement with Wendy is not that she has had some challenges to face in life, but rather how she has chosen to face them. She will always be the first to offer a smile to someone. She is bubbly. She is positive. She is up-lifting. She is a true survivor not because she has encountered challenges and is alive today, but rather she is true survivor because she has weathered storms without her heart hardening. She has not let her circumstances make her, but rather she has chosen well what to make of her circumstances. She is a great example to everyone facing life’s challenges.

Wendy is hungry to grow personally and spiritually. I always respect the people I meet that have developed themselves. However, what inspires me are the people that are hungry to grow regardless of their current level of development. Wendy has centered her life around her faith and her desire to grow seems itself to continue growing. She is constantly reading and learning. She is not the same person she was last year and I doubt she will be the same person she is next year. How could anyone stay the same with so much hunger and effort towards growth? Wendy’s example consistently inspires me to grow and be, “New and improved” rather than, “The same model, just one year older.” Let her example inspire you too.

Wendy has a huge heart for hurting people. It is what stirs her emotionally. Show her some footage of sick and hurting orphans and you had better get her some tissue. She hurts deeply and quickly for those who hurt—particularly the very young or elderly. If you were to ask some people what stirs them emotionally, many people wouldn’t have an answer. They just don’t know. However, the greatest clue to your assignment in life – that is, what God has called you to do with your gifts – is given by what stirs your soul. I love how her soul stirs for those who are in need of help and are hurting. Wendy’s heart is so big for them that I have no doubt in my mind her life will reflect making a great difference in the world. Have you taken the time to discover what stirs your soul? Do you know what will cause someone to need to grab you some tissue?

Wendy has an amazing God-given gift of humor. I see her making people smile and laugh everywhere she goes. Her quick wit is beyond understanding. It is truly a gift. What is really amazing is to see her gift naturally apply to her passion towards helping those who are hurting; as she says when talking about the suffering children in third world countries, “If I can just bring a smile to one child’s face…” What is most remarkable, however, is how at one time she didn’t even accept her humor as an important gift. “How could being funny be an important gift?” she asked once. It came so natural to her that she didn’t see the big deal in it. Isn’t that the case with so many people? What comes naturally to you (your God-given gifts), you can easily downplay, miss their uniqueness to you, and often even miss the importance of their application in life. You walk right pass what you are called to do looking for what you think you should do. Ironic, isn’t it? Are you downplaying your gifts like Wendy did at one time? Your gifts lead to your purpose in life. Apply your purpose and fulfill your calling.

Finally, Wendy is a dreamer. She is willing, even when she is fearful, to dream. She has not let her past define her future. I love her dreams of a happy family and fulfilling God’s purpose for her to make a difference in people’s lives…even if it’s just to bring a smile to one child’s face. Wendy could have given up on her dreams, but she didn’t. She could have excused herself from the playing field of life, but she didn’t. I admire her courage. I hope she inspires you to connect with your dreams. I hope you will pull them out and share them with the world like Wendy.

There are some people that seem to be drifting through life who make little or no impact on you. There are others who make some impact that help you become a better person. However, a few people cross the path of your life that are truly significant and impact you greatly. Wendy is one of those people to me. In fact, she has dramatically impacted me and I deeply respect, admire, and love her. I am grateful to God for bringing her into my life and today I hope you are as well.

Name Your Emotion--Poll

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:11:12 -0700

So, what's going on in the inside? As you travel through this thing called life, you certainly get to experience a range of emotions. However, if you had to boil it down to the most predominant one, which one would it be? (And, yes, I know there is no "Other" catagory this time. )

Poll Results--How did I get here? Occupation Survey.

Chuck Goetschel — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:20:08 -0700

I am grateful to everyone (approximately 400 people at this point) who took the time to answer this survey. Life is a series of decisions. Throughout every day we encounter forks in the road. Should I do this or that? Some decisions are small and some are significant. However, one of the biggest decisions we make is our choice of occupation. The idea of this survey was to see how we ended up doing that one thing that captures the majority of our time each day.

Time is our greatest asset. We can always make more money but we have a fixed 168 hours each week. Once we use it, it’s gone forever. Most people spend anywhere from 40 - 100 of those hours working. Further, many of the non-working hours are often spent thinking about work! So, if you were to add the total time that work captures the mind of an individual, it would be significant. Of course, there are some that spend the majority of their work time thinking about anything but what they are doing there...so you may need to do the math personally. Regardless, generally our occupation captures more of our time than any other activity in life with sleeping coming in second.

Since our occupation generally consumes most of our time, doesn’t it make sense that we would choose to invest our time (our greatest asset) into an occupation that will yield the best results? Of course. Then, what results are the best? Is it the most money? Is it the most flexible time schedule? Is it what seems to be the most secure? I would submit to you that the very best results we could aim for is to fulfill God’s specific will for our life?

Everyone ever born was born for a reason. There were no accidents. Your parents may not have planned you but God did. He specifically designed you with certain gifts and a will for your life. The question is, are you specifically searching to discover your gifts and your passion in order to pursue that which God has designed you to do? When you discover your gifts you are on top of your purpose. That is, those things that you are gifted to do, you are gifted for a reason. Many people discount the very things they love and are good at because they do come so naturally. Yet, your purpose in life is specifically connected to your gifts. In addition, when you apply your purpose to that which you are most passionate about, you have discovered your calling or assignment in life.

What if what you did for an occupation could be in alignment with your purpose and assignment in life? How fulfilling would that be? Then, … why not do it? If you believe finances are stopping you, I’d encourage you to think that through. Are you trying to live a lifestyle that is stretching your dollar to achieve a feeling of comfort? Is that really more comfortable than the feeling that comes when you are living on-purpose; that is, doing what you love, what you are designed to do, and what you are passionate about? Who’s to say that if you made a decision to do what you are passionate about that you wouldn’t find a way to make it profitable? Imagine if you did that! Then, the more you did what you were passionate about, the more income you’d make. Perhaps, by pursuing what you are passionate about you may profit through some other means that allows you to do it. Regardless, I believe if you start the process of focusing on doing what you are passionate about, doors will open and the details will be covered.

I want to encourage you to make a decision to revolve your life around your purpose and the one who gave it to you. Make that commitment and let the details fall into place. Let go of centering your life around things and doing what you think you ‘have to do.’

Out of the 400 people who have currently taken this survey, there is a tie for first. The number one way people ended up in the occupation they are in is a tie between, “Most lucrative option available,” and “Only available option at the time.” It shows that most people are either taking work as it is available or, if they do have a choice, are deciding based upon the best return financially. This is life. This is what is normal. Unfortunately, time passes and as we come closer to the end of our life we ask, “Is this really what it is all about?” Only 15% of the poll responded, “Knew it was what I am designed to do.”

I hope you will take a deep look at what it is that you are designed to do and then I hope you will pursue it with everything that you have. Let no excuse, doubt, or fear stop you from fulfilling your purpose and assignment in life.

How Did I Get Here? Occupation Survey

Chuck Goetschel — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:33:22 -0700

Have you ever asked the question, "How did I get here?" I know I've had those moments. What about your occupation--how did you get there? Most people trade the majority of their day at work. Do you love it? If you were financially independent, would you still work where you do? Would you work for free?

Below is a poll asking you to remember how you ended up doing what it is that you do for a living. Please take a moment to click on the box that tells your story:

Poll Results--30 Days to Live!

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:07:49 -0700

I want to thank everyone (approximately 400 people so far) who took the "30 Days to Live" survey. The idea of the survey was to get you (myself included) to take a deep look at life. Most of us are running a gazillion miles an hour in multiple different directions simultaneously. No wonder we feel strrrreeeetched! Painful just to picture, isn’t it? However, when we take a moment to stop and consider having only 30 days to live, an undeniable clarity of personal priorities quickly comes to focus.

By far the number one response (over 50% of the votes and 5 times more than anything else) was, “Spend time with family.” In solid second was, “Get spiritual life in order.” Third was an interesting tie between, “Witness to others” and, “Be adventurous.” Surprisingly, “Read Chuck Goetschel’s blog” wasn’t in the top 10! It did get at least one vote…so, thanks Mom. J

The big question at hand is, “What now?” You probably have more than 30 days to live (although nobody knows) but that’s not the point. The point is now that you have clarified what you value most in life, why wouldn’t you focus on it whether you have 30 days or 30+ years to live?

If your answer was, “Spend time with family,” can you redesign your life to put family time as a higher priority? Perhaps, it’s time to cut out the, ‘flop-in-front-of-the-tv-cause-I-deserve-it’ habit and go make a special memory with your spouse or kids. Perhaps, there is a family member that needs a call, a note, some encouragement, or simply an acknowledgement from you. What if you listened to your family as if you really only had 30 days to live? What if you went after creating memories with them as if you only had 30 days to do it? What would happen to your family if you put that kind of focus and intensity into them? Would it be worth it? For more than half of you, this was your first choice. Let your life reflect it. Let your family and the world know it.

If getting your spiritual life in order was your top choice, what can you do right now for that? If you have any question whatsoever as to the journey you will make after you die, I hope you will make getting that in order a priority. Eternity is a long time. Why will everyone invest time to plan a vacation but only some people invest time to plan their trip after life on earth? Being this was the second highest answer in the survey, it is obviously important to many people. Here are three questions to get clear answers to:

Is there life after death?
If so, what will it be like for me? (Heaven/Hell/other?)
On what authority do I base my thinking?

My objective in this posting is simply to encourage you to live your life like you were dying. Steven Covey, author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, says, “Begin with the end in mind.” That is, make decisions today based on leading your life to a fulfilling conclusion rather than to make decisions today based on short-term pleasures. Ironically, by living with the end in mind, you will find far more immediate pleasure than ever before. Being focused on that which you really value will yield a deep contentment. True joy comes from living ‘on-purpose’ rather than ‘by accident.’

30 days to live!

Chuck Goetschel — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:35:40 -0700

What if you only had 30 days to live? What would you do? I know it may be a disturbing question, and I realize that I'm asking it on April fool's day, but entertain it just for a moment. If that was suddenly your situation, what would become your main focus? Please click on the survey to provide your answer.

Now, with that uplifting thought, enjoy your day! :-) Really!

Let me hear from you!

Chuck Goetschel — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:02:40 -0700

Hey Everyone--"All three of you!" (to quote my friend Chris Brady ),

First, I want to thank you. My goal with this blog is to be a service to lead, teach and inspire people to live life to its fullest. Yet, I have received a great number of wonderful comments that have personally touched and inspired me! So, thank you.

Second, in order to make this blog all that it can be, I am looking for your feedback. I would love to hear from you as to what you would like to see here--topics, ideas, questions,...?

Although I have been light in posting this month, I haven't been short in writing. In fact, much of what I have been writing I plan to publish later in the year. But for now, please let me know how this blog can best serve you.

Thanks and God Bless. Chuck

How did I get here?

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:47:54 -0700

Take a look at the photo...check out the poor kid in the middle? Have you ever felt like you were being squeezed by the less desirable aspects of life? The pressure is significant, you may not be sure how long you will feel this way, and all the while you are cruising down the road of life.

First, let’s establish the fact that, although at the moment it may be hard to believe, your life has purpose and meaning. In fact, you were specifically and uniquely designed to fulfill an assignment on earth and you have gifts intended to be used for your purpose.

Unfortunately, however, some people have a hard time believing that their life could have any particular purpose. "I was just an accident" I have heard many times. "How do you know?" I always ask. "My parents told me..." is typically the response.

Friends, nobody is an accident. Your life is not an accident. As Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, has said, "There are accidental parents. There are no accidental children. There are illegitimate parents. There are no illegitimate children. Your parents may not have planned you but God planned you. Really it doesn't matter whether your parents were good, bad, or indifferent. They may have even abandoned you. But they were the parents God chose for you. Why? Because they had just the right DNA to create you. And God was more interested in making you than He was in their parenting skills." Interestingly, Pope Clement VII, Leonardo da Vinci, Alexander Hamilton and even Josephine de Beauharnais (Napoleon's wife) have something in common...they were all born of illegitimate 'parents'.

How did you get here? Choices—the choices made by you and by others. The good news is that regardless of how much we all mess things up there is God that desires to make good of it all. Follow the process—

Stuff Happens. I know that my not be the most popular version of the saying but the meaning is the same. Stuff happens and it happens for a reason all right—people make choices and there are consequences because of them. Unfortunately, we all make poor choices throughout our life. Hopefully, we learn from them. However, in the meantime people are affected by our choices just as we are affected by the choices of others.

Our ability to choose—our freewill—is God’s greatest blessing and curse that He gave us. If we didn't have freewill, then we really wouldn't be living. Rather, we would simply be puppets with strings attached to the hands of God. We would merely be an extension of His imagination. We certainly wouldn't have a purpose to fulfill anymore than does a doll laying on your child's bedroom floor. We would be more like a programmed robot sent to earth. A program has predetermined functionality--if this...then that... No, we are not puppets with strings nor are we programmed robots walking the earth. We are living, thinking, and personally responsible beings. We exercise our freewill to act and, consequently due to our poor choices, the world is no longer a perfect place. If God were not to allow evil to happen, then He would have to stop our freedom of choice.

If our freewill to make poor choices is what causes stuff to happen in the world, then why did God give us freewill? The Bible says that we were created to love God. In fact, Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:36-37) However, if God forced us to love Him than obviously it wouldn’t be true love, would it? Only if one has the ability not to love but chooses to love anyway, is it genuinely true love. Consequently, God gave us the freewill to choose to love Him or reject him. That freewill extends to choices we make throughout our life.

What is awe-inspiring, however, is regardless of how bad our choices are and those of the people around us--regardless of the mess that we may have made of life--God can ultimately use it all for our good. It is during these difficult times that our character is developed in such a way that we obtain the ability to fulfill our purpose. How amazing is that? God will take our struggles and use them for our strength. Helen Keller said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved." Gothe simply said, "Character develops itself in the stream of life." Ironically, struggles are necessary to achieve greatness. Just as a butterfly must go through the struggle of freeing itself from its cocoon in order to develop the strength to fly, we too must grow from our struggles in order to fulfill our mission.

The real question is can you say, "This is will all be for good," during the tough time prior to understanding how it worked out for you? It is about having faith. Given God made you for a purpose and has a plan for your life, can you have faith in Him? A powerful verse in the Bible says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) Your degree of peace during difficulties reveals your faith. Imagine the peace you would feel with the security of knowing that the God of the universe has your best interest in mind. It's like seeing a movie for the second time and knowing all along how well it all works out in the end. It's a lot more relaxing, isn't it?

So, if you are the child on squeezed in the middle of life, don’t ask, “How did I get here?… Rather, thank God that somehow, someway your experience can be used for good. Smile. Have faith. You are just passing through one frame of the movie of your life.

How high can you climb?

Chuck Goetschel — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:19:31 -0800

On May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary was the first man to summit Mt. Everest. At 29,035 feet, it is the tallest point on earth. However, he didn't achieve this accomplishment his first attempt. In fact, in 1952 a few weeks after a failed attempt, he was addressing a group of people in England. During his talk, he walked to the edge of the platform, made a fist and pointed at a picture of the mountain. He said in a loud voice, "Mount Everest, you beat me the first time, but I'll beat you the next time because you've grown all you are going to grow... but I'm still growing!" He knew that his personal growth of knowledge and skill would inevitably lead to overcoming the mountain itself.

I believe the greatest feat the late Sir Edmund Hillary (1919-2008) achieved wasn’t conquering Mt. Everest but rather it was conquering himself. How easy would it have been for him to say, “It can’t be done. I’ve tried and failed. Nobody has ever done it. Forget it.” Rather, he said, “I’m still growing!...” and he did it.

How high can you climb? The mountain is in your mind. The world is simply an extension of it. The following three belief principles are the tools that you will need to use in the process of climbing your mental Everests.

Somebody must be the first to do it.
Your past doesn’t need to predict your future.
God is in the business of miracles

Somebody must be the first to do it.

Have you ever considered the fact that everything ever accomplished in the history of the world, once held the title, “Never been done”? One of the reasons I love sports so much is that World Records are set all the time. A World Record is something that says anything more is ‘impossible’ or at least has never been done before. When a new record is set, somebody moves that standard forward.

Of course one of the most famous ‘impossible’ athletic feats accomplished was Sir Rodger Bannister’s sub-4 minute mile. On May 6, 1954 (one year after Sir Edmund Hillary’s ‘impossible’ summit of Mt Everest), Rodger Bannister broke the four minute barrier with a time of 3:59.4. Many at the time considered it physiologically impossible. Yet, Bannister proved that to be false as did the 17 others who broke the four minute barrier the three years following Bannister’s feat.

There are times when we really must work hard not to let our own self-imposed limitations dictate what can and can not be done. Often, we don't even know that we do it. We simply notice the bar of achievement that others have reached and subconsciously limit ourselves to that point. There are fantastic stories of people accomplishing greatness when they were simply unaware of where the bar of achievement was set. One of the best examples of unknowingly raising the bar is a story about George Dantzig.

In Dantzig's own words, "During my first year at Berkeley I arrived late one day to one of [Dr. Jerzy] Neyman's classes. On the blackboard were two problems which I assumed had been assigned for homework. I copied them down. A few days later I apologized to Neyman for taking so long to do the homework - the problems seemed to be a little harder to do than usual. I asked him if he still wanted the work. He told me to throw it on his desk. I did so reluctantly because his desk was covered with such a heap of papers that I feared my homework would be lost there forever. About six weeks later, one Sunday morning about eight o'clock, Anne and I were awakened by someone banging on our front door. It was Neyman. He rushed in with papers in hand, all excited: "I've just written an introduction to one of your papers. Read it so I can send it out right away for publication." For a minute I had no idea what he was talking about. To make a long story short, the problems on the blackboard which I had solved thinking they were homework were in fact two famous unsolved problems in statistics. That was the first inkling I had that there was anything special about them."

Everything ever invented, every record ever set, every problem ever solved was by somebody who decided (occasionally unknowingly) that the ‘impossible’ is actually ‘possible’. Why must others’ performance limit your own? Somebody needs to be the first. Why not you? Why not now?

Your past doesn’t need to predict your future.

Have you ever said to yourself, “Well, I’ve just never been able to do that” or “This is just who I am”? The truth is your past doesn’t need to determine what you achieve or who you are today. In fact, who you are today is merely a result of who you have been; a result of your decisions. Who you are right now is a person free to choose whatever you want. Your decisions today will result in who you become tomorrow.

If you want to change the past, change today. Because, today will be tomorrow’s past. Get it? The best analogy I have heard is that of a boat’s wake. The wake is not what drives the boat but rather it is the trail that is left behind. You may reflect on the past and learn from the past but you must understand that it does not drive your future.

Your past failures do not make you personally a failure. In fact, it’s often said, “The road of success is paved with failure.” Learn and move on with greater wisdom. Consider the words of Thomas Edison from an interview published in the January 1921 issue of American Magazine. "After we had conducted thousands of experiments on a certain project without solving the problem, one of my associates, after we had conducted the crowning experiment and it had proved a failure, expressed discouragement and disgust over our having failed to find out anything. I cheerily assured him that we had learned something. For we had learned for a certainty that the thing couldn't be done that way, and that we would have to try some other way."

God is in the business of miracles.

I subscribe to the philosophy of working like everything depends on you and pray like everything depends on God. There is a saying, “Stop telling God how big your problems are and start telling your problems how big your God is.”

Why is it that we feel it so necessary to put the world on our shoulders? There is no glory to God if you can do it all yourself. When you look to a greater source than yourself, you will find tremendous strength. Ironically, dropping to your knees is very empowering. When “I’m” taken out of the equation, the ‘Impossible’ becomes ‘Possible’.

Invite God to captain your boat and produce miracles in your life. Remember, your creator didn't create you for harm. That makes no sense. If He can create the universe, He can certainly help guide you through your part in it. To truly fulfill your Life Purpose and achieve more than you believe you are capable of achieving, remove your ego and your control from the center of your life and replace it with your faith, your spirituality, your relationship with God. No longer will you depend upon your abilities but rather on His.

Freedom

Chuck Goetschel — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:32:00 -0800

Last night I had dinner with some dear friends and I asked about the story behind the Purple Heart that hung on his office wall. “Can you tell me about that?” I asked. “We saved the flag” was his immediate response. “There were only two of us left, but we saved the flag.” Piece by piece of the dramatic, lengthy battle came out until I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude toward the courageous man that stood before me. The stab wound on his leg, and the several operations that followed, left a very visible marking of the event many years later. He is a Marine, a Vietnam veteran and, although he won’t accept the title, a modern-day hero.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze
A young soldier saluted it, and then
He stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many Pilots' planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No Freedom is not free
I heard the sound of taps one night,
When everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That taps had meant "Amen"
When a flag had draped a coffin of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No Freedom isn't free!

©Copyright 1981 by Kelly Strong
(posted with permission of the author)

Today, we experience many freedoms because of the sacrifices of others. Our freedoms are so plentiful and available that we naturally tend to take them for granted. Where do you live? What do you do for a living? It’s your choice. Have you been grateful lately for those freedoms? You have the freedom of speech and the freedom to worship God in your own way.

However, what if men and women over time weren’t willing to stand up for what was right and fight for the flags of freedom? Imagine how different your life would be right now. I want to encourage you to do two things:

• Stand up for what you believe in.
• Acknowledge others who have stood up before you.

Stand up for what you believe in. Ultimately, the greatest success you can have is being able to look in the mirror and see a winner looking back. Don’t do something because you think you ‘should’ do it, because your neighbor is doing it, or because you are pressured to do it. Rather, determine what is right, plant your flag and stand by it because you believe in it. Will there be consequences? Of course there will—either way. However, at the end of the day only one choice allows you to enjoy the self-respect that comes from following your convictions.

Yes, it’s true—freedom isn’t free. Benjamin Franklin said, “They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security.” Robert Frost simply wrote, “Freedom lies in being bold.”

This post is an acknowledgement of my friend Ron, and all the other bold men and women, who “saved the flag” of freedom. I woke up on this beautiful day, February 10, 2008 with a renewed appreciation of freedom and I thank everyone who has made it possible.

The Power of WHY

Chuck Goetschel — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 22:29:13 -0800

If you ever want to learn about yourself, I recommend running for 24 hours straight. Well, on second thought, it might not be my first recommendation, but you would definitely have the opportunity to get well acquainted with yourself during such an event. You're body and mind will both be communicating with you at a volume that you definitely can't miss.

During my adventures of running in 24-hour competitions, I have learned a lot about myself; what keeps me going, what holds me back, what is important and what is not. Many of these discoveries can be applied in all areas of life and I will share one of the most critical lessons of all: Know Why!

So much focus is put on the how-to in our lives, but it all doesn't matter unless we know the why-to. I can teach you how to fuel your body during an extreme running event-how many grams of carbohydrates per hour, how many milligrams of sodium per hour, how much water, etcetera. However, if you can't answer the question of why you would do it, my information to you will simply become 'knowledge on ice'. It doesn't have value to you because you don't have a reason to use it-it doesn't support a burning passion.

This past November, I competed in the US Ultra-Running Nationals in the 24-hour competition. Unfortunately, it was not my best race. The first thirty miles were good but it wasn't coming together well after that point. It's one thing to have a tough race and know that it will be over in a few minutes. It's another thing to know that you have nearly twenty hours to go! Regardless, it gave me an extra opportunity to get a better understanding of myself. There is always a good side. You simply have to look for it. At hour 23, the course is shortened to a simple ¼ mile loop. My legs were fried after some 110+ miles of difficult racing. My body was way under-fueled. Blood was coming through my right shoe due to a poor job I did prepping it when I did a shoe change some 12 hours earlier; fortunately, it had gone numb by this point. Sadly, my 'why' had also gone numb as well, as the best answer to "Why am I doing this?" was simply "To finish." That is barely a 'why' at all and it clearly showed.

Everything changed instantly, however, when the race director announced over the PA system that Connie Gardner was on pace to set the women's American record! A new American record-I got inspired. Once I understood the great race that Connie was having, I got involved with her 'why'. "This is about making history…I must do all that I can to help her do it!" My 'why' suddenly had great significance-to help someone make history! The combination of having a 'why' of great significance as well as serving another person sent me on an internal mission to dig deep for energy. I put everything I had into moving faster…I focused everything on getting it going to encourage her. I was cheering for her while running. I found myself going faster and faster as my inspiration grew. It had to be one of the greatest lessons to me of the power of knowing 'why' you are doing something and how you can achieve so much more than you ever thought possible when the 'why' is significant enough.

Your life performance will correlate with your passion of purpose. What is the point? Why am I doing this? Have a great answer. It will make all the difference in the world. Two men working were each asked, "What are you doing?" One man responded, "Cutting stone." The other man responded, "Building a cathedral." Whose work do you suppose will be more fruitful? Who will get more satisfaction from what they are doing? Who will wake up with more energy to get back to their work?

Make a commitment to not only grow your knowledge of how to do things, but also to clarify your understanding of why you are doing them. Then, watch your energy, productivity, and fulfillment skyrocket in your life.

Would you be your friend?

Chuck Goetschel — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:14:52 -0800

“I am so stupid. Why did I do that? How embarrassing. Anyone else would have noticed it. They are all looking at me. Yes, and they are thinking, ‘What a dope.’ No, they are thinking, ‘What a klutz. He must do stupid stuff all the time!’” This delightful dialog was simply about tripping over crack in the sidewalk. What’s even more amazing was that I was able to hold the whole conversation myself and it only lasted a nanosecond as it all happened in my head.

Self Talk. The little voice in our head ready at all times to share non-requested commentary. It’s a beautiful thing. Well, it can be. For most, however, it is a voice of doubt, fear, worry, sarcasm, and etcetera. Think about it. It is typically negative commentary we hear in our head. How often are you interrupted with thoughts like, “I am so great. Wow. It’s awesome when you really ponder it a little bit. It’s going to be another great day…because I’m in it! Oh yeah, let my presence bless them all.” No, that is not our self talk. And, if it were, I would be writing about other issues such as delusion and pride.

Make a note of everything that is said in you head. This may sound absurd but most likely you will be shocked at what you hear when you really take time to make note of it. Our beliefs, which direct our thinking and consequently our life, are often established and/or reinforced by accepting what is being said in our head. Unfortunately, for many, their self-talk is horrific. Not only would most people not be friends with anyone that talked to them that way but they would consider them a jerk or other such names. Considering your self-talk, would you be your friend? From the moment many people wake up there is almost nothing but negative chatter going on in there. It is absolutely essential that two things happen with your self-talk: First, understand your role with it. Second, take control of it.

The first major realization is to understand that you are not the 'talker' in your head but rather the 'listener'. Hang with me; this goes a little deep. When something is said in our head, we naturally think that we 'said' it particularly because it's always in the first person--we consider it our thought. For example, you may mess up on something and suddenly in your head you 'say', "I'm so stupid." However, you didn't say it. You heard it. In other words, it was said to you that, "You are so stupid," but simply in the first person context so that you own it. With this clarity, you now have the ability to accept or regret this input. Prior to being the listener, you would naturally accept it as fact without consideration because you thought you said it. This will reek havoc on your self-worth and self-esteem lending you much more vulnerable to accept minimizing beliefs.

The second step is to take control of the process. Taking control of what's happening in your head is a matter of three steps:

Step 1: Awareness--Be aware of what is being said in your head and realize that you are the listener and not the talker.
Step 2: Accept or Reject--As you 'hear' what is being said in your head, simply accept it as true or reject it as false.
Step 3: Replace Negative with Positive--For everything you reject, replace it with something positive. This may be a positive affirmation or scripture. For example, you may say, "I reject that comment that I am stupid. Rather, I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me."

In order to trigger awareness to begin this process, give the following exercise a try. When you wake up in the morning, start writing down everything that comes into your mind regarding self talk. Listen carefully and remember it is tricky because it comes in the form of first person. However, as you write everything out throughout the day, you will quickly improve. By the end of the day, see what comes out. The process will make you aware of what happens in a typical day up there as well as begin to increase your awareness. Once you are more aware of what is truly being said, you can then complete the other steps of accepting or rejecting and replacing the comments. Additionally, you can take a pro-active approach by planting positive seeds of affirmation or scripture in addition to responding to what is happening in your head. Of course, that is just for those who want to be in the accelerated class.

What are you made of?

Chuck Goetschel — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:17:10 -0800

When you squeeze a Banana, does orange juice come out? When you squeeze a tomato do you find apple juice? Of course not. When you squeeze something, the real thing comes out. That is, what's really inside really comes out. Amazing isn't it? Well, here's a better question: When you are squeezed, what comes out? ... Let the question just sit for a moment... When you are squeezed, what comes out? You see, adversity doesn't develop character, it reveals it. Does your answer put a smile on your face or is it concerning? When squeezed, does love come out? Anger? Compassion? What are you so filled with that it is what must come out? Okay, some of you may not like the answer. But, no worries, if you want something different to come out, then simply start filling yourself up with something new.

There is a story told by author John Maxwell in his book, Think on These Things--Meditations for Leaders, that illustrates this point. In his own words:

"Several years ago I read a true story...For four decades East Berlin was controlled by the Communists. West Berlin was free. One day some people who lived in East Berlin took a truckload of garbage and dumped it on the West Berlin side. The people of West Berlin could have retaliated by doing the same thing. But instead they took a truckload of canned goods, bread, and milk and neatly stacked it on the East Berlin side. On top of this stack of food they placed the sign: 'Each gives what he has.'"

One of the most important things you can choose to fill up with is Gratitude. Gratitude will show up as patience, peace, love, compassion and humility. It will change the way you see the world and everything in it. Gratitude begins with faith and is obtained by reframing the way you see things. One perspective may lead to pride while another perspective regarding the same situation can lead to gratitude. It's all a matter of your perspective and it is your choice to decide.

"There but for the grace of God, go I." This quotation, expressing that someone's misfortune could easily have happened to oneself or anyone at all, is commonly traced back to the British Protestant reformer John Bradford (b. 1510 - d. 1555). He is said to have made the remark, "There but for the grace of God, go John Bradford," upon seeing criminals on their way to execution. He chose not to be prideful but rather humble due to his perspective that if it wasn't for the grace of God, it could well have been himself on his way to execution. Can you get there mentally or are you certain that if you lived their life it still wouldn’t be you? It is difficult to be arrogant when you are grateful for grace. He also understood that he can still stand up for the principles he believes in while feeling humble rather than prideful towards those who have fallen short of the mark. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “He who you will change, you must first love.” Have discord with actions but love people. Be grateful for God’s grace.

Be grateful for what you have been given rather than upset over what you don't have or feel has been taken from you. What you have has been gifted to you. Count your blessings. Be grateful. All too often people complain: "I don't have enough money." "My home is a mess." "My kids are tiring." "There's nothing to eat in this house." "I'm not in good enough shape." Have you ever heard people say these things? I'm sure they are all true and, therefore, the feelings behind them are valid. However, if we want things to be better in our life we must learn to reframe them; put things into a different context. Don't try to "stuff" your feelings but rather change the perspective and your feelings will follow. To feel gratitude, change the perspective from looking at your situation from someone who is worse off than you. "I don't have enough money." Consider: Some people don't have any money at all. "My home is a mess." Consider: Millions of people are homeless. "My kids are tiring." Consider: Countless number of people want kids but can't have any. They would gladly be a tired parent. "There's nothing good to eat in this house." Consider: Millions of people are starving to death and could only dream of your last meal. "I'm not in good enough shape." Consider: Millions of people are battling cancer, AIDS, and other bodily diseases.

If you truly focus on this new perspective even when you "don't feel like it," you will notice the release of tension and a new attitude of gratitude will come over you. I know it can be hard because when we don't feel happy we don't feel like changing a perspective on anything. But, remember, your victory comes from growing through your struggles. Now, don't misunderstand, I'm not advocating not caring about improving your situation. However, I am suggesting that all the while you can always choose a perspective that fosters an attitude of gratitude. Will it make a difference in your life and in your pursuit towards fulfilling your Life Mission? Absolutely! Watch how an attitude of gratitude will draw key people closer to you along with more things for which to be grateful.

Consider if you have kids, what do you feel when they are complaining that they don't have this or that? Do you feel a sense of urgency to get it for them or do you feel frustrated or unappreciated for what you have provided? How do you suppose God feels about you? Your life and everything in it has been a gift to you. But, you have worked hard for everything? I'm sure you have. But, where did your ambition come from? It's all a gift. Be grateful even for the little things. A man was running late to a job interview and trying to park his car. He prayed, "God please give me a parking spot so I can make this interview." Just then, a car starts to pull out. Immediately the man says, "Oh, never mind God, I just found one." Yes, it is easy not to credit our gifts. Live with an attitude of gratitude and see if it is not true that more good comes your way.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:47:04 -0800

• "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

• "In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

• "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

• "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

• "Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?' But, conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because one's conscience tells one that it is right."

It was August 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, when one of the defining moments in the American civil rights movement occurred in front of over two hundred thousand people as Martin Luther King, Jr. passionately shared the words, "I have a Plan..." Or, was it, "I have a Dream..." The plan wouldn't have inspired the people to pay the price of the following struggle, but the casting of a dream did. Without a dream first, nothing happens. How different is America and the rest of the world today because he dared to dream such a dream?

I hope you build the dream of your life to be big. I hope it gives you goose-bumps! In fact, I hope it is big enough that you realize you can't do it by yourself and, consequently, find yourself humbly falling to your knees for help. A small dream won’t lead you to do that. Doesn't it make sense to ask God for help? What could you accomplish with Him as your partner? More importantly, how would you accomplish it?

Martin Luther King, Jr. wasn’t only known for giving great speeches and leading people and change, but he was known for the way he did it. He believed that "the Christian doctrine of love operating through the Gandhian method of nonviolence was one of the most potent weapons available to oppressed people in their struggle for freedom.”(1)

In his own words:

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it.

You may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. You may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate, nor establish love. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is not an article regarding nonviolent resistance nor should it confuse anyone as to my feelings of sincere and deep gratitude for all the many soldiers who are serving and sacrificing currently for the cause of freedom. Rather, on this day of Martin Luther King, Jr., I am noting that not only did he own a big dream, but he also carefully considered the method by which he chose to fulfill it.

Those who chase their dream with the ‘whatever it takes’ attitude will, unfortunately, have quite an awakening when they realize they sacrificed something greater than their dream if the process wasn’t in alignment with their Core Values. Without clarity of our Core Values and a commitment to making decisions in alignment to them, we will naturally default to fear-based decision making. That is, we will make decisions in our own best interest at the moment in order to avoid the manifestations of our fears.

For example, suppose it is recommended to you to do something at work that compromises your integrity. Internally, it may not 'feel' right. But, if you are not clear on your Core Values or committed to Core-Value decision making, you may well find yourself doing that something out of a fear—in this case, the fear of financial-insecurity. You did it because you feared what you may face financially if you didn’t.

The Christian worldview believes that God will provide for our needs so there is no reason to ever compromise our values. Have you ever noticed how many dramatic changes in the world came from men and women of great faith? Great faith leads to great courage. Or, as the Roman philosopher and orator, Cicero said, “A man of courage is also full of faith.”

In upcoming posts, I will discuss the extreme importance of defining, prioritizing and living by your Core Values. I’ll discuss apparent value-conflicts as well as the ‘Should-Values’ that we mistake as Core Values. Sound boring? Well, if it is excitement that you are looking for, then try recovering from bad decision making due to unclear Core Values. That will spice up your life! Making decisions that maintain alignment between your actions and your Core Values is a key to inner peace. It’s about ‘supporting yourself’.

On this great day of celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and contribution, I want to encourage you to dream big, seek His guidance, and stay true to yourself.

(1) King Jr., Martin Luther, "Pilgrimage to Nonviolence.” The Christian Century 77 (13 April 1960), pp. 439-41.

One Marshmallow or Two?

Chuck Goetschel — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:12:28 -0800

In Daniel Goleman's pioneering book, Emotional Intelligence, he discussed a study done with a group of four-year-olds and marshmallows. They tested the children’s EQ’s (Emotional Quotient – A term he coined) with the intent to determine whether it or IQ had a more profound effect on one’s future success.

In this study, the children were placed in a room individually at a table with a marshmallow. They were given the following proposal: The instructor is going to leave for about 10 minutes. If you wait until he returns, you can have two marshmallows for a treat. If you can't wait until then, you can only have one--but you can have it right now.

The results were dramatic. When observing these same children as they were graduating high school, in Goldman's own words, "Those who resisted the temptation at four were now, as adolescents, more socially competent: personally effective, self-assertive, and better able to cope with the frustrations of life. They were less likely to go to pieces, freeze, or regress under stress, or become rattled or disorganized when pressured; they embraced challenges and pursued them instead of giving up even in the face of difficulties; they were self-reliant and confident, trust-worthy and dependable; and they took initiative and plunged into projects. And, more than a decade later, they were still able to delay gratification in pursuit of their goals."

The point is that one’s success has much more to do with their EQ than their IQ. This should be great news because your IQ is fixed and never changes, however, your EQ can increase with personal development. Think about it; that should make sense. You may never be great at solving math problems but you can learn to walk away from that cake that you feel keeps calling your name.

As a fairly new area of psychological research, the definition of Emotional Intelligence is constantly changing. However, it generally includes the following abilities as described in Daniel Goleman's 1998 book, Working with Emotional Intelligence:
• Self-awareness - the ability to read one's emotions and recognize their impact while using gut feelings to guide decisions.
• Self-management - involves controlling one's emotions and impulses and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Social awareness - the ability to sense, understand, and react to other's emotions while comprehending social networks.
• Relationship management - the ability to inspire, influence, and develop others while managing conflict.

The success and significance of your life will be directly related to how well you work with others. There is simply no way around it. Your purpose will have to do with other people and the higher your EQ, the tighter your connection will be with them. Studying and understanding the science of Emotional Intelligence and raising your personal Emotional Quotient is one of the greatest self-development focuses you can have.

Before we leave the topic, however, here is a quick pop-quiz: You are driving home in your brand new dream car. Suddenly, you hear a loud bang coming off your right car door. You look in your side-view mirror only to see one of the young neighborhood boys standing on the curb. You realize he just threw a large rock and it slammed into the side of your car. Okay, how are you feeling? Mad? Disgusted? What do you do? Most people would stop, back up and confront the boy. Let's say you do. However, when you back up and park the car, the boy starts to run off over a mound of dirt behind the curb. You look at your new car and your door has a big dent in it. Do you follow him? A survey done says that most people would. However, when you catch up to the boy, he stops, looks at you and says, "I'm so sorry Mr." "Look! My brother was riding his bike when he fell and now he's unconscious. I couldn't get anyone to stop and help me so I had to throw the rock. I'm sorry. Please help my brother." Looking over, you do indeed see his brother laying on the ground not moving. How do you feel now? Are you still mad or disgusted?

Isn't it amazing how quickly our emotions and, therefore, our attitude can change? Now, let me ask you--what caused the change? The situation was the same all along. The only thing that changed was your understanding of all the facts. What if you didn't stop and just drove home mad. Once home, you tell your spouse about how terrible the little boy is and what a bad influence he is on the neighborhood. Your dialog leads to anger in your spouse who, in turn, shares it with others. Rumors begin to fly and damage is done. One of the simplest lessons to learn in order to begin raising your EQ is to not jump to conclusions.

Remember long-time radio personality Paul Harvey? He would get a newspaper and read a story sharing the facts as it was written. Then, he would pause and say his famous line, "And now for the rest of the story," adding facts and commentary that wasn't included in the original story. Once he finished, the listeners had a whole new understanding of what it was all about. Remember that line, and the possibility there is more to the story when events happen, and you will raise your EQ instantly. At least it’s a start. Join me in a life long commitment to this area of growth.

Human-beings vs Human-doings

Chuck Goetschel — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 23:57:45 -0800

At some point we all search for meaning and purpose to our life. What is it all about? What is my purpose? What am I supposed to be doing with my life? In order to answer these questions there are a few necessary principles to understand:

1. You won’t clarify your purpose if you don’t stop for a moment. Your first step is to 'Stop!' Just stop for a moment. I know for many it can be a very difficult thing to do, but it is essential. For a few of you, this has never been a problem and we'll discuss the concept of 'Starting' in another posting. But, for the majority, it is all about being very busy. In fact, most people run through life in such a hurry they never stop and consider why it is they are in such a rush. "I don't really know where I'm going but at least I'm making great time!" would be an appropriate life slogan for many people. But, it has gone beyond just a fast pace, our busyness has become some sort of new status symbol--a true source of pride.

"I'm very busy" people say constantly with a proud tone in their voice.
"Me too!" someone else will quickly chime in as to not miss out on the mini-recognition ceremony taking place.
"I'm not" I love to contribute with a smile just to see them struggle to process the thought.
"Your not busy?!" they begin questioning with a look of confusion and even a bit of concern.
"What is it that you do?" they ask.
"I play with my kids. I work out. I love to read..." I'll go on.
Inevitably they interrupt me with, "That's not what I meant; what do you do for work?"
"Oh! Now that's a different question,” I'll respond.

Most people are so busy working to make money that when asked, 'What do you do?' we are just to assume the remaining part of the sentence is 'for work?' and their entire identity has become their work title: 'I am an accountant', 'I am an attorney', 'I am a carpenter'. You are? Is that who you ARE, or is that what you do for a living. It may seem like I'm splitting hairs here but I believe it is actually one of the sneaky traps that keep people from fulfilling their purpose. Because we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of working, paying bills, and generally getting through life, our purpose is merely survival and our vehicle is our work. But, is your work in line with your purpose? Have you even thought about it? I mean really thought about it. Most have not. It's like the guy visiting his neighbor only to see water covering the floor with a sink that is overflowing and a faucet still running. "Why don't you turn off the water?" the friend asks. "I don't have time to think about things like that. Can't you see I'm very busy trying to mop up this floor?"

Yes, we are very busy. We have this innate need to keep moving. But, remember, being busy doesn't necessarily mean you are being productive. Because you are in a hurry doesn't mean you are getting any closer to fulfilling your specific purpose. You will stop, sooner or later. We all will. If you stop now and think for a moment about your life, I am certain your life will represent so much more than it would have otherwise.

2. A key to discovering your purpose is to know where to look. Some people set off traveling around the world in search of answers. They may travel to the highest mountains and dive to the bottom of oceans in their quest but they will still be empty of purpose if they never look in the right place. Ironically, no matter where their travels take them, their answers travel with them. No, this discovery is not found outside but rather it is inside--inside of you. Take a moment and point at yourself. Go ahead, no one is looking. Now, look at your finger. Is it pointing to your head? No, it isn't, is it? It's pointing to your heart. Who you ARE resides in your heart. Your Creator put it there. The process of this discovery is really a matter of clarifying what deep down you already know. Then, it's simply a matter of being open to God's will in your life as you travel along your jouney.

3. Your purpose is not about doing but rather it’s about being. Too often people struggle to discover their purpose because they start in the wrong context. They ask, “What am I supposed to be doing?” It’s the wrong question. What you do is simply an expression of who you are. Your purpose is to be. Remember, we are human-beings, not human-doings. When you clarify your purpose as to who you are supposed to be, it can apply to every area of your life. If it doesn’t apply to one area of your life then you confused an expression of your purpose (eg., your vocation) with your actual purpose. For example, my purpose is to be a leader, a teacher and an inspiration. The way I apply that to family will be different than the way I apply it to work.

Once you have a handle on these principles—slowing down long enough to connect, looking within, and understanding it is about being and not doing—you are ready to clarify your purpose. In the upcoming postings, I will discuss a simple process to do just that.

Very Cold but Extremely Warm

Chuck Goetschel — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:58:17 -0800

This past weekend I was in Winnipeg, Canada. It is one of the colder places I've been lately - temp was a balmy zero. However, the people were some of the warmest I've ever met. From the minute I got off the plane, as the light snow was landing on my head, I could feel my thin California blood starting to struggle to keep my body warm--although I was informed that unless I see icicles forming off the end of my nose it really isn't cold yet--and, of course, my lack of winter clothing accessories probably didn't help. Yet, I was consumed by the warmth of the people I met...even at Customs...

"What are you doing here?" the Customs officer asked.
"I'm here teaching at a conference."
"Where is your conference," they asked?
"I don't know," I responded.
"You don't know?" they replied. "That's interesting. Are you meeting someone here?"
"Yes, I am." I said.
"Who are you meeting here?"
"I don't know," I said realizing this isn't going so well.
"You don't know. Alright. Well, what are you talking about?" The lady asked a bit aggravated by now.
"Being a leader," I said with a smile knowing by this point I didn't appear to know much about the subject.

After a lengthy dialog including sharing with her part of my talk, taking her online to my web site, etcetera, I eventually made it through. As for Custom officers, I must admit she was warmer than most. I think I would have sent me home--"Figure out who you are and what you are doing and come on back!" is something I may have suggested had I been her. Yes, it may be cold in Canada but the people are certainly warm.

How do you see people? It really is a good question because it tells a lot about the filter you see the world through. People are people…good, bad, struggling, and excelling. Of course evil people truly do exist; read any newspaper or watch the news to confirm that. However, how do you generally see people? Your answer will not so much tell the truth about others but it will tell a lot about you. Our world is exactly as we perceive it to be. Our perceptions make our reality.

There is a story of a couple who just moved into town. The man asked his new neighbor, “How are the people here?” The neighbor responded by asking, “How were the people where you came from?” “Oh they were awful. They were rude, self-focused and shallow.” “Well, unfortunately, you will find the people here are exactly the same,” the neighbor shared. Shortly afterward, the man’s wife visited the same neighbor and asked the same question as her husband, “How are the people here?” Again the neighbor responded by asking, “How were the people where you came from?” “Oh they were wonderful she said. Everyone was so warm and generous. I am going to miss them so much.” “Well, fortunately, you will find the people here are exactly the same,” the neighbor again shared.

Truly our reality is our perception. We will create it. So many people believe their perception is reality--that the way they see the world is the way it is. If you want to change the people around you, change the way YOU see them. What's best,...is that is something you actually have control over! Make it a great year!

Happy New Year!

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:36:02 -0800

Happy New Year!!! There is something about a new year that is so refreshing. Take an inventory of the lessons learned and the victories achieved in 2007. Then, look forward to 2008 with great anticipation! I love the new year because the world suddenly is full of dreamers. You rarely hear people saying, "I bet this is going to be a real bummer of a year." No, this is the time optimism rules the minds of people. The new year is all about improvement.

Take a moment to see the vision of Dec 31, 2008. What do you see? What improvements have happened? What accomplishment are you most proud of? Truly explore the vision. In order to hit a bulls-eye you must have a target.

Next, make a commitment to two things:

1. Stop doing something that's holding you back. What is it? Make that decision right now.
2. Start doing something that will contribute most to the realization of your vision. Put it into your daily routine.

Remember, if you want a change in your life, you must make a change in your life. I know...that was deep. However, it is very true. Give love away. Smile once a day at a total stranger. For many, it may really confuse them but, for some, it may be the little act of caring they needed. Give money away. There are plenty of people and causes that are in need and no amount is too little. Give God's Grace away. Forgive someone that doesn't "deserve" it. Give these things away in 2008 and see if they don't come back to you in abundance!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Who are Your Heroes?

Chuck Goetschel — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:13:41 -0800

I'm asked a lot about Heroes. What makes a hero? Novalis said, "A hero is one who knows how to hang on one minute longer." Similarly, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer." So, rather than list a number of personal heroes, let me simply say that heroes to me are people who stay the course in the stand for what they believe in ... A single mother doing her very best to raise her children and give them all that she can... An abused or abandoned child that starts off life as an innocent victim and searches for answers... A tired businessman trying to provide for his family continues his work... A lonely person wondering if they will ever feel loved starts a new day with a smile… A soldier longing to be home with his family but continues fighting for freedom... An average individual that turns off their television, gets off the couch and attempts to make something of their life, once again… These are my heroes.

Tell me about yours!...

Personal Mission Statement

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:27:43 -0800

I recently spoke to over 20,000 excited people affilitated with TEAM in Louisville, KY regarding Personal Mission Statements. Since then, I have had a number of people asking me questions about the talk. Here is an outline of the talk and a link to an article that is the best I've ever seen regarding helping someone write a personal mission statement. Read this posting, click on the link and change your life! Here it is:

In 1970, sociologist Dr. Edward Banfield of Harvard University described a profound study on success and priority setting. He was searching for why some ...

Look at this puddle!

Chuck Goetschel — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 01:19:10 -0800

Yesterday morning I was walking alongside my four year old son, Chase. He was riding his tricycle and loving it! He rode one big loop, returned to the house for a quick run to the bathroom and then decided he wanted to ride to the park. I calculated that it would be nearly three total miles of cycling for him. It seemed like a lot to me for a four year old but he didn’t want to hear my concerns and began his trek to the park. He rode and rode continually saying, “I’m fast and strong. Can you see it [the park] yet Daddy?” About ½ a mile from the park, he stopped. “What are you doing?” I asked. “Look Daddy! Look at this puddle!” He was full of excitement as he got off his tricycle and sat down next to the puddle. He pointed out to me everything in it…the leaves, the stones, and even the miscellaneous, unidentifiable stuff. The morning sun was reflecting off of it and the more I looked at it, the more beautiful I realized it really was. Strange, in the midst of so much chaos in the world and plenty of goings-on in my own life, I found myself admiring the beauty of a puddle. It was calming. “It’s beautiful” I said to him. “God made it just for us” my son instantly replied. “He made it just for you and me, Chase?” I asked. “You, me, Lightning McQueen and Dynaco King” he said including his two favorite race cars from the movie Cars. With that, he jumped back onto his tricycle and completed his journey to the park dramatically picking up his speed as soon as he saw it.

As I think back to that precious moment I realized a few key lessons:

Don’t let anyone put limitations on what you can achieve. Conversely, don’t put limitations on others. Beware, it may even be your “Daddy” meaning well by trying to “protect” you.
Don’t let the drama of the world and the challenges in your own life keep you from admiring God’s beauty. Remember the saying, “Work like it depends on you and pray like it depends on God.” With that philosophy, critical people and challenging times need not grab your attention from the joy even a puddle can provide.
Keep your sights on where you are going. Keep in mind the purpose of your mission. And know that when you really can “see it”, you’ll have all the energy in the world to finish strong.

Thanksgiving...not just a Holiday.

Chuck Goetschel — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 12:48:06 -0800

The Pilgrims declared a three-day feast, starting on December 13, 1621, to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends. While this was not the first Thanksgiving in America (thanksgiving services were held in Virginia as early as 1607), it was America's first Thanksgiving Festival. Much of the credit for the adoption of a later ANNUAL national Thanksgiving Day may be attributed to Mrs. Sarah Joseph Hale, the editor of Godey's Lady's Book. For thirty years, she promoted the idea of a national Thanksgiving Day, contacting President after President until President Abraham Lincoln responded in 1863 by setting aside the last Thursday of November as a national Day of Thanksgiving. Over the next seventy-five years, Presidents followed Lincoln's precedent, annually declaring a national Thanksgiving Day. Then, in 1941, Congress permanently established the fourth Thursday of each November as a national holiday.

I propose, however, that as wonderful as the Thanksgiving tradition is, let’s promote Thanksgiving as a regular mindset, not just an annual holiday.

Many Americans today think of Thanksgiving as the one day per year that we are justified to “stuff” as much food as possible into our bodies, lay on the couch to complain we ate too much and watch football. Some, however, understand it is a day to be “Thankful” and offer up the things they are thankful about to each other…while stuffing their bodies, laying on the coach, etc. However, if you break the word apart, you will discover that Thanksgiving actually comes from the original English root words, “Thanks” and “Giving”. Imagine that?! (That took some serious research!) So, our thanks should be coupled with the action of giving. What is it you can do to give to others? How can you be of value and service? Answer and act on these questions and you won’t just have a spectacular holiday, you will have an amazing life. A mindset of “thanks” coupled with the act of “giving” is what life is all about. Let’s make Thanksgiving an everyday event…minus the stuffing of food and laying on the couch part. J

A learning Experience

Chuck Goetschel — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:32:35 -0800

It was 9pm and the first 12 hours of running was complete...only 12 hours to go! I stepped it up a notch and started clicking off some good miles. I noticed that I was definitely in better shape than I was last year at this same event: the US Ultra running National Championships--24 Hour competition. However, a few hours later I realized I was having a challenge keeping down the necessary fuel to keep going. That's not good. I attempted some modifications to the strategy but wasn't having great luck. My pace fell off and I struggled for a number of hours. It came to a point where the focus was just on moving forward at all verse quitting.

At hour 23, the course is shortened to a simple 1/4 mile loop. My legs were fried after some 110+ miles. My body was way under fueled. Blood was coming thru my right shoe due to a poor job I did prepping it when I did a shoe change some 12 hours earlier. However, when the race director announced over the PA system that Connie Gardner was on pace to set the women's American record, I got inspired. I put everything I had into moving faster... I focused everything on getting it going to encourage her. I was cheering for her. I found myself going faster and faster as my inspiration grew. By the last 1/4 mile, I was running at 7:00 min/mile pace according to the race’s record log.

The race, although far from ideal, left me with a number of lessons:
1. I am a very fortunate person to have friends and family that are so supportive they would stay up all night and help me through it all. Thanks Dad, Wendy, Randy, Sterling, Becky, and Lillian.
2. Fuel is very important--get some more experience with other fuel sources.
3. Inspiration that can come from helping another person can tap a deep source of energy.
4. Connie Gardner is an amazing athlete. Actually, I already knew that one.

Some Good Advice...

Chuck Goetschel — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:18:08 -0700

I have read a lot of books and attended a lot of conferences and I know good advice when I hear it. Today, I heard some good advice. It came from a new friend, Glen, while we were talking about the struggle he is having with his daughter. We talked about how often the best thing I guy can say in a conversation is NOTHING! Often, it can be difficult to stay quiet and listen when all we want to do is offer solutions or fix the problem. It can even be more difficult if we feel attacked during that conversation. But, women often just want to be heard as was the case with his daughter. I asked him how he does it. His response was priceless…He said, I just say to myself, “Lord, wrap your arms around me and put your hand over my mouth.” Now, that’s some good advice.

Magic Moments

Chuck Goetschel — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 23:33:13 -0700

For me, it is the magic moments that happen unexpectedly that I cherish most. Yes, of course I appreciate the pleasures of financial rewards. I enjoy the finer things as much as anyone. However, nothing compares to a little magic moment.

This afternoon I was in my office when my oldest son Chase comes into the room from his nap. His brother was still sleeping and the house was quiet. We sat down on the floor and he started spelling words in a handheld label machine. "CAT" ... "DOG" ... "PIG" ... he typed in. Then, he said, "Let me type our names." He first typed his name, "Chase." Next, he typed his brother’s name, "Casey." Then, he said, "Let me type your name." With that he typed, "DADDY." He looked up at me with his big green eyes, a big smile came over his face and he said, "Daddy!" Instantly, I felt so much love. It was hard to explain and maybe it doesn't mean anything to anybody...but, to me, it was one of those so very precious magic moments.

The Power of Gratitude

Chuck Goetschel — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 14:50:37 -0700

We may not have control of all the circumstances in our life, but we do have control of what we choose to focus on. I challenge myself, and would like to challenge you, to focus on the things in our lives for which we are grateful. Gratitude is the way we create more positive in our life even when negative things seem to be happening. It is the secret to happiness and the foundation of humility. Here are some great quotes on Gratitude from wisdomquotes.com:

Albert Schweitzer: At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.

Albert Schweitzer: To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.Alfred Painter: Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality.

Buddha: Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.

Cicero: Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.

Edward Gibbon: Revenge is profitable, gratitude is expensive.

Eric Hoffer: The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld: Gratitude is merely the secret hope of further favors.

H. U. Westermayer: The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.

Henry Ward Beecher: Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.

John F. Kennedy: As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

Leroy [Satchel] Paige: [D]on't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines. New York Post, October 4, 1959

Marcel Proust: Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

Margaret Cousins: Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.

Meister Eckhart: If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.

Melodie Beattie: Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Rabindranath Tagore: Power takes as ingratitude the writhing of its victims.

Ralph Waldo Emerson: I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.

Thomas Erskine: In the New Testament, religion is grace and ethics is gratitude.

William James: The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.

The L I T T L E Things

Chuck Goetschel — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:15:16 -0700

On this anniversay day of 9/11, I thought this message may be of value to you...

As you might know, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.

Another gentleman is alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One went back to answer the telephone.

One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn't get a taxi.

One put on a new pair of shoes that morning but, before he got to work, developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone ... all the little things that could annoy any of us, I think to myself, "This is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment..."

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong--the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light--be grateful; God is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose.

Catalina Island 50 Miler

Chuck Goetschel — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 21:05:00 -0800

Catalina Island is very hilly. It is also very dark in the hills early in the morning in January. The race began at 5:00am. It was very cold, windy and, immediately outside of town, very dark. I had to laugh at myself because it was so me to show up for a 50 mile run in the hills of Catalina pre-sunrise without any sort of a light. What a rookie. No problem I figured...I'll just stay with the leaders since obviously they all have lights. Well, the leaders all run like gazelles up and down these hills so I needless to say I was pushing it quite a bit early on in the race. The sun finally came up and I could now run my own race! Up and down...up and down. Yes, hill training would have been good for this one. I'm thinking around mile 30, what am I doing here?...running in the dark, up and down these hills, what's next? Just then I met up with a runner who asks me, "Seen any buffalo today?" "No, I haven't" I replied. "Well, whatever you do if you see one don't look it in the eyes...it will charge you!" Whether true or not, it certainly got me a bit more alert! It was a great day on the Island. I highly recommend the race to any ultrarunner. Just remember to bring a light.

Race results: http://planetultramarathon.wordpress.com/2007/01/17/corrected-avalon-50-results/

Twins & 17 months apart

Chuck Goetschel — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 15:02:03 -0800

How is it that Chase is 17 months older than Casey but technically they are twins? The answer is that they are a combination of modern science and most definitely a miracle from God. After being told, "You will never have children" by only the most prestigeous Orange County, CA fertility doctor, I will forever be grateful to our doctor and God for Chase & Casey.

...more to come...

US National Championships - 24 Hour Race

Chuck Goetschel — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 16:23:13 -0800

The fun began 9am November 18, 2006. This was the start of my first ultra-marathon race. Why enter the 24 hour competition in the US National Championships for my first ultra race? Why not? Wasn't it T.S. Eliot who said, "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly know how far they can go." So, I went for it!

I had three goals:
1. To have fun.
2. To learn.
3. To run 120 miles.

After setting my goals I concluded that sometime during the middle of the night my first goal may actually be my most challenging to achieve! :) I knew the second goal would be an easy one since I had never done anything like this before. And the third goal? It was a shot in the dark. In training, my longest run ever had been 66 miles which afterwards I found myself in the hospital getting 3 liters of fluid to replenish my badly dehydrated body.

The race went wonderfully well. And, come 9am Sunday morning November 19th, 2006 I was one very happy Xtreme Runner having achieved all three goals.

Race Results: http://www.americanultra.org/news/nov2006.html

Swimming History

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:40:53 -0700

I joined my first swim team, Woodlands Cabana Club, just before my fifth birthday. I completed my career while swimming for UC Santa Barbara. Swimming was my athletic passion and focus from a small boy all the way through college. Much of who I am is a direct result of this journey of over fifteen years. I had mountain-top victories as well as devistating defeats. The lessons I learned are countless and the memories are priceless.

Chuck Goetschel finishes All Time Top 100 Boys 11-12 200 M Freestyle

Chuck Goetschel 1988 UCSB Men's Swimming & Diving Champion

Chuck Goetschel 1988 Olympic Trials - Disqualification.

Dr. Robert Rohm Personality Types Quiz

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 04 Oct 2004 02:16:23 -0700

Dr. Robert Rohm has a great interactive quiz that you can take to determine what your personality style is.

Visit: http://www.personalityinsights.com/ and scroll down to the bottom half of the page to take the quiz.

Get Inspired! - Inspirational Quotes from ToInspire.com

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 23 Aug 2004 05:33:27 -0700

The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit. -Nelson Henderson When the oak is felled the forest echoes with its fall, but a hundred acorns are sown silently by an unnoticed breeze. -Thomas Carlyle Beauty is truth, truth beauty' - that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know. - John Keats

Inspirational Business Quotes from Great Leaders

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 23 Aug 2004 05:24:31 -0700

It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. - Warren Buffett Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison The first man gets the oyster, the second man gets the shell. - Andrew Carnegie

Summary Notes from How to Win Friends and Influence People

Chuck Goetschel — Wed, 28 Apr 2004 13:01:23 -0700

How to Win Friends and Influence People

This is Dale Carnegie's summary of his book, from 1936

Fundamental Techniques in Handling People
Six Ways to Make People Like You
How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking
Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment

Part One

Fundamental Techniques in Handling People

Don't criticize, condemn or complain. Give honest and sincere appreciation. Arouse in the other person an eager want.

Part Two

Six ways to make people like you

Become genuinely interested in other people. Smile. Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves. Talk in terms of the other person's interests. Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.

Part Three

Win people to your way of thinking

The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it. Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never say, "You're wrong." If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically. Begin in a friendly way. Get the other person saying "yes, yes" immediately. Let the other person do a great deal of the talking. Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers. Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view. Be sympatheticwith the other person's ideas and desires. Appeal to the nobler motives. Dramatize your ideas. Throw down a challenge.

Part Four

Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment

A leader's job often includes changing your people's attitudes and behavior. Some suggestions to accomplish this: Begin with praise and honest appreciation. Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly. Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person. Ask questions instead of giving direct orders. Let the other person save face. Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Be "hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise." Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to. Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct. Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest.

Overview of Questions Are The Answers by Alan Pease

Chuck Goetschel — Mon, 08 Mar 2004 02:18:02 -0800

Top level networkers are not natural or born. Top level networking is a science - a learnable skill, and Questions are the Answers, gives you the techniques and shows you how to use them, how to measure and improve your progress and what to observe when dealing with people.

Find out "What" They Want! - Bringing Out The Best In People

Chuck Goetschel — Sun, 15 Feb 2004 21:54:27 -0800

In his excellent book, "Bringing Out The Best In People", Dr. Alan Loy McGinnis cites a quote from Thomas Aquinas: "When you want to convert a man to your view, you go over to where he is standing, take him by the hand and guide him. You don't stand across the room and shout at him; you don't call him a dummy; you don't order him to come over to where you are. You start where he is, and work from that position. That's the only way to get him to budge."