What's the best compliment you've ever received at work?

According to a recent survey, 65% of respondents agreed with the statement, "At work, I am recognized for my achievements."



I'm creating a piece on recognition and would love to hear from you. What's the best compliment you've ever received at work? How did it make you feel and why do you still remember it? Share your story of a fabulous compliment you received. Selected entries will be incorporated into the article, and if yours is cited, you will get a free copy of “Pushing Back the Ocean”. All entries will receive a copy of the piece once it's complete.


You can email me at Karl@karlbimshas.com with the subject line “Best Compliment Ever”, but why not share your greatness with others by responding via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or commenting on my blog, Reflections on Leadership.


Thanks for your participation. Today, tell someone else how much you appreciate them.

Do you have your “ships” together?

Dreams, aspirations and goals stimulate our imagination, but they aren’t enough for those used to achieving more. Sailing through life rudderless isn’t an option. It’s time to get your ships together. I can think of eight key ships you ought to evaluate for seaworthiness.

Relationship
Many times, there are wide variables between our interactions with our significant other, our family members, friends, and colleagues. Are you being authentic in all your relationships? Are all of your relationships where you want them to be or are there some that you could improve? Are there people you sometimes want to throw overboard? Examine your relationships and surround yourself with the best crew possible.

Leadership
I believe everyone has the capacity to be a leader, be it of a household, a company, or even a little league team. Any organization of people needs a leader. Someone to set a vision, inspire movement and encourage people along the way. There is something in your life that you’re leading whether you know it or not. It would be better to know it. The helm is yours, captain.

Ownership
Although material possessions really don’t matter much in the big picture, when we work for something, scrape and save for some tangible thing we want, like a camera, new shoes, special watch, car or house, the basic pride in ownership is the same. We take care of the things we own. We clean it, shine it, and show it off. We do so because it’s a symbol of our success. Are you taking pride in ownership? Polish the brass.

Citizenship
It is a sense of patriotism. Many look at what a country owes them instead of what a country full of liberty provides, like security, tranquility, justice, and the ability to pursue happiness. Everyone’s taxes are too high, but if you think about the value you get for that contribution, it’s a pretty good deal. To function properly a country needs good citizens. A population that educates itself, votes, serves as jury to justice, contributes in ways big and small is one that reports for duty and takes responsibility seriously. Raise the flags, show your colors and salute.

Stewardship
Nothing lasts forever, but there are times when things fall under your watch. Leading a team, babysitting a child, living on the planet. No one wants something bad to happen on their watch. Stewardship is treating something that’s not yours as though it were and then leaving it with grace and in a little better condition than you found it. What can you make better?

Craftsmanship
Everyone does something well. Something that requires their head, heart and hands. It may be your hobby or your vocation, but it calls you and your work speaks to others. It’s funny how people tend to be the most skilled craftsmen around the things they are most humble about. Devote time to your craft. Practice, hone, improve, excel. Make the engines purr.

Entrepreneurship
Start something. You often see a need, a way to be of service that others haven’t thought about before, but you too often ignore your great idea. How faithfully you go about filling that need is your entrepreneurial spirit. It may be risky, but go for it anyway.

Followership
Often we overestimate the leader and underestimate the follower. Without the follower, the leader fails; without a leader, followers perish. You must know when to lead and when to follow. Know when to offer new ideas and solutions and when to support and respect existing ones. Respect your crewmates and the command.

Navigating these eight “ships” comes with a fleet of emotions. Pay attention to them. Take care of them. Inspect the hull and scrape the barnacles off from time to time. Send them out to explore uncharted waters. Spend time with them and just enjoy what they uncover alone and working in harmony with each other. Do you have any other “ships” you would add? Let me know.

Visit http://karlbimshas.com/tools.html for a FREE self-assessment on your personal fleet.

Do you have your “ships” together?

Dreams, aspirations and goals stimulate our imagination, but they aren’t enough for those used to achieving more. Sailing through life rudderless isn’t an option. It’s time to get your ships together. I can think of eight key ships you ought to evaluate for seaworthiness.

Relationship
Many times, there are wide variables between our interactions with our significant other, our family members, friends, and colleagues. Are you being authentic in all your relationships? Are all of your relationships where you want them to be or are there some that you could improve? Are there people you sometimes want to throw overboard? Examine your relationships and surround yourself with the best crew possible.

Leadership
I believe everyone has the capacity to be a leader, be it of a household, a company, or even a little league team. Any organization of people needs a leader. Someone to set a vision, inspire movement and encourage people along the way. There is something in your life that you’re leading whether you know it or not. It would be better to know it. The helm is yours, captain.

Ownership
Although material possessions really don’t matter much in the big picture, when we work for something, scrape and save for some tangible thing we want, like a camera, new shoes, special watch, car or house, the basic pride in ownership is the same. We take care of the things we own. We clean it, shine it, and show it off. We do so because it’s a symbol of our success. Are you taking pride in ownership? Polish the brass.

Citizenship
It is a sense of patriotism. Many look at what a country owes them instead of what a country full of liberty provides, like security, tranquility, justice, and the ability to pursue happiness. Everyone’s taxes are too high, but if you think about the value you get for that contribution, it’s a pretty good deal. To function properly a country needs good citizens. A population that educates itself, votes, serves as jury to justice, contributes in ways big and small is one that reports for duty and takes responsibility seriously. Raise the flags, show your colors and salute.

Stewardship
Nothing lasts forever, but there are times when things fall under your watch. Leading a team, babysitting a child, living on the planet. No one wants something bad to happen on their watch. Stewardship is treating something that’s not yours as though it were and then leaving it with grace and in a little better condition than you found it. What can you make better?

Craftsmanship
Everyone does something well. Something that requires their head, heart and hands. It may be your hobby or your vocation, but it calls you and your work speaks to others. It’s funny how people tend to be the most skilled craftsmen around the things they are most humble about. Devote time to your craft. Practice, hone, improve, excel. Make the engines purr.

Entrepreneurship
Start something. You often see a need, a way to be of service that others haven’t thought about before, but you too often ignore your great idea. How faithfully you go about filling that need is your entrepreneurial spirit. It may be risky, but go for it anyway.

Followership
Often we overestimate the leader and underestimate the follower. Without the follower, the leader fails; without a leader, followers perish. You must know when to lead and when to follow. Know when to offer new ideas and solutions and when to support and respect existing ones. Respect your crewmates and the command.

Navigating these eight “ships” comes with a fleet of emotions. Pay attention to them. Take care of them. Inspect the hull and scrape the barnacles off from time to time. Send them out to explore uncharted waters. Spend time with them and just enjoy what they uncover alone and working in harmony with each other. Do you have any other “ships” you would add? Let me know.

Visit http://karlbimshas.com/tools.html for a FREE self-assessment on your personal fleet.

It’s your fault. There, I feel better.

It’s easy to lay blame when things don’t go right. People blame the weather for how they’re feeling. They blame the economy for their own financial situation. Schoolyards, boardrooms and the halls of Washington reverberate with outrage as people try to assign blame to someone else. It’s easier. It’s easier to dispense blame than to accept accountability. Some people in the world have two viewpoints, yours and mine. When things go wrong, the fault is yours. When things go right, the credit is mine. Blame helps aid this belief. When I blame, I am able to shift accountability and shirk responsibility. Whew, what a relief. Unfortunately, I also give up power and leadership credibility. If I exert any effort to blame someone other than myself for some event, I empower him or her and weaken me.

When we blame someone, we are declaring that the responsibility was his or hers and it was misused. To be clear, there are times in our lives when this is empirically true. We see people squirm and contort all sorts of stories to shed the skin of responsibility they had. And more often than not, how do they respond? By blaming others. Watch any Sunday morning news program for ample examples.

Why are we, the most freedom loving people, so regularly ready to give up our power? It’s because responsibility scares most of us. What if we screw up? People might blame us.

There are two ways to interrupt this vicious cycle. One is to accept blame that is rightfully yours. You can probably share it with someone else, for few are blameless, but it’s better to take it alone. Accepting responsibility knocks the breath out of blame. Accept it, fix what you can and move on. If you dwell on it, you are just perpetuating the blame on yourself. What a waste.

The second way to begin eliminating the destructive power of blame is to overcompensate with its opposite, praise. Do you feel you are getting too much praise in your life? Do you get too much recognition for all the good things you do everyday? Some may say they don’t need praise. I say, they just don’t realize they need it. Do you feel like you are receiving more blame than praise? What are you finding more fault or admiration with others? Even if you are not speaking the words, your mind is either assigning blame or praise, while you wait in line, read an article, watch the news, listen to the radio, attend a lecture or rally, or sip a drink at a bar. You can’t turn off these thoughts but you can ensure your focus is more on praise and what’s going right with your world and less on blame and what’s going wrong.

Please pass this message on to a friend or colleague, and encourage them to sign up for Karl Bimshas’ Reflections on Leadership.

If you want more than just a periodic reminder of personal development activities, or want a new perspective, consider an accountability partner. Send me an email at karl@karlBimshas.com and I’ll send you information on Personal Consulting.

It’s your fault. There, I feel better.

It’s easy to lay blame when things don’t go right. People blame the weather for how they’re feeling. They blame the economy for their own financial situation. Schoolyards, boardrooms and the halls of Washington reverberate with outrage as people try to assign blame to someone else. It’s easier. It’s easier to dispense blame than to accept accountability. Some people in the world have two viewpoints, yours and mine. When things go wrong, the fault is yours. When things go right, the credit is mine. Blame helps aid this belief. When I blame, I am able to shift accountability and shirk responsibility. Whew, what a relief. Unfortunately, I also give up power and leadership credibility. If I exert any effort to blame someone other than myself for some event, I empower him or her and weaken me.

When we blame someone, we are declaring that the responsibility was his or hers and it was misused. To be clear, there are times in our lives when this is empirically true. We see people squirm and contort all sorts of stories to shed the skin of responsibility they had. And more often than not, how do they respond? By blaming others. Watch any Sunday morning news program for ample examples.

Why are we, the most freedom loving people, so regularly ready to give up our power? It’s because responsibility scares most of us. What if we screw up? People might blame us.

There are two ways to interrupt this vicious cycle. One is to accept blame that is rightfully yours. You can probably share it with someone else, for few are blameless, but it’s better to take it alone. Accepting responsibility knocks the breath out of blame. Accept it, fix what you can and move on. If you dwell on it, you are just perpetuating the blame on yourself. What a waste.

The second way to begin eliminating the destructive power of blame is to overcompensate with its opposite, praise. Do you feel you are getting too much praise in your life? Do you get too much recognition for all the good things you do everyday? Some may say they don’t need praise. I say, they just don’t realize they need it. Do you feel like you are receiving more blame than praise? What are you finding more fault or admiration with others? Even if you are not speaking the words, your mind is either assigning blame or praise, while you wait in line, read an article, watch the news, listen to the radio, attend a lecture or rally, or sip a drink at a bar. You can’t turn off these thoughts but you can ensure your focus is more on praise and what’s going right with your world and less on blame and what’s going wrong.

Please pass this message on to a friend or colleague, and encourage them to sign up for Karl Bimshas’ Reflections on Leadership.

If you want more than just a periodic reminder of personal development activities, or want a new perspective, consider an accountability partner. Send me an email at karl@karlBimshas.com and I’ll send you information on Personal Consulting.

The Parallels Between Leaders and Artists

I have been thinking again about the parallels between leaders and artists. When a person has a vivid and compelling vision that others want to follow, that person becomes a leader.

A writer can find inspiration in a variety of things, from lint to a sunset. When they are able to weave those elements of inspiration into a story and inspire others, they become an author.

At on point, all leaders and artists have a feeling of uncertainty. For some, it festers into insecurity. The suffering artist or burdened leader is a cliché. Uncertainly is fine. It is threaded throughout the fabric of life. However, people seldom follow the insecure. Healthy self-esteem and confidence are the hallmarks of successful leaders and artists.

The Parallels Between Leaders and Artists

I have been thinking again about the parallels between leaders and artists. When a person has a vivid and compelling vision that others want to follow, that person becomes a leader.

A writer can find inspiration in a variety of things, from lint to a sunset. When they are able to weave those elements of inspiration into a story and inspire others, they become an author.

At on point, all leaders and artists have a feeling of uncertainty. For some, it festers into insecurity. The suffering artist or burdened leader is a cliché. Uncertainly is fine. It is threaded throughout the fabric of life. However, people seldom follow the insecure. Healthy self-esteem and confidence are the hallmarks of successful leaders and artists.

Leaders and Artists

Leaders and Artists show passion.
Leaders and Artists tell great stories.
Leaders and Artists practice their skills.
Leaders and Artists understand form and function.
Leaders and Artists have a consistent point of view.
Leaders and Artists know their strengths and limitations.
Leaders and Artists work with their head, hands and heart.
Leaders and Artists stand on the shoulders of those who taught them.
Leaders and Artists are never really “done”; they can always find something to improve.

Leaders and Artists

Leaders and Artists show passion.
Leaders and Artists tell great stories.
Leaders and Artists practice their skills.
Leaders and Artists understand form and function.
Leaders and Artists have a consistent point of view.
Leaders and Artists know their strengths and limitations.
Leaders and Artists work with their head, hands and heart.
Leaders and Artists stand on the shoulders of those who taught them.
Leaders and Artists are never really “done”; they can always find something to improve.

Who do you know that you wish more people could meet?

Who is the person in your life who you most wanted to introduce to other people? For me it was my grandfather. He was of another era. His voice, cadence and dialect were like watching an old Frank Capra or George Cukor movie from the 1940's. He was always ready with amusing stories, riddles or a practical joke.

Growing up we would visit nearly every Sunday and spend a few hours with him and my grandmother. One of my favorite memories of him, and I learned one of his favorite of me too, was the day he was pitching tennis balls to my wiffle ball bat in the back yard. I was fairly young and I was dismal and I was getting frustrated with myself. Embarrassed, I collected several of the missed balls that were scattered by my feet and tossed them back to him so we could try again. A few rolled behind him and into the bushes forcing him to crawl in to retrieve them. My frustration grew; I couldn't even toss a ball right. I was determined to hit the next pitch with all my might.

He brushed himself off, paused for a moment, asked if I was ready and then hurled the brightly colored ball at me. I concentrated and hit it perfectly on the fat part of the bat with an exploding crack. Literally, the 'ball' exploded into hundreds of little pieces! At first I was scared, what had I done now? Then I was bewildered as my grandfather began laughing heartily, like Santa Claus, but much more mischievous. As we walked toward each other he held out his hand and revealed three large unripe crabapples, the same coloring as the balls he had been pitching me. He had switched them when he was in the bushes. He was equal parts thoroughly amused with himself and proud of me for finally getting a hit squarely and forcefully, with a smaller object to boot. My expression seared itself on his memory. From that point on he would periodically begin laughing spontaneously during our visits and retell the story for the next twenty or so years.

I loved when he told stories. They could be from his childhood or from a recent visit to the doctor, he always had an anecdote. During our visits he would hold court from his leather chair in the corner of the living room, or in the dining room sitting in the only armed chair. In the den he would faithfully watch the Red Sox or Patriots during the time when they were contenders but not yet regular champions.

One of the saddest days of my life was helping him into the car at the funeral of my aunt, his youngest daughter. His sudden sobs were unexpected, heartbreaking and profound. In time, the stories, riddles and jokes returned even as his health began to decline. We were fortunate to have him grace this earth for nearly a century. Although he has been gone for several years now, whenever I hear a story or riddle well told or witness a prank well played, I think of him and smile. Lately, I find myself remembering him and wishing more people could have met him and benefitted from his humor and class.

Who do you know that you wish more people could meet? How many people are being introduced to you? Share your gifts freely and with great authenticity, because the world will be better for it.

Who do you know that you wish more people could meet?

Who is the person in your life who you most wanted to introduce to other people? For me it was my grandfather. He was of another era. His voice, cadence and dialect were like watching an old Frank Capra or George Cukor movie from the 1940's. He was always ready with amusing stories, riddles or a practical joke.

Growing up we would visit nearly every Sunday and spend a few hours with him and my grandmother. One of my favorite memories of him, and I learned one of his favorite of me too, was the day he was pitching tennis balls to my wiffle ball bat in the back yard. I was fairly young and I was dismal and I was getting frustrated with myself. Embarrassed, I collected several of the missed balls that were scattered by my feet and tossed them back to him so we could try again. A few rolled behind him and into the bushes forcing him to crawl in to retrieve them. My frustration grew; I couldn't even toss a ball right. I was determined to hit the next pitch with all my might.

He brushed himself off, paused for a moment, asked if I was ready and then hurled the brightly colored ball at me. I concentrated and hit it perfectly on the fat part of the bat with an exploding crack. Literally, the 'ball' exploded into hundreds of little pieces! At first I was scared, what had I done now? Then I was bewildered as my grandfather began laughing heartily, like Santa Claus, but much more mischievous. As we walked toward each other he held out his hand and revealed three large unripe crabapples, the same coloring as the balls he had been pitching me. He had switched them when he was in the bushes. He was equal parts thoroughly amused with himself and proud of me for finally getting a hit squarely and forcefully, with a smaller object to boot. My expression seared itself on his memory. From that point on he would periodically begin laughing spontaneously during our visits and retell the story for the next twenty or so years.

I loved when he told stories. They could be from his childhood or from a recent visit to the doctor, he always had an anecdote. During our visits he would hold court from his leather chair in the corner of the living room, or in the dining room sitting in the only armed chair. In the den he would faithfully watch the Red Sox or Patriots during the time when they were contenders but not yet regular champions.

One of the saddest days of my life was helping him into the car at the funeral of my aunt, his youngest daughter. His sudden sobs were unexpected, heartbreaking and profound. In time, the stories, riddles and jokes returned even as his health began to decline. We were fortunate to have him grace this earth for nearly a century. Although he has been gone for several years now, whenever I hear a story or riddle well told or witness a prank well played, I think of him and smile. Lately, I find myself remembering him and wishing more people could have met him and benefitted from his humor and class.

Who do you know that you wish more people could meet? How many people are being introduced to you? Share your gifts freely and with great authenticity, because the world will be better for it.

Never be Frozen by Fear

I had a nightmare recently, the kind that makes you wake up in a cold sweat. This is rare for me as I have what I consider to be a gift, in that I found I have the ability to control my dreams. It started in early childhood when I was terrorized by Snuffalufagus and The Count from Sesame Street. They used to routinely and terrifyingly chase me around a neighborhood grocery store. I eventually trained myself to make them stop. I take this as a point of pride and it has often spared me uncomfortable dreams. If I didn’t like the direction one was going, my mind would call for a rewrite and I reprogrammed the plot. Not so the other night. I was completely frozen and could not control the outcome.

Who knows how the crazy world of dreams puts you in one predicament or another. In this one, I was frightfully clinging to a cliff. The sun was setting over the ocean, casting a deceptively peaceful golden light while the winds were growing stronger.

Perhaps because of my training in television and film I have found I am frequently able to control the angles or the “shots” of the movie in my mind. Like a director in the control room, I’ve been conscious of my ability to zoom in and out and to pan or dolly to get a better or more cinematic view of my surroundings. This nightmare was no exception, but doing so made my peril more visible. As I zoomed out it became clear that I was not clinging to a cliff, but a large rock formation beyond a cliff. Perhaps, I remember thinking, if I were able to scale it I would be able to safely leap back to land. Unfortunately, as often happens in dreams, there were unexpected obstacles. The texture of this weathered rock was smooth with very few crevices to grasp. It also appeared that this rock disguised a marine geyser similar to La Buffadora in Mexico. It acted as a volcano and the top of it threatened to explode huge violent streams of water at any moment.

In my twenties, I participated in a ROPES program with a group of at-risk-kids. The day was filled with trust walks and physical and mental obstacle courses. One of the last challenges was to don a harness and scale a telephone pole, stand on top of it and leap toward a flag that was suspended slightly above it. The belayer controlling the rope from the ground mitigated the fall. By that time in the day, I was physically exhausted and my legs had turned to jelly. I scaled the pole just fine, but could not unlock my legs enough to stand. Ultimately, I decided to push myself off and flailed toward the hanging flag, missing it but remaining safely cradled in the harness as I was unceremoniously lowered to the ground.

While stuck on this rock that memory engulfed me. Unfortunately, this was four times higher and there was no harness and nothing but waves and rocks below. I couldn’t judge if I would be able to dive past the rocks into the ocean. The strengthening wind made me doubt it. I was paralyzed and felt a complete loss of control. Standing there, clinging to a rock, the wind battering me, with the threat of the unknown above me and uncertainty below me.

Much of my nightmare was just the prolonged anguish of witnessing myself in that pose. It was a horrific feeling and I could no longer stand it. I continued to look upward and downward in utter indecisiveness. It was then I woke in that cold sweat. As I lay awake and breathless, I began to replay the scenario in my head. Why was this a nightmare?

The thought occurred to me; how many times do we have to face difficult choices armed with limited knowledge? The choice to move in one direction has uncertainty. A misstep or a random disruptive influence from the outside world could be catastrophic. The choice to move in the other direction may have a more definitive outcome, but it too is a lousy option.

In my dream, if I was able to climb up, I might have been visible to a rescue helicopter. Or, I might have been blown off the side. If I leapt off into the ocean below, it is likely I could have perished from the fall, if not the waves crashing against the rocks. Maybe I could have stayed and waited it out. Perhaps the tide would rise above the rocks. But then it would be night and I was already exhausted clinging for life. How much more could I endure?

That is what made it a nightmare. To have absolutely no control over the situation and to be paralyzed by fear and inaction. I morbidly began to think on where I would have most liked to have had my body found. Clinging to a rock in fear, or somewhere else that showed I at least tried.

It may seem, at certain times in your life that you have no control over the situation you are in. This may be true, but you are always able to control how you respond to these situations. Huddle down, assess your options, and then take action. Sometimes, though rarely, waiting can be an appropriate action – if you’ve assessed your options and made that a conscious decision rather than a fall back to inaction.

Never be frozen by fear. You can never know the result of your decision ahead of time. It may be good or it may be bad, but you will certainly get immediate feedback once you’ve made it. Then, you will need to make another decision based on what you’ve learned. And then another and another. Make them. Make decisions and accept the consequences of them. Choose decisively and keep moving forward.

Never be Frozen by Fear

I had a nightmare recently, the kind that makes you wake up in a cold sweat. This is rare for me as I have what I consider to be a gift, in that I found I have the ability to control my dreams. It started in early childhood when I was terrorized by Snuffalufagus and The Count from Sesame Street. They used to routinely and terrifyingly chase me around a neighborhood grocery store. I eventually trained myself to make them stop. I take this as a point of pride and it has often spared me uncomfortable dreams. If I didn’t like the direction one was going, my mind would call for a rewrite and I reprogrammed the plot. Not so the other night. I was completely frozen and could not control the outcome.

Who knows how the crazy world of dreams puts you in one predicament or another. In this one, I was frightfully clinging to a cliff. The sun was setting over the ocean, casting a deceptively peaceful golden light while the winds were growing stronger.

Perhaps because of my training in television and film I have found I am frequently able to control the angles or the “shots” of the movie in my mind. Like a director in the control room, I’ve been conscious of my ability to zoom in and out and to pan or dolly to get a better or more cinematic view of my surroundings. This nightmare was no exception, but doing so made my peril more visible. As I zoomed out it became clear that I was not clinging to a cliff, but a large rock formation beyond a cliff. Perhaps, I remember thinking, if I were able to scale it I would be able to safely leap back to land. Unfortunately, as often happens in dreams, there were unexpected obstacles. The texture of this weathered rock was smooth with very few crevices to grasp. It also appeared that this rock disguised a marine geyser similar to La Buffadora in Mexico. It acted as a volcano and the top of it threatened to explode huge violent streams of water at any moment.

In my twenties, I participated in a ROPES program with a group of at-risk-kids. The day was filled with trust walks and physical and mental obstacle courses. One of the last challenges was to don a harness and scale a telephone pole, stand on top of it and leap toward a flag that was suspended slightly above it. The belayer controlling the rope from the ground mitigated the fall. By that time in the day, I was physically exhausted and my legs had turned to jelly. I scaled the pole just fine, but could not unlock my legs enough to stand. Ultimately, I decided to push myself off and flailed toward the hanging flag, missing it but remaining safely cradled in the harness as I was unceremoniously lowered to the ground.

While stuck on this rock that memory engulfed me. Unfortunately, this was four times higher and there was no harness and nothing but waves and rocks below. I couldn’t judge if I would be able to dive past the rocks into the ocean. The strengthening wind made me doubt it. I was paralyzed and felt a complete loss of control. Standing there, clinging to a rock, the wind battering me, with the threat of the unknown above me and uncertainty below me.

Much of my nightmare was just the prolonged anguish of witnessing myself in that pose. It was a horrific feeling and I could no longer stand it. I continued to look upward and downward in utter indecisiveness. It was then I woke in that cold sweat. As I lay awake and breathless, I began to replay the scenario in my head. Why was this a nightmare?

The thought occurred to me; how many times do we have to face difficult choices armed with limited knowledge? The choice to move in one direction has uncertainty. A misstep or a random disruptive influence from the outside world could be catastrophic. The choice to move in the other direction may have a more definitive outcome, but it too is a lousy option.

In my dream, if I was able to climb up, I might have been visible to a rescue helicopter. Or, I might have been blown off the side. If I leapt off into the ocean below, it is likely I could have perished from the fall, if not the waves crashing against the rocks. Maybe I could have stayed and waited it out. Perhaps the tide would rise above the rocks. But then it would be night and I was already exhausted clinging for life. How much more could I endure?

That is what made it a nightmare. To have absolutely no control over the situation and to be paralyzed by fear and inaction. I morbidly began to think on where I would have most liked to have had my body found. Clinging to a rock in fear, or somewhere else that showed I at least tried.

It may seem, at certain times in your life that you have no control over the situation you are in. This may be true, but you are always able to control how you respond to these situations. Huddle down, assess your options, and then take action. Sometimes, though rarely, waiting can be an appropriate action – if you’ve assessed your options and made that a conscious decision rather than a fall back to inaction.

Never be frozen by fear. You can never know the result of your decision ahead of time. It may be good or it may be bad, but you will certainly get immediate feedback once you’ve made it. Then, you will need to make another decision based on what you’ve learned. And then another and another. Make them. Make decisions and accept the consequences of them. Choose decisively and keep moving forward.

You can tell a lot...

I’ve been thinking lately about the clues that are often right in front of us. Maybe it’s because I’ve been watching “Lie to me*” on Fox, not to be confused with FoxNews, which…well never mind.

There are a few “You can tell a lot's” that I’ve learned over the years:

You can tell a lot about an organization, by what they hang on the wall.
You can tell a lot about a nation, by how they treat women.
You can tell a lot about a parent, by listening to how their children speak.
You can tell a lot about a person, by the books on their nightstand.
You can tell a lot about a politician, by who endorses them.
You can tell a lot about a town, by its library hours.

These clues give insight. And with insight, you can begin to diagnose and if necessary, prescribe a new course of action. Please add to this list. What are some “You can tell a lot’s” that have meaning for you?

You can tell a lot...

I’ve been thinking lately about the clues that are often right in front of us. Maybe it’s because I’ve been watching “Lie to me*” on Fox, not to be confused with FoxNews, which…well never mind.

There are a few “You can tell a lot's” that I’ve learned over the years:

You can tell a lot about an organization, by what they hang on the wall.
You can tell a lot about a nation, by how they treat women.
You can tell a lot about a parent, by listening to how their children speak.
You can tell a lot about a person, by the books on their nightstand.
You can tell a lot about a politician, by who endorses them.
You can tell a lot about a town, by its library hours.

These clues give insight. And with insight, you can begin to diagnose and if necessary, prescribe a new course of action. Please add to this list. What are some “You can tell a lot’s” that have meaning for you?

I want my money back, money back

Remember the Chili's commercial for Baby back ribs?

Here's a taste if you forgot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6es-zygyWw (sorry to get it back in your head)

All the failing banks and mismanaged firms who begged for government bailout money and are still failing but handing out bonuses are beginning to tick me off. There should be peaceful protests in front of their offices serenaded with a new but mind penetrating anthem:

“I want my money back, money back, money back, I want my money back, money back, money back... Bailout Money baaack please.”

Okay creative activists, run with it and post your results.

I want my money back, money back

Remember the Chili's commercial for Baby back ribs?

Here's a taste if you forgot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6es-zygyWw (sorry to get it back in your head)

All the failing banks and mismanaged firms who begged for government bailout money and are still failing but handing out bonuses are beginning to tick me off. There should be peaceful protests in front of their offices serenaded with a new but mind penetrating anthem:

“I want my money back, money back, money back, I want my money back, money back, money back... Bailout Money baaack please.”

Okay creative activists, run with it and post your results.

Who is Sponsoring Your Day?

During a recent weekend getaway with my family, I learned something new from a kid's show. Early one predawn morning my son figured out the hotel's television remote control and stealthily tuned into "Sesame Street", which I was able to spy from the comfort of my bed and through one bleary eye.

For those who have no idea, (and shame on you if you don't) Sesame Street is the famous educational children's television series on PBS. Most everyone from Generation X and younger grew up with it and have a favorite character from Kermit the Frog, to Grover, Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch, to Elmo. Although the characters and storylines have changed over time, at least one thing has remained constant for the 39 years that it's been on the air; a letter and a number sponsor each show. The selected letter and number are integrated throughout the episode, just like product placement ads on "American Idol". Although different, both serve the same purpose, to reinforce a message.

It got me thinking. Who is sponsoring your day? What two or three thoughts, objectives, or ideals are you flashing on and reminding yourself about multiple times during your day? What would you like to reinforce that will help keep you on track toward your goal? Is it joy and humor or hate and discontent? Do you plan on living a day filled with generosity and understanding or will you just go with the flow, rudderless and subject to the winds and tides or someone else's whim?

Start to consider having your days brought to you by sponsors that move you closer to your goals by living your values. Do you know your values? I've posted 425 words for you to browse at karlbimshas.com Each one of them represents a value. Some of the words will be more meaningful for you than others. Checkmark the ones that solicit a response from you. They are clues to your personal values. Each day, pick a couple of the words you checked, and commit to living the idea it represents. When days are tough, make the effort to search for it in all you do. Show it to others. Have those words sponsor your day and soon you will be racing toward your goals faster than you had imagined.

Who is Sponsoring Your Day?

During a recent weekend getaway with my family, I learned something new from a kid's show. Early one predawn morning my son figured out the hotel's television remote control and stealthily tuned into "Sesame Street", which I was able to spy from the comfort of my bed and through one bleary eye.

For those who have no idea, (and shame on you if you don't) Sesame Street is the famous educational children's television series on PBS. Most everyone from Generation X and younger grew up with it and have a favorite character from Kermit the Frog, to Grover, Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch, to Elmo. Although the characters and storylines have changed over time, at least one thing has remained constant for the 39 years that it's been on the air; a letter and a number sponsor each show. The selected letter and number are integrated throughout the episode, just like product placement ads on "American Idol". Although different, both serve the same purpose, to reinforce a message.

It got me thinking. Who is sponsoring your day? What two or three thoughts, objectives, or ideals are you flashing on and reminding yourself about multiple times during your day? What would you like to reinforce that will help keep you on track toward your goal? Is it joy and humor or hate and discontent? Do you plan on living a day filled with generosity and understanding or will you just go with the flow, rudderless and subject to the winds and tides or someone else's whim?

Start to consider having your days brought to you by sponsors that move you closer to your goals by living your values. Do you know your values? I've posted 425 words for you to browse at karlbimshas.com Each one of them represents a value. Some of the words will be more meaningful for you than others. Checkmark the ones that solicit a response from you. They are clues to your personal values. Each day, pick a couple of the words you checked, and commit to living the idea it represents. When days are tough, make the effort to search for it in all you do. Show it to others. Have those words sponsor your day and soon you will be racing toward your goals faster than you had imagined.

Chapter One - Free

Happy Saturday. Today I’ve decided to give away the first chapter of my latest book, “How to Stay When You Want to Quit; Re-scripting your life from whiner to winner”.

I’m doing so because, in the first few weeks of the year, I’ve spoken with many ordinarily happy people who are currently feeling cynical, stumped or scared. Change and uncertainty has a way of making us feel that way. Interestingly, so can the lack of change. If the status quo is no good, you can easily get in an r.u.t. (regularly uninspired and tired). Either way, this may help.

Begin reading the familiar story of Max and Madeline and learn how she helps Max turn his attitude and life around. Feel free to forward this chapter to someone you think could use it.

The link below takes you to a page where you can download the first chapter.

CLICK HERE FOR CHAPTER ONE

If you like what you’ve read, write a review on Amazon.
If you liked the writing and you’re on LinkedIn, write a recommendation.
Tell your friends and colleagues on Twitter, Facebook, Stumbleupon or My Space.

Chapter One - Free

Happy Saturday. Today I’ve decided to give away the first chapter of my latest book, “How to Stay When You Want to Quit; Re-scripting your life from whiner to winner”.

I’m doing so because, in the first few weeks of the year, I’ve spoken with many ordinarily happy people who are currently feeling cynical, stumped or scared. Change and uncertainty has a way of making us feel that way. Interestingly, so can the lack of change. If the status quo is no good, you can easily get in an r.u.t. (regularly uninspired and tired). Either way, this may help.

Begin reading the familiar story of Max and Madeline and learn how she helps Max turn his attitude and life around. Feel free to forward this chapter to someone you think could use it.

The link below takes you to a page where you can download the first chapter.

CLICK HERE FOR CHAPTER ONE

If you like what you’ve read, write a review on Amazon.
If you liked the writing and you’re on LinkedIn, write a recommendation.
Tell your friends and colleagues on Twitter, Facebook, Stumbleupon or My Space.

Set Your Vision into Motion Too

On January 20th the United States will again demonstrate its talent for peaceful transitions as the stewardship of presidential power is passed literally and figuratively. This year of course is unprecedented, thankfully so.

Every four or eight years the world is treated to the reminder that change is inevitable and can be embraced with dignity, respect and celebration. This year's inaugural address from Barack Obama is likely to provide lofty language of hope, openness to new ideas and an urging to view a landscape full of possibilities. There will be calls for sacrifice and the somber reality that tough decisions between terrible options will be made. The spirit of America will be renewed and echoed across the Washington Mall and into the classrooms and offices, churches, synagogues and mosques across the land as unity seeks to replace past divisiveness. People of every spot and stripe will be called upon to act and to lead.

I have long believed that everyone has the capacity to be a leader. A leader is a person who knows their strengths and maximizes them while making their weaknesses irrelevant. They do the same for their followers, be they citizens of the world or members of a little league team. A leader shares their vision, passion, and action. To move an organization, family, or nation forward, they create an environment where what I call "The Four Musts" can thrive.

• A strong leader and strong, pervasive leadership
• A repeatable compelling vision and sense of purpose
• A sense of overwhelming optimism
• A regular diet of meaningful recognition

A leader also understands the value of teamwork and freely acknowledges that wherever they hope to go, they cannot get their alone. They prioritize actions by asking their followers what I call "The Power Question". "What one thing can I do for you that will most help you make a positive difference?"

On Tuesday, anyone who is listening will know the transformative vision of this nation. Some may not like or accept it. That's okay. Conscientious objections are useful because listening to those who oppose you is a great way to learn, improve and unite.

An inaugural address is like a manifesto, a way of sharing your intentions and initiatives and where you're headed. What about you? How do you emerge from your periods of darkness? What is your vision? Where is your passion? What have you put into action? Find a way of communicating it to the people who are important to you. You may be surprised at how much sooner you'll arrive.

Set Your Vision into Motion Too

On January 20th the United States will again demonstrate its talent for peaceful transitions as the stewardship of presidential power is passed literally and figuratively. This year of course is unprecedented, thankfully so.

Every four or eight years the world is treated to the reminder that change is inevitable and can be embraced with dignity, respect and celebration. This year's inaugural address from Barack Obama is likely to provide lofty language of hope, openness to new ideas and an urging to view a landscape full of possibilities. There will be calls for sacrifice and the somber reality that tough decisions between terrible options will be made. The spirit of America will be renewed and echoed across the Washington Mall and into the classrooms and offices, churches, synagogues and mosques across the land as unity seeks to replace past divisiveness. People of every spot and stripe will be called upon to act and to lead.

I have long believed that everyone has the capacity to be a leader. A leader is a person who knows their strengths and maximizes them while making their weaknesses irrelevant. They do the same for their followers, be they citizens of the world or members of a little league team. A leader shares their vision, passion, and action. To move an organization, family, or nation forward, they create an environment where what I call "The Four Musts" can thrive.

• A strong leader and strong, pervasive leadership
• A repeatable compelling vision and sense of purpose
• A sense of overwhelming optimism
• A regular diet of meaningful recognition

A leader also understands the value of teamwork and freely acknowledges that wherever they hope to go, they cannot get their alone. They prioritize actions by asking their followers what I call "The Power Question". "What one thing can I do for you that will most help you make a positive difference?"

On Tuesday, anyone who is listening will know the transformative vision of this nation. Some may not like or accept it. That's okay. Conscientious objections are useful because listening to those who oppose you is a great way to learn, improve and unite.

An inaugural address is like a manifesto, a way of sharing your intentions and initiatives and where you're headed. What about you? How do you emerge from your periods of darkness? What is your vision? Where is your passion? What have you put into action? Find a way of communicating it to the people who are important to you. You may be surprised at how much sooner you'll arrive.

The 50 Book Challenge

Congratulations, the first full work week of the New Year is in the books now. Your goals are firmly established and you're still resolute in your resolutions, right? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe you'd like to join me in one of mine. I'm calling it the 50 Book Challenge.

I've never kept track of how many books I've read in a year before, but I've had the sinking suspicion it's been lower than I'd like. I'm not as voracious a reader as many of the people I know but I've become inspired by my daughter. Shortly after her birthday this August, she began reading the first Harry Potter book. She finished the seventh book before Christmas.

There's conflicting information on how much people read. Some say one in four Americans didn't buy a book last year. Others note that 37% bought more than ten. If you stepped into a bookstore like I did this past December, you no doubt spent a lot of time waiting in line and it wasn't for the lattes. Library use is up once again, as often happens in economic downturns. Still, others say retention and comprehension is down as our collective attention span shrinks to a few hundred words.

I'm more interested in a person's self-development. Charlie 'Tremendous' Jones famously and frequently said, "You are the same today you'll be in five years except for two things: the people you meet and the books you read." Now, you may like who you are today - I sincerely hope you do. In fact, you may decide you would like to be the same person five years from now. That's your prerogative, but you must know the world won't be the same. Think about it, five years ago Facebook was just starting at Harvard. No one had heard of Twitter or YouTube and Barack Obama wasn't even a U.S. Senator yet. Five years ago, very few thought the Boston Red Sox would win a World Series, let alone two; and the New England Patriots seemed unstoppable. Some of us were even under the age of forty. Indeed, things change.

I for one am open for even more change. That's why I'm embarking on the 50 Book Challenge. I intend to read fifty books or more in 2009. For the first time ever, I'm going to keep track of what books I read and you can too (visit http://tinyurl.com/50BookChallenge). Care to join me?

Lack of time is one excuse people make for not reading as much as they would like, even though reading is an investment in your mind. If you're committed, you may shave an hour off your TV time, or curb some mindless web surfing. I'm not going to be a stickler on this. To me, audio books count and I'm not a snob; all books are valid, thick or thin, fiction or non-fiction alike. Maybe you'll choose to keep track of how many books you read aloud to a child or a grandparent.

Fifty books are all it takes. I'll even suggest two for you to get started, as I'm keen on the author. Try, "Pushing Back the Ocean" or "How to Stay When You Want to Quit; Re-scripting your life from whiner to winner." They are quick reads that I know you'll enjoy.

Consider too, completing the second part of the Charlie Jones equation and connect with me. Tell me if you're accepting the 50 Book Challenge and keep me updated on your progress. I'll do the same. In a small way, you'll change your world.

The 50 Book Challenge

Congratulations, the first full work week of the New Year is in the books now. Your goals are firmly established and you're still resolute in your resolutions, right? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe you'd like to join me in one of mine. I'm calling it the 50 Book Challenge.

I've never kept track of how many books I've read in a year before, but I've had the sinking suspicion it's been lower than I'd like. I'm not as voracious a reader as many of the people I know but I've become inspired by my daughter. Shortly after her birthday this August, she began reading the first Harry Potter book. She finished the seventh book before Christmas.

There's conflicting information on how much people read. Some say one in four Americans didn't buy a book last year. Others note that 37% bought more than ten. If you stepped into a bookstore like I did this past December, you no doubt spent a lot of time waiting in line and it wasn't for the lattes. Library use is up once again, as often happens in economic downturns. Still, others say retention and comprehension is down as our collective attention span shrinks to a few hundred words.

I'm more interested in a person's self-development. Charlie 'Tremendous' Jones famously and frequently said, "You are the same today you'll be in five years except for two things: the people you meet and the books you read." Now, you may like who you are today - I sincerely hope you do. In fact, you may decide you would like to be the same person five years from now. That's your prerogative, but you must know the world won't be the same. Think about it, five years ago Facebook was just starting at Harvard. No one had heard of Twitter or YouTube and Barack Obama wasn't even a U.S. Senator yet. Five years ago, very few thought the Boston Red Sox would win a World Series, let alone two; and the New England Patriots seemed unstoppable. Some of us were even under the age of forty. Indeed, things change.

I for one am open for even more change. That's why I'm embarking on the 50 Book Challenge. I intend to read fifty books or more in 2009. For the first time ever, I'm going to keep track of what books I read and you can too (visit http://tinyurl.com/50BookChallenge). Care to join me?

Lack of time is one excuse people make for not reading as much as they would like, even though reading is an investment in your mind. If you're committed, you may shave an hour off your TV time, or curb some mindless web surfing. I'm not going to be a stickler on this. To me, audio books count and I'm not a snob; all books are valid, thick or thin, fiction or non-fiction alike. Maybe you'll choose to keep track of how many books you read aloud to a child or a grandparent.

Fifty books are all it takes. I'll even suggest two for you to get started, as I'm keen on the author. Try, "Pushing Back the Ocean" or "How to Stay When You Want to Quit; Re-scripting your life from whiner to winner." They are quick reads that I know you'll enjoy.

Consider too, completing the second part of the Charlie Jones equation and connect with me. Tell me if you're accepting the 50 Book Challenge and keep me updated on your progress. I'll do the same. In a small way, you'll change your world.

Is the value of teamwork eluding people?

Is the value of teamwork eluding people? An interesting picture has emerged from a recent opinion poll on teamwork. For example, 53% of respondents felt teams are overrated versus 47% who felt they are underrated. This split fell across gender lines, with the preponderance of woman believing teams are overrated. Additionally, men tended to believe the ideal team size to be between 5-10 members, while woman preferred a smaller gathering of 2- 4 people.

A surprising 35% of respondents agreed with the statement, “I currently work/play with the best team ever.” Nearly 50% disagreed, and of that 25% of them were women.
What’s going on here? Aren’t teams supposed to help? Have time strapped multitasking woman adopted the, “If you want something done right you have to do it yourself” mentality?

What’s your theory? Please join the discussion on my new blog, “The Teamwork project”

Teams do work. When they work well they get desired results faster. Who are your role model teams from 2008 and what have you learned from them?

Think beyond sports teams, although they aren’t excluded. Describe how they used Vision, Passion and Action to achieve great results.

Is the value of teamwork eluding people?

Is the value of teamwork eluding people? An interesting picture has emerged from a recent opinion poll on teamwork. For example, 53% of respondents felt teams are overrated versus 47% who felt they are underrated. This split fell across gender lines, with the preponderance of woman believing teams are overrated. Additionally, men tended to believe the ideal team size to be between 5-10 members, while woman preferred a smaller gathering of 2- 4 people.

A surprising 35% of respondents agreed with the statement, “I currently work/play with the best team ever.” Nearly 50% disagreed, and of that 25% of them were women.
What’s going on here? Aren’t teams supposed to help? Have time strapped multitasking woman adopted the, “If you want something done right you have to do it yourself” mentality?

What’s your theory? Please join the discussion on my new blog, “The Teamwork project”

Teams do work. When they work well they get desired results faster. Who are your role model teams from 2008 and what have you learned from them?

Think beyond sports teams, although they aren’t excluded. Describe how they used Vision, Passion and Action to achieve great results.

Who were the best teams of 2008?

Teams work. When they work well, they get desired results faster. Who were the best teams of 2008 and what have you learned from them?

Think beyond sports teams, although they aren’t excluded. Describe how they used Vision, Passion and Action to achieve great results.

Post your answers here or at http://theteamworkproject.blogspot.com by December 15th and I’ll publish the results before 2009.

Who were the best teams of 2008?

Teams work. When they work well, they get desired results faster. Who were the best teams of 2008 and what have you learned from them?

Think beyond sports teams, although they aren’t excluded. Describe how they used Vision, Passion and Action to achieve great results.

Post your answers here or at http://theteamworkproject.blogspot.com by December 15th and I’ll publish the results before 2009.

Is voting a right, privilege or responsibility?

Is voting a right, privilege or responsibility? In the United States, if you are anything other than a middle-aged wealthy white landowner, it has been a hard fought right all too often taken for granted.

A license to drive a car is a privilege, not a right. We are remained that poor choices or circumstances can lead to your license being revoked. Sadly, there are those who ignore voting as a right and attempt to revoke it, to disenfranchise and suppress your voice and your power through misinformation, manipulation and even intimidation. Yes, voting is a fundamental right in this country; it is also a privilege.

When you vote, perhaps as a college student, a woman, a minority, or an immigrant here by choice, you are standing on the shoulders of those before you. Those who fought in our own streets and busses and courtrooms, and those who fought and continue to fight overseas to defend and protect the nation and its citizens, prop you up. The debt to be paid is the right and privilege of voting for issues that concern your community, state and nation. Voting for representatives, elected men and women who may or may not share your views but are open to debate and discourse.

During this time of year, I hear people talk while waiting in lines for their coffee or sandwiches, about the candidates or issues on the ballot. There are those who are meticulous in their research before forming an opinion of the issues versus those who will vote the party line, even if they need to block their nose while doing it. Those who ultimately vote based on who they would prefer to have a beer with could negate either of these choices. It is infuriating and beautifully American. We all have various amounts of influence in our lives – but in the voting booth, we are all equal and those who show up make the decisions.

When I see the recent “Liberty Mutual” advertisement on television I ponder each of the obstacles faced and wonder at which point do people get deterred? What’s your threshold? If it’s raining, do you still go to the polls? If you are in a wheelchair, do you still go to the polls? If you must wait for a bus, do you still go to the polls? If the easily accessible entrance is blocked, do you find a way in? And there may be some additional obstacles this year. With misinformation on polling places and practices, have you educated yourself? With apathy, either, “We can’t win,” or “It’s a shoe in,” will you still vote? What about long lines? Two, four, five hours or more, will that discourage you? I believe this year, unlike years past, Americans are going to go and once again be heard. People know their vote is important. The 2000 Presidential election was separated by just 537 votes in Florida.

When new democracies emerge across the globe it is not uncommon to see long lines stretch into the streets as citizens get their first taste of freedom. Never before were they asked their opinion. Never before were they given the power to choose their future. In America, we have been blessedly spoiled. Granted, much of the population would prefer to vote from the comfort of their couch as if watching “American Idol” or “Dancing with the Stars” but something is different this year. Some of it is to participate in history, but more than that, it is to participate in a rebirth.

By now, few can argue that some things in the last four to eight years went terribly wrong. America, the shinning city on a hill, has been badly tarnished and it’s beacon obscured by fog. There was a time, as we searched for meaning and healing that American flags blanketed the nation and slogans of unity were draped over bridges. The sense of grit and determination was balanced with pride and love of country and of countrymen. It could have been our finest hour, but the goodwill was squandered.

Soon we witnessed the erosion of common sense and common decency. Victims became the accused. To question power became unpatriotic. Natural disasters begged for attention. We could almost hear the sobs of mourning come from our Constitution as we traded rights for false senses of security but lost some freedom, some privacy and as we debated the merits of torture, some honor. We now are engaged in two brutal wars, which are aging too fast, and an economic turmoil that is likely in its infancy.

It is in this climate that America chooses a new leader (neither of whom was born in the continental United States). Americans want their country back. Be it for change, or for reform, the reason the electorate feels different this year is because in many ways the nation is going through a restoration. Challenges in the Middle East, the economy, energy, the environment, healthcare, education, social security and housing are ever present and not particularly new, but the approach we take to address each of them has to be.

We are at a defining moment, still deep in a dark forest we must choose one of two paths. The certainty of either is unknown. One may lead in a circle; one may lead to a clearing. They may even run parallel. By now, we all have our preferences. The beauty of our system, our constitution and the very soul of the nation is that we are able to right our wrongs beginning on Election Day. Today the course will be set by the collective judgment of the American people. Your right, your privilege, your responsibility is to make absolutely sure your voice is heard.

Is voting a right, privilege or responsibility?

Is voting a right, privilege or responsibility? In the United States, if you are anything other than a middle-aged wealthy white landowner, it has been a hard fought right all too often taken for granted.

A license to drive a car is a privilege, not a right. We are remained that poor choices or circumstances can lead to your license being revoked. Sadly, there are those who ignore voting as a right and attempt to revoke it, to disenfranchise and suppress your voice and your power through misinformation, manipulation and even intimidation. Yes, voting is a fundamental right in this country; it is also a privilege.

When you vote, perhaps as a college student, a woman, a minority, or an immigrant here by choice, you are standing on the shoulders of those before you. Those who fought in our own streets and busses and courtrooms, and those who fought and continue to fight overseas to defend and protect the nation and its citizens, prop you up. The debt to be paid is the right and privilege of voting for issues that concern your community, state and nation. Voting for representatives, elected men and women who may or may not share your views but are open to debate and discourse.

During this time of year, I hear people talk while waiting in lines for their coffee or sandwiches, about the candidates or issues on the ballot. There are those who are meticulous in their research before forming an opinion of the issues versus those who will vote the party line, even if they need to block their nose while doing it. Those who ultimately vote based on who they would prefer to have a beer with could negate either of these choices. It is infuriating and beautifully American. We all have various amounts of influence in our lives – but in the voting booth, we are all equal and those who show up make the decisions.

When I see the recent “Liberty Mutual” advertisement on television I ponder each of the obstacles faced and wonder at which point do people get deterred? What’s your threshold? If it’s raining, do you still go to the polls? If you are in a wheelchair, do you still go to the polls? If you must wait for a bus, do you still go to the polls? If the easily accessible entrance is blocked, do you find a way in? And there may be some additional obstacles this year. With misinformation on polling places and practices, have you educated yourself? With apathy, either, “We can’t win,” or “It’s a shoe in,” will you still vote? What about long lines? Two, four, five hours or more, will that discourage you? I believe this year, unlike years past, Americans are going to go and once again be heard. People know their vote is important. The 2000 Presidential election was separated by just 537 votes in Florida.

When new democracies emerge across the globe it is not uncommon to see long lines stretch into the streets as citizens get their first taste of freedom. Never before were they asked their opinion. Never before were they given the power to choose their future. In America, we have been blessedly spoiled. Granted, much of the population would prefer to vote from the comfort of their couch as if watching “American Idol” or “Dancing with the Stars” but something is different this year. Some of it is to participate in history, but more than that, it is to participate in a rebirth.

By now, few can argue that some things in the last four to eight years went terribly wrong. America, the shinning city on a hill, has been badly tarnished and it’s beacon obscured by fog. There was a time, as we searched for meaning and healing that American flags blanketed the nation and slogans of unity were draped over bridges. The sense of grit and determination was balanced with pride and love of country and of countrymen. It could have been our finest hour, but the goodwill was squandered.

Soon we witnessed the erosion of common sense and common decency. Victims became the accused. To question power became unpatriotic. Natural disasters begged for attention. We could almost hear the sobs of mourning come from our Constitution as we traded rights for false senses of security but lost some freedom, some privacy and as we debated the merits of torture, some honor. We now are engaged in two brutal wars, which are aging too fast, and an economic turmoil that is likely in its infancy.

It is in this climate that America chooses a new leader (neither of whom was born in the continental United States). Americans want their country back. Be it for change, or for reform, the reason the electorate feels different this year is because in many ways the nation is going through a restoration. Challenges in the Middle East, the economy, energy, the environment, healthcare, education, social security and housing are ever present and not particularly new, but the approach we take to address each of them has to be.

We are at a defining moment, still deep in a dark forest we must choose one of two paths. The certainty of either is unknown. One may lead in a circle; one may lead to a clearing. They may even run parallel. By now, we all have our preferences. The beauty of our system, our constitution and the very soul of the nation is that we are able to right our wrongs beginning on Election Day. Today the course will be set by the collective judgment of the American people. Your right, your privilege, your responsibility is to make absolutely sure your voice is heard.

40 Things I'm Grateful For

On this day forty years ago I was born and this date has been wrecking havoc with me for eighteen months or so. Mid-life crisis? Seems too soon for that, and I haven’t shopped for a little red car yet. The temples have grayed and the belly has expanded a wee bit and the realization that I now enter a new demographic has been hard. Just when do those AARP newsletters start coming around? I have discovered two groups of people. Those under forty who think I’m old and those over forty who are nearly giddy about my youth.

My father told me, “thirty was the tough one, the rest are fun.” I remember my mother’s fortieth birthday party when we put forty candles on the cake. She was not happy with the inferno and disappeared for the rest of the night. I imagine forty strikes woman different.

I like the question, “How old would you be if you didn’t know your age?” That’s when the realization occurs that your age is revealed not by a number, but by an attitude.

It’s easy to get in a funk if you dwell on things that aren’t; that you wish were. It’s better to work toward the things you want. A colleague recently said with unintended wisdom, “Whatever we chose to do, let’s do that.” Indeed, it’s better to do something. So rather than wallow in the passage of time and goals not achieved by my unrealistic and self imposed clock, it strikes me that more good will come from taking stock and showing gratitude.

Here’s a great exercise for your birthday or anytime the mood strikes. Better yet, do it when you are in a foul mood because it will help turn you around. You don’t have to be hemmed in by your age; you can pick any number and just list the things you are grateful for. Here are mine.

40 Things I’m grateful for … in no particular order

1. The unconditional love, humor and strength of my wife.
2. The joy of my children, and the adventures they take me on.
3. The wisdom and humor of my parents. Unrelenting in times of trouble, curious, inquisitive, always learning and teaching; they have been and remain my heroes.
4. My siblings. I am the baby of the family so they have shown me right and wrong. They helped to teach me how to fish, to read, to drive and to laugh.
5. Running water and electricity. We take it for granted and oh how it sucks when we are without either.
6. My formal education. I seem to live the lessons I learned and practice nearly everyday to this day.
7. My college friends. Many remain and although we keep in touch too infrequently, they are thankfully always there.
8. The internet. Information, thoughts, opinions, images, answers, all available in an instant.
9. Being able to drive. I like being driven more because I can work on projects or take a snooze, but sometimes, even if gas is too expensive, the thrill and freedom of the road is unmistakable.
10. My talent for writing. Specifically my High School teachers who complimented me on my arguments, my structure, my poetry or my dialogue. (if not my spelling or my grammar)
11. Mr. H. The fact is, all but one of my math teachers were just the opposite; critical, mocking, unsupportive. Only Mr. H recognized efforts and progress, and for that I remain grateful.
12. My family heritage, although some remains a mystery, some has been laid out beautifully in my fathers’ memoir and serves as a splendid connection to the past.
13. To have been born and educated in Boston, birthplace of the nation, historic, beautiful, real and energizing.
14. To be living in paradise; it may not bring me the emphatic joy of home, but really, come January and February a sane man cannot complain.
15. To be American. I had no choice in the matter, but I’m glad others did and that their choices put me in this place at this time.
16. Mom’s Roast Beef Sunday dinners. Gravy, mashed potatoes, the dining room, mmmm mmmm. All meals are measured against these memories and none measure up.
17. That my children are healthy and smart and fun and strong of character already.
18. Working. Being employed often get’s overlooked until you aren’t. To not only be working, but to be working in a place with clear values and emotional commitment is a gift.
19. Bad bosses. I haven’t had many, but oh the things I learned about myself when I was working for them.
20. Guardian angels. I, friends and family members have, on numerous occasions, (some known, some we’ve been oblivious to) come perilously close to disaster only to be jolted to safely by miraculous intervention.
21. My spiritual journey. I am comfortable with my relationship with God and how I fit in the universe, and I’m grateful to be able to further explore it without persecution.
22. Minutemen. The real ones from Lexington and Concord and towns across New England who before the birth of this nation were ready and prepared to defend their beliefs with their own lives and without grandstanding.
23. Boston Sports Teams. The agony and ecstasy - anyone growing up with them have felt it all. They’ve helped men explore nearly every emotion.
24. My nano iPod. My wife got it for me on Valentine’s Day and it opened up a whole new world of music, podcasting and education.
25. My health. Even on the days I feel the worst, as though my world is collapsing, the systems have thankfully run properly.
26. New friends, who call me out when I am arrogant, lift me up when I am down and support me and all my endeavors.
27. That I tend to look forward more than back.
28. Suits that fit.
29. The joy family pets have brought through the years
30. Coffee….I still like tea…but over the last several years, I’ve fallen in love with coffee.
31. And almond croissants.
32. When people tell me they are touched in some way by my writing or by some counsel I provided them.
33. The Earth….I don’t do it often enough, but when you just sit and admire the place…it really is pretty cool.
34. The universe…as if the Earth wasn’t big enough; just contemplating the Universe and where we fit on it….simultaneously insignificant and all powerful.
35. The American flag. It’s a good looking flag.
36. Earl Nightingale, Denis Waitley and Ken Blanchard. I listened to tapes my father had at a young age and could have stopped there and have learned most of what I needed to know, but these authors in particular I listened to over and over again and they have directly and indirectly influenced my decisions and outlook on life.
37. All the things and people I missed mentioning. It’s easy to do if you limit yourself…but there is such abundance and opportunity to be grateful for everything.
38. The Muppet Show. Classic and guaranteed to make me laugh.
39. Music. I’m not an aficionado…but I always forget how mood altering it can be. Choose wisely.
40. You. Because you’ve taken the time to read this. Time being the greatest gift one can give another. Thank you for sharing this time with me.

40 Things I'm Grateful For

On this day forty years ago I was born and this date has been wrecking havoc with me for eighteen months or so. Mid-life crisis? Seems too soon for that, and I haven’t shopped for a little red car yet. The temples have grayed and the belly has expanded a wee bit and the realization that I now enter a new demographic has been hard. Just when do those AARP newsletters start coming around? I have discovered two groups of people. Those under forty who think I’m old and those over forty who are nearly giddy about my youth.

My father told me, “thirty was the tough one, the rest are fun.” I remember my mother’s fortieth birthday party when we put forty candles on the cake. She was not happy with the inferno and disappeared for the rest of the night. I imagine forty strikes woman different.

I like the question, “How old would you be if you didn’t know your age?” That’s when the realization occurs that your age is revealed not by a number, but by an attitude.

It’s easy to get in a funk if you dwell on things that aren’t; that you wish were. It’s better to work toward the things you want. A colleague recently said with unintended wisdom, “Whatever we chose to do, let’s do that.” Indeed, it’s better to do something. So rather than wallow in the passage of time and goals not achieved by my unrealistic and self imposed clock, it strikes me that more good will come from taking stock and showing gratitude.

Here’s a great exercise for your birthday or anytime the mood strikes. Better yet, do it when you are in a foul mood because it will help turn you around. You don’t have to be hemmed in by your age; you can pick any number and just list the things you are grateful for. Here are mine.

40 Things I’m grateful for … in no particular order

1. The unconditional love, humor and strength of my wife.
2. The joy of my children, and the adventures they take me on.
3. The wisdom and humor of my parents. Unrelenting in times of trouble, curious, inquisitive, always learning and teaching; they have been and remain my heroes.
4. My siblings. I am the baby of the family so they have shown me right and wrong. They helped to teach me how to fish, to read, to drive and to laugh.
5. Running water and electricity. We take it for granted and oh how it sucks when we are without either.
6. My formal education. I seem to live the lessons I learned and practice nearly everyday to this day.
7. My college friends. Many remain and although we keep in touch too infrequently, they are thankfully always there.
8. The internet. Information, thoughts, opinions, images, answers, all available in an instant.
9. Being able to drive. I like being driven more because I can work on projects or take a snooze, but sometimes, even if gas is too expensive, the thrill and freedom of the road is unmistakable.
10. My talent for writing. Specifically my High School teachers who complimented me on my arguments, my structure, my poetry or my dialogue. (if not my spelling or my grammar)
11. Mr. H. The fact is, all but one of my math teachers were just the opposite; critical, mocking, unsupportive. Only Mr. H recognized efforts and progress, and for that I remain grateful.
12. My family heritage, although some remains a mystery, some has been laid out beautifully in my fathers’ memoir and serves as a splendid connection to the past.
13. To have been born and educated in Boston, birthplace of the nation, historic, beautiful, real and energizing.
14. To be living in paradise; it may not bring me the emphatic joy of home, but really, come January and February a sane man cannot complain.
15. To be American. I had no choice in the matter, but I’m glad others did and that their choices put me in this place at this time.
16. Mom’s Roast Beef Sunday dinners. Gravy, mashed potatoes, the dining room, mmmm mmmm. All meals are measured against these memories and none measure up.
17. That my children are healthy and smart and fun and strong of character already.
18. Working. Being employed often get’s overlooked until you aren’t. To not only be working, but to be working in a place with clear values and emotional commitment is a gift.
19. Bad bosses. I haven’t had many, but oh the things I learned about myself when I was working for them.
20. Guardian angels. I, friends and family members have, on numerous occasions, (some known, some we’ve been oblivious to) come perilously close to disaster only to be jolted to safely by miraculous intervention.
21. My spiritual journey. I am comfortable with my relationship with God and how I fit in the universe, and I’m grateful to be able to further explore it without persecution.
22. Minutemen. The real ones from Lexington and Concord and towns across New England who before the birth of this nation were ready and prepared to defend their beliefs with their own lives and without grandstanding.
23. Boston Sports Teams. The agony and ecstasy - anyone growing up with them have felt it all. They’ve helped men explore nearly every emotion.
24. My nano iPod. My wife got it for me on Valentine’s Day and it opened up a whole new world of music, podcasting and education.
25. My health. Even on the days I feel the worst, as though my world is collapsing, the systems have thankfully run properly.
26. New friends, who call me out when I am arrogant, lift me up when I am down and support me and all my endeavors.
27. That I tend to look forward more than back.
28. Suits that fit.
29. The joy family pets have brought through the years
30. Coffee….I still like tea…but over the last several years, I’ve fallen in love with coffee.
31. And almond croissants.
32. When people tell me they are touched in some way by my writing or by some counsel I provided them.
33. The Earth….I don’t do it often enough, but when you just sit and admire the place…it really is pretty cool.
34. The universe…as if the Earth wasn’t big enough; just contemplating the Universe and where we fit on it….simultaneously insignificant and all powerful.
35. The American flag. It’s a good looking flag.
36. Earl Nightingale, Denis Waitley and Ken Blanchard. I listened to tapes my father had at a young age and could have stopped there and have learned most of what I needed to know, but these authors in particular I listened to over and over again and they have directly and indirectly influenced my decisions and outlook on life.
37. All the things and people I missed mentioning. It’s easy to do if you limit yourself…but there is such abundance and opportunity to be grateful for everything.
38. The Muppet Show. Classic and guaranteed to make me laugh.
39. Music. I’m not an aficionado…but I always forget how mood altering it can be. Choose wisely.
40. You. Because you’ve taken the time to read this. Time being the greatest gift one can give another. Thank you for sharing this time with me.