“MAKE EACH DAY YOUR MASTERPIECE” – John Wooden

“It’s another day to excel!  There are acres of diamonds waiting to be mined, It’s time for you boys to go get yours”  Those words were shared with the Wolf brothers on countless mornings as we were rising and getting ready for school.  You see our father, Harry, was a disciple of the positive thinkers of his time; Norman Vincent Peale, W. Clement Stone, Zig Ziglar, Russell Conwell and Robert Schuller. Like them be believed anything was possible and it all began by starting your day with an optimistic outlook.  …

“To listen is to lean in, softly, with a
willingness to be changed by what we hear”

MARK NEPO

A number of years ago a friend with whom I was pursuing a project would remind me, “You need to be all in on this, there is no in-between, you are either all-in or all-out!”  Those words have stuck with me ever since. Those who are all-in dedicate themselves to the task at hand. Nothing distracts their focus. They commit and expect no less of those with whom they are engaged.…

“Personal relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement, all success, all achievement grows

                                                                                                         

Ben Stein

Last week’s thoughts encouraged businesses and organizations to consider taking time yearly to reflect on the “State of the Organization”. It is equally important that we also take time  to reflect on “The State of Our Relationships”. John Maxwell addresses this idea in his post, “Tis the Season for Reflecting on Relationships.”  Maxwell contends that relationships are much like the parties we attend during the holiday season; there are those that we look forward to and want to attend because they will bring us happiness and joy.…

“Progress lies in not in enhancing what is, 
but in advancing toward what will be.”

– Khalil Gibran

This past Monday evening I had the opportunity to attend our school district’s annual “State of the District” presentation.  This yearly event, initiated by the current Superintendent, serves to provide members of the community with a comprehensive update regarding student performance, district initiatives, and considerations for the future.  The program is also interspersed with student performances and videos. It is always well-received as evidenced by a resident’s comment carried in Tuesday morning’ newspaper, “ I like the fact they’re willing to share everything with us at these meetings.…

“If you carry joy in your heart

You can heal any moment.”

Carlos Santana

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to work with the Vestry of a Lancaster County Church during their annual retreat.  During a morning segment of the workshop I asked them to take a moment and consider the concept of “Joy” as it related to their work as a leadership team.  Think about that for a moment. We know that the best leaders always consider themselves as part of a team, thus it is critical for teams to work together, to collaborate, to grow, and to empower others.  …