The Discipline Of Gratitude

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.

Seriously, when was the last time you expressed your appreciation to someone (and really meant it)?

You would think that gratitude would come naturally to all of us.  After all, we have a lot for which to be thankful.  We woke up this morning.  We probably ate three meals yesterday.  We are so blessed, and yet, we too often forget to say thank you.

The past several days, we have been discussing stretch disciplines.  These are disciplines that will stretch you and make you a better person.

We would all miss out if we left out the discipline of gratitude.

Yes.  I believe gratitude requires discipline.  I believe it’s an attitude and a skill we can develop with practice.

Here are three simple ways to develop the discipline of daily gratitude in your life:

3 Ways To Develop The Discipline Of Daily Gratitude

1. Keep a thankful journal.  Thanks to my wife, we have a journal on our kitchen table.  Each night when we sit down for dinner, each of us takes turns writing down one thing for which we are grateful.
2. Say “Thank you” at least once a day.  It helps to actually tell someone you appreciate them or something they did.
3. Join the “Thank You Revolution.”  I’ve talked about this before.  Matt McWilliams started the Thank You Revolution a couple of years ago.  As part of the revolution, he encourages others to write at least once thank you note every week (typically on Thursday).  For more information on how to join the TYR (Thank You Revolution), click here.

How would your world be different if you made the decision to practice the discipline of gratitude?  How has gratitude made a difference in your life?

The Discipline Of Unplugging

Saturday morning, we drove down to Kennett Square to see Hannah run the mile at the Nike Unionville Track & Field Invitational Meet.  This meant we spent an hour in the car each way, and we hung out in the cold stands watching a few of the events before and after Hannah’s race.  When we arrived home, we did a little bit of work in the yard before heading over the New Hope to watch Isaac perform in the Cavalcade of Bands Jazz Championships.  This meant we spent an hour in the car each way, and we hung out in the New Hope Solebury High School auditorium watching the other bands.  Isaac didn’t arrive home until well after midnight which meant I was up later than normal as I waited to pick him up.  Sunday after church, we headed over to Isaac’s annual piano recital.  Then it was on to youth group for the evening.

Like I was saying before, I really didn’t have any downtime.

It was great to participate in each of these events and activities, but it is also important to slow down.  Part of slowing down means unplugging.  We don’t unplug enough in today’s fast-paced, have-to-stay-connected world.  I think there is something healthy about practicing the discipline of unplugging.

Here are three important reasons to unplug:

3 Reasons to Practice the Discipline of Unplugging

1. Unplugging provides a necessary break.  I’ve been going a million miles a minute.  I work hard at work, and I do a lot of things outside of work.  I run.  I write.  And I keep up with a busy family.  I stay connected to a world of emails, blog posts, and social media connections.  I don’t give me self a chance to rest, and I’m guessing I’m not alone.  We all need the opportunity to rest.  Sometimes this means disconnecting from the world – even if it’s just for a day.
2. Unplugging provides an opportunity for new inspiration.  While we are racing from one thing to the next, we are missing out on the beautiful world God gave us.  There’s inspiration right in front of our eyes.  We just need to stop and look from time to time.
3. Unplugging provides time to reconnect with what is important.  The rush of life can sometimes take us away from what is important.  The computer world and the world of television can become consuming.  We need to put it in perspective.

I challenge you to unplug.  It may seem hard at first, but you can start small.  Start with a minute each hour.  Then try an hour each day.  When you have this down, unplug for a day each week.  Finally, unplug for a weekend or even a week.  I guarantee you’ll be refreshed, inspired, and reconnected.

How would your world be different if you made the decision to practice the discipline of unplugging?  How has unplugging made a difference in your life?

The Discipline of Celebration

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the release of my book, On Track: Life Lessons from the Track & Field.

I’ve learned a lot through the process of writing and self-publishing my first book.  The book hasn’t become a best seller yet, but it has brought me rich experiences.  This is a reason to celebrate.

When was the last time you stopped to celebrate?

In the pursuit of stretch, we sometimes forget to stop and celebrate the good things in our life.

In honor of this week’s milestone, I’d like to invite you to celebrate with me.  For the next week starting TODAY, I have reduced the price on the Kindle version of On Track: Life Lessons from the Track & Field to 99 cents.

Please pass the world along, so others can join in the celebration.

Click HERE to go to Amazon to get the eBook.

How would your world be different if you made the decision to celebrate more often?  How has celebration made a difference in your life?

The Discipline of Being Present

“We’ve fallen into a trap of ever-widening orbits of contact, and there is a total disregard for the present moment.”

Jerry Seinfeld

Yesterday, I wrote about the discipline of showing up.  Now that you understand the importance of showing up, it’s time to make the most of your time here. The discipline of being present is crucial to your overall success in your life.

What does it mean to be present?

Being present means being in tune with what is going on around you. It means really listening to what others have to say. And it means contributing to the conversation.

Being present means engaging with others. It means actively participating in life. It means listening to the others and providing constructive feedback to help others grow. It also means listening to the feedback of others to help you grow.

When you show up, be on time. Introduce yourself to others. Talk to others.  Learn to put aside your other distractions and focus on those in front of you in the moment.

Being present will stretch you to become a better leader and a better human being.

How would your world be different if you made the decision to be present?  How has being present made a difference in your life?

The Discipline of Showing Up

Have you seen this excitement and enthusiasm wear off?

Do you sometimes feel like quitting or simply staying at home?

I don’t think you’re alone.

I have singed up for a hundred different activities, events, and commitments.  My initial excitement carries me for a while.  I want to see great things happen, but I get bored, frustrated, or tired.  The initial feelings of euphoria turn into dread as I fight the inner battle inside my head – should i stay at home or should I show up?

This is my story.

I signed up to help with youth group at our church after our youth pastor invited me to go on a missions trip to Guatemala with our church’s teenagers.  I remember the excitement as I attended my first few meetings after the trip.  It was fun to interact with the kids.  I was fueled by the momentum from our life changing trip together.  This feeling lasted for a little while but then it started to fade.  I was one of the older leaders at the weekly meetings.  I felt awkward at times in my interactions with the teenagers.  And there times when I would have preferred to be at home with my wife.

Generally, I kept going.  I decided to show up even when I didn’t feel like it.

Some nights were better than others.  There were many nights that turned into something very positive for me and hopefully for the teenagers I was hanging around each week.  This would not have happened if I decided not to show up.

I signed up for Toastmasters almost a year ago.  Again, I was initially excited about this opportunity, but this hasn’t always been the case as my time with the club has continued.  There our times when my mind is focused on things in my office, and I struggle to shift my brain into a Toastmasters mindset for our lunchtime meetings.

And yet, I have decided to show up.  This has led to many new friendships, tremendous personal growth, and improved self-confidence.  This week, I’ll be giving my tenth speech at our club’s bi-weekly meeting.  This means I will officially become a Competent Communicator – the first in a series of Toastmasters significant milestones.  This would not happen if I decided to stay across the street at my office.  I’m only three projects away from completing my Competent Leader, and this won’t happen if I don’t show up.

At home, there I are times when I come home exhausted after a hard day of work.  I want to be the best husband and father I can be.  I want to be intentional in my interactions with my wife and my kids.  This starts by simply showing up.

Showing up takes discipline.

Showing up will STRETCH you.

Showing up matters.

Showing up can change the world.

How would your world be different if you made the decision to simply show up?  How has showing up made a difference in your life?

Thrust Into Greatness

I’ve been coming to Toastmasters for nearly a year, and I’ve been moving along at a decent pace as I progress towards the first major milestones – Competent Communicator (CC) and Competent Leader (CL).

I was a little apprehensive about taking on this role considering my lack of experience in the club and in the overall organization, but no one else seemed ready or excited about stepping into the role.  During the selection process, someone even voiced their concern about my lack of Toastmasters experience.

Sometimes we have to step up.  If we wait for others to take action, we may be waiting a long time.

I don’t know exactly what the year ahead looks like as I take on the responsibilities of this position.  I want to see our club continue.  I truly believe it is having a positive impact on those who are active.  I know it has had an impact on me.  It’s time for me to step up, to lead, and to pursue greatness.

One thing is sure, I’m sure I will STRETCH as a result of this opportunity.

Have you ever had a position of responsibility thrust upon you?  Tell us about your experience in the comments.

[Note:  If you are interested in being part of Aetna Articulators, we meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from Noon until 1PM at Aetna in Blue Bell, PA.  For more information, click here.  If our club doesn’t work out for you, check out the Toastmasters International site for details about other clubs.]

Photo credit: JillWillRun on Flickr CC

5 Ways To Represent Well

There is an audio version below.

I was always going to church with my mom, dad and sister. I was literally raised under the godly influence both at home and church. There was no alcohol and no smoking at our house. That was the way a Bowden was supposed to live. My dad always told me to represent the Bowden name in a respectful manner.

Our office received a phone call yesterday from an upset woman.  She was calling to complain about the behavior of one of our employees who was driving one of our company vans.  She wrote down the phone number and van number, and she called in to voice her complaint.

When I received the news, I naturally called my employee to get his side of the story.  After listening to his story, I spoke with him about the importance of representing our company well.  After all, he was driving around in a mobile billboard – a van with our company’s logo plastered in huge letters across the side of his van.

We all are representing something or someone.

I represent the company I work for.  Sometimes people see this on the logo stitched on my coat.  Sometimes they see it as a result of seeing my business card.

I represent my college.  My co-workers know where I went to college, and I want to make sure I am doing my best to represent my school well.

I represent my family and my family name.  I want the Stolpe family name to stand for something good – to represent care, concern, and action.  Whenever I take action (or fail to take action) people are forming their opinion about me and my family.

And finally, I represent my faith.  My prayer every morning is this:  “Lord, help me to represent you well today.”  People will form their opinion about my faith, my God and my Savior based on my words and my actions.  Therefore, it is important for me to speak and act well.

Paul had this to say to the people of Colossi:

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.  Colossians 3:17 (NLT)

To help us out in making this a reality in our lives, here are five ways to represent well:

5 Ways To Represent Well

1. Always be thinking of those you represent.  This may take some practice and a lot of discipline.  If you keep this at the forefront of your mind, you will be less likely to say or do something you regret, and you will be more likely to represent well.
2. Ask a few people to keep you in check.  It helps to have people in your life who know the real you.  These are people who can call you out when you say or do something dumb.  They can keep you accountable to keeping your motives pure.  Knowing I have people in my life who will ask me how I’m doing helps me represent well.
3. Look in the mirror.  It’s important to self regulate and self evaluate yourself.  You have to be honest with yourself.  Are your actions, words, and motives pure?  You know the truth.  By looking in the mirror, you will do a better job representing well.
4. Ask yourself if your Grandma would approve of your words and actions.  What would your Grandma say about your words and your actions?  This may cause you to err on the side of caution, but it will help you represent yourself and others well.
5. Apologize when necessary.  We all mess up.  The best way to represent when we mess up is to apologize – to come clean and to admit our failings.  Believe it or not, an apology goes a long way to representing well.

Our actions and words have consequences.  At the office today, I will have to deal with the phone call our office received yesterday.  I know my team member will think differently before he acts in the future, and I think I learned a thing or two through this experience as well.

Represent well!

Who and what are you representing?  How do you represent well?  Share your thoughts in the comments.

7 Delegation Posts To Stretch Your Leadership – Delegation Recap

Delegation

Here’s how wikipedia defines delegation:

Delegation is the assignment of responsibility or authority to another person (normally from a manager to a subordinate) to carry out specific activities. It is one of the core concepts of management leadership. However, the person who delegated the work remains accountable for the outcome of the delegated work. Delegation empowers a subordinate to make decisions, i.e. it is a shift of decision-making authority from one organizational level to a lower one. Delegation, if properly done, is not abdication. The opposite of effective delegation is micromanagement, where a manager provides too much input, direction, and review of delegated work. In general, delegation is good and can save money and time, help in building skills, and motivate people. Poor delegation, on the other hand, might cause frustration and confusion to all the involved parties.  Some agents however do not favour a delegation and consider the power of making a decision rather burdensome.

The past few weeks, I have been concentrating on this important leadership topic.  Today, I want to wrap up the series (for now) with the video of my presentation to student leaders at Grove City College last month.  During the presentation, I had an opportunity to speak about delegation, leadership, and legacy.  After you watch the video, I have included links to seven delegation posts which I used to craft my presentation.

7 Delegation Posts To Stretch Your Leadership

1. Stressed, Exhausted, Inadequate Leader – You’re Not Alone
2. The Solution To Leadership Stress, Exhaustion, and Inadequacy – 6 Reasons Leaders Should Delegate
3. 4 Reasons Leaders Resist Delegating
4. 13 Delegation Quotes
5. 8 Things To Avoid When Delegating
6. 11 Keys To Delegation Success
7. Confessions Of A Leader Who Struggles With Delegation

Which delegation post was your favorite?  What have you learned about delegating that you would like to remember?  What is one thing you can do to improve the way you delegate?

Homeward Bound

Yesterday was a spectacular day!

I spoke on the topic of leadership, delegation, and legacy to student leaders on campus at Grove City College.  Overall, it went very well.  I’ll try to post a video of my presentation when it becomes available.

I interviewed engineering students in the morning campus, and it reminded me how well Grove City does at selecting and educating students to contribute in a major way to this world after college.

I enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Rachel’s Roadhouse Grille with my wife.  This was a favorite spot of ours while we were students at Grove City College.

Today, we’ll enjoy breakfast in MAP Cafeteria before we head home.

As I was thinking about our journey home and about all the things that await us when we get there, I was reminded of this post from a few months ago.  I think it applies today just as much as it did five months ago.

We have a chain in our backyard.  We use it to keep our dog from running away when he is outside.  One end of the chain is attached to a stake in the ground, and the other end is attached to a metal loop on his collar.

The other night, I put Iso (our forever dog) on the chain.  He likes to go out in the backyard to take care of his business and to sniff around for a while.  I came back in the house for a few minutes while Iso was doing his thing.

When I went outside to bring Iso back in the house, he was gone.  The chain broke, and Iso was wandering in the dark of the night.

My heart sunk as I feared I would struggle finding him in the dark.  I quickly ran inside the house view the back patio door, and I quickly ran to the garage to get my shoes, a flashlight, and the box of Milk-bones.  These are the tools necessary to go on a hunt for your runaway dog.  Before I opened the garage door, I quickly looked out the mud room door.  As I turned on the light, I was relieved to see our black dog standing at the side door steps with the other half of the chain following behind him.

I can remember panicking as a child whenever our family dog, Snickers ran away.  She was a beagle, and her instinct to chase rabbits made it challenging for my parents to contain her even when she was tied to a stake in the middle of a fenced in backyard.

It’s amazing how dogs can capture our hearts.

I’m thankful Iso knew to come to the side door.  He knew where is home was.  He could have run around the neighborhood or even run away, but he desired the safety and comfort of home.

We all have a yearning for home.

Sometimes we don’t realize it.  We run away.  We chase after things that lead us temporarily away from home.  But after our running and chasing, our instincts call us home.  And when we get there, our loving Father is standing at the door waiting to welcome us home.

Are you wandering?  Are you running away?  Are you chasing after things that lead us away from home?

Turn back now.  Your Father can’t wait to welcome you home!

Where is your home?

P Is For Presentation – 5 Steps To A Great Presentation

Tomorrow, I have the honor and privilege of presenting at my alma mater, Grove City College.  I’m speaking on the topic of delegation and legacy, and the presentation is targeted towards leaders in fraternities, sororities, and housing groups on campus.  I’m excited for this opportunity.

A lot goes into a presentation.  It’s more than standing up there and talking.  Here are the five steps I have taken to making sure my presentation is the best it can be:

5 Steps To A Great Presentation

1. Prepare – Do your research.  Know your audience.  Know the purpose for your presentation.  Create an outline.  Write your speech.
2. Polish – Review your presentation.  Edit.  Edit some more.  Clean it up, and simplify it.
3. Powerpoint (Visual aids) – Determine which visual aids will help get your point across.  It may be Powerpoint, a prop, a video, or something else.  Visual aids used correctly will move your presentation from good to great.
4. Practice – Go over your presentation again and again.  Watch yourself in the mirror as you present, or video yourself while you are practicing.  Know it.  Get feedback.  Exaggerate.  Self evaluate.
5. Present – If you have put the effort into the other four steps, you should be good to go.  Relax.  You have something worth sharing.  Have fun.

There is one more “P” you might want to use as you prepare for your presentation.  Prayer.  My good friend, Cindy Starr Stewart, reminded me of this important “P” word which is often overlooked.  Seek wisdom, help, and confidence from the ultimate resource.

When was the last time you gave a presentation?  What steps did you take when you gave your presentation?