Book Review: Next Up – 8 Shifts Great Young Leaders Make

At some point, the leaders in your company, church, or organization will step down.  They will retire.  They will leave the organization.  And they will leave a vacancy in leadership.

Who will step up and fill the leadership void?

Maybe it’s you!

I’m excited to announce the release of a new book by Jonathan Pearson.  Next Up: 8 Shifts Great Young Leaders Make provides insight and advice for those who will fill the leadership gaps left by those who have gone before us.

I read Next Up with a keen interest.  The book was an encouragement for me as I consider my own future opportunities to move further up the leadership ranks in my own endeavors.  And it was also an encouragement as I consider how to encourage the future leaders of my organization.

In Next Up, Pearson provides 8 key shifts that every person must make to advance in their leadership mindsets.  For example, he talks about the importance of shifting from unreliable to consistent and from passive to passionate.

If you are a leader or you want to be a leader, you need to pick up a copy of Next Up.  It’s a powerful, quick read.  You can pick it up, by clicking here.

What are you doing to prepare for the next step in your life and in your leadership?

(Please note:  I received a copy of Next Up for free as part of a giveaway during the launch of this book.  I was not required to provide a favorable review.  I truly believe this book can be a helpful reminder to any reader in helping them to take steps to become better leaders – at work, in the community, at church, and at home.

Also to note:  There are affiliate links in this post.  Should you purchase Next Up by clicking one of these links, I receive a small percentage of the purchase.  These funds are used to support The Stretched Blog and to extend ministry and missions to Guatemala.  Thank you!)

Raccoon Reminder – Make Your Marriage A Priority

“Raccoon!”

“Hey! Get out of here!”

I yelled this the other night while Leanne and I were camping at French Creek State Park.  We were sitting by the campfire enjoying conversation and pizza pies.  There was a loaf of bread on the picnic table along with cheese, sauce, and pepperoni.  Suddenly, we heard something rustling behind us.  I turned around to find a raccoon on top of the table digging into the loaf of bread.

We were camping here for the weekend without the kids.  Despite the run in with the raccoon on Friday night, we had a very enjoyable time together.  We took walks together.  We kayaked together.  We sat by the fire together.  And we enjoyed spending time together.

We have a goal to go away together without the kids once or twice a year.  We’ve gone to bed and breakfasts.  We’ve gone to marriage conferences (like FamilyLife Weekend to Remember).  And we’ve even traveled to France (to celebrate our 10th anniversary).  This year, we decided to go camping at a nearby campground.

Spending time to together takes planning.  We have to be intentional in order to make it work.  We have to arrange for supervision for our teenagers.  We have to coordinate care for our dogs.  We have to make reservations for a place.  And we have to block time in our schedules for the time away.

Building your marriage takes work.  If you want a successful marriage, you have to be intentional.

If you’re not intentional, wedges will be driven in between you and your spouse.  Distance will sneak into your marriage like the raccoon who surprised us at our campsite.

If you’re married, decide today to make your marriage a priority.

What is one thing you can do today to prioritize your wedding?  When was the last time you got away with your spouse without the kids?  Where did you go?  How did this time away together help your marriage?

Ten Things Every Aspiring Book Author Should Know

I am an author!

As of April 22nd of this year, I can officially make this proclamation.  This is the day my first book released to the public.  Since the book released, many people have asked me how it feels to be an author.

It feels great, and it feels a little weird.

People have also asked what it took to release my first book.  I have a lot to learn, but I think I can also provide a fresh perspective to people who are thinking about writing their first book.  With this in mind, I came up with a list of ten things to know about writing your first book:

Ten Things Every Aspiring Book Author Should Know

1. Writing a book takes time.  Writing a book doesn’t happen by snapping your fingers.  It will take you some time.  My On Track book took three months which does not include the time I spent last year writing a few of the blog posts that initiated the idea of writing a book related to the world of track and field.  This is important for me to remember as I consider my next book projects.  I’m hoping to have another book to release before the end of the year, but it may take longer.
2. Writing a book requires the attitude of a student.  There is so much to learn in the world of book writing and publishing.  I have talked to many other authors.  I have read many blog posts and articles about writing books.  There are many, many great resources available for aspiring authors.  I still have so much to learn, and I’m excited to learn more.  If you want to write a book, ask a lot of questions and prepare to learn.
3. Writing a book requires humility.  I asked for feedback from several people as I prepared to release my book.  I gave the manuscript to editors, book authors, and potential reviewers in exchange for their honest feedback.  A lot of the feedback required me to set aside my pride, so I could produce a better product.  If you are writing a book, ask people to provide honest critiques of your work.  It will make you a much better author.
4. Writing a book is work.  It is not easy to write and publish a book.  Besides taking time to write the book, you have to work with cover designers, editors, format people, book store owners, agents, publishers, and many others.  You will probably need to write guest blog posts and do interviews.  You will have to promote your product in an effort to get your book out there.  This is a lot of work.  No one explained to me how much work it took to write and publish a book.
5. Writing a book is fun.  Honestly, I have enjoyed the process so far.  It has been fun to figure things out along the way (maybe this is the engineer in me).  It has been fun to tell other people about my book or about the progress in completing my book project.  It is fun to watch your initial book sales and to open your first box of books as they arrive at your house.  And it is fun to autograph books for those interested.
6. Writing a book is habit-forming.  I wrote the first book as a practice for the second book.  My guess is that my second book will be practice for the third book and so on.  Some authors are once and done, but my guess is that many first time authors become second time authors.  They can’t help themselves to do it all over again.
7. Writing a book provides an amazing opportunity to share with others.  I’ve written about it in previous posts.  I am amazed at the number of opportunities I have had to share with others about my book and about the message behind my book.  You have something worth saying, and a book will provide many unique opportunities to say it to a captive audience.
8. Writing a book will stretch you.  Do you want to grow?  Do you want to stretch yourself?  Start writing a book.  I have been stretched in so many directions as a result of diving into my first book project.  I thrive on stretching.  I want to live a life marked by growth.  My book project has pushed me to new places in my life.  I am having opportunities to go places I have never gone before as a result of the decision to write a book.  If you want to stretch, start writing.
9. Writing a book does not guarantee a financial windfall.  So far, I’ve sold 98 copies of my book.  I’ve made about $110.00 so far.  In my dreams I will be a best-selling author one day.  In my dreams….  Did you know that over 90% of authors sell less than 200 copies of their book.  This doesn’t bode well for anyone hoping to making a ton of money by writing books.  I would love to do some amazing things with money made from book proceeds.  I have dreams of building 100 houses in Guatemala using proceeds from my writing.  It’s possible, but it will require a lot more work and a lot more writing.  If you are planning to write a book, you should have realistic expectations for the financial outcome of your book.  You should also remember your initial reasons for writing.  I write to reflect on my stretching marks and to stretch other people.  Why do you want to write a book?
10. Writing a book is possible.  I never imagined I would be able to call myself an author.  I’m an engineer and a manager.  I’m a husband and a father.  I’m a runner.  But I never imagined I was an author.  That changed in April when I released my first book.  If I can do it, you can do it too!

Have you ever thought about writing a book?  What is stopping you from pursuing becoming an author?  If you have already written a book, what would you add to this list?

On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field is now available on Amazon in paperback and for Kindle.  Click the link below to get your copy today.

As a reminder, I am offering a FREE pdf copy of the interior of the book to subscribers of The Stretched Newsletter.  Head over to the main page of the blog and sign up on the right hand menu bar to get your copy today for FREE!

Ice Breaker – Last 5 Songs You Listened To

Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas.  If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com.  If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)

Question:  What are the last five songs you listened to?

My Answer:  I spent some time chilling to Pandora Radio while I relaxed and checked a few things on the web last night.  Here are the last five songs I listened to:

1. Demons by Imagine Dragons
2. Waiting On The World To Change by John Mayer
3. Best Day Of My Life by American Authors
4. The A Team by Ed Sheeran
5. Get Up Get Down by Phillip Phillips

Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!

On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field is now available on Amazon in paperback and for Kindle.  Click the link below to get your copy today.

As a reminder, I am offering a FREE pdf copy of the interior of the book to subscribers of The Stretched Newsletter.  Head over to the main page of the blog and sign up on the right hand menu bar to get your copy today for FREE!

3 Ways to Stretch Yourself Starting TODAY

The last few days, I’ve been dealing with soreness and tightness in my right leg.  I think I may have overdone it a bit on a quick run with my daughter on Sunday.  As the soreness begins to subside, I am reminded that I need to keep stretching.  Stretching is essential to maintaining flexibility and to recovering more quickly following strenuous activity.

A friend from work heard about my tightness, and he send me over some stretching exercises he has been using for the past year.  The exercises can be found on the Runner’s World website by clicking here.

I did these exercises for the first time yesterday morning for the first time following my run.  By the evening, I could definitely tell there was a difference.  My leg wasn’t as tight as it had been the day before.

It makes me chuckle to realize I’ve been slacking on my stretching following my runs.  After all, shouldn’t a guy named Stretch be more diligent in his post run stretching?

Stretching is important for all of us.  Obviously, we need to stretch to maintain our flexibility.  We also need to stretch ourselves to keep growing and developing into the people we are called to be.  With this in mind, here are some suggestions for ways you can stretch yourself this week:

3 Ways to Stretch Yourself Starting TODAY

1. STRETCH yourself by reading a book or listening to a podcast.  You can stretch your mind by intentionally filling it with good things.  There are many great books, blogs, and podcasts worth checking out.  I’m currently reading a book called Buy This Land about Chinese-American who found his calling in Guatemala.  What are you reading?  How are you stretching your mind?
2. STRETCH yourself by trying something new.  If you are like me, it’s easy to fall into the trap of routine.  It doesn’t have to be skydiving, but it could be something else that stretches you outside your comfort zone.  As I’ve mentioned recently, I joined Toastmasters in an effort to work on my public speaking and leadership.  This is a new adventure, and it’s definitely stretching me.  What is something new you are doing in your life?  How is this stretching you?
3. STRETCH yourself by serving someone else.  We get self-focused.  It’s important to get outside your box and to help others.  You don’t have to go to Guatemala to serve someone.  It could start in your office, your school, your neighborhood, or even your home.  Someone needs a helping hand or a kind word, and you have the opportunity to be the helping hand or kind word for this person.  What is one way you can serve someone else today?  How do you think serving others could stretch you?

This morning, I’ll be out running again.  When I finish my run, I’ll stretch again.  When this is over, I’ll be finding ways to keep stretching myself throughout the day.  How about you?

What is one thing you will do TODAY to stretch yourself?

On Track Delivered to My House

I came home from work today to discover the first delivery of my book to our house. Now, I have copies to get out to people who requested autographed copies. If you are interested in getting one, let me know so we can discuss details.

What did you get in the mail today (or this week)?

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Guatemala Update – 47 Days To Go!

In 47 days, our family will be flying to Guatemala for a week of serving orphans and widows in the village of Xenacoj.  Here’s an update on our upcoming trip:

• We’ve raised enough money to build two houses and to do some extra things for the widows and orphans in the village.  There is a possibility that we will be able to get the widows started with a jewelry business.  This would be pretty cool, because Hannah used her jewelry making skills to raise funds for the past two trips.  It would also be exciting to help give the widows another skill to help them provide for themselves and their families.
• We booked our plane tickets.  We will be flying out of Newark, NJ into Guatemala City.  This is the most expensive part of the trip, so it’s a blessing to have this step behind us.
• We purchased travel insurance.  After having to cancel our trip to Kenya four years ago due to health issues, we learned about the importance of having travel insurance.  Travel insurance covers replacement of travel costs in the event of a trip cancellation for any reason.  It also provides some protection for loss of luggage, and it covers some medical expenses in the event of a health emergency during the trip.
• Next, we will be finalizing payment for costs while we are on the ground in Guatemala.  This includes food, lodging, transportation, and translators.  It also covers the cost of the houses we will be building.  These houses cost $1,500 each which provides a significant upgrade in living conditions for the recipients.  One of my goals is to build 100 houses in Guatemala.  This will make it number three.  If we raise additional funds, we may use it towards more houses.
• Isaac is getting close to earning his Eagle Rank in the Boy Scouts of America.  He needs to earn three merit badges and complete his Eagle project.  He has decided to incorporate Guatemala into his project.  He is finalizing the details now.  It’s exciting to see our children hungry to serve and help others.

Going on a short-term missions trip is a big undertaking.  Some would argue that it’s not worth it.  Why would someone pay so much money to go overseas for one week when they could use the same money to serve more people close to home for a longer period of time?  I’ve heard the question before in regards to my past trips to Guatemala.  After making a return visit to Guatemala last year, I was able to see the impact of our first trip.  I’ve also seen how a short-term missions can change a community, and I’ve seen how it can change the short-term missionary.

This week Relevant Magazine published an article about short-term missions trips.  I would encourage you to check out the article (Things No One Tells You About Going on Short-Term Mission Trips) and jump in on the conversation.

What do you think you’ll be doing in 47 days?  What questions do you have about short-term missions?

How Do I Get My Life On Track? Interview with Matt McWilliams

Yesterday, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Matt McWilliams over at his site.  I’d greatly appreciate it if you headed over to his site to listen to the interview.  Also leave a comment to join the conversation and for a chance to win a copy of On Track.

Click here to head over.

When was the last time you had an interview?

Honor Older People

Show respect to the elderly, and honor older people. In this way you show respect for your God. I am the Lord.  Leviticus 19:32

Look around you.  I’m guessing you’re not the oldest person on your street.  There’s probably someone on your block who would be considered elderly.  If not, look around again.  I’m sure you don’t have to go all that far from your house to find an elderly person.

I’m not sure what the age requirements are to be considered elderly, but to be safe I have an idea:  Anyone who is older than you is your elder.  According to Leviticus, they are to be honored and respected.

This week, I learned that an elderly man on my street passed away last month.  If you’ve been hanging around the blog for a long time, you may remember the story of George.  In the fall of 2007, a friend of mine and I had an opportunity to Pay It Forward for George when we built a ramp at his house to make it easier for him to get in and out of his house with his electronic wheel chair.  (Click here to read the post.)

Leanne and I have checked in on George a few times over the years.  We’ve brought him cookies for Christmas.  And we’ve stopped by just to sit and chat with George on his deck.  Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen him less and less as he’s stayed inside more.

We’ve also become busier with the activities of our family.   What a poor excuse!

The Bible talks about respecting the elderly, and it commands Christ followers to look after widows and orphans.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  James 1:27

Here’s the problem:  we let life’s busyness get in the way of following through on God’s direction for our lives.

Maybe a pause from our busyness is just what we need to see the people right down our street who need a helping hand.

God, Open my eyes to those around me who need Your hope, Your truth, and Your love.

Do you have any elderly people in your neighborhood?  When was the last time you stopped by just to say hello?

It’s Been A Hard Day’s Night

And I’ve been sleeping like a dog.

How was your day today?

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