4 Take Homes from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

What are you waiting for?

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about 3 Essentials for Finding Meaning in the Mundane.  Shortly after writing this post, I watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty for the first time.  In the movie, Walter Mitty (played by Ben Stiller) seems to be trapped in his own mundane world.  His fear of failure along with his inability to connect with reality keeps him locked in a world of daydreams and unrealized adventure.

I loved the movie.  I think it was inspiring, and I think it is a great reminder for all of us stuck in the ordinary.  Here are a few things I took home from the movie:

4 Take Homes from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

1. We need to get busy living or get busy dying.  Walter Mitty lived in a daydream world.  He seemed to be withering away as he pulled away socially from reality.  He was missing out on a life worth living.  I don’t want that kind of life, and I think he realized he didn’t want that kind of life either.
2. A life of adventure requires continuous leaps of faith.  Walter jumped on a plane to fly to Greenland.  He jumped in a helicopter to fly out to a ship.  Then he jumped out of the helicopter into the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  These jumps are a great reminder that we also need to take leaps.  A leap of faith can be scary.  And a leap of faith can be exhilarating.  More than anything a leap of faith provides the opportunity to take the next step in the adventure of life.
3. Sometimes what we are looking for is right in front of our faces.  In the movie, Walter goes on a mission to find a missing negative of a photo that is destined to land on the front page of the last print issue of Life magazine.  He travels to Greenland and Iceland in an effort to track down the negative.  Eventually, he discovers that the negative is actually in a wallet given to him by the photographer (played by Sean Penn).  Sometimes we are guilty of going on wild goose chases in an effort to discover our life purpose or to find the next big thing for our lives.  Maybe we need to look around right where we are.  The purpose or the next big thing may be right in front of our faces.
4. What we do matters.  Sometimes it feels like we’re stuck doing the same thing day after day.  We don’t feel appreciated, and we often don’t feel recognized.  At the end of the movie, a photo of Walter Mitty ends up on the cover of Life magazine.  The picture shows Walter looking at pictures for the magazine.  Walter was responsible for handling the photos for the magazine for the past thirty years.  These photos inspired readers for decades, and Walter played a key role in making them part of the magazine.  What he did mattered.  Take time to inventory your impact.  What you are doing matters.  You are making a difference.  Don’t underestimate the amazing impact you are having!

I look forward to watching the movie again.  It definitely found a place on my list of favorite movies.

Did you see The Secret Life of Walter Mitty?  What was one of your take homes from the movie?

What movie from your list of favorites do I need to see next?

On Track Kindle Version Deal Starts Today

Today starting at 8AM (Eastern Time), the Kindle version of On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field is being at a reduced price for a limited time.  The deal will not last long, so you want to act fast.  Here’s the scoop.

Starting at 8AM today (5/20/2014), the Kindle book is available for $0.99.

On Thursday (5/22/2014), the Kindle price will go up to $1.99.

On Saturday (5/24/2014), the Kindle price will go up to $2.99.

And on Monday (5/26/2014), the Kindle price will go back to the regular price of $3.97.

Spread the word to your family and friends.  Help others get a copy of On Track for Kindle at a reduced rate.  Let’s see if we can help others get “On Track!”

Here’s what J.C. Sheridan had to say about On Track:  “Jon gives a fun and encouraging read that relates running to issues we face. Each chapter as questions at the end which gives the reader a chance for personal reflection. This book is worth the read and can be used by an individual or small group.” (as reviewed on Amazon.com)

Do you read book’s on Kindle or another digital reader?  Do you prefer digital books or physical books?  What is the last book you read?

Finding Fun In Fundraising – 5 Ways To Find Fun In Fundraising

I’m not a big fan of fundraising.

I remember when I was young, and my parents would watch the Peter, Paul, and Mary special during the PBS Fund Drive.  My brothers and I would cringe when they broke from the program to take a break for fundraising.  Hosts would offer viewers the Peter, Paul, and Mary Special Box Set free for a generous donation of $500 or more to keep quality publicly funded television on the air for the next year.  The whole experience was pure torture.

When you hear the word fundraising what comes to mind?

Fun is not typically the first thing that comes to my mind when I hear the word.

Honestly, fundraising makes me feel a bit awkward.  It takes a lot of humility to ask others to help raise funds to send us to Guatemala.  But I’ve also learned over the past three years of fundraising for trips to Guatemala that fundraising is important.  Obviously, it’s important for raising the financial resources necessary for a trip.  Just as important, fundraising provides an opportunity to get others involved with ministry to a foreign land.  Many of the donors have commented that they are thrilled that they get to help do something life changing for people in Guatemala.  They can’t imagine going there themselves, but they are happy to make a difference through their financial support.

Yesterday, our family capped off fundraising for our missions trip to Guatemala this summer where we will be building two homes and sharing the gospel with widows and orphans in the village of Xenacoj.  Yesterday’s Guatemala Jewelery and Cupcake Fundraiser was a huge success and will make this year’s trip possible.

The afternoon was actually pretty fun.  We spent time with Amy and Mark Sullens at their cake shop, Cake Art by Amy.  They were such gracious hosts for this event.  And we had the honor of hanging out with visitors for three hours as patrons came in to purchase cupcakes and handmade jewelry.

So how can you put the fun in fundraising?

This is a great question.  Here are some suggestions to get you thinking:

5 Ways to Find Fun In Fundraising

1. Be creative.  Hoagie sales and car washes are okay, but what if you could do something different?  This year our family raised funds for our trip by hosting a benefit recital in March and the jewelry and cupcake event yesterday.  These are not your typical fundraising events.  They were a bit different which was a good thing.
2. Involve the whole family (or team).  Our kids were key members of the fundraising for our family.  Isaac utilized his musical talents at the recital, and Hannah made all the jewelry.  It was work, but it was also fun.  Isaac loves to perform, and the recital was just the right venue for him to contribute.  And Hannah has amazing talent when it comes to making jewelry.  She enjoys makes something beautiful out of beads and pieces of metal.
3. Have a positive attitude.  Trust me this helps.  I love to share about our past trips and our upcoming trip.  Telling people about the fundraisers gives me a great opportunity to talk about the trips.
4. Celebrate when you meet your goals.  There is something satisfying about reaching your goals.  High five.  Cheer.  And tell people when your fundraising goals are met.  Thanks to the generosity of others we will build two homes for people in need, and we will get to do some amazing things for people in the village of Xenacoj.  This is a reason to celebrate!
5. Keep it all in perspective.  Fundraising has tremendous power to transform the lives of who you are helping, and it has amazing power to change the lives of the donors.  Even though fundraising may be a difficult task, it is worth it.  Remember this.  I’m excited to see lives changed in Xenacoj, and I’m excited to share stories with supporters here at home.

Maybe there is some fun to be found in fundraising.

What is your experience with fundraising?  How have you found fun in your fundraising experiences?

Ice Breaker – Field Trip

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.)

My son is on a field trip today with his school’s jazz band.  They are playing in a competition outside of Hershey, PA.  Then they are heading to Hershey Park to enjoy the rest of the day together.  The weather isn’t supposed to be great, but I’m sure they will have a good time.  Today’s Stretched Ice Breaker is inspired by my son’s field trip.

Question:  What was one of your favorite field trips when you were in school?

My Answer:  Living near Philadelphia, PA, I took many field trips into historic Philadelphia.  I visited Walt Whitman’s house, Betsy Ross’ house, and Edgar Allan Poe’s house.  I visited the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.  I remember visiting Philadelphia one time with the seniors from my Honors English or Honors History class.  I honestly don’t remember the specifics of this field trip, but I do remember the fun times with my classmates.  We spent an hour or so eating lunch and hanging around Penn’s Landing along the Delaware River.  I remember feeding the eels as they gathered around the dock.  And I remember running over the Front Street bridge.  The weather was perfect, and there was a sense of freedom we all felt as the teachers let us wander around by ourselves.

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!

4 Keys To Living Out Your Purpose

Yesterday, we talked about building God’s platform.  We mentioned that this was part of our main purpose.  We brushed by the other part of our main purpose.  We are called to bring glory to God.  AND we are called to enjoy Him forever.

Our purpose is to enjoy God forever.

Did you know that was your purpose?

You and I were made to enjoy God forever.

I think we miss it.  I think we are so busy pursuing our agenda that we miss out on what we were made for in the first place.

What does it look like to enjoy God forever?

This is the question that has been spinning around in my head for a few hours, and I’m beginning to realize that it’s a very important question to ponder.  If this is my main purpose in life, I want to be good at it.  I want to make sure I’m getting it right.

The forever part won’t be fully realized until we get to heaven, but I think there is ample reason to believe we are called to enjoy God now in the lives we live.

4 Keys To Living Out Your Purpose

1. Acknowledge God’s provision in your life.  Start by thanking God for your food.  Thank Him for you shelter.  Accept that He is all you need.  (Psalm 16:5-11)
2. Rest in the future hope of eternity with God.  No one knows exactly what heaven will be like.  I believe it will be far more amazing that we can comprehend.  In Revelation 21:3-4, we are reminded that there will be no more death, no more crying, no more pain, and no more mourning.
3. Recognize and accept the good news of the gospel.  Life can get us down.  We mess up all the time.  We face challenges that send us into a tailspin towards depression.  We need good news.  We have good news.  Christ came to bring us good news (Luke 2:10).  Sometimes we need to remind ourselves.
4. Do what you were made to do.  Find your God-given passion.  Use your God-given gifts.  And live a life that honors God.  If it’s writing books, do it with all you have.  If it’s cooking food, cook for the King every chance you get.  If it’s teaching, teach with energy and focus.  We find God’s pleasure and our purpose when we follow through on the passions and gifts he has given us.

This clip from Chariots of Fire is worth watching.  It talks about honoring God, and it provides a terrific glimpse into what it looks like to enjoy God and to find our purpose here on earth:

What is your purpose?  How are you living out your purpose?

Are You Building The Right Platform?

On Track.  On Track.  On Track.

If you’ve been following the blog the past couple of months then you know I released my first book on April 22, 2014.  On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field is my first book which I self published through Createspace.com.  Writing the book, reviewing the book and its cover, editing the book, and revising the book required a fair amount of work, but so much more of the work in releasing the book has been related to growing my platform and establishing a launch strategy and launch team.

The past couple of months have felt like I’ve been on a long promotional run of trying to get attention for my book and for me.

I’m guessing this is how many authors feel today.  Marketing is left in the hands of the author.  We have to push, push, and push some more.  We have to talk about our book with as many people as possible.  And it feels like we have to pump up our own name and brand in an effort to get the world’s attention.  Today’s blogging and book writing worlds are all about platform development.

Look at me!  Buy my book!  Read my blog!

What if we have it backwards?

I think this is most likely the case.

I think we are pumping up the wrong thing – the wrong person.  (Yes, I include the me in the we.  I get it wrong more often than not.)

Our mission should not be all about bringing glory to Jon Stolpe.  This is not my chief purpose in life.

My purpose is to bring glory to God.  My main mission should be about bringing glory to His name.  My chief goal in life should be to build God’s platform in this world.

Will this sell my books?  Will building God’s platform bring me fame and fortune?  Perhaps.  It could I guess.  But bringing glory to God most likely will not put me on the bestseller list.  And this is okay.

I grew up at a Presbyterian church in New Jersey, and I went to a college with Presbyterian roots.  The Westminster Shorter Catechism was taught or at least mentioned in both these places.  The Catechism is a list of questions with answers and Scriptures which back up the answers  The Catechism is used to help define and explain the key doctrines of the Presbyterian church.  The first question from the Catechism speaks this topic:

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, [a] and to enjoy him for ever. [b]

[a]. Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; I Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11

[b]. Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4

What are you chasing after?  What are you pursuing?  What kind of platform are you building?

Choose today to build a platform that will last – God’s platform!

Then go and enjoy Him forever!

Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.  Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!  So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.  All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.”  Psalm 66:2-4

Do you struggle with self promotion?  How are you building God’s platform?

Guatemala Jewelry and Cake Fundraiser

Our family is preparing for our return missions trip to Guatemala this summer.  In just over two months, we will be departing for Xenacoj where we hope to make a real difference in the lives of widows and orphans.  Part of the trip will include building two houses for two widows.  Trips like this don’t happen by accident.  They require a lot of planning, plenty of prayer, and financial commitment, sacrifice, and partnership.  With this in mind, we are holding a special fundraiser this Saturday.

Come support the Stolpe Family mission trip to Guatemala. The event will feature handmade jewelry by Hannah Stolpe and cupcakes by Cake Art by Amy at her new location.

Hannah’s jewelry pieces have received rave reviews from past donors, and Amy’s cupcakes are beyond delicious.  You don’t want to miss this event.  Here are the details:

Sunday, May 18, 2014 12:00 – 3:00PM

at Cake Art by Amy located at 3rd Avenue and Chestnut Street in Collegeville, PA.

Let us know you are coming by responding to the Facebook Event Page (click here).

My “I Made It Moment”

I listen to the Entrepreneur On Fire Podcast every day with John Lee Dumas.  In each episode, John interviews entrepreneurs from around the world.  He asks them a series of questions to inspire listeners and to help them take the next steps on their entrepreneurial journey.  One of the questions, John always asks his guests is “Have you had an ‘I Made It Moment’ that you can share with Fire Nation?”  (Fire Nation is the phrase he uses to describe his listening community.)

The answers to this question always intrigue me.  Some of the answers are pretty amazing, and many of the answers are quite simple.

Last week, I kind of had my own “I Made It Moment” at my son’s middle school band concert.

If you’ve been reading along recently, you know I recently released my first book:  On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field.  It’s been a fun adventure so far.  After three weeks, I think it’s safe to say that this book project won’t be making me rich anytime soon.  But it’s okay.  I’m still extremely happy with the outcome of my first published book.

I haven’t set any major book selling records, but I’ve sold a few copies of the book in paperback and Kindle formats.

On Wednesday night last week before the concert started, I was catching up with a few of the parents sitting around us when one of the parents turned to me with a copy of my book in his hands, and he asked me if I would sign his copy of this book.  This was quite an honor for me.

As a kid, I was a big baseball fan (and sports fan in general).  I collected baseball cards.  I read the sports page of the daily newspaper line by line every day.  I watched sports on television and in person whenever I had the opportunity.  And I even collected a few autographs of baseball players.  I remember going to a Phillies-Cardinals double-header with a man from my church.  We went to the game early, so we could watch batting practice.  During warm-ups for the first game, I went down to the edge of the field and was able to get a few autographs from some of the players.  This was quite an experience for a young fan.

I never imagined that I would be the one giving my autograph someday.  I guess that changed last week when Rick Hansen asked for my autograph.

(Later that night, I had another request to sign four copies of the book.)

Did I really make it?

I know I have a long way to go as an author and writer, but this small moment was a reminder that I am an author.  I made it!

Now, it’s time to keep going.  I have more things to do – more blog posts to write – more books to author – and more moments to create.

Have you ever had an “I Made It Moment” that you could share with the Stretched Community?

If I had a book signing event in the near future, would you come to the event for an autograph?

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 – We Didn’t Start the Fire (Happy Birthday, Billy Joel)

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.)

Today happens to be Billy Joel’s 65th birthday.  If you were around in 1989, you will probably remember Joel’s song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” from his Stormfront album.  The song recalls newspaper headlines from the time of Billy Joel’s birthday (May 9, 1949) to the time the album was released in 1989.  Twenty-five years have passed since the song was released, and there have been many significant headlines during this period of time.  Today’s question will get us thinking about how Billy Joel might revise the song if he were to do so today.

Question:  What headlines do you think would be added to the song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” if it were rewritten today?

My Answer:  I’m sure this only scratches the surface, but here are a few headlines to get your thoughts going:

• Barack Obama
• Boston Marathon Bombings
• Nelson Mandela
• iPod, iPhone, iPad
• O.J. Simpson
• Phillies Phinally Win the World Series in 2008
• September 11, 2001
• Benghazi
• Edward Snowden
• Space Shuttle Columbia

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 Keys To Developing Your Team

One of the things I like most about my job is the fact that I have the opportunity to help people succeed.  I am an operations manager for a construction company in the Philadelphia area.  An important part of my job involves meeting company targets for revenue, cash, and operating margin.  Another important part of my job involves developing my team.  They need to keep growing – learning new skills, preparing for future opportunities, and taking on more responsibility.

Developing your team members does not happen by accident.  It takes intentionality.  If you are serious about helping your team members grow, here are a few ideas worth considering:

3 Keys To Developing Your Team

1. Give them your time.  “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  (John Maxwell)  It’s easy to get caught up with meetings with other managers.  It’s easy to get lost in the details of spreadsheets and emails.  And it’s easy to close the door to your office to avoid the people who need you the most.  A good leader is intentional in spending time with his team members.  By spending time with your team members, you get a good sense of what is working well and what is not working well.  This means stopping by their office or cubicle from time to time just to say hello.  This means eating lunch with your team members once in a while.  And it means meeting with your team members one on one on a regular basis.  I meet with my team members twice a month for 30-60 minutes.  One of these meetings focuses on project specifics.  We talk about the financial details of the projects.  We talk about the resource requirements for the projects.  We talk about the risks and opportunities associated with each of the projects.  And we talk about customer satisfaction issues related to each of the projects.  The second meeting focuses on the employee.  We talk about their development plans and needs.  We talk about their families.  And we talk about anything they might need from me to help them succeed.  (For more about one-on-one meetings, check out my guest post over at Matt McWilliams’ blog – Do You Want to Know My Number One Leadership Tool?.)  Developing your team starts by spending time with your team members.
2. Show your appreciation.  Employees need feedback, so they will know how to improve.  They also need to know what they need to keep doing right.  Silence is not an option.  Lack of feedback to an employee is like telling them everything they are doing is wrong.  Employees do need feedback on what they need to work on.  More importantly, employees need to know when they are doing the right things.  This is best expressed through appreciation.  This is why I recommend joining the Thank You Revolution.  Writing thank you notes to your team members when they are doing things well provides great encouragement.  This type of encouragement often propels team members to develop themselves.  (For more information about the power of appreciation, check out another one my guest posts over at Matt McWilliams’ blog – The Power of Gratitude.)
3. Keep developing yourself.  Just because you are a manager does not mean you have arrived.  There is always still more to learn.  Listen to leadership and coaching podcasts.  Read books about leadership.  Take an on-line course or seminar, or pursue an advanced degree.  Find someone to mentor you.  These steps will keep you growing, and they will show your team how important it is to keep learning.

How has your boss helped you develop?  What is something you can do to help your team members develop?  Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments.

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!